1974 BMW 3.5 CSi

OVERVIEW

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Previously owned by movie and TV star Tim Allen
One of 451 built between 1/74 and 12/75
Comprehensive restoration and upgraded components
Utmost attention to detail using only restored, renewed or replaced NOS BMW parts
Canepa upgrades for an understated “sleeper” BMW
Pair of custom-upholstered Recaro seats included in matching color
Includes trunk tool kit, jack, spare, and owner’s manual
Includes set of 16” BBS wheels and color-matched CSL-style air dam

The BMW E9 mode, which encompassed the 2800 CS of the late Sixties to the 3.0CS of the early Seventies was one of the most beautiful cars ever produced by BMW. Its pillarless window design, refined curves and purposeful interior made it an instant classic. With a retail price almost twice of its competitors it remained a low production halo car for the up-and-coming Bavarian manufacturer.

This BMW, 4335290, began life as one of the 451 examples of the 3.0 CSA/USA built by BMW between 1/74 and 12/75, but over the years it has become so much more. In October of 1990, then-owner Bruce McGrath set about completing a full restoration of the car. However, this wouldn’t just be an ordinary restoration, but would change the character of the car for the better.

Bruce wanted to extract more performance out of the fabulous E9 chassis, so the decision was made to create his own 3.5CSi. To that end, he sourced a low-mileage 1986 BMW 535i with a 5-speed manual transmission and purchased it, removing the driveline and preparing it for a transplant into his car. The 3.0 was completely disassembled and stripped to bare metal. Bavarian Machines of Denver, CO was entrusted with the stripping, reassembly, and mechanical work on the car. Stander Auto Body of Englewood, CO took care of the bodywork.

During the 5-year effort, every component was restored, renewed, or replaced with NOS factory BMW parts. No system or part was overlooked, and no shortcuts were taken. The goal was a concours-level car with no excuses. To call this a no-expense-spared build is an understatement. Between 1990 and 1995, over $90,000 was spent on the restoration and conversion.

During reassembly the 3.0’s original M30 engine was replaced with the later fuel-injected 3.4-liter M30B34 engine fitted with the Motronic Bosch engine management system and a Dinan performance chip. The original 3-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission from the 535i, and the later car’s more robust differential was fitted to the E9 chassis. Modern R134A air-conditioning was installed in the car, along with an updated suspensions system with Bilstein shocks, 16” Alpina wheels, and front/rear sway bars.

The interior was next, and Foothills Upholstery of Steamboat, CA and Auto Weave Upholstery of Denver, CO would bring the original interior back to life. Sourcing genuine German Marine Blue hides, the original front and rear seats and door panels were reupholstered, along with new Recaro seats recovered to match the rest of the interior (included with the car). The dash was restored and all the instruments were rebuilt, along with a BMW 325 tachometer installed into the original 3.0 housing to handle the signal from the new powerplant. Even a clever little wood plate was added to the dash to seamlessly display the later motor’s service lights.

To finish off the updating of the E9, Excalibur Sound Systems of Denver, CO was unleashed on the car to install a new sound system, alarm, radar detector, power door locks, air horn, and radar jammer. This work along would amount to over $10,000.

In 2013 the BMW returned to Canepa after a number of years with popular celebrity Tim Allen. During this visit Canepa added some tasteful modifications to the car to enhance the car’s “sleeper” appeal. The bumpers were moved as close to the body as you possibly could, 16” Alpina wheels were added, the ride height was lowered approximately 1”, and the wheel arch extensions were painted to match the rest of the body. After a short time, it was sold to its most recent owner who kept the car for over 6 years, enjoying the car and using it for its intended purpose.

It recently returned to Canepa where it was treated to a full concours-level detailing and a comprehensive mechanical inspection. The car comes complete with its full trunk tool kit, jack, spare, and owner’s manual. In addition, it also comes with its matching interior color Recaro seats (which were reupholstered at the time of restoration), four black 16” BBS wheels, and a CSL-style air dam paint matched to the car. Now is your chance to own an understated “sleeper” BMW, complete with modifications that make it a dream to drive and a jewel to behold.