BMW is known predominantly for its hot-rod two-doors (see the M3) and its high-powered sedans (enter the M5). But in the early days of its emergence of a competitive automaker capable of competing with the best that Europe and the USA had to offer, the quiet competence of its model lineup is more what the company was known for. The E3 chassis sedan is a terrific example of this, as it didn’t necessarily change the automotive landscape but did remind drivers that their four-door commuter car could be heaps of fun to drive. Check out this 1969 BMW 2800 listed here on eBay with bids to just over $4,000 and the reserve unmet.
The 2800 shown here is likely on a few BMW enthusiasts’ radar for two reasons: one, the color, Atlantik Blue, is rare and quite pretty, and two, because it’s equipped with three pedals. BMW stood apart from the crowd at this point in time for truly embracing the sports sedan model segment, pairing torque-y inline-six engines with fun-to-hustle manual gearboxes. This simply wasn’t a combination you saw from domestic automakers, and models like these are why BMW has had such a long-standing reputation for building some of the finest sports sedans on the planet. Sadly, this is all changing, but that’s a topic for another day.
The seller reports that this 2800 has an interesting history, after being sold to a BMW enthusiast when new in California. The sedan then went in reverse, returning to Germany with the owner’s son who was stationed overseas due to a military assignment. The blue four-door then returned back to the U.S., where it spent several years in storage. The seller has upgraded the factory steering wheel to a slick Momo three-spoke job, which is a nice swap with the huge bus-like unit it came with. The dash appears to be in great shape, and the seller has installed a period-correct shift knob and a reconditioned Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio.
The list of mechanical repairs is extensive, and for the full list, you should check out the eBay description. Some highlights include two new Weber 38/38 DGES carburetors, a new alternator with a fresh voltage regulator, a new Carter fuel pump, and several suspension repairs, including replacement tie rods, tie rod ends, and the middle tie rod connector. The BMW is powered by a 2.8L inline-six good for a very respectable 168 horsepower, which is another reason these sedans had such an impact on the enthusiast landscape, as they were no slouch despite the negative perception of four-doors. This E3 “New Six” sedan looks like a honey, so hopefully the bids will pick up soon.
Awesome design, awesome color. Looks like Euro taillights. This car would be really fun to drive.
Made when BMWs were truly unique automobiles. While the 2800 was not the BMW that put the make on the map (the 2002 and Bavaria would come out a few years later) these were far better than the so-called “ultimate driving machines” of today.
Well it was the car that took BMW upmarket to where the fat stock grazed for the first time. 2002 was an important image car (in the US particularly) but the most important BMW was the 1500-2000 Neue Klasse, which took BMW away from small cars and set the pattern for everything since.
Good E3s are a smart buy but hard to find.
Funny thing is, here in the US BMW is upmarket. In Germany, if you mention BMW you may as well say Chevrolet”
I believe the 2800 was a model step above the Bavaria. Same car, basically, similar to buying a VW Jetta SE instead of the S. In high school, a friend’s dad had one. It was extremely quick and fast.
I Bought A 1970 2800 Sedan For Only 2K From A BMW Dealer Who Took It On A Trade In .It Only Had 24K Miles On It & The Spare Tire Was Never Used. It Was A 4 Speed Manual Red With Black Vinyl Seats .It Was A Fast Car And Handled Well.
I’m seeing signs of rust all over this car, not to mention some serious issues with the clear-coat. Add the deteriorating upholstery, anachronistic steering wheel, etc., and it spells “money pit”. I love these, but . . . sorry.
I’d have to agree.
The seller knows what he has, and it’s the 2002 still in the garage.
Nice car, too much rust for that price. It would have to come all apart and get tons of metal work. Who knows how much money. Not sold, bid up to $5700.