Model code: 3451

Exterior color (paint code): Polaris metallic (060)

Factory options:
City Package: air conditioning, crank front windows, fixed rear windows, steel doors

Comments:
Has been sitting for 20 years until 2008. No rust. "Batmobile" front airdam and rear spoiler now installed. Car damaged in the rear right corner.

Comments 2010:

This 1973 BMW 3.0CSL presents an interesting quandary. It was fully restored in 2008 but at some time prior had a rear-end collision and now carries a salvage title. That might keep the price low relative to other CSL’s, but the car will always have an asterisk next to its name as a result. Worth the risk? The active bidders seem to think so. Find it on ebay in San Mateo, California with the modest reserve already met.

The rubber-edged rear spoiler, CSL side striping, and the front airdam make for an attractive package, especially on a silver car. We don’t miss the upper rear window spoiler that is sometimes added, but swapping in a lightweight black rear bumper might make for a nicer contrast. The 14″ wheels and pricey Michelin XWX tires maintain the stock look.

Chrome fender trim is a no-no in every other place but here, as these cars came with polished stainless arch trim. The matching stripes across the front fiberglass aren’t often seen but look great. The interior looks clean with the CSL Motorsport steering wheel and the shoulder supporting Scheel bucket seats. Under that shifter hides a 5-speed transmission which would not have come stock.

The seller is up-front about the salvage title history, which we appreciate. If the winning bidder we’d ask for photos from the accident or the repair, but they wouldn’t be much of an issue if the repairs and current body work check out okay. The 5-speed addresses the only real driveability shortcoming of the car, and the only other modification might be a spare set of 16″ Alpina wheels so you can preserve your XWX’s. So if the title disclaimer means that this car will stay cheap enough to go into the hands of someone who will drive it instead of stash it away, we say bravo.

Courtesy "bring a trailer".

1. 6/1/2010: For sale on eBay for $52,600 and 15 bidders
2. 2008 to 2010: Ron Perry (United States of America)
3. 2008: barn find in Southern California
4. Livraison/delivery: Germany
5. Production: May 1973