For the 1973 season, BMW to built a special, lighter version of the E9 known as the 3.0 CSL Coupé, with panelled aluminium bodywork. The use of injection, and a small increase in capacity, took basic engine-power to 206bhp. The highly prepared Group 2 racing versions, with elaborate aerodynamic fittings, earned countless victories, including two wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours – in the Special Tourism class in 1973 and 1974.
When sold from new, the CSL wasn’t fitted with the the rear wing, nor the chrome flares. Instead these were included in the trunk of the car to be optionally fitted by the dealer or the car’s first owner.
Because of the relative ease of racing teams to acquire a 3.0 CSL or a standard E9 2800 and upgrade it, many race cars were built up from standard road cars for Group 2 racing.
Engine
Configuration
Straight 6
Location
Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction
cast-iron block, alloy head
Displacement
3,498 cc / 213.5 cu in
Bore / Stroke
94.0 mm (3.7 in) / 84.0 mm (3.3 in)
Compression
11.0:1
Valvetrain
4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed
Bosch Fuel Injection
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Power
370 bhp / 276 kW @ 8,000 rpm
BHP/Liter
106 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Body
steel and aluminium doors, engine cover and rear cover
Chassis
unitary steel
Front suspension
McPherson struts, Bilstein gas-pressurised shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
semi trailing arms, coil springs, Bilstein gas pressurised telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
Steering
rack-and-pinion
Brakes (fr/r)
ventilated discs
Gearbox
5 speed Manual
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Weight
1,062 kilo / 2,341 lbs
Length / Width / Height
4,630 mm (182.3 in) / 1,730 mm (68.1 in) / 1,366 mm (53.8 in)
