How do you know when a higher price than you’re expecting is a sign that a car is increasing in value, and not just a sign that a seller doesn’t really want to get rid of their car but is trying to satisfy a spouse? That’s what this BMW Bavaria and its $9,000 pricetag have me wondering. You see, I own a ’73 Bavaria myself, for which I paid less than half that sum only a few years ago. With prices of the related CS coupes going ever higher, is it the long-overlooked Bavaria’s turn, or is this just a case of an unmotivated seller? Let’s head to craigslist out of Walnut Creek, California to find out.
Under the hood of the Bavaria is BMW’s first modern inline six, known as the M30, which, as I mentioned, is shared with the lovely, Karmann-bodied CS hardtop coupes. The sedan body, which lacks the structural reinforcement necessary for a pillarless design (as well as the lead that was likely used to smooth imperfections on the handcrafted coupe bodies), actually makes for a lighter car, and the Bavaria is a newer design than the coupes, with more modern brakes and a more sophisticated suspension. Good stuff, if you don’t mind its decidedly sterner, more Teutonic style.
That said, the seller also wants us to think that rarity is on the Bavaria’s side, and there he’s on shakier ground. The ad states that only 2,000 were imported; I’m not sure where that came from. In actuality, about 1,900 Bavarias were sent stateside…with the earlier 2.8 liter engine, followed by about 15,500 with the torquier 3.0. If this car is a 2.8, that’s not necessarily a point in its favor, especially paired with an automatic transmission. Even so, rust does take an inordinate toll on these cars, and this does look like an unusually solid survivor.
This is listed as a first-year 1971, but all signs point to it actually being a ’72, with some minor external differences (including the painted panel between the new, narrower taillights, which was left as bare stainless every year except ’72) and a telltale strip of wood on the dash replacing the earlier silver trim. Unusually, this car was not originally equipped with air conditioning, and unfortunately, the headrests are missing. Otherwise, the interior looks about as nicely preserved as the outside.
A rising tide lifts all boats, as they say, so as a Bavaria owner, I wouldn’t mind seeing these cars start commanding higher prices. In this case, however, I have to confess: I’ve seen this car advertised off and on (mostly on) for well over a year, and the asking price has actually risen, from $7,000 to its current $9K. I think what we have here is someone who just doesn’t want to sell.
A low-spec Bavaria with a particularly awful slushbox is a money pit with no upside.
Great car with an M30b34 and a 5 speed……mucho fun factor. Its still hard to get used to the turn signal lever on the right side of the column tho.
Ha! After about four years, I no longer turn the wipers on when trying to signal in my other car…but that’s a recent accomplishment.
I wonder if that started the trend among BMW drivers to not use their signals…
“I wonder if that started the trend among BMW drivers to not use their signals…”
FINALLY SOMEONE FIGURED IT OUT……LMFAO
And all this time I thought BMW turn signals were a factory option, rarely installed.
Must be from or lived at one time in Houston Texas, where 98% of drivers are unaware they have turn signals on their cars!
I had a ’72, no air, but with a 4 speed. I loved that car… Wish I still had it.
With a Bavaria you dont need AC or a radio, roll down 4 windows……….and just roll
Was lucky enough to drive a UK spec one of these when i was younger no idea what year (maybe 1975 1976 model UK R regustration) but it was a 3.0 CSi was never lucky enough to come accross a 3210cc Li model!
Bavarias, actually the 2500 e3, and coupes debuted at the same time and are not more modern, and these sedans have sold rotor brakes, coupes are vented. Suspension is identical, not more sophisticated as stated. I own one of each.
I’ll cop to the underdog mentality of the sedan owner and slightly comparing apples to oranges. You are correct that by ’72 the coupes and sedans had more or less achieved parity; however, when the E9 and E3 were introduced in late ’68, the coupe was carryover from the A-pillar back from the older 2000CS, including its rear suspension and drum brakes. The E3, while not a radical departure from the older Neue Klasse designs, was a clean-sheet car with four-wheel discs and slightly revised rear suspension geometry for more stable roadholding. These improvements were phased in to the coupes by 1971.
Owned a 72 Bavaria in this exact color, with auto, air conditioning and rear headrests. Loved that car.
On the lookout for a 72-73 3.0S with power windows, a/c rear headrests.
Nice cars; good value.
Love a 3.0S; they’re very hard to find in pre-big bumper form in the U.S. (’73 only). The trim differences between it and the Bavaria are subtle, but effective, and the leather interior is much more sumptuous. I recently stumbled across a gorgeous one in black over red not too far from where I live; I don’t think it’s for sale, but even if it was I’d probably be scheming how to make it mine and not tell you!
How many sunroof 4/5 speed Bavarias out here on the West Coast did I pass on once upon a time because I didnt want to pay three grand? Hmmm let me count…lol. Can’t the hoi polloi stay away from cars I like? Or is it that Im the hoi polloi? Either way I am always running to catch up!
seems overpriced. as one who has owned lots of old cars when they were new, including a 1972 2002, back when it was a contemporary automobile, and i had many friends who had bavarias and the 3.0Si, the more luxurious version, this car is aggressively priced, and with the 2.8L engine and automatic, not a sterling performer. nice driver, but that’s about it.
I have, what I always thought, was the only 1971 3.0 Liter Bavaria (4 speed) in the US. It was built to US specs, but sold to us in Belgium, in 1971. Great car, but a PITA to get parts for (2500 belts, 2800 this and that, 3.0 parts occasionally), yes and the turn signals are on the right. I would think that 9K is a stretch, but maybe they will get there eventually. Still an absolute blast to cruise around in (almost as much fun as my Model A’s). It’s been in the family since new (dad’s car).
Awesome that you’ve kept the car in your family since new! If you haven’t already, you should list your car in the E3 registry (bmwe3registry.com) and share your story.
Beautiful looking BMW. I used to know someone who had a 1972, maybe a 73 Bavaria. It wasn’t as nice as this one, but it wasn’t bad. :)
I still kick myself for selling my late model 1972 2002tii in the 90’s. Sold it for 6 grand and thought I did well. What a fun car to drive! White with navy blue and a sunroof, and a/c. And took me some time too, after I sold it, to get used to left handed turn signals!
Any idea how many e3 2500’s were imported? I have a ’69 and have yet to see another.
Maybe that’s the $9k car…..