# BMW 3.0 S Sedan (1971-1977) The BMW 3.0 S sedan represents Bavaria's first serious foray into luxury sport sedans, featuring a silky-smooth 3.0-liter inline-six producing around 180 horsepower. Distinguished by its elegant "New Six" styling and quad headlights, it bridged the gap between the Neue Klasse and the coming 5 Series. Period reviewers praised its sophisticated engine, excellent handling, and build quality, though some noted modest acceleration compared to rivals. The 3.0 S remains overshadowed by its CS coupe siblings but is cherished by enthusiasts for representing BMW's sporting DNA in four-door form. These sedans are increasingly collectible, particularly well-maintained examples. They're best suited for classic car enthusiasts seeking a driver-quality classic with parts availability, offering comfortable vintage touring with respectable performance—ideal for weekend drives rather than daily commuting.
The BMW 3.0S sedan requires frequent valve adjustments and carburetor tuning. Parts are increasingly scarce and expensive, often requiring imports from Europe. The fuel injection system (on later models) needs specialist knowledge. Rust prevention is critical. Insurance costs are moderate as collector vehicles, but finding qualified mechanics familiar with vintage BMWs significantly increases maintenance expenses.
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