19,500 Original Miles

 

Manual Transmission
3.0L Inline 6
197 hp @ 5600 rpm*
203 lb/ft torque @ 3500 rpm*
Capable 0-60 MPH: 9.3 seconds
Top Speed: 121 MPH
*Base Price in 1972: $5,555

 

*Seller Asking:

$17,500

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Fast Facts:

  • The Bavaria is part of the “E3” generation of BMWs, sporting the M30 inline six. While the E3 was available worldwide, the Bavaria was a U.S only model
  • The E3 was previously sold as either the 2500 (2.5L) or the 2800 (2.8L). The 2500 was the base car, and the 2800 was the “loaded” car (and expensive). This didn’t please Max Hoffman, who was BMW’s U.S importer. Max knew that Americans crave a big engine for a small price, so he convinced BMW to shove the big 2.8L into the cheaper 2500 model. The resulting car was named the Bavaria
  • Since the Bavaria lacked all the luxuries of the 2800 model (sunroof, power everything, etc), it was noticeably lighter than the 2800. Paired with a 4spd manual, it was quite brisk for its size. For around $5500 the Bavaria was reasonably priced as well, and it goes down in history as one of BMW’s first true sport sedans
  • The Bavaria also featured 4 wheel disc brakes and independent suspension in all 4 corners, with a suspension layout similar to that of BMW’s famed 2002
  • The M30 engine featured a “trispherical turbulence-inducing combustion chamber” that produced a more complete burning of the air/fuel mixture with low residual hydrocarbons. This engine was so clean for its time that it didn’t require an air pump (smog pump) to meet the new U.S emissions regulations
  • Road & Track’s period road test of the Bavaria included high praise for the crisp 4spd trans. The ZF 3spd automatic, on the other hand, was labeled by a journalist as “the worst we’ve ever encountered in any car.”
Key Model Year Changes:

  • Engine displacement increased from 2.8 to 3.0 liters. Compression ratio is lowered so the car could run on regular gas
  • The old ZF automatic was upgraded to a new Borg-Warner transmission
  • The 2500 model was dropped this year, leaving the 3.0 S and the Bavaria as the only E3 models in the U.S lineup
  • The next major changes don’t occur until 1974, where the E3 falls victim to the federally mandated 5 mph front and rear bumpers
  • The switch from carbs to fuel injection occurred in 1975

Seller Notes:

  • Owned by same family for 40 years
  • Malaga paint over chestnut brown leather interior
  • The interior is stunning, no tears, no rips, no wear, no cracks, everything works
  • Factory air conditioning
  • All owners books, manuals, and 6 plus keys are included
  • Upgraded with Weber carbs. Original carbs included
  • Drives like a new car. 99.9% rust free
  • A few dings here and there. Paint is beautiful but not perfect

 

  • Location: Burlingame, California – (more photos below)
  • UPDATE: ad is no longer available (sold or expired)

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UPDATE: ad is no longer available (sold or expired)

To list your own car, contact us HERE.

 
*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output
*Performance numbers pulled from reputable automotive road tests
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability

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