The Bavaria was BMW’s bold attempt to redefine its market presence in a large way…or, perhaps more correctly, to redefine it’s large-car market presence in some way. What predated this design was the BMW 501 and 502 – the ‘Baroque Angels’ – which looked more like they were out of a black-and-white film than ready for the Jet Age by the time of the end of their production in the early 1960s. BMW took a break to get its Neue Klasse feet under it, then in the late 1960s introduced its new six-cylinder-powered 2500 and 2800 sedans. Moving into the 1970s, the M30s engine was punched out to 3.0 liters and the model was offered here as the Bavaria.
A handsome design in its own right, like the E12 and early E24s it suffered some teething pains before the the replacement models really caught fire in the early 1980s. Finding a clean Bavaria today is indeed quite a treat!
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1971 BMW Bavaria on eBay
Year: 1971
Model: Bavaria
VIN: 2130448
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 73,100 mi
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Price: Reserve Auction
I bought the car from its original owners sometimes in the 1990’s. In 2001 I moved back to Europe and the car went in to a friends garage. In 2008 I drove the car on my wedding day and than around my city on weekends. For the past few years i took the car just around the block, 73,142 miles I have all the service records since the car first day, with the original bill of sale (special order car) from Fowler Motors in Arlington, Virginia dated March 27 1971( order accepted form), The car has been Zibarted, there are some blemishes and small dings, I did not wash the car since 2008 and the pictures are taken few days ago. It starts an drives nice down the street, I just took the car on a 5 mile drive but I suggest to service the car before driving more than few miles since I did not have service the car lately. If you are considering a purchase of this 50 year old BMW please be free to contact me with questions 734-604-1268 Thank You
The Bavaria is one of those cars that even BMW fans seldom think about, and I’d be willing to bet that a fair amount of the ‘Respect Your Elders’ E30 converts are unaware of its existence entirely. This one appears to be in very nice condition; the claim of long-term storage seems quite believable as they just don’t really turn up in any condition at all – nevermind in good stead. The only things that really stand out to me are the black mirror and silver-painted grille and headlight surrounds, which should be chrome and black (respectively) and look slightly out of place here. The Nardi steering wheel is a nice addition, and though you’ll have to go through this one mechanically and likely change quite a few hoses and some mechanical components due to lack of use, like the V8 quattro it seems worth the investment. Current bidding is well under $10,000 with the reserve still on; to me, this car peaks in the mid-teens as is, but there have been some crazy outliers recently so it will depend on who is in the room.
-Carter
This car is a beauty. It appears to be a real time capsule but I do have a few questions. The taillights, silver grill, and slats on the C pillar are are indicative of 1970 and earlier 2500 and 2800 models. Could this have been a 1970 holdover that was sold in 1971? I haven’t run the VIN but that may provide the answers. Regardless, this is a great ride and I hope it falls into caring hands.
very nice car. Despite the necessary recommissioning work, this could be a good deal