autoevolution
 

Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975

BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) 1971-1975 33 Photos
BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971-1975)

The 3.0 CSL was the very first model designed and developed by BMW's Motorsport division. The 1971 BMW 3.0 CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) was based on the 3.0 CSi chassis & body and featured all-aluminum components, while being stripped of all 'unnecessary' trimmings or soundproofing systems.

This model was initially fitted with a 3.0L 6-cylinder inline engine delivering 180 hp that was later replaced (1973) by a more powerful 3.2L unit. The racing version of the 3.0 CSL received a high-performance 3.5L engine and a Getrag five-speed gearbox. The 3.0 CSL was lighter than its predecessor by around 400 lbs. The opening panels were made out of aluminum, and the steel panels were of a thinner gauge. The car did not have a front bumper and the rear bumper was a very light one, made of a black polyester. The power steering and the electric windows were removed as well.

This model was produced in about 785 units until its discontinuation in 1975. BMW 3.0 CSL's racing variant scored some historical wins in the 1973 ETCC championship (beating Ford Capri for both drivers' and manufacturers' title) or the 6-Hours of Nurburgring.

The CSLs were offered in four distinctive colors: Colorado, Golf, Inka and Verona. All of the models produced were left-hand-drive and were not sold in the UK.

BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
  3 gasoline engines
  • 3.0L 4MT RWD (180 HP)
  • 3.0L 4MT RWD (200 HP)
  • 3.0L 4MT RWD (205 HP)
brochures (download)
BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) Brochure

BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)
3.0L 4MT RWD (180 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L 4MT RWD (180 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:3003 cm3
Power:132 KW @ 6000 RPM
180 HP @ 6000 RPM
177 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:188 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM
255 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Fuel System:2 Carburetors
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:132 mph (212 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.3 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/70 VR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:182.3 in (4630 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:53.9 in (1369 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.1/56.4 in (1,476/1,433 mm)
Wheelbase:103.3 in (2624 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume:15.9 cuFT (450 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.4
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2568 lbs (1165 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3638 lbs (1650 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:21 mpg US (11.2 L/100Km)

BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)
3.0L 4MT RWD (200 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L 4MT RWD (200 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:3003 cm3
Power:147 KW @ 5500 RPM
200 HP @ 5500 RPM
197 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:201 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM
272 Nm @ 4300 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):6.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/70 VR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:182.3 in (4630 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:53.9 in (1369 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.1/56 in (1,476/1,422 mm)
Wheelbase:103.3 in (2624 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume:15.9 cuFT (450 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.4
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2568 lbs (1165 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3638 lbs (1650 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km)

BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)
3.0L 4MT RWD (205 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L 4MT RWD (205 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:3153 cm3
Power:151 KW @ 5600 RPM
205 HP @ 5600 RPM
202 BHP @ 5600 RPM
Torque:211 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM
286 Nm @ 4200 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:138 mph (222 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):7.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/70 VR14
DIMENSIONS
Length:182.3 in (4630 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:53.9 in (1369 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.9/56.1 in (1,471/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:103.3 in (2624 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume:15.9 cuFT (450 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.4
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2756 lbs (1250 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3638 lbs (1650 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km)
  report a mistake on this page