The 'Shark.' The pillarless coupe that started BMW's GT dynasty. The E9 body, built by Karmann, introduced the Hofmeister kink that became BMW's signature design element. Platform for the legendary 3.0 CSL Batmobile.
History
The E9 coupe began as the 2800 CS in 1968, evolving into the 3.0 CS and CSi by 1971. Karmann built the bodies with frameless side windows, creating an elegance that BMW sedans couldn't match.
Wilhelm Hofmeister's rear window treatment, with the C-pillar kink that bears his name, became the most enduring design element in BMW's visual language. Every BMW since has featured a version of the Hofmeister kink.
The M30 3.0-liter inline-six produced 180 PS in carbureted CS form and 200 PS with fuel injection in the CSi. The engine was smooth, responsive, and set the template for BMW's inline-six philosophy.
The E9 platform spawned the 3.0 CSL Batmobile, one of the most successful racing coupes in history. But the standard CS/CSi was the car that established BMW as a maker of beautiful, driver-focused grand tourers.
11,063 E9 coupes were built across all variants. Clean 3.0 CSi examples command EUR 60,000 to EUR 100,000.
Production & Heritage
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine Details
Performance
Tags
Designed by Wilhelm Hofmeister / Karmann
