This beautiful 1967 BMW 2000CS is a rarely seen model from the company’s early days of its mainstream presence in the U.S. While most collectors get excited about the later 3.0CS with its more attractive nose fuel-injected inline-six powerplant, the earlier models have a following all of their ow. The 2000CS seen here has seemingly been with the current owner for several years, based on the description, and the seller is careful to describe it as being a very nice driver-quality example. This is a model that’s hard to find in almost any form, so to spot one as well-preserved as this will make for a quick sale, in my opinion. Find the 2000CS here on craigslist near Los Angeles for $22,500.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rex M. for the find. The 2000CS was known for being part of BMW’s “New Class” lineup, which played a significant role in ensuring BMW’s future, a future in which they would go on to build the world-beating 2002 Tii. The design draws a mixed review almost everywhere it goes, and what’s ironic to me is that the newest BMW models feature a very prominent kidney grille design that has drawn the ire of enthusiasts everywhere. Well, somewhat ironically, the 2000CS has a similarly “in your face” center grill design that goes to show you nothing is new anymore, even the complaints levied against a significant redesign. This 2000CS looks very nice front to back, with attractive paint and nicely preserved chrome bumpers.
The interior hasn’t been restored, and truth be told, I don’t mind it at all. This is a car that’s been used, so yes – there are some rips in the seating material and the dashpad is cracked. I’d live with, it personally, but it’s not a huge deal to refurbish one seat (finding a replacement dash pad might be a challenge). The wood trim is obviously in need of a refresh, but that’s fairly typical with BMWs from this era. Even if you disagree with the slightly unusual nose design, there’s no denying the cockpit was a sign of things to come in BMW’s shift towards becoming a driver-focused brand: simple, uncluttered gauge cluster; nicely spaced foot pedals; and a shifter that falls right to hand. Despite being a luxury brand, the 2000CS still came with crank windows.
Unlike the later E9 with its silky inline-six, the 2000CS utilized a four-cylinder engine ranging from 100 b.h.p. to 120 b.h.p., depending on carburetor setup. The engine bay of the seller’s car is in line with the rest of the vehicle’s condition, meaning it presents better than a driver but not quite to the level of being considered Concours or restored. When you pop the hood, you’re not likely to see any frame rail damage or a repaired rad support as the seller claims it’s never been in an accident. Rust is another common issue with these classic coupes and the seller confirms there’s none of that, either. So, it’s a select crowd that will find this 2000CS irresistible, but for those that do, this one looks like a winner.
I would buy this in a heartbeat if I was in the position. These hardy come up for sale and at one time were unloved. Yes the design is polarizing but the Frua inspired design is simply beautiful. Man I wish I was in the position to get this!
I don’t really know a lot about the 2000CS, but I always liked the look of these. For the condition, the price seems fair to me, considering completely rusted out salvage yard Mopar shells are bringing double the ask of this.
I’ve always longed for one of these, yet they’re always out of financial reach for me. Still, I enjoy seeing and reading about these. Great looking classic!
I was lukewarm toward the 2000CS until I had a chance to drive one. Fifty miles over mountain roads told me all I needed to know. BMW seemed to have gotten it right, at least powertrain- and chassis-wise, from the start, and while I wasn’t 100% sold on the front-end design, that was likely because all I had seen back in the day were U.S. versions that didn’t have the glass-covered lights. From the front wheels back, I can’t imagine anyone not digging the shape….
If I had $22.5K to spare, I’d be a player for this, even if I’m not 100% enamored of the color. Paint is cheap (relatively).
I have driven a couple of these and not really been impressed. It doesn’t have the tossability and fun to drive of a 2002 or even a 1600, and it doesn’t have the poise, grunt and stability 2800 or 3.0CS. The ones I drove seemed to be underpowered and ponderous. It is different and if you want different it has that in spades.
Love the car love the look, have loved the 4-cylinder coupe look since I met up with Franz and Boyd (RIP) up in the SF bay area c.1986 “back in the day.” Franz autocrossed and raced his 2000CS in the nascent BMW space CCA cluyb racing days before they named it club racing. Good times, I’d sure like to own this car!
Or this. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-bmw-3-0-csl-3/
Or at least something to drool over!
lol!
It’s ok…but there is no substitute for an older BMW 6 cyl sound and feel
Would be interesting to know some history as to whether it’s an original US-market car or a later import. It has the Euro headlights but the US-spec red rear turn signal lenses. Originally a US-spec car had the same front blinkers seen here but with the mandatory sealed-beam round headlights (four of ’em) set into a stamped-aluminum bezel that looked like something off a New Look bus.
This appears to be a very nice car! It has needs as most old cars do, but a nice example! I believe I have the wood strip for the steering wheel if needed! The only question that I have is that it says it is a 2000cs, which always came equipped with dual side draft carburetors. This car, while it says 2000cs, has a single downdraft like the 2000c. There must be a story there!
Hi John, I am looking for steering wheel wood strip.
How can i buy it ?
I have to agree with Kevin L Harper. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that the 2000 for a long time were rather unloved and thus rarely properly maintained, but the cars I’ve driven haven’t won me over. They are not fun and sporty like the -02 series, and not the cruise missiles that a good 3.0 will feel like. They felt far too much like the Opel Rekord to me. Does the job, but without much joy. And they do warrant a close rust inspection – I have never seen such a thing as a rust free 50 years old Karmann bodied car.
All that said, the pictures look quite nice.
This appears to be a very nice car! It has needs as most old cars do, but a nice example! I believe I have the wood strip for the steering wheel if needed! The only question that I have is that it says it is a 2000cs, which always came equipped with dual side draft carburetors. This car, while it says 2000cs, has a single downdraft like the 2000c. There must be a story there!
“ Despite being a luxury brand, the 2000CS still came with crank windows.”
Forgive me, I don’t know much about BMWs. But I do see a rocker switch on the pass. door arm rest. Would that be a switch for power windows? And then the crank would be just for the vent window? Just wondering …
In Europe electrically operated rear windows were standard equipment, electrical front ones were an optional extra. The engine seems to be the standard 2000C 100hp version (without the “S” that signified twin Solex carburetors and 120hp). This car lacks the typical wing mirror(s), but it’s a nice example.
Hi John, I am looking for steering wheel wood strip.
How can i buy it ?