1971 BMW 3.0 CS (E9)

2250475roadGermany

Engine: 3.8L inline-six (S38B38 stroker), custom rods and pistons, claimed 400+ bhp
Colour: Metallic blue

Chassis 2250475 is a BMW E9 3.0 CS coupe finished in metallic blue, notable for a comprehensive mechanical transformation centred on a BMW S38B38 engine bored out to 3.8 litres with performance work by Koala Motorsports, paired with a rebuilt five-speed transmission from a European-specification M5. The interior was retrimmed in tan leather in 2004 and a CSL steering wheel fitted. Based in California, the car participated in the 2020 Copperstate 1000 and carries extensive service documentation.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$201,600
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
→ 2013-12-01
Prior California-based owner
partial documentation
Car was serviced and upgraded by Bavarian Professionals in Oakland from 2003 onward, with documented invoices. Transmission conversion and engine work carried out during this period.
2013-12-01 →Private sale
Current California owner
partial documentation
Continued to commission minor upgrades including wheels, brakes, coil springs, and audio improvements. Vehicle entered the 2020 Copperstate 1000 under this ownership.

Competition

2020
2020 Copperstate 1000

Maintenance & restoration

2003Service
Bavarian Professionals
Ongoing servicing and upgrades commenced at Bavarian Professionals in Oakland, California, with documented expenditure exceeding $20,000 across multiple visits from this date.
Invoices on file supporting service history.
2004Maintenance
Cook's Upholstery
Cabin retrimmed in tan leather and a CSL-specification steering wheel installed.
Work carried out in Redwood City, California.
2005
Modification
A bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system was fabricated and fitted.
—Engine rebuild
Koala Motorsports
Original powerplant replaced with a BMW S38B38 unit enlarged to 3.8 litres via a stroker kit, with custom connecting rods and pistons targeting over 400 bhp, plus performance tuning.
Piston and rod components sourced from Memphis Motorworks; performance upgrades carried out by Koala Motorsports of Ohio.
—Mechanical
La Jolla Independent
Five-speed gearbox sourced from a European-market M5 was rebuilt and installed, accompanied by fitment of a limited-slip differential from an E30 M3.
Transmission conversion cost exceeded $9,000; carried out in California.
—
Mechanical
Under current ownership: brake system upgraded, custom-wound coil springs fitted, lightweight battery installed, Bluetooth-capable stereo added, and window motors replaced with units from a 328i to resolve a known E9 fault.
—Modification
Coupe King
Alpina-style alloy wheels sourced and fitted.
Supplier based in Long Beach, California.

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