BMW 3.0 CSi (1971-1975)
Production Total: The total production of the BMW 3.0 CSi from 1971 to 1975 was approximately 7,935 units
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Price New: The new price of a BMW 3.0 CSi in the UK in 1971 was approximately £5,000.
The new price of a BMW 3.0 CSi in 1968 was approximately **£5,000**. Adjusted for inflation to 2025, this would roughly equate to **£90,300**.
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Rivals: In 1971, the new prices of some of the main rivals of the BMW 3.0 CSi in the UK were approximately:
1. **Jaguar E-Type Series 3**: £3,000
View This Rival: https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-9/jaguar-e-type-4.2-coupe-(1961-74)
2. **Porsche 911S**: £4,500
3. **Mercedes-Benz 280SL**: £4,000
4. **Alfa Romeo Montreal**: £5,500
5. **Aston Martin DBS V8**: £7,000
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of the luxury sports car market during that era.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of the most recent data, there are approximately **61** BMW 3.0 CSi models recorded by the DVLA as being on the road in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1971, the cost of road tax for a BMW 3/0 CSi in the UK was approximately **£25** per year.
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Petrol: In 1971, the price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **34 pence per gallon**, which is roughly **7.5 pence per litre**.
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Insurance: In 1971, the average cost to insure a BMW 3.0 CSi in the UK was approximately **£100** per year.
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1971/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1971, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£1,500** for male manual workers and **£750** for female manual workers.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **5.11%** between 1971 and 2025, **£1,500 in 1971 would be equivalent to approximately £27,090 in 2025**.
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In 1971, the average price of a house in the UK was around **£4,975**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£75,000 to £80,000** in today's terms.
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In 1971, the average price of a new car in the UK was around **£1,000**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£15,000 to £16,000** in today's terms.
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In 1971, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was around **10 pence**.
Adjusting for inflation, **10 pence in 1971** would be approximately **£1.75 to £2** in 2025 terms.
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Combining urban and rural averages across the UK, the estimated average cost per mile of a bus journey in 1971 was approximately: 6p per mile.
Adjusting for inflation, **6 pence in 1971** would be approximately **£1.05 to £1.10** in 2025 terms.
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The average cost of a taxi fare per mile in the UK in 1971 was approximately 22.5 new pence (£0.225).
Adjusting for inflation, **22.5 pence in 1971** would be approximately **£3.95 to £4.25** in 2025 terms.
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In 1971, the average cost per mile for a railway journey in the UK was around **1 penny per mile** (approximately **£0.03 to £0.04** in today's terms).
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In 1971, there were approximately **6.5 million vehicles** on UK roads. This included a mix of private cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The BMW 3.0CSi is a classic beauty that deserves our attention. Let’s delve into some of its common issues:
1. Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks from various seals and gaskets are prevalent across various BMW 3 Series models. Prompt attention is crucial to prevent potential engine damage and maintain proper lubrication.
2. Timing Chain Tensioner Problems: The 3.0CSi features a straight-six engine with fuel injection (thanks to the Bosch D Jetronic electronic system). While this setup delivers a mighty 200hp, it’s essential to keep an eye on the timing chain tensioner. Regular inspections and timely replacement are crucial to prevent chain-related issues.
3. Cooling System and Electrical Malfunctions: Like many classic cars, the 3.0CSi may encounter cooling system failures and electrical glitches. Regular maintenance and care can help mitigate these issues.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The BMW 3.0 CSi, produced from 1971 to 1975, was part of the E9 series. There was essentially one generation of the 3.0 CSi during this period.
Here are the available trim levels for the BMW 3.0 CSi:
1. **3.0 CS**: This was the base model with a carbureted engine.
2. **3.0 CSi**: This model featured fuel injection, providing better performance and efficiency.
These trim levels offered a range of options for buyers, catering to different preferences and needs - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/bmw/30-csi/).
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Engine
The BMW 3.0 CSi was fitted with a **3.0-liter inline-six engine** featuring Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection. This engine produced around **200 horsepower** and **272 Nm (201 lb-ft) of torque**.
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Performance
The BMW 3.0 CSi offered impressive performance for its time. Here are the key performance figures:
- **Engine**: 3.0-liter inline-six with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection
- **Power Output**: 200 horsepower (197 bhp)
- **Torque**: 272 Nm (201 lb-ft)
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 7.5 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 139 mph (224 km/h)
These performance figures made the BMW 3.0 CSi a popular choice among driving enthusiasts for its balance of power and handling.
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Rivals
Here are the performance figures for some of the main rivals of the BMW 3.0 CSi in 1971:
1. **Jaguar E-Type Series 3**:
- Engine: 5.3-liter V12
- Power: 272 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 mph
2. **Porsche 911S**:
- Engine: 2.4-liter flat-six
- Power: 190 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 143 mph
3. **Mercedes-Benz 280SL**:
- Engine: 2.8-liter inline-six
- Power: 180 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 124 mph
4. **Alfa Romeo Montreal**:
- Engine: 2.6-liter V8
- Power: 200 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
- Top Speed: 137 mph
5. **Aston Martin DBS V8**:
- Engine: 5.3-liter V8
- Power: 315 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 160 mph
These cars were known for their performance and handling, making them popular choices among sports car enthusiasts during that era.
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Designer/Dimensions
The BMW 3.0 CSi was designed by **Wilhelm Hofmeister**.
Here are the dimensions of the BMW 3.0 CSi:
- **Length**: 4,660 mm (183.5 inches)
- **Width**: 1,670 mm (65.7 inches)
- **Height**: 1,370 mm (53.9 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,625 mm (103.3 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: Approximately 1,374 kg (3,029 lbs).
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can find spares for the BMW 3.0 CSi in the UK and Ireland at several specialized suppliers. Here are a few options:
1. **[Linwar BMW Spares](https://www.linwar.com/bmw_e9_cs_parts_spares.html)**: They offer a wide range of parts for the BMW 3.0 CSi, including brakes, service parts, and interior trim.
2. **[Autodoc](https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares/bmw/2000/2000-3-2-coupe-e9/268-3-0-csi)**: An online store with a comprehensive catalog of car parts for the BMW 3.0 CSi.
3. **[Schmiedmann](https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e9/spare-parts-smc1-catn-ol/)**: They provide new and used parts for the BMW E9 series, including the 3.0 CSi.
These suppliers should have the parts you need to keep your classic BMW in top condition. If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
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Specialists NI
1. **The Country Garage BMW (Ballymena)**:
- Located in Ballymena, The Country Garage is an authorized BMW and MINI dealer. They offer both new and approved used BMWs.
- Address: 59 Ballycowan Road, Ballymena BT42 3DW
- Phone: 028 2589 8444
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00.
- [Learn more](https://www.countrygaragebmw.co.uk/)²
2. **Car Clinique (Hillsborough)**:
- Car Clinique specializes in BMW and Mini vehicles. They have over 15 years of industry experience and are fully trained and qualified.
- Address: 39 Old Coach Road, Hillsborough BT26 6PB
- Phone: 07842 994223
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 16:00.
- [Learn more](https://carcliniquebmwspecialist.co.uk/contact-us/)³
3. **Bavarian BMW (Belfast)**:
- Bavarian BMW maintains high dealership standards and caters to both new and approved used BMWs.
- Address: 2 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6HU
- Phone: 028 9038 1311
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00.
- [Learn more](https://www.agnewcars.com/bmw/)⁴
4. **Prentice BMW (Portadown)**:
- Prentice is an award-winning BMW dealership in Portadown. They offer new and used BMW sales, genuine parts, and service.
- Address: Industrial Area Seagoe Road, Craigavon BT63 5QD
- Phone: 028 3833 8833
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00.
- [Learn more](https://www.prenticebmw.co.uk/contact-us/)⁵
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Racing
The BMW 3.0 CSi had a notable presence in racing. It competed in various motorsport events, including the **European Touring Car Championship** and the **Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft**. The car was known for its performance and handling, making it a popular choice among racers. The high-performance 3.0 CSL homologation special, based on the 3.0 CSi, was particularly successful in these competitions.
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Valuation
The value of a BMW 3.0 CSi from 1971-75 can vary significantly based on its condition, mileage, and originality. On average, a well-maintained BMW 3.0 CSi can be worth between **£50,000 and £100,000**.
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Clubs
BMW owners in Northern Ireland can find clubs to join and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Here are a couple of options:
1. **BMW Club Ulster Section**: This club is part of the official BMW Club, which encompasses the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. They organize a variety of events throughout the year, including meet-ups, ride-outs, and tours. You can find more information on their [website](https://www.bmwclubulstersection.com/).
2. **BMW Car Club GB - Irish Region**: This club covers both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. They host fun drives, local meetings, shows, and exhibitions. More details can be found on their [website](https://bmwcarclubgb.uk/regions/ireland/).
These clubs offer great opportunities to meet other BMW enthusiasts, participate in events, and share your passion for BMWs.
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