Selling a 1971 BMW E9

 

Ten years following its 1961 New Class introduction, Bavarian Motor Works was enjoying a full decade of uninterrupted success on all fronts. From a design/engineering standpoint, the manufacturer was innovating relentlessly. From a sales/marketing perspective, the BMW brand had rarely been so celebrated or so profitable. With every passing year, BMW was reliably outdoing itself…setting the bar for success higher, higher, and higher still. And the 1971 BMW E9 was therefore as much a case of predictable excellence as it was a genuinely successful entry in its own right. With a high-powered straight-six motor, a comfortable driving experience, a handsome exterior, and performance/handling worthy of the racetrack, there did not seem to be much room for improvement. But BMW was ever inclined to prove its observers wrong in that regard. So while the 1971 BMW E9 was rolling out of the factories, it was doing so in two versions: 1) the 2.8-liter which had been positively received since 1968, and 2) the 3.0-liter which brought still more horsepower to the table.

Like the M10 motor before it, the M30 had been designed with room to expand. Therefore, 1971 serving as a transition year was more a “business as usual” calculation than an arbitrary phasing out of a popular model. The 1971 BMW E9 was produced in both 2.8-liter and 3.0-liter versions, though far more of the latter saw the light of day. A difference of around 10 horsepower and 15 additional pounds of torque separated the 3.0-liter from its 2.8-liter forebear. It was enough to qualify as a significant strength upgrade and further secured BMW’s identity as an endlessly innovative automobile manufacturer. Based on which 1971 E9 you have in your possession, selling could yield a pretty penny. Certain models during that transitional year were manufactured in very small numbers, while the higher volume variants tended to be newer and more powerful. In either case, the E9 is a collector’s gem and exceedingly sellable to boot.

1971 BMW E9 Seller’s Guide

 

Aside from his own inventory needs and considerations, Alex Manos is an excellent collector’s and seller’s resource. Savvy and knowledgeable in the vintage vehicle space, Alex Manos can help you articulate the case for a buyer paying top dollar to drive away with your slice of BMW’s sports car legacy. Visit the website or call the dealership for a consultation. At minimum, you will glean a precise understanding as to where your wheels fall in the larger classic car community.

If you’re near the Los Angeles area, make a trip out to our lot and see what cars compare to your Classic BMW. We work with buyers everywhere in the US, so even if you live remotely we want to talk about selling your classic car. I’m Alex Manos, and I love buying classic cars!

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