Barn Find California E9 1970 BMW 2800cs 4sp Manual, Silver / Blue Leather
Summary: Blue plate California survivor E9 1970 BMW 2800cs coupe. Original 4sp manual in the fantastic combo of polaris silver and blue leather. AC, power windows and manual sunroof car.
Details: Original San Francisco “barn find” BMW discovered non running in a car port in Pleasanton Ca. Odometer says 21,832. Likely 121,832. Orignal records for first 25 or so years in San Francisco.
To set expectations: The BMW is over 50 years old and is an original car that has not been restored. Starts up easily and drives well but will need more sorting (AC system hasn’t been tested and the window motors are very slow. Lots of work has been done to make it a driver (see list below.)
More: The car was repainted at some point and looks ok from a distance but has chips here and there and faided clear coat on the hood. The interior is orignal and complete, the leather is dry and there are some tears on the front seats, especially driver so it has a cover. The dash vinyl and dash wood are in great shape and door cards are excellent. Trunk is complete with vinyl interior in great shape and has the original toolkit 95% populated. Sunroof leaks a bit when washing and honestly I haven’t tracked down if seals or just need drains cleaned. (I just keep it with a car cover and in a carport).
Engine: a local San Rafael Ca BMW shop, Bill Arnold BMW, did an inspection, tuneup, and compression test. Compression isn’t great on 4 of the 6 cylinders, they range from 115-140. However the car is very driveable with good power and doesn’t smoke. It’s got original zenith twin carburetors
Rust: unless it’s just been restored, it’s seems like all E9 BMW cs’ coupes have it. Question is how much and where do I’ll be as detailed and honest as I can. This 2800cs is a bit of an oddity. Overall it’s definitely a California car with little significant rust. They are some tiny rust bubbles starting in a few typical body locations like the front door bottoms and bottom of front fenders (see photos).
There is however more significant rust that includes some thru holes around the base seams of the front shock towers and a couple of spots and holes along the front fender top flanges (below the bolts and not visible from outside, only seen when you open the hood). My best guess is that the previous owner stored the car in a carport with the front sticking out and less covered — this might have caused this rust.
The front shock tower rust was completely hidden under the factory butyl coating when I bought it. Looked perfect. I only found it later when pressing hard and heard a cracking sound. I chased it back and painted it with a rust converter to stop it from getting any worse (the black purple color you see now). The rest of the car looks pretty good with only surface stuff. The only other significant rust I’ve found is a hole in the spare tire well which looks like it was already patched since inside doesn’t have a hole. There is no significant rust I can see around the sunroof, floors or rockers etc.
So, it’s bottom line is that it’s very driveable and enjoyable now, either drive as is or yes obviously it’s a good candidate for a restoration with 5spd and B35 engine upgrade. Windows and AC are probably the next things to be addressed.
Recent work and parts in last couple years:
– Tires general 195/70R14 including spare.
– Silicone Ireland Engineering Radiator and coolant hoses (new heater hoses included too but haven’t installed)
– Thermostat 70c (at some point should replace w 75C but was out of stock)
– Thermostat housing (later model).
– New Aluminum Radiator (includes old one if you want to recore).
– New coolant cap.
– Block flush thru rear drainage (right way)
– Tune up, plugs cap, rotor, points etc.
– Oil change
– New Rear brake cylinders
– New SS Rear brake hoses (new fronts included too but not installed).
– Brake system complete fluid flush w OEM ATE fluid.
– New Clarion Blue Tooth stereo with phone sync (mic)
– New JBL rear speakers (didn’t bother replacing the single front, door cards not cut).
– Replaced 3 exhaust system rubber mounts BMW
– New BMW center exhaust mount with rubber and fabricated bottom clamp.
– Replaced Drivers left side door mirror.
Includes:
– Includes orignal books
– Maintenance records until about 2000.
– New stainless braided front brake hoses
– Ireland engineering heater hoses (got complete hose set but haven’t installed yet).
– Original brass radiator.
– Full set of factory service manuals
– Chilton BMW manual
– Hanes manual.
– Outdoor car cover.
Why selling? BMW E9 coupes have always been my dream car so when I found this one I bought it. I was also 1/2 through a Porsche 912 project with a bunch of funds already invested in parts. Sadly I’ve realized I just don’t have time for both and the 912’s in pieces so the the BMW (honestly better car of the two) has got to go.
For questions contact me directly via email at rudycraigs at gmail.com. I’m happy to share more photos (eBay limits me to 40) and even do a video chat if you’re a serious potential buyer.
I have the car listed locally so may withdraw this listing. I’ll want a cashiers check or wire transfer. I have the clean California tittle that I can sign over. I’m happy to meet with a shipper as long as they will give me a 4 hr window with a couple of days notice. Thanks for your interest. Be well.
Price: $26,500
More info: Click here to see original eBay auction and get more information (Affiliate link)
Seller's other items: rudy135 (Affiliate link)
Location: Mill Valley, California, United States
