While enthusiasts swoon for BMW’s pretty E9 coupe, the Bavaria sedan is often forgotten about in its wake. This is a shame, as the Bavaria is a usable classic you won’t be afraid to put into commuting duties in fair weather or take on an extended road trip. It’s got plenty of torque, plenty of room and a trunk that will swallow suitcases whole. This example is a California car since new that has recently been puled from long-term outdoor storage. The seller notes it does run well but will need fresh brakes. Find it here on eBay with one bid to $2K and no reserve.
Modern BMW enthusiasts owe a debt of gratitude to the Bavaria, as this is the car that paved the way for the company’s legacy of building high-performance sedans equipped with manual transmissions. Max Hoffman, famed BMW and Porsche importer, convinced the company to change its formula of an equipment-heavy sedan with a smaller motor to a feature-light model with a bigger motor and a stick. The Bavaria featured a 2.8L six-cylinder paired to a four-speed manual and sold at a lower price than the preceding year’s 2800 model. As you can see, this example bears the scars of long-term outdoor storage but retains its vintage California blue plates and dealer plate frame.
Finding one of these sedans equipped with a manual transmission from the factory is special. Although many were configured this way, they’re getting harder to find, especially as an early model with the smaller chrome bumpers. Many cars have been swapped, which is an understandable modification but does detract from originality. This Bavaria has two rust spots on the outside (the passenger-side rear door will need lots of work) but the interior is also in need of help involving rebuilding the front seats and possibly replacing the carpets. The original radio, steering wheel and shift knob all remain in place.
Despite sitting for many, many years, the seller was able to get the motor to fire up with a new fuel pump, lines and a battery. The brakes are still quite soft and will need replacing before being driven far. The seller snatched this Bavaria up from a local charity that received it as a donation, a fact that makes me happy knowing this classic BMW sedan has a chance at being restored. Gold isn’t the best color but it’s period-correct and will look excellent against a refreshed black interior. Reserve is said to be low and this one looks like a manageable project for a driveway restoration.
My Bavaria was a 72, silver with blue interior. 4 speed. I thought the Bavaria had a 3.0 liter engine.. loved that car. One that I wish I had back. Bought it inn 1990 when I was 18, great condition, for $500. Sold it when I got my 1970 914 in 94. Still have the 914!
I think this listing is incorrect as only the ’71 Bavaria was a 2.8. They used a 3 liter beginning in ’72.
Yes, this is a 3.0, as seen on the ID plate under the hood. Ceylon, BMW’s name for this deep gold color, looks amazing when it’s in really nice shape, and really, really bad when it’s not. Not a common color on any model, but especially not on the E3.
Eric, my own silver over blue ’73 Bavaria (not nearly as needy as this one) is currently up for auction on a site that shall not be named around here, if you’d like to relive your youth! :)
I’m watching your auction Nathan. GLWS!
I remember a girl I knew’s father had one of these. He swore they were going to be collectable someday. He was right, but it took another 30 years. Wonder if he still has it.
What’s up with the period incorrect CHMSL?
A lot of CHMSLs were retrofitted in the 80s as a $19.99 safety feature from the local parts store.
These were great cars when new, but this one is a loooong way from being a decent driver. The fuel, brake and cooling systems will need to be gone through completely. That’s before even thinking about the cosmetics and the unsittable seats. And is that a replaced or replacement heater assembly in the trunk?
On the positive side, the moss enhancement on the lower rocker trim provides an unusually charming style note!
I was thinking the same thing about the moss, typical for a Redwood City car that’s been sitting outside long term.
I have always really liked these cars, kind of the big brother of my 72 BMW 2002 I bought in the late 80’s for a thousand bucks from the original owner. Navy blue interior and white paint, sunroof and a/c (if I remember correctly). Immaculate. Amazing what they’re selling for these days. These Bavaria’s haven’t caught up in pricing, so a great way to go. Especially with a stick !
Dr. uncle who always had the “latest” car, ’49 Studebaker Starlight Coupe, ’55 Plymouth Belvedere hardtop, ’60 Plymouth Convertible, ’63 Porsche, which he traded in on a Bavaria. That lasted many more years, until a late ’60 Toronado, followed by an ’81 slope back Caddy, and finally a Mercedes of some sort which lasted over a decade. His wife always had a reasonably new Ford Country Squire. He thought the Bavaria was the best car he ever had.
So it is worth putting back on the road and driving it.
First BMW in our family was a 73 Bavaria , 3.0L with manual trans, Fogs below the front bumper and driving lights above the bumper. Inline BMW 6’s are almost bulletproof as long as they aren’t allowed to over heat and sound great
Always wanted one of these Bavaria’s.
I like this car better than the 1976 model 525 my ex bought many years ago. A week after I bought it the motor blew up. Took me 2 years to find a replacement.
Long term storage? In what a terrarium! Holy cripes! Too bad. If this had a sunroof and wasnt sprouting mold and grass from the rust I would be all over it. Wonder what will be left when it is dipped?
Always liked these one of the few sedans that I would even look at when I was younger.
I bought my silver over blue new in 1971 for $6201. Dealer wouldn’t even shave the dollar off! One test drive was all it took. I headed out of the dealership and remarked how fast it was compared to my 1969 2002. The dealer replied, “Next time try it in first gear”. I was in third! Actually they sold for less then the 2500, let alone the 2800. And with the 2800 gearing it was the fastest car BMW made, they advertised 128 mph and mine clocked at 134. The silver paint failed like most BMWs from that time period and I resprayed it in silver Imron in the early 1980s to sell it.
I’ll let you all know what, indeed, is left when this marvelous
Heirloom of our collective youth is dipped . BTW, special thanks to
The Hack Mechanic himself, my old high school buddy Rob , for helping
further drain my already emaciated slush fund. Semper fi!
Keep us updated. I’d love to see what lurks beneath the terrarium :)
Hey gang! Ceylon Bavaria running VERY strong! Bilstiens, Style 5 17s, 225/45 pilot sports, so far. PS works well, PBS work well, run cool , winds out to redline very nice. Peter at Coupeking recently provided me with a great right rear door and as of today, A/C working!!! Rebuilding calipers tomorrow. All the moss washed right off. Even the toolkit was mostly intact. I do need an original owners manual, though.
Hey all, the Bavaria is awesome. All new brakes,rolling stock and major service. I even found some service history in Redwood City bummer shop!!! Car is fast and rock steady on the back roads of west Marin. It is available , as I recently acquired a Mercedes 500e.
Post a pix when you can…..always liked these …passed on a couple over the years. Good Luck!