When considering the large BMWs that preceded the 7-series, most in the U.S. will only remember the Bavaria like the 1974 example Paul wrote up the other day. But before the name Bavaria tipped its hat on these shores, BMW was importing both 2500 and 2800 sedans of the New Six platform. The E3 isn’t usually a fan favorite but it really did pave the way for models like the later 5 and 7-series cars; luxurious, sporting sedans. Largely forgotten and with most rusted to oblivion, today we have a neat 2800 that really ups the sport quotient of the E3:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1971 BMW 2800 on eBay
Year: 1971
Model: 2800
Engine: 3.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 180,000 mi
Price: $ Buy It Now
Selling my 1971 BMW 2800 Sedan with sunroof. Repainted in San Deigo in white, original baugh. The car has been updated over the years and is in good condition, but is ready for cleaning and details. Currently the car is used as a driver and goes to the beach a few times a month for surfing. This 2800 Sedan is very cool looking. The engine is a 1989 3.5 liter, inline six with double 38 weber carburators. The exhaust is a built free flow with a great sound to it. Not loud, just a good sound with improved flow. The Nardi wheel is in perfect shape. The rear view mirrors are Tolbots which are rare and expensive and are in the period correct location. The front spoiler looks like a 3.0 CSL front with no bumper. Rear end has a spoiler at the end and on top of the trunk. Brakes are Wilwood and are great, strong and upgraded from stock. The wheels are Alpina nockoffs and are in perfect shape. The stereo was upgraded and the music is in great shape. The speakers are custom done and kind of funky, but sound great. The transmission is a 5 speed and is a awesome. So overall, the upgrades have been well done, but the car is tired and needs a refresh. After the paint job in 2012, there are slight rust lines in the doors at the base, small. Overall, the car is fun to drive, fast, sounds great and is a very cool driving car. The parts are worth more than the car, but I wanted to give it a restoration. I have to sell due to medical issues and I think its time to find a person that can make it complete. Thank you.
Originally the 2800 was the hot version of the E3; in European trim, the car produced nearly 170 horsepower. With the later 3.5, that number should be up quite a bit and with most of a liter more in displacement I’d think the torque would be a welcome addition. There are some great period details like the fender-mounted mirrors and the Nardi wheel, along with the CSL-esque front air dam which really makes this car pop. Coupled with the Alpina replica wheels the look is fantastic. The detail work could be improved upon; the seats are in need of a recovering and apparently the paintwork wasn’t well done. But this is certainly an evocative look for the early big BMW and worthy of some additional time and effort to have a really special and unique E3.
-Carter
