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3.0 CSL (E9)

BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971 - 1975)

BMW · 3 trims

The BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) (1971 - 1975) is available in 3 trims producing 180 to 205 hp. The fastest trim reaches 222 km/h. The lowest stated fuel consumption is 10.9 l/100 km.

Power: 205 hp
0–100: 6.9 s
Fuel economy: 10.9 l/100 km
Cargo: 450 l

3.0 CSL (E9) Trims

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Trims and engine versions — BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)
Trim	Fuel	Power	Torque	0–100	Top speed	Fuel economy	CO2
3.0L 4MT RWD (180 HP)	Petrol	180 hp	255 Nm	7.3 s	212 km/h	11.2 l/100 km	—
3.0L 4MT RWD (200 HP)	Petrol	200 hp	272 Nm	6.9 s	220 km/h	10.9 l/100 km	—
3.0L 4MT RWD (205 HP)	Petrol	205 hp	286 Nm	7.1 s	222 km/h	10.9 l/100 km	—

Fuel economy and CO2 follow the stated test cycle. Manufacturer figures; deviations per market and option pack are possible.

Is BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) a good choice against other models?

Average across every BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) trim, compared with 459 trims of other cars from the 1968–1974 period.

Is BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) a good choice against other models?
Measure	This model	Average	Position
Power	195 hp	158 hp	better than 74%
Torque	271 Nm	247 Nm	better than 68%
Top speed	218 km/h	180 km/h	better than 87%
Acceleration 0–100 km/h	7.1 s	12.6 s	better than 90%
Combined consumption	11.0 l/100 km	12.3 l/100 km	better than 44%
Cargo volume	450 l	352 l	better than 76%
Unladen weight	1,193 kg	1,268 kg	better than 54%

Percentages show the share of trims from the same period this model beats on that measure. Manufacturer figures.

Not stated by the manufacturer: co2 emissions. Those measures are left out of the comparison.

Comparable models from other brands

Mitsubishi Sigma 205 hp

Mitsubishi Eagle Honda Lancia Kia Tesla

About BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)

The 3.0 CSL was the very first model designed and developed by BMW's Motorsport division. The 1971 BMW 3.0 CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) was based on the 3.0 CSi chassis & body and featured all-aluminum components, while being stripped of all 'unnecessary' trimmings or soundproofing systems.

This model was initially fitted with a 3.0L 6-cylinder inline engine delivering 180 hp that was later replaced (1973) by a more powerful 3.2L unit. The racing version of the 3.0 CSL received a high-performance 3.5L engine and a Getrag five-speed gearbox. The 3.0 CSL was lighter than its predecessor by around 400 lbs. The opening panels were made out of aluminum, and the steel panels were of a thinner gauge. The car did not have a front bumper and the rear bumper was a very light one, made of a black polyester. The power steering and the electric windows were removed as well.

This model was produced in about 785 units until its discontinuation in 1975. BMW 3.0 CSL's racing variant scored some historical wins in the 1973 ETCC championship (beating Ford Capri for both drivers' and manufacturers' title) or the 6-Hours of Nurburgring.

The CSLs were offered in four distinctive colors: Colorado, Golf, Inka and Verona. All of the models produced were left-hand-drive and were not sold in the UK.