BMW E3 winter storage parking spot, sales and performance
BMW E3

Winter Storage Parking Spot

If you’re like me, I’m wondering where my parking spot is for winter storage.

BMW E3

The BMW E3, produced from 1968 to 1977, was a luxurious full-size sedan that solidified BMW’s status as a luxury car manufacturer. With its sleek design, powerful engines, and unparalleled performance, the E3 series was a marvel of its time. This article outlines the best features, performance, and known sales of every BMW E3 produced, focusing on horsepower, torque, 0-60 acceleration, and engine size.

BMW 2500 (1968–1973)

The BMW 2500 was the first model in the E3 series, introduced in 1968. It featured a 2.5-liter inline-six engine producing 148 horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque. This model accelerated from 0-60 mph in 9.9 seconds, demonstrating its impressive performance. The 2500 remained in production until 1973, with a total of 21,495 units sold worldwide.

BMW 2800 (1968–1971)

Launched simultaneously with the 2500, the BMW 2800 boasted a 2.8-liter inline-six engine generating 168 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This powerful sedan achieved a 0-60 mph time of 9.2 seconds, showcasing its enhanced performance over the 2500. The 2800 saw a production run of 7,974 units before being replaced by the 3.0S in 1971.

BMW 3.0S (1971–1974)

The 3.0S was introduced in 1971 as a successor to the 2800, featuring a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This powerplant produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 3.0S to reach 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds. A total of 9,473 units were produced during its three-year production run, making it a highly sought-after model among collectors.

BMW 3.0Si (1971–1975)

Launched alongside the 3.0S, the 3.0Si model featured a fuel-injected version of the 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The upgraded engine produced 200 horsepower and 211 lb-ft of torque, enabling the 3.0Si to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. This powerful sedan enjoyed a production run of 4,593 units, appealing to enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance.

BMW Bavaria (1971–1974)

The Bavaria was a North American-exclusive model based on the 3.0S. Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, matching the 3.0S in performance. The Bavaria’s 0-60 mph time was 8.7 seconds, and it sold 17,934 units during its production run, making it a popular choice for American buyers.

BMW 3.0SA (1973–1975)

The 3.0SA was an automatic variant of the 3.0S, featuring a three-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with the same 3.0-liter inline-six engine, it produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0SA’s 0-60 mph time was slightly slower at 9.3 seconds due to the automatic transmission. A total of 3,127 units were produced during its two-year run.

BMW 3.0SBav (1974–1975)

The 3.0SBav was the automatic version of the Bavaria, specifically for the North American market. With the same 3.0-liter inline-six engine, it produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph time for the 3.0SBav was 9.3 seconds, identical to the 3.0SA. During its brief production run, 1,203 units were manufactured, making it a rarer option among E3 models.

BMW 2.5CS (1974–1975)

The 2.5CS was a short-lived model that used the 2.5-liter inline-six engine from the 2500, producing 148 horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque. This model had a 0-60 mph time of 9.9 seconds, similar to its predecessor. With only 1,095 units produced, the 2.5CS remains one of the rarest E3 models.

BMW 3.3L (1974–1975)

The 3.3L was a luxury-oriented model with an extended wheelbase for additional rear passenger space. It featured a 3.3-liter inline-six engine that produced 190 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3L’s 0-60 mph time was 8.9 seconds, offering a balance of luxury and performance. A total of 1,265 units were produced during its brief production run.

BMW 3.3Li (1975–1977)

The 3.3Li was the fuel-injected version of the 3.3L, designed to offer increased performance. With the upgraded engine, it produced 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3Li achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest E3 models. Only 1,710 units were produced, further adding to its desirability among collectors.

The BMW E3 series was a groundbreaking lineup of luxury sedans that showcased the brand’s dedication to performance, engineering, and style. With a range of powerful engines and attractive features, the E3 models continue to be admired by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Although production ceased in 1977, the E3’s legacy lives on in BMW’s ongoing commitment to producing luxurious, high-performance vehicles.

Winter Storage

If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, it’s a smart move to consider parking your car in winter storage. Not only does it protect your vehicle from potential damage caused by snow, ice, and salt, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure. Storing your car properly during the winter months helps avoid rust, dust, rodents, and anything else.  Consider an indoor or outdoor unit from us.