The 'Batmobile.' BMW's most successful racing coupe. The aerodynamic package of front splitter, roof spoiler, and massive rear wing was so extreme it had to be shipped in the trunk for customer self-installation. Dominated European Touring Car Championship. Art Cars by Calder, Lichtenstein, and Warhol.
History
CSL stood for Coupe Sport Leichtbau (lightweight). BMW stripped the E9 coupe of its steel panels, replacing doors, hood, and trunk with aluminum. Thinner glass, no sound deadening, and lightweight bumpers saved over 200 kg.
The 3.0-liter M30 inline-six was enlarged to 3,003cc (and later 3,153cc) to move into a higher racing class where BMW believed the competition would be weaker. In road trim, the engine produced 206 hp. In full Group 2 racing specification, it exceeded 350 hp.
The aerodynamic package was the car's visual signature: a deep front air dam, a roof-mounted spoiler, and an enormous rear wing. German regulations prohibited these appendages on road cars, so BMW shipped them in the trunk with installation instructions.
The 3.0 CSL dominated the European Touring Car Championship, winning six consecutive titles from 1973 to 1979. It also competed at Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring.
Alexander Calder painted the first BMW Art Car on a 3.0 CSL in 1975, starting a tradition that continued with Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons.
1,265 road cars were built. Values now range from EUR 150,000 to EUR 400,000 depending on specification.
Production & Heritage
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine Details
Performance
Tags
Designed by BMW Design (based on E9 by Wilhelm Hofmeister)
From the 1970s
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P1800