The early CS-series BMWs are a rare sight on American roads today. The vertical drop-off of the front end sets the 2000 CS apart from later models, but still retains lines that are recognizable in the later 2002s. This CS has some interesting Europe-only attributes, such as glassed-in headlamps instead of the US-version sealed-beam units. It is available in New Mexico with an asking price of $12,500 on craigslist.
Part of what’s known as Neu Klasse BMWs, the 2000CS was a transition car, bridging the gap between the Bertone-styled 503 and the later 3.0CS coupe (similar to the one featured here a few weeks ago). Everything about the car was unique to this platform – engine, styling, and interior, and it was almost entirely handbuilt by Karmann. You can clearly see the lineage between this and the 3.0, especially when both the front and rear quarter windows are down, creating an open-air cabin. This car appears story-free, with all brightwork in good order, decent paint and seemingly straight body lines.
Engine-wise, the C-model was equipped with the venerable four-cylinder that would eventually power the 2002, an ideal balance of weight and power. Fortunately, the CS featured here has the uprated engine with dual carbs, 120 b.h.p., and the only offered transmission, a four-speed manual. The seller does not offer much info on the mechanical health of the car, but the photos show a clean engine bay with what appears to be some newer parts and rust-free shock towers. Still, we’d ask for a full debrief on any recent work.
One area where these cars stand out is their interiors. Injected with an added dose of luxury, walnut trim abounds on the dash, door panels, steering wheel, and shift knob. Seats are typical vinyl instead of leather, and this example does not have the elusive clip-on headrests. The seller does acknowledge the interior is the car’s weak point, and we can spot some masking-tape repairs on the passenger door-pull, a hole in the dash where a vent once resided, and a sagging headliner. This could be a bargaining point for interested buyers, and we’d also want to see what’s under those seat covers. Hopefully, there are solid floors beneath the clean black carpets.
Production numbers reached around 11,000 for the 2000CS series coupes, but they’re not often seen on the roads today. Although the sharp lines and unusual nose may not find appeal with all BMW fans, it is still a terrific touring coupe in the classic German car tradition. While we suspect this car may have originally been sold in the European market, it looks to have survived with many original features intact. The only thing we might add is a set of Talbot racing mirrors placed far out on the front fenders. Rust-free cars do command a premium, but with all the interior flaws, is this one worth the asking price?
I think $12,500 is a bit much. Nice rust free NM car is a definite plus.
Im thinking more like $6500-$7200. MAX.
paint is faded, interior is complete, but deteriorated, unknown mechanicals…it’s a perfect restoration project… he has it priced at a very clean needs nothing survivor car which it is not….5-6k honestly only because the shell “appears” rust free…
This one looks to have a good body, but these Karmann bodies are very susceptible to rusting from the inside out in the doglegs, rockers, and pretty much everywhere low down and sometimes even high up like the spring towers. If it has been in NM most of the time that probably accounts for the body looking far better than these bodies usually look. The low shots in the CL ad appear to show pretty good inner fender areas ahead of both rear wheels, and a good rear valence and RH door sill. The engine bay seems OK but there is some rattle can black on the sides and front, but fortunately not on the firewall, so the bay may be OK too. The interior needs work, as pointed out.
This would probably be a good, maybe easy project to get it to good driver status *if* the drivetrain and suspension check out, but it is priced above market for a driver 2000CS already, so this will need a very special buyer who really wants one and is willing to pay over market for it because it seems to have a better than average body for an unrestored car.
I think this is the first Bimmer that I could walk away from even if someone offered to give it to me. Now if you could cut 4 inches off the green house, now that would be x-celent
Karmann bodies are as prone to rust as any German auto body, prior to when dipping them in rust-proofing liquid, circa the mid-Seventies, became the norm. But consider the fact of where this car is located, and might have spent its entire life: Arizona. Not a lot of rust out, due to the weather there. The paint might be baked and the interior cracked, due to the sun, but those are the issues. As we can see the former is true and the latter may be true also, under those seat covers.
Ultimately, buying a car off the Internet, is akin to how auto-buying was, pre-Internet, when you were using a phone to talk to a person selling a car, in another locale; and you were reading a want-ad or one in Hemmings, Old Cars Weekly or some other print publication. At some point, you or a friend (or associate) or yours, had to go look at the car in person. That’s ultimately what this rare machine will require.
The current issue of the NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) Classic, Collectible, Exotic and Muscle Car Appraisal Guide & Directory shows the average value for a 1967 BMW 2000CS coupe to be $21,300; and the low value to be $13,600. Figuring (as have most others prior to me) that this is one that needs work, the seller’s asking price seems fair.
But ask to look at it, before signing a Bill of Sale. If the seller balks at that, then you might want to seriously consider waiting for the next ’67 BMW 2000CS coupe to show up. Admittedly, that might be a long wait, but weigh that against how much money you have for restoration and repairs. In any event, if you buy this one, or that next one, join the BMW Car Club of America. It’s a way to meet helpful people, secure needed parts at a discount (most of the time) and keep a magazine that keeps you in on things germaine to vintage BMWs.
I hate to burst anybody’s bubble, but a quick answer to your question : “Is it worth the asking price ?”, NO, and that is confirmed by the fact that this car has been listed on craigslist on and off for at least a year now. And that’s how old the photos are….
As mentioned in the first three posts, the asking price is a bit much, double of what it would reasonably sell for.
NADA is nuts. You can get a mint flawless one for less than their average…….
If it was priced right, then a witty European web surfer would have found and bought it.
No such luck.
Having said that: this is by far my favorite BMW.
Unique styling, the front especially, with the Euro Headlights is awesome.
Most restored cars look better than even great original ones.
Change in paint, wheels , stance, suspension ??
I love this car but he’s asking WAY too much for it…the market for old BMW’s hasn’t nor isn’t going to be there. Better for those of us with skinny wallets, when a really good Bavaria could be had for a quarter to half of that price. Still, when’s the last time you saw that nose on the road?
Would anyone know how to contact the seller. the CL post has expired and there appears to be no other contact information.
Thank you,
DM