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{{Short description|BMW luxury coupe car}}
{{redirect|BMW CSL|BMW M3 CSL|BMW M3#M3 CSL}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = BMW E9
| image = BMWE9CSc.jpg
| manufacturer = [[BMW]]
| production = 1968–1975
| assembly = Germany: [[Rheine]] ([[Karmann]])<ref>{{cite web|title=1961 to 1970|url= http://www.karmann.com/__C1256DF700512B86.nsf/html/en_69dbbd33fb9bc722c1256dc60034ab21.html |work=Karmann Company History |publisher=Karmann.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090506065133/http://www.karmann.com/__C1256DF700512B86.nsf/html/en_69dbbd33fb9bc722c1256dc60034ab21.html |archive-date=6 May 2009 |access-date=2 December 2022}}</ref>
| class = [[Grand tourer]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
| body_style = [[Coupé]]
| related = [[BMW New Six|BMW E3]] (sedans)
| engine = 2.5-3.2&nbsp;L ''[[BMW M30|M30]]'' [[straight-six engine|I6]]
| wheelbase = {{Convert|2624|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{Convert|4660|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{Convert|1670|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{Convert|1370|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| predecessor = [[BMW New Class coupé|BMW 2000C / 2000CS]]
| successor = [[BMW 6 Series (E24)]]
| designer = [[Wilhelm Hofmeister (automobile designer)|Wilhelm Hofmeister]]
| platform = [[BMW New Class]]
}}
[[File:CS-Interior.jpg|thumbnail|right|E9 interior (3.0 CS model, with Alpina steering wheel, shift knob and upholstery)]]

The '''BMW E9''' is a range of coupés produced by [[Germany|German]] automaker [[BMW]] from 1968 to 1975. Initially released as the 2800&nbsp;CS model, the E9 was based on the [[BMW New Class#New Class Coupés|BMW 2000 C / 2000 CS]] four-cylinder coupés, which were enlarged to fit the [[BMW M30]] six-cylinder engine. The E9’s bodywork was built by [[Karmann]].

As a racing car, the E9 was very successful in the [[European Touring Car Championship]] and the [[Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft]], especially the 3.0 CSL [[Homologation (motorsport)|homologation]] model.

The E9 range was replaced by the [[BMW 6 Series (E24)|E24 6 Series]].

== Predecessor ==
{{Main|BMW New Class}}
The E9's predecessors are the 2000 C and 2000 CS models, which were produced from 1965 to 1969 as part of the BMW New Class range.

== Models ==
=== 2800 CS ===
[[File:BMW2800CS.jpg|thumbnail|left|BMW 2800CS]]
The first of the E9 coupés, the 2800 CS, replaced the 2000 C and 2000 CS in 1968. The lead designer was [[Wilhelm Hofmeister (automobile designer)|Wilhelm Hofmeister]].{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=168}}{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=220}} The wheelbase and length were increased to allow the engine bay to be long enough to accommodate the new [[straight-six engine]] code-named [[BMW M30|M30]], and the front of the car was restyled to resemble the [[BMW New Six|E3 sedan]].{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=168}} The rear axle, however, remained the same as that used in the lesser "Neue Klasse" models and the rear brakes were initially drums - meaning that the 2800 saloon was a better performing car, as it was also lighter. The CS' advantages were thus strictly visual to begin with.{{Sfn|Becker|1971|p=76}} The 2800 CS used the {{Convert|2788|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} version of the engine used in the E3 sedans.{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=168}} The engine produced {{Convert|125|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6000 rpm.<ref>{{cite web |title=Detailed specs review of 1971 BMW 2800 CS |url=https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1971/78125/bmw_2800_cs.html |website=www.automobile-catalog.com |access-date=9 December 2018}}</ref>

Not only was the 2800 CS lighter than the preceding 2000 CS, it also had a smaller frontal area, further increasing the performance advantage.{{Sfn|Becker|1971|p=74}} The curb weight of the 2800 CS is {{Convert|1420|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

At the [[Geneva Motor Show#1969|1969 Geneva Motor Show]], BMW unveiled the "2800 Bertone Spicup" concept car.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rare BMW concepts from the sixties|url=http://bimmerin.net/articles/rare-BMW-concepts-from-the-sixties.php|website=www.bimmerin.net|access-date=26 August 2017}}</ref> This model, which has a similar appearance to the 1967 [[Alfa Romeo Montreal]], did not reach production.
{{Clear}}

=== 3.0 CS/CSi ===
[[File:1974 BMW 3.0 CS federalized.jpg|thumb|right|1974 BMW 3.0 CS (U.S. model)]]
The 2800CS was replaced by the 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi in 1971, which was bored out to give a displacement of {{Convert|2986|cc|cuin|abbr=on}}. The 3.0&nbsp;CS has a 9.0:1 compression ratio, twin carburetors and produces {{Convert|180|hp|kW|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} at 6000 rpm. The 3.0&nbsp;CSi has a 9.5:1 compression ratio, [[Jetronic#D-Jetronic (1967–1979)|Bosch D-Jetronic]] electronic fuel injection, and produces {{Convert|200|hp|kW|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} at 5500 rpm.{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=168}} Transmission options were a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic.

In the United States, 1974 models have [[Bumper (automobile)#First standards 1971|protruding 5 mile per hour bumpers]].

=== 3.0 CSL ===
Introduced in May 1972,{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=85}} the 3.0 CSL was a [[Homologation (motorsport)|homologation special]] built to make the car eligible for racing in the [[European Touring Car Championship]]. 1,265 were built.

The "L" in the designation meant ''leicht'' (light), unlike in other BMW designations, where it meant ''lang'' (long). The lightness was achieved by using thinner steel to build the unit body, deleting the trim and soundproofing,{{Sfn|Vaughan|2011}} using aluminium alloy doors, bonnet, and boot lid, and using [[Poly(methyl methacrylate)|Perspex]] side windows.{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=85}} The five hundred 3.0 CSLs exported to the United Kingdom were not quite as light as the others, as the importer had insisted on retaining the soundproofing, electric windows, and stock E9 [[Bumper (car)|bumpers]] on these cars.{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=85}}{{Sfn|Donaldson}} The CSL was not sold in the United States.

Initially using the same engine as the 3.0 CS,{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=171}} the 3.0 CSL was given a very small increase in displacement to {{Convert|3003|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} by increasing the engine [[Bore (engine)|bore]] by one quarter of a millimetre to {{convert|89.25|mm|2|abbr=on}}.{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=85}}{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=171}} This was done in August 1972 to allow the CSL to be raced in the "over three litre" racing category, allowing for some increase in displacement in the racing cars.{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=85}} In 1973,{{Sfn|Vaughan|2011}}{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=86}} the engine in the 3.0 CSL was given another, more substantial increase in displacement to {{Convert|3153|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on}} by increasing the [[Stroke (engine)|stroke]] to {{Convert|84|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}, rated at {{Convert|206|PS|hp kW|0|abbr=on}} at 5600 rpm and {{Convert|286|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4200 rpm of [[Torque#Machine torque|torque]] .{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=171}}{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=86}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56672|website=carfolio.com|title=1973 BMW 3.0 CSL E9 specifications|language=en-us|access-date=2018-06-12}}</ref> This final version of the 3.0 CSL was homologated in July 1973 along with an aerodynamic package including a large air dam, short [[fin]]s running along the front [[Fender (automobile)|fenders]], a spoiler above and behind the trailing edge of the roof, and a tall [[rear wing]].{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=89}} The rear wings were not installed at the factory, but were left in the boot for installation after purchase. This was done because the wings were illegal for use on German roads. The full aero package earned the racing CSLs the nickname "[[Batmobile]]".{{Sfn|Vaughan|2011}}{{Sfn|Severson|2008}}{{Sfn|Noakes|2005|p=93}}

The CSL competed in [[Group 2 (racing)|Group 2]] form in the [[European Touring Car Championship]], with CSL drivers winning the Drivers title six times in the years 1973 and 1975 to 1979.<ref>[http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/ETCC.html The European Touring Car Championship] Retrieved on 30 July 2010</ref> The CSL also competed in [[Group 5 (racing)|Group 5 Special Production]] guise, winning three rounds of the [[1976 World Championship for Makes]]. In [[FIA]] Group 4 spec, notably when driven by [[Hans-Joachim Stuck]] (car featured in [[Enthusia Professional Racing]]), they competed against racing versions of the [[Porsche 911]] and [[Ford Capri]] with some success.

<gallery mode="packed">
File:BMW 30 CSL 1973 orange vr TCE.jpg
File:FoS20162016 0624 104939AA (27608452420).jpg|alt=
File:BMW 3.0 CSL (5710918715).jpg
</gallery>

=== 2.5 CS ===
The last version of the E9 to be introduced was the 2.5 CS in 1974. This was a response to the [[1973 oil crisis]], such that the buyer could choose the smaller, more economical engine.{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=170}} The engine, from the 2500 sedan, displaced {{Convert|2494|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} and produced {{Convert|150|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6000 rpm.{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=167}} Only 874 were made until the end of E9 production in 1975, and none were exported to the United States.{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=170}}

== Motorsport ==
[[File:Amon, Chris - BMW 3,5 CSL (1973-07-08 Sp).jpg|thumb|1973 BMW 3.0 CSL]]

In 1973, [[Toine Hezemans]] won the [[European Touring Car Championship]] in a 3.0 CSL and co-drove a 3.0 CSL with [[Dieter Quester]] to a class victory at [[1973 24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]]. Hezemans and Quester had driven to second place at the 1973 German Touring Car Grand Prix at Nürburgring, being beaten only by [[Chris Amon]] and [[Hans-Joachim Stuck]] in another 3.0 CSL.{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=180}} 3.0 CSLs would win the European Touring Car Championship again in every year from 1975 to 1979.{{Sfn|de Jong|2009}}{{Sfn|de Jong|2009b}}

The 3.0 CSL was raced in the [[1975 IMSA GT Championship]], with [[Sam Posey]], [[Brian Redman]], and [[Ronnie Peterson]] winning races during the season.{{Sfn|Norbye|1984|p=180}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2025 |title=BMW Motorsport and the Mighty CSL Win The 1975 12 Hours of Sebring |url=https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4516&searchresult |website=BMW News USA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q180dRN5QhA |title=GO LIKE SCHNELL: The Story of BMW Motorsport in the USA. Green Flag 1975. |date=March 16, 2017 |last=Cobb |first=Bill |type=Video |publisher=BMW USA Classic |via=YouTube}}</ref>

The 3.5 CSL was built for [[Group 5 (racing)|Group 5]] racing and BMW won three races in the [[1976 World Championship for Makes]] with this model.

== Art Cars ==
The first two [[BMW Art Car]]s were 3.0 CSLs; the first was painted by [[Alexander Calder]] and the second by [[Frank Stella]].{{Sfn|Preece|2009}}

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Calder CSL.jpg|3.0 CSL painted by Alexander Calder
File:Concours élégance Villa Este 53.JPG|alt=|3.0 CSL painted by Frank Stella
</gallery>

==Production numbers==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Production numbers for BMW E9 by model and year<ref name="E9 Production">{{cite web|url=http://www.e9-driven.com/E9_Vins.asp |title=E9 Production by Year |publisher=e9-Driven.com |access-date=2012-02-24}}</ref> 
|-
! Model/year
! 1968
! 1969
! 1970
! 1971
! 1972
! 1973
! 1974
! 1975 
! Total
|-
| 2800 CS
| 138
| 2534
| 3335
| 276
| 
| 
| 
| 
| '''6283'''
|-
| 2800 CSA
| 
| 787
| 1089
| 73
| 
| 
| 
| 
| '''1949'''
|-
| 3.0 CS
| 
| 
| 
| 1974
| 1172
| 779
| 267
| 263
| '''4455'''
|-
| 3.0 CSA
| 
| 
| 
| 520
| 1215
| 1169
| 355
| 408
| '''3667'''
|-
| 3.0 CSi
| 
| 
| 
| 1061
| 2999
| 2741
| 579
| 555
| '''7935'''
|-
| 3.0 CSiA
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 2
| 
| 
| 
| '''2'''
|-
| 3.0 CSi RHD
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 66
| 128
| 13
| '''207'''
|-
| 3.0 CSiA RHD
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 69
| 139
| 7
| '''215'''
|-
| 3.0 CSL
| 
| 
| 
| 169
| 252
| 287
| 40
| 17
| '''765'''
|-
| 3.0 CSL RHD
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 349
| 151
| 
| 
| '''500'''
|-
| 2.5 CS
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 272
| 328
| '''600'''
|-
| 2.5 CSA
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 101
| 143
| '''244'''
|-
| 2800 CS USA
| 
| 43
| 415
| 183
| 
| 
| 
| 
| '''641'''
|-
| 2800 CSA USA
| 
| 36
| 403
| 87
| 
| 
| 
| 
| '''526'''
|-
| 3.0 CS USA
| 
| 
| 
| 132
| 411
| 450
| 375
| 
| '''1368'''
|-
| 3.0 CSA USA
| 
| 
| 
| 60
| 377
| 314
| 438
| 
| '''1189'''
|-
| Total E9 Production
| 138
| 3400
| 5242
| 4535
| 6777
| 6026
| 2694
| 1734
| '''30,546'''
|}

== 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage ==
In 2015, BMW introduced the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept car at the [[Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este]]. The car is a tribute to the 3.0 CSL. It has an inline-six engine with an {{Proper name|eBoost}} hybrid system in the rear of the car. As a homage to the original, the 3.0 CSL Hommage has a minimal interior to keep the weight as low as possible; carbon fibre and aluminium are used in the cockpit for the same reason. The Hommage has Laser-LED lights similar to those in the [[BMW i8|i8]].<ref>{{cite web |title=BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage evokes classic 1970s Bimmer design |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2015/05/22/bmw-3-0-csl-hommage-official/ |website=Autoblog |access-date=18 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref><gallery mode="nolines" widths="220">
File:BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage 04.JPG
File:BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage 05.JPG
File:BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage 07.JPG
</gallery>And in August 2015, BMW introduced the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept car at the [[Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance]]. The car celebrates both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the racing success of the 3.0 CSL in 1975.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R. The perfect fusion of driver and machine.|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0229802EN/bmw-3-0-csl-hommage-r-the-perfect-fusion-of-driver-and-machine?language=en|access-date=2021-01-25|website=www.press.bmwgroup.com|language=en}}</ref><gallery mode="nolines" widths="220">
File:Festival automobile international 2016 - BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage - 021.jpg
File:Festival automobile international 2016 - BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage - 001.jpg
</gallery>

== 2023 3.0 CSL ==
{{main|BMW_M4#3.0_CSL}}
On 24 November 2022, BMW revealed an all-new 3.0 CSL based on the BMW M4, paying homage to the original E9 3.0 CSL. It features a more powerful 3.0-liter Inline-six cylinder engine producing {{cvt|412|kW|PS hp|0}} and {{cvt|550|Nm|lb·ft|0}} of torque and was built to celebrate BMW M's 50th Anniversary. 50 units were produced.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 November 2022 |title=2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Revealed: See its Price, Specs, and Features |url=https://suvbazar.com/news/2023-bmw-3-0-csl/ |website=SuvBazar |language=en}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
BMW, Auto 2024, Zurich (PANA0914-crop).jpg|2023 BMW 3.0 CSL
BMW 3.0 CSL (52687267795-crop).jpg|2023 3.0 CSL, rear
</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation | last = Becker | first = Clauspeter | journal = Auto-Universum 1971 | title = BMW 2500/2800 | editor-first = Arthur | editor-last = Logoz | date = 1971 | publisher = Verlag Internationale Automobil-Parade AG | location = Zürich, Switzerland | volume = XIV | page = 76 | language = de }}
*{{cite web| last = Donaldson | first = Jessica | url = https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11876/BMW-30-CS.aspx| title = 1973 BMW 3.0 CS news, pictures, and information| work = Conceptcarz - From Concept to Production | publisher = Daniel Vaughan | access-date  = 2010-07-25}}
*{{cite web| last = de Jong | first = Frank | url = http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part3.html | title = Part 3: 1970-1975 The Ford and BMW years| work = History of the European Touring Car Championship & Other International Touring Car Races| publisher = Frank de Jong| location = Amsterdam| year = 2009| access-date  = 2010-07-25| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100703002605/http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part3.html| archive-date= 3 July 2010 | url-status= dead}}
*{{cite web| first = Frank | last = de Jong| url = http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part4.html | title = Part 4: 1976-1981 The dull years| work = History of the European Touring Car Championship & Other International Touring Car Races| publisher = Frank de Jong| location = Amsterdam| access-date  = 2010-07-25| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100702190034/http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part4.html| archive-date= 2 July 2010 | url-status= dead| year = 2009b}}
*{{cite book|last= Noakes |first= Andrew |title= The Ultimate History of BMW |year= 2005 |publisher= Parragon Publishing |location= Bath, UK |isbn=1-4054-5316-8 }}
*{{cite book |last=Norbye |first=Jan P. |title=BMW - Bavaria's Driving Machines |year=1984 |publisher=Publications International |location=Skokie, IL |isbn=0-517-42464-9 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/bmwbavariasdrivi00norb }}
*{{cite web| url = http://ateupwithmotor.com/sports-cars-and-muscle-cars/130-from-bavaria-with-love-bmw-cs-coupes.html| title = From Bavaria with Love: The BMW E9 Coupes | first = Aaron | last = Severson | date = 17 November 2008 | work = Ate Up With Motor - Snapshots of Automotive History | publisher = Aaron Severson| access-date  = 2010-07-09}}
*{{cite web| last = Vaughan| first = Daniel| url = https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13793/BMW-30-CSL.aspx| title = 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL news, pictures, and information| date = October 2011| work = Conceptcarz - From Concept to Production | publisher = Daniel Vaughan | access-date  = 2015-05-25}}
*{{cite web|last= Preece|first= R. J.|date= 10 June 2009|url= https://www.artdesigncafe.com/Art-Design-Publicity-mag-Thomas-Girst-communicating-BMW-Art-Cars-1-1-2009|title= Communicating BMW Art Cars: Interview with Thomas Girst.|work= ADP/Sculpture|access-date= 2015-05-25}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|BMW E9}}

{{BMW cars: 1960s to 1980s}}
{{BMW vehicles}}

[[Category:BMW vehicles|E9]]
[[Category:BMW model codes|E9]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1968]]
[[Category:Karmann vehicles]]
[[Category:Grand tourers]]