The BMW Bavaria was a US only, lower cost alternative to the 2500/2800 models, or “Big Six”, as they were called. 1973 marks the last year before the heavier, federally mandated bumpers were installed on the sedan, but 1972 brought the larger, 3.0 liter engine, so this example is a middle of the road, best of both worlds model.
1973 BMW Bavaria on eBay
The seller states:
I have a new addition to my family, a wonderful baby boy, so its time to let go of my classic BMW and move towards a practical family mover. The Bavaria is a wonderful car to drive, starts up every time without problems, the M30 straight six is a wonderful engine. Its mated to a manual 4-speed transmission, acceleration is smooth and easy through all gears, it does great on the hills of San Francisco, compression is even through all cylinders, runs cool and easy in traffic, and gets 22mpg on the highway with dual zenith carbs. All glass and seals are new within the last 3 years, plus I’ve acquired additional parts for the Bavaria including door/trunk rubber seals, full set of windlace, new Bilstien shock replacements (currently running on Bilstein’s), new brake rotors, interior door trim, carpet, lock hardware etc. (the parts are enough that I filled a small storage room with them). The shock towers are all rust free and solid, there are only two quarter sized bubbling spots on the paint showing signs of rust at all. The engine and trans do not leak, and the engine doesn’t burn oil either. The only area I would correct cosmetically would be the roof paint, it is begining to fade I’d say the roof paint is 8/10, compared to 9/10 for the rest of the car. The interior is wonderful, and 9/10 (including an updated stereo with Ipod jack). You won’t find a more solid classic Bavaria for sale anywhere. We regularly take it to San Luis Obispo, CA which is around 250 miles from San Francisco, and she cruises down the highway at 75 with ease (honestly she wants to go faster….), and every time we drive her we get compliments.
These big, old BMW sedans offer a nice, unusual alternative to Mercedes-Benzes of the day, while proving just as bulletproof. The $6,500 buy it now price is a good deal for a car that has been this well preserved and should offer plenty more miles of pleasurable driving.
-Paul