In 1968 BMW introduced the wildly popular E9 series in the form of the 2800 CS coupe. Clothed in sleek coachwork by Karmann, the 2800 CS was powered by the M30 six-cylinder engine used in BMW’s saloons, bringing unprecedented power to the Neue Klasse coupe. Though the 2800 CS chassis utilized dated rear drum brakes, in 1971 a 3-liter successor appeared featuring four-wheel disc brakes. Capable of 130 mph performance, the 3.0 CS became the basis of the homologation special 3.0 CSL, which garnered a spate of competition victories for the marque, including six European Touring Car Championships between 1973 and 1979 and class wins at Le Mans, Spa, and Daytona.

In addition to running its own competition cars, BMW provided support for numerous privateering efforts, most conspicuously with tuning partners such as Schnitzer and Alpina, which was eventually absorbed as a full-on performance division of the Bavarian manufacturer. The early Alpina not only sold bolt-on components, but actively tuned a number of racing coupes, resulting in handcrafted winners that are exceedingly valued by marque collectors today.

This desirable 3.0 features ultra-rare Alpina components, including three twin-choke Weber carburetors (which were equipped on fewer than 200 3.0 CS Alpina engines), Alpina-style wheels, and front air dam. Acquired in 2012 by the consignor, a Southern California–based collector, the CS continues to feature its factory-appointed Nachtblau paint, while the interior has been retrimmed in fresh tan leather. In recent years the BMW underwent a major mechanical refurbishment that included new pistons and bearings for the engine, a new fuel tank, and new shock absorbers. The coupe has since accrued less than 2,000 miles, resulting in a well-maintained and strong driving example that is beautifully prepared for event use or concours display.