Should I Trade my SC for a BMW 3.0cs?

[scotricker]

Can't decide, but might have an offer to trade my high mileage 78 SC, for a very low miles, one owner bmw 3.0cs. I've always wanted one of those, too! I haven't seen the car yet, but just talking with the owner... I can post pics this weekend. Any opinions?

If it has AC, I'll be stoked!

[CCM911]

Why not? If I am not mistaken, a 3.0cs would be rarer than the SC you are currently driving, which may mean the BMW would provide a better return on the investment side. Plus it looks cool.

Any way you can keep the SC AND buy the 3.0?

[Josh D]

If the 3.0CS is in good shape and rust free, I'd say go for it! It's a much rarer car than an SC. You could always pick up another SC down the road, but could you say the same for the BMW?

[hcoles]

I say go for the BMW, hopefully the durability/repairability for DIY is much better than the recent models. I've always wanted one of those also. I had a 2002 years ago and it was a great car for the day.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by hcoles

I say go for the BMW, hopefully the durability/repairability for DIY is much better than the recent models. I've always wanted one of those also. I had a 2002 years ago and it was a great car for the day.

I would not have hesitated to make that trade.

[PropellerHead]

Depends on condition. The 3.0cs is a very cool vintage car. They are rust prone though so do a very careful evaluation of the uni-body. It isn't as 'sporty' as the 911 but is more of a touring car. You'll miss the feel/handling of the Porsche but the rarity of the 3.0cs and the unique lines make it a head turner. Less 'boy racer' appeal than the 911. At some point perhaps you can have both. In that case, the SC is probably a lot less expensive to replace in 5 years time.

I'm a BMW fan (and a Porsche fan too) and would never trade my '71 911T coupe for a 3.0CS. But from an investment standpoint the 3.0CS is a good position to be in. So is the 911SC if it is a stellar example. But an average 911SC is easy to replace if you decide to return to Porsche ownership.

[uwanna]

0h My God, go for it! I've owned many 911s, but the best car I ever owned was a Silver w/blue leather BMW 3.0CS hands down! The one caveat that was mentioned is propensity to body rust. The rust typically starts around the hood area. When you see the car, lift the hood and check around the black hood grill thingys. If there is any evidence of rust or repaired rust, then do an extensive exam of the complete car.
As far as classics, they don't get much cooler or "classic" than a 3.0CS. You can find a 911SC any day of the week almost anywhere, a 3.0CS not so much. LOL
When I first owned mine back in the mid '70s, BMW as a brand was not very well known by the general public. Had friends look at the 3.0CS and guess it was a Corvair.(due to the general shape I guess). But when I gave them a ride or let them drive it they fell in love. Wish I still had it, but we all make mistakes!
EDIT: just noticed you are in NM. If the car is a lifelong NM arid Southwest rustfree example, don't hesitate for a second!

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by uwanna

0h My God, go for it! I've owned many 911s, but the best car I ever owned was a Silver w/blue leather BMW 3.0CS hands down! The one caveat that was mentioned is propensity to body rust. The rust typically starts around the hood area. When you see the car, lift the hood and check around the black hood grill thingys. If there is any evidence of rust or repaired rust, then do an extensive exam of the complete car.
As far as classics, they don't get much cooler or "classic" than a 3.0CS. You can find a 911SC any day of the week almost anywhere, a 3.0CS not so much. LOL
When I first owned mine back in the mid '70s, BMW as a brand was not very well known by the general public. Had friends look at the 3.0CS and guess it was a Corvair.(due to the general shape I guess). But when I gave them a ride or let them drive it they fell in love. Wish I still had it, but we all make mistakes!
EDIT: just noticed you are in NM. If the car is a lifelong NM arid Southwest rustfree example, don't hesitate for a second!

I made some assumptions in my "don't hesistate" post - one was that the two owners knew one another well enough to not be trading hidden basket cases, and that the SC owner knew a little something about the 3.0CS.

Even with some rust, the rarity of the BMW might make it a worthwhile trade.

[uwanna]

The main reason rust damage is so crucial on the 3.0CS is the body type. The body was built by the Karmann body werks and being a "coachwork built" body, it is all one piece. They typically rust in the front end, and there are no bolt on front fenders (just like a 356 Porsche). The plus on the one piece body is they are "tight as a tick" and nary a rattle or squeak. Between 1971-1975 Karmann built a total of 21,147 CS coupes. (2800CS and 3.0CS) Not a lot when you consider that's total worldwide production, plus very few came to to US vs 911SCs. Whereas 58,914 911SC were built with a huge portion of those coming to the US. I think the reason a lot more SCs are still around is they had the great galvanized bodies vs plain steel on the BMW 3.0CS.

[Hnichols]

To repeat what others have said, it all depends on the rust situation. Being a one-owner car, low miles, etc. isn't as vital for old BMW's as for Porsches because the mechanicals are generally more durable and less expensive to restore. The mileage claims of most 2002's for sale are meaningless because the odometers have flipped over at least once.

The E9's are even more prone to rust than the 2002s, and to make matters more difficult, the main areas to look at, the rear shock mounts and the rocker panels, are not directly accessible; they're covered by panels which are not always easy to remove and persuade the owners to remove. So you have to be VERY careful inspecting these cars.

I think the CS is one of the most beautiful cars made, certainly the best looking BMW. They are wonderful cars. But their vulnerability to rust will make you appreciate the galvanized body of the SC.

One of the main arguments for getting my 911 (an '88 Carrera), in fact, was that it was the Porsche equivalent of old BMW with a galvanized body.

Hugh

[Todd Simpson]

3.0CS's may be rare, but they're not hard to find. The 2800CS is pretty much the same car, so include those in your search if you want an E9. The 2000CS is the four cylinder model with the weird front end.

A one owner, low mileage CS could fetch $50K++ so a trade would be a no brainer....except....they rust from the inside out, so CS's can look amazing and be worthless.

Like this one-it hit $7500 on ebay and didn't meet reserve. Nice looking car!



And here are the front strut towers, same car.



The fenders on this car need to be cut off, and all this rust cut out and replaced, then weld the fenders back on, then repaint the car. The trunk, the spare tire well, the rockers and the window frames will all be the same or worse than this if the strut towers look this bad.

Interior has lots of parts that are NLA too, and that is a pain compared to the simplicity of a 911.

[vash]

if the bmw is clean, i would do it in a heartbeat..

it is one of my top 4 favorite vintage rides. (non 4x4 )

[Macroni]

Originally Posted by scotricker

Can't decide, but might have an offer to trade my high mileage 78 SC, for a very low miles, one owner bmw 3.0cs. I've always wanted one of those, too! I haven't seen the car yet, but just talking with the owner... I can post pics this weekend. Any opinions?

If it has AC, I'll be stoked!

offer to good to be true if it is a nice BMW

[Jon B]

Go to BMW 3.0cs, 3.0csi, 2800cs, and BMW CSL e9 models coupe site for information, forum, diagram of rust-prone areas.

I've owned a '72 BMW 3.0CS for years, beautiful car but different than a Porsche 911, more GT than sportscar. As mentioned, body condition is everything- strut/shock towers, fenders, longitudinals, pans, complicated to repair properly. Beautiful 6-cylinder engine, very strong mechanicals, most everything is available, shared many things with e3 sedans. Increasing support from BMW/Mobile Tradition. Some trim items are an issue, but not on Porsche/Ferrari level. Very few still have original engines- numbers match, literally.

One-owner, low-mileage collector cars are rare opportunities.

[TWOZTER]

That is one of the most beatiful cars ever made...would trade my 911 in a heart beat for the same reasons above....

I can get a 1985 Targa next month if I need too...3.0CS, not so much.

I say done deal if both cars are of equal "shape".

BTW, the 911 is no slouch in the beauty department either....

[Mister Moo]

Very cool question - like the Riddle of the Sphinx.

[uwanna]

Originally Posted by Werkstatt

Go to BMW 3.0cs, 3.0csi, 2800cs, and BMW CSL e9 models coupe site for information, forum, diagram of rust-prone areas.

I've owned a '72 BMW 3.0CS for years, beautiful car but different than a Porsche 911, more GT than sportscar. As mentioned, body condition is everything- strut/shock towers, fenders, longitudinals, pans, complicated to repair properly. Beautiful 6-cylinder engine, very strong mechanicals, most everything is available, shared many things with e3 sedans. Increasing support from BMW/Mobile Tradition. Some trim items are an issue, but not on Porsche/Ferrari level. Very few still have original engines- numbers match, literally.

One-owner, low-mileage collector cars are rare opportunities.

BE STILL MY HEART!!! That car is a clone of the one I owned from '73-79. The only car I ever truly LOVED! I found the car used in the old tabloid version of Autoweek back in '73. The car was a thousand miles away in Fla. I had previouly seen a new one at the local Texas dealer and fell in love at first site! When I told my then wife that I had bought a car long distance, site unseen, she told me I was nuts and asked what the hell is a BMW! Anyway, I flew the family to Jacksonville to go pick up the car. When the owner picked us up at the airport, my wife took one look and fell in love. The car was so tight and quiet that you could hardly hear that wonderful six at idle. In fact, the engine ran so smooth , I swear you could set a glass of water on the valve cover and barely see a ripple! Then there is the beautiful wood trimmed dash and interior as well as the totally upholstered trunk compartment with the built in tool kit.
I used the car as a DD for a couple of years, till one day while driving with the wife, I spyed a great looking used 911 for sale on the side of the road. She exclaimed, "why don't you buy that 911, you've missed your last one since you sold it". Well her scheming worked and I sucummed, bought the 911 and gave her the 3.0CS. She loved that car and drove it for five more years (even though it was a stick and she previously had only driven automatic) until we traded for a 530 as she needed more of a kid hauler. Boy what a bummer, that first year 530 was a piece of s##t.
Anyway, many thanks for the memories!

[pplkook]

Originally Posted by scotricker

Can't decide, but might have an offer to trade my high mileage 78 SC, for a very low miles, one owner bmw 3.0cs. I've always wanted one of those, too! I haven't seen the car yet, but just talking with the owner... I can post pics this weekend. Any opinions?

If it has AC, I'll be stoked!

It sounds too good to be true. It really doesn't take much in terms of using teh googles to figure out this is a slam dunk if it isn't a rust bucket.

-Jack

[80-911SC]

If you do we will need to ask you to move over to the BMW forums and will not let you return until you buy another Porsche ... You will be banished ....

Honestly check out the Bemmer forum on the other side of the Pelican ... they could give you some good in-site on the CS ....

Good luck ... what ever you chose ....

you could still hang out here if you feel lonely though ......

Steve

[Nine17]

The 2800 and 3.0 CS BMW's are notorious rust buckets, and they DO rust from the inside out. As coach built cars they are VERY expensive to fix right. I second the warnings above and I own (and love) BMW's.

One of the most lovely GT's ever built, but rare today for a reason. Caveat emptor.