1973 BMW 3.0 CSL
Presentation
This 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL is one of 1,265 homologation specials built between 1971 and 1975, and it was delivered new to BMW Import S.A. of Bagneux, France. Repainted in its factory shade of Inka in 2006, the car was acquired by the current owner the following year and imported to the US in 2014. Over $45k of work carried out in 2021 involved resealing the rear differential, overhauling the suspension and brakes, and rebuilding the rear axles, starter, alternator, and manual steering box. It is powered by a 3.0-liter M30 inline-six linked with a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, and equipment includes 14″ light alloy Alpina wheels, a front air dam, a fiberglass rear bumper, a CoupeKing exhaust system with headers, Pertronix electronic ignition, fixed-back Scheel seats, and a 380mm Petri steering wheel. Previously offered on BaT in July 2026, this E9 CSL is now offered again in Portland, Oregon, by Avant-Garde Collection, a BaT Local Partner, on consignment with the owner’s manual, ownership documentation dating from 1979, service records dating from 2005, the removed CSL front spoiler, a BMW Certificate, and a clean California title.
The CSL was introduced at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show after being developed as a homologation model for European touring car competition. The “L” variant was distinguished from standard CS models by approximately 440 pounds of weight-saving measures, including an aluminum hood, door panels, and trunk lid as well as fixed lightweight glass and thinner steel body panels compared with the standard E9.
Previously painted white and driven in historic rallies in Europe, this example received a repaint in its factory shade of Inka in 2006. Lokari fender liners were added following the current owner’s purchase in 2007, while an Alpina-style front air dam, fiberglass rear bumper, and front fender-mounted vertical air guides were installed under prior ownership. A section of the right rear lower rocker panel was replaced in 2021, and both rockers were refinished at that time. The right door skin was replaced in preparation for the sale, and notes provided in the gallery from the owner indicate lifting paint on the hood, a crack on the top of the left quarter panel, and various touched-up rock chips.
The 14″ light alloy Alpina wheels were refinished in 2021 and mounted with 205/70 Michelin XWX tires in 2025. The car was factory equipped with an independent front and rear suspension with MacPherson front struts as well as torsion anti-roll bars, Bilstein gas-pressurized dampers, and progressive-rate springs. Stopping power is provided by discs at all four corners, and the calipers, pads, and rotors were replaced by CoupeKing of Long Beach, California, in April 2021. A replacement rear subframe was also installed, and additional work at that time involved powder coating the front subframe, rebuilding the trailing arms, and replacing the suspension bushings, shocks, lower control arms, tie rods, and more as outlined on an invoice in the gallery. The manual steering box was also rebuilt that year, and a front shock tower brace has been added.
The cabin houses fixed-back Scheel front bucket seats that were re-covered in black vinyl and cloth in 2019. Cracks in the dash were also repaired that year, and interior appointments include front seat head restraints, multi-point harnesses, a wood Alpina shift knob, a map light, manual crank windows, and Coco floor mats.
The three-spoke 380mm Petri leather-wrapped steering wheel is mounted on an extended hub and fronts a 240-km/h speedometer, a tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature, while additional gauges are fitted in the center console. The five-digit odometer shows 44k kilometers (~28k miles), which is not considered accurate. Total mileage is unknown.
Seller Video
Bids & Comments
Petrolista 0
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:29
Wow! I'm really surprised it didn't go any higher.
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:22
@911r you know how to reach me
911r (The Seller)
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:19
Lots of great restoration work and improvements over the years on this car as well.
Ginnmill_Racing
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:19
Bid in the amount of $150,000
jaikey
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:17
Bid in the amount of $146,000
Ginnmill_Racing
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:16
Bid in the amount of $145,000
JVRStone
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:16
Bid in the amount of $143,000
jaikey
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:16
Bid in the amount of $142,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:15
I should have made popcorn!! Stunning CSL!!
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:15
One of only 429 injected CSLs before the Bats were built and a true lightweight, not a City Pack coupe. This one has the fixed rear quarter windows and trunk prop without the torsion rods. Even though hood latches were removed and pins added it is a very rare CSL in a great color and deserves a good home and caretaker. Way below market right now, let’s see some decent bids!
Ginnmill_Racing
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:14
Bid in the amount of $140,000
jaikey
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:13
Bid in the amount of $136,999
911r (The Seller)
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:12
@HBChris Agreed! True lightweight CSL and a fantastic example. I love driving these cars!
Ginnmill_Racing
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:12
Bid in the amount of $135,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:11
@djscruz
The fact that this car IS registered in California adds a huge amount to the value.
Euro cars from this period are notoriously difficult to register in California.
For a further discussion you can check: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-an-imported-vehicle/
Keep also in mind that SB 1406 passed in September- Montana regististration game is going to get a lot tougher.
The fact that this car IS registered in California adds a huge amount to the value.
Euro cars from this period are notoriously difficult to register in California.
For a further discussion you can check: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-an-imported-vehicle/
Keep also in mind that SB 1406 passed in September- Montana regististration game is going to get a lot tougher.
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:07
@djscruz This one is not a problem but any grey market car from 1968 through 1975 is tough but can get done. CA wants it to meet FMVSS standards but can’t tell you what they are. A VIN verification is needed and they want to see the DOT/EPA and FMVSS stickers to ensure compliance, no smog test is required.
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:51
@shelby314159 - Can you elaborate on why CA registration for an example like this would be so hard? I thought this would be exempt from CARB and easier to get through. I do live in CA and am looking at similar examples...is it just bureaucracy? Thanks!
911r (The Seller)
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:30
One more video on this CSL as we get close to the end!
jaikey
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 15:52
Bid in the amount of $132,000
RGruppe
Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 15:41
Bid in the amount of $128,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 15:08
Yeah, me too!
Oct 9, 2026 · 14:52
Love this car!
Oct 9, 2026 · 06:31
@JVRStone I changed the bumper purely for aesthetic reasons. Both bumpers look great and fit well, and each gives the car a very different vibe.
Oct 9, 2026 · 03:43
Pretty dang hard and lucky to get one of these registered in CA anymore. Real bonus for a CA buyer.
Oct 9, 2026 · 03:06
I had the true pleasure of driving this car on some proper backroads in Eastern Oregon last year. What a special thing! Also, this owner truly takes care of his cars (I've driven a few of them), while also enjoying them from behind the wheel. Good luck to all parties on this one. I truly wish I was in a position to add this to my garage.
911r (The Seller)
Oct 8, 2026 · 23:57
@JVRStone Yes, it is currently registered for use in California. The original front air dam is included if you prefer that look as well.
Oct 8, 2026 · 21:55
Oct 8, 2026 · 21:31
love those POV test drives!
911r (The Seller)
Oct 8, 2026 · 21:09
@Anythingbutred The cord is for USB charging, the orange buttons are rear demister and aux electric fan.
Oct 8, 2026 · 20:39
Beautiful car. Spent some fun miles in a 2002Tii and a 3.0CS myself but please excuse my ignorance. What is the function of the connector(?) in pic #152 and the Orange and Green Buttons(?) in pic #161. Drive on.
Oct 8, 2026 · 16:56
Hi everyone, I am the owner of this car. 911R has done a great job with the prep and listing, so I’ll just chime in with some background. Early history is not documented, but I’ve been told that the car is the only French-delivery CSL in Inka orange. If so, the original owner was likely Jean Girault, a French movie producer, as a French Inka CSL is featured in his 1974 film.
Documented history begins in August 1979 when ownership was transferred to Madeleine Boudas Letoquart of Ambrines, France. Mme. Letoquart sold the car in October 2005 to Simon Christian of Reims, France. I purchased the car in Reims in April 2007 while living in London and relocated it to the US in 2014. I’ve driven it 30,000 kilometers, mainly on long-distance regularity events and road trips including the Welsh Three Castles Trial in 2010 and 2011, the Monte Shelton NW Classic in 2013, 2014 and 2017, the Targa California in 2023 and a 1,000-mile Eastern Oregon rally in 2025.
The car was in strong mechanical condition upon my 2007 purchase, having had an engine rebuild in 2006 by JMW Racing of Reims, France for which there is paperwork. At that time, the car was also re-painted in its original Inka orange. During the re-paint, the original hood release mechanism was likely removed and hood pins installed. When I bought the car, it was missing its right aluminum door skin, although the correct lightweight hinges and structure were present. I was fine with this while I owned the car but felt it should be corrected prior to the sale so had that done. All four aluminum panels are now present.
The car wears a CSL-style fiberglass rear bumper and low-profile Alpina-style front air dam, and the correct paint-matched CSL air dam is included. The front fender fins were installed prior to my ownership; these are original BMW parts from a later Batmobile series and are bolted to the fenders. The interior has the original lightweight carpets under Coco mats. The seats are Scheels with fresh covers and headrests sourced from NML-Depot.
At the time of purchase, I inspected the car and had the underside and interior body sections protected with cavity wax and installed Lokari fender liners. During the 2021 work by Coupe King of Long Beach CA, the critical areas were re-inspected for rust, including inner fender panels and rocker panels. A three-inch section of the right rear rocker was cut out and replaced. All other areas were deemed to be ok.
I’ve enjoyed this lovely and trouble-free car for 20 years and it’s time to try something new.
Documented history begins in August 1979 when ownership was transferred to Madeleine Boudas Letoquart of Ambrines, France. Mme. Letoquart sold the car in October 2005 to Simon Christian of Reims, France. I purchased the car in Reims in April 2007 while living in London and relocated it to the US in 2014. I’ve driven it 30,000 kilometers, mainly on long-distance regularity events and road trips including the Welsh Three Castles Trial in 2010 and 2011, the Monte Shelton NW Classic in 2013, 2014 and 2017, the Targa California in 2023 and a 1,000-mile Eastern Oregon rally in 2025.
The car was in strong mechanical condition upon my 2007 purchase, having had an engine rebuild in 2006 by JMW Racing of Reims, France for which there is paperwork. At that time, the car was also re-painted in its original Inka orange. During the re-paint, the original hood release mechanism was likely removed and hood pins installed. When I bought the car, it was missing its right aluminum door skin, although the correct lightweight hinges and structure were present. I was fine with this while I owned the car but felt it should be corrected prior to the sale so had that done. All four aluminum panels are now present.
The car wears a CSL-style fiberglass rear bumper and low-profile Alpina-style front air dam, and the correct paint-matched CSL air dam is included. The front fender fins were installed prior to my ownership; these are original BMW parts from a later Batmobile series and are bolted to the fenders. The interior has the original lightweight carpets under Coco mats. The seats are Scheels with fresh covers and headrests sourced from NML-Depot.
At the time of purchase, I inspected the car and had the underside and interior body sections protected with cavity wax and installed Lokari fender liners. During the 2021 work by Coupe King of Long Beach CA, the critical areas were re-inspected for rust, including inner fender panels and rocker panels. A three-inch section of the right rear rocker was cut out and replaced. All other areas were deemed to be ok.
I’ve enjoyed this lovely and trouble-free car for 20 years and it’s time to try something new.
JVRStone
Bid
Oct 7, 2026 · 23:17
Bid in the amount of $103,000
Oct 7, 2026 · 17:44
Crazy that 73 911RS lightweights are $1.5M and 3.0 CSL UL languish at $300-350k
Oct 7, 2026 · 13:11
The greenhouse, the profile and that classic scowling look. This BMW is what dreams are made of.
Look what popped up today from favorite t-shirt people:
https://www.blipshift.com/products/schporty-orange
Look what popped up today from favorite t-shirt people:
https://www.blipshift.com/products/schporty-orange
Oct 7, 2026 · 11:14
Hope this does better than mine. Such special cars. Given the enthusiasm for its German RS contemporary, these are criminally undervalued.
Oct 6, 2026 · 13:28
nice
Oct 6, 2026 · 01:59
Bad to the bone, love the Inka!!
Oct 5, 2026 · 21:41
Interesting that the temp gauge has markings, first one I’ve seen but nice to have.
911r (The Seller)
Oct 5, 2026 · 20:33
@Sfdon Temp gauge after driving and sitting in some traffic, never went above this mark.
Oct 3, 2026 · 20:18
Beautiful car! Beautiful sound! 👍
Oct 3, 2026 · 18:14
Daddy like
Oct 3, 2026 · 15:51
Clock looks like it is working- now can we get a pic of the temp gauge after a drive please with car running.
Thank you.
Thank you.
montagna_lunga
Bid
Oct 2, 2026 · 21:34
Bid in the amount of $85,500
Oct 2, 2026 · 13:00
@sfurlong the seller has done 2500 auctions using this Portland version of the autobahn. They like to get out and drive!
Oct 2, 2026 · 12:56
@jproops you can search all the no reserve listings. Just type no reserve in the search bar………… there’s only 461 auctions right now!
Oct 2, 2026 · 02:00
@cap10danny,
It is far from easy to shed the 440lbs. Scheel 100’s have a robust internal square tube steel frame. The folding front seat mounts are also heavy steel as are the sliders. CS seats are heavy but the Scheel setup isn’t much of a weight advantage. Power steering and rear windows are the biggest offenders.
It is far from easy to shed the 440lbs. Scheel 100’s have a robust internal square tube steel frame. The folding front seat mounts are also heavy steel as are the sliders. CS seats are heavy but the Scheel setup isn’t much of a weight advantage. Power steering and rear windows are the biggest offenders.
Oct 2, 2026 · 01:47
@mrhemi,
I’m not an expert on these, but I think a genuine lightweight had:
Thin gauge body. Aluminum hood, trunk, door skins, internal door support, and hinges. Door body is steel. Aluminum headlight access panels and rocker covers. Manual steering box, also aluminum instead of steel hydro box. No steering pump or remote resevoir. Fixed rear windows, (and the rear window mechanisms are heavy). Perspex rear windows and windscreen. No orange defrost button. Thin gauge front windscreen. Rear trunk torsion bar replaced with prop. Tool pouch instead of tray. Trunk floor trim only, no other trim. Polyester rear bumper. Petri steering wheel and hub is slightly lighter. Scheel seats + frame lighter than a CS. No AC. Manual front windows. No sunroof. Front hood torsion replaced with prop. Front latches replaced with pins. Carpet replaced with perlon, thinner than a dime. No header panel for sub visors. No butyl mat in the engine bay. Other sound deadening and undercoating updates depend on who you ask.
The lightest first gen carb CSL’s has an aluminum steering hub and wheel versus the later steel. They also didn’t have a front swaybar or a map light (hence the rally light).
I’m not an expert on these, but I think a genuine lightweight had:
Thin gauge body. Aluminum hood, trunk, door skins, internal door support, and hinges. Door body is steel. Aluminum headlight access panels and rocker covers. Manual steering box, also aluminum instead of steel hydro box. No steering pump or remote resevoir. Fixed rear windows, (and the rear window mechanisms are heavy). Perspex rear windows and windscreen. No orange defrost button. Thin gauge front windscreen. Rear trunk torsion bar replaced with prop. Tool pouch instead of tray. Trunk floor trim only, no other trim. Polyester rear bumper. Petri steering wheel and hub is slightly lighter. Scheel seats + frame lighter than a CS. No AC. Manual front windows. No sunroof. Front hood torsion replaced with prop. Front latches replaced with pins. Carpet replaced with perlon, thinner than a dime. No header panel for sub visors. No butyl mat in the engine bay. Other sound deadening and undercoating updates depend on who you ask.
The lightest first gen carb CSL’s has an aluminum steering hub and wheel versus the later steel. They also didn’t have a front swaybar or a map light (hence the rally light).
Oct 2, 2026 · 01:44
@mrhemi,
I’m not an expert on these, but I think a genuine lightweight had:
Thin gauge body. Aluminum hood, trunk, door skins, internal door support, and hinges. Door body is steel. Aluminum headlight access panels and rocker covers. Manual steering box, also aluminum instead of steel hydro box. No steering pump or remote resevoir. Fixed rear windows, (and the rear window mechanisms are heavy). Perspex rear windows and windscreen. Thin gauge front windscreen. Rear trunk torsion bar replaced with prop. Tool pouch instead of tray. Trunk floor trim only, no other trim. Polyester rear bumper. Petri steering wheel and hub is slightly lighter. Scheel seats + frame lighter than a CS. No AC. Manual front windows. No sunroof. Front hood torsion replaced with prop. Front latches replaced with pins. Carpet replaced with perlon, thinner than a dime. No header panel for sub visors. No butyl mat in the engine bay. Other sound deadening and undercoating updates depend on who you ask.
The lightest first gen carb CSL’s has an aluminum steering hub and wheel versus the later steel. They also didn’t have a front swaybar or a map light (hence the rally light).
I’m not an expert on these, but I think a genuine lightweight had:
Thin gauge body. Aluminum hood, trunk, door skins, internal door support, and hinges. Door body is steel. Aluminum headlight access panels and rocker covers. Manual steering box, also aluminum instead of steel hydro box. No steering pump or remote resevoir. Fixed rear windows, (and the rear window mechanisms are heavy). Perspex rear windows and windscreen. Thin gauge front windscreen. Rear trunk torsion bar replaced with prop. Tool pouch instead of tray. Trunk floor trim only, no other trim. Polyester rear bumper. Petri steering wheel and hub is slightly lighter. Scheel seats + frame lighter than a CS. No AC. Manual front windows. No sunroof. Front hood torsion replaced with prop. Front latches replaced with pins. Carpet replaced with perlon, thinner than a dime. No header panel for sub visors. No butyl mat in the engine bay. Other sound deadening and undercoating updates depend on who you ask.
The lightest first gen carb CSL’s has an aluminum steering hub and wheel versus the later steel. They also didn’t have a front swaybar or a map light (hence the rally light).
Oct 2, 2026 · 01:42
@mrhemi,
I’m not an expert on these, but I think a genuine lightweight had:
Thin gauge body. Aluminum hood, trunk, door skins, internal door support, and hinges. Door body is steel. Aluminum headlight access panels and rocker covers. Manual steering box, also aluminum instead of steel hydro box. No steering pump or remote resevoir. Fixed rear windows, (and the rear window mechanisms are heavy). Perspex rear windows and windscreen. Thin gauge front windscreen. Rear trunk torsion bar replaced with prop. Tool pouch instead of tray. Trunk floor trim only, no other trim. Polyester rear bumper. Petri steering wheel and hub is slightly lighter. Scheel seats + frame lighter than a CS. No AC. Manual front windows. No sunroof. Front hood torsion replaced with prop. Front latches replaced with pins. Carpet replaced with perlon, thinner than a dime. No header panel for sub visors. No butyl mat in the engine bay. Other sound deadening and undercoating updates depend on who you ask.
I’m not an expert on these, but I think a genuine lightweight had:
Thin gauge body. Aluminum hood, trunk, door skins, internal door support, and hinges. Door body is steel. Aluminum headlight access panels and rocker covers. Manual steering box, also aluminum instead of steel hydro box. No steering pump or remote resevoir. Fixed rear windows, (and the rear window mechanisms are heavy). Perspex rear windows and windscreen. Thin gauge front windscreen. Rear trunk torsion bar replaced with prop. Tool pouch instead of tray. Trunk floor trim only, no other trim. Polyester rear bumper. Petri steering wheel and hub is slightly lighter. Scheel seats + frame lighter than a CS. No AC. Manual front windows. No sunroof. Front hood torsion replaced with prop. Front latches replaced with pins. Carpet replaced with perlon, thinner than a dime. No header panel for sub visors. No butyl mat in the engine bay. Other sound deadening and undercoating updates depend on who you ask.
Oct 2, 2026 · 01:27
I wish more sellers knew how to do a driving video. These guys should post a tutorial.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Oct 1, 2026 · 22:23
All coupe rear mufflers are relieved by design to accomodate the differential.
It is not "Bashed in"- it is correct.
It is not "Bashed in"- it is correct.
Oct 1, 2026 · 21:59
Gorgeous! As an inka E9 owner I love this.
Oct 1, 2026 · 20:50
Note this is not a CSL until you remove those 30 lb Cocomats.....
Oct 1, 2026 · 19:36
Atta boy @Ginnmill_Racing
Oct 1, 2026 · 18:56
@jproops - Nope. If it was, there would be a NO RESERVE logo up where is says "PREMIUM" on the top of the page where the year / make / model info is presented.
Oct 1, 2026 · 18:51
Great looking CSL in an iconic color! Even the greasy side looks very nice. Best of success this time around. I hope it finds a great home and hope it gets driven!
jasonl
Bid
Oct 1, 2026 · 17:56
Bid in the amount of $75,500
Ginnmill_Racing
Bid
Oct 1, 2026 · 16:35
Bid in the amount of $75,000
Oct 1, 2026 · 16:35
Maybe she'll go out with me if I try again...
Oct 1, 2026 · 14:15
Seems to me the muffler was installed in a rather uncivilized fashion. It’s all bashed in to make it fit. Really pretty and nice car, besides.
Oct 1, 2026 · 13:59
Is this a no reserve listing?
Imyourguy
Bid
Oct 1, 2026 · 06:58
Bid in the amount of $71,000
Sep 28, 2026 · 11:05
Sep 28, 2026 · 01:49
That M30 rebuild and all the work done in 2021 is a pretty serious refresh.
Sep 28, 2026 · 01:35
Wow, gorgeous. Those buckets are cool!
Sep 27, 2026 · 03:25
@mrhemi
Thinner gauge steel was used. In addition to aluminum hood, deck lid, doors. Plexi rear side windows and rear window. Manual steering. Fiberglass front and rear bumpers. Light seats. Easy 440 lbs.
Thinner gauge steel was used. In addition to aluminum hood, deck lid, doors. Plexi rear side windows and rear window. Manual steering. Fiberglass front and rear bumpers. Light seats. Easy 440 lbs.
Sep 27, 2026 · 01:22
Someone’s running hot
cap10danny
Bid
Sep 27, 2026 · 01:16
Bid in the amount of $70,000
Imyourguy
Bid
Sep 26, 2026 · 23:40
Bid in the amount of $31,000
montagna_lunga
Bid
Sep 26, 2026 · 21:26
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Sep 26, 2026 · 14:55
Hard to believe, that they could take off 440 pounds of weight, based on the above listings of mods??? There must be some other things done to achieve 440 pounds of weight reduction. 🤔
Sep 26, 2026 · 13:28
Typical AGC PDX drive video………..and it really demonstrates how much fun it would de to operate this one. Hope it meets reserve and we get to see it change hands.
Sep 26, 2026 · 12:49
Nice spirited driving video.
Imyourguy
Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 23:11
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Sep 25, 2026 · 16:31
So pretty.
jasmith31
Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 14:15
Bid in the amount of $25,000
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