The BMW 2800 CS (1968-1971) was an elegant grand touring coupe that established BMW's luxury performance credentials. Designed by Wilhelm Hofmeister with restrained, pillarless styling, it featured a 2.8-liter inline-six producing 170 horsepower—brisk for its era but sometimes criticized as underpowered for the car's sporting pretensions. Enthusiasts praise its timeless proportions, refined road manners, and mechanical robustness, though some note its recirculating-ball steering lacks precision by modern standards. The 2800 CS directly preceded the iconic 3.0 CS/CSL models, making it somewhat overshadowed historically. Today, it's prized by collectors seeking understated 1960s elegance and BMW heritage. Well-suited for weekend touring and classic car events, it offers analog driving dynamics and appreciating values. Restoration requires patience—rust and parts scarcity are common challenges, but active owner communities provide excellent support.
The 1968-1971 BMW 2800 CS requires specialty parts often imported from Europe, making maintenance expensive. Carburetors need frequent tuning, and rust remediation is common. Finding mechanics experienced with vintage BMWs is challenging. Insurance can be reasonable through classic car policies. Contrary to perception, the M30 engine is quite reliable if properly maintained.
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