BMW 3.0 CSi 1973 ~ History
Here's an overview (or more like a testimonial).
I purchased it in 1984 from a foreign car importer out of New Jersey.
He wanted $15K based on pictures, but to net it out when it arrived from Germany, I worked him down to $10K.
It's a 1973 CSI Coupe, 4 speed, Turquoise exterior, Black seats (cloth) with wood interior, and supposedly came from the original German owner (but I have no proof). The dealer qualified as a first class knucklehead. I'm sorry to say, but I don't have the original toolkit that resides in the top of the trunk door.
It was re-worked by a BMW specialty shop to meet Dept of Transportation (DOT) regulations for US entry (I got the certificate). (Odometer, seat belts, dashboard brake lite, etc.).
It was delivered with approx 48k miles, and I put about 6k miles on it over the years.
I had the car about a year when the thermal clutch failed on the radiator fan and it overheated "big time" in 100 degree weather.
It cracked the cyclinder block head.
I located a block with no problem. And as I had to take the top of the engine off to replace it, it made sense to do the rings, valves, work the pistons, and change the water pump. When completed, the engine ran better than day one (like new). My local BMW shop performed the surgery.
Over the years this same specialist replaced (or reworked) the clutch, replaced four (4) brake calipers, ignition harness, gas tank (seam was leaking), replaced the radiator and did countless other cosmetics.
I still have the original Blauplunk radio, but replaced it with a 60 watts per channel Blauplunk FM Cassette, (CD was still a dream in 1986).
The Security System is an Ungo Box.
I have receipts for everything (including the purchase agreement). All work is verifiable, as the BMW shop that did the work still exists in NY ( http://www.littlegarage.com/ ). The only reason I originally purchased the car was because I used to live about two (2) blocks from their garage and I knew the people (having had my 320i and Bavaria serviced by them).
It is been garaged under lock and key for over eight (8) years and I start it a few times a year.
I'm emotionally attached to the car, but my wife and kids are telling me its time to let go. Besides, that phase of my life is now behind me. When I purchased, I was single, on the make, money wasn't a concern, and I had this fettish for BMW's.
If you park it downtown on Main Street, it never fails to draw a crowd.
Just keep in mind that this puppy is a workhorse, very fast, handles extremely well for a Coupe (god bless the Germans), but it is over 25 years old. If your not comfortable doing it yourself (or don't have the time), then you take it to someone who knows BMW's (preferably old ones) and have them work it. To be honest, with points and plugs, and a standard Bosch ignition, it's quite reliable (engine wise). It's when the little stuff breaks, that it makes you crazy.
