Please contact me at: sonsonic@yahoo.com if you have any questions, or would like to come out for a test drive.
+ Purpose: I am selling my 1969 BMW 2800CS Euro version, VIN # 2201229. It is a 4spd manual, and there are 38,312km's on the odometer since the full restoration done in the early to mid-80's overseas. Pending move is the main reason I am selling her. Our new home has no garage and I will not subject any classic to the elements.
+ Overview: The car is not a concours winner, but the best "driver" I've seen in regards to the aesthetic, structural, and mechanical aspects of the car. From 15' out, the car looks to be a show-winner. However, upon closer inspection, as you'll see in some of the images I've posted, there are some flaws. But the car is beautiful, and I receive compliments and looks every time I take her out. She runs great, and needs minimal attention at this point.
NOTE: The dirty appearance, in the photos in the engine bay isn't really dirt at all, but body-cavity wax. Cavity wax was used during the period in which my coupe was restored, as a way to prevent any moisture from getting at the steel. However, over nearly 30 years, the wax has attracted (because it's wax, and thus sticky) some surface dust, that now looks like dirt. When it was originally applied, it would've been clear.
+ My Ownership History: I purchased this car in August 2000, from an older gentlemen in our neighborhood who worked for the U.S. State Department in Belgium. He was the 2nd Owner, and his friend bought the car originally in Belgium. I am the 3rd Owner. The car has always been garaged, even before the restoration effort. I have only washed the car about 4 times to keep it dry. However, I do make regular use of my California Dusters to keep it looking very nice. It has never been in an accident under my ownership, and from what I was told, never been in an accident ever.
While I've owned several vintage BMW's and had a 1974 3.0CSa for five years, my expertise ends at the "full tune-up" level. I've used a personal mechanic, or a local shop (London Auto, in Falls Church, VA for all maintenance.
+ Restoration: The car went through a 2.5 year restoration, and was completed in 1985 at a cost of roughly $13,000 USD. Everything was either rebuilt, or restored on the car.
- All chrome was still available from the dealer at that time, so the chrome on this car is nearly as good as it gets, including the interior trim parts. It was rebuilt with an engine from a 1974 3.0CS and has the original Zenith dual-carb setup.
- To my knowledge, the only non-stock mechanical parts are the radiator, and the alternator, and the fan. All parts used are more efficient, and cause the car to charge more, and keep the engine cooler than the original specs would allow.
- From what I can see on this car, nearly the entire front end was re-constructed, and copious amounts of body-cavity wax were used within the uni-body, on the under-carriage, on the door jambs, and under the front bumper. While this may not look as sharp as some, having owned 4 other vintage BMW's ...anything to keep the rust out. I also know that the wax can be removed safely if desired.
- The car was originally Polaris Silver, and completely "skimmed" during the restoration. I would say the shop in Belgium did an excellent job, but the paint is 25 years old, and has a few "cracks" in the skim coat now.
- The interior is all original, and there are only a few tears on the driver's seat. The rest really looks nice.
- The radio used was supposedly from a 1974 e9, but I've been told otherwise.
- The antenna is not BMW, nor stock.
- The drive-train/clutch/engine/electrical and suspension were all included in the resto ...again, going off of what the previous owner had said. Given the curb appeal, lack of rot, power, and responsiveness of the car during my purchasing process, I didn't verify the age of various systems within the car. What I do know, is that I've had very little problems with it since I've owned it.
- The car has only 22k miles since restoration. I have put roughly 5,000km's on the car (3,000 miles) in my 10 years of ownership.
+ What I've done: Here is a list of some parts and items I've had replaced on the car since I've owned it. I believe it is fully comprehensive.
- In August of 2011 - I had a full tune-up, carb adjustment, timing + customized front wheel-well covers installed + motor mounts replaced + lube, oil change, filter + L control arm bushing = $1900
- I have had the alternator, regulator, and wiring replaced, along with a 7 year battery.
- The engine fan bearing/housing unit and the engine fan has been replaced
- The guibo was recently replaced (upgraded and re-drilled to fit the correct mm bolt size for the 3.0CS, rather than the 2800CS).
- I was told that the bubbles on the bonnet lid were from heat from the engine. I called a place out in California, and ordered some under-hood reflective, foam to adhere to the under-side of the bonnet lid. I know there are varying opinions on this, and those flat'ish bubbles could've been rust anyhow.
- The large trim piece just under the windscreen in the engine compartment is new. As is the large piece of trim around the trunk compartment.
- I purchase the side/hood grilles new about 3 years ago. They are plastic, but the chrome is in excellent shape. I believe I paid $300 for all 4 pieces.
+ Rust: There are some areas of structural rot on the vehicle. There are issues with the rear shock towers on both sides. On the driver's side there are two silver-dollar sized holes, one on the inner fender (A), and another on the very top-side of the tower itself (B). On the passenger side, there are the trademark rust indicators (albeit in beginning stages) on the top of the tower. To my knowledge, my meachnics knowledge, and those that have come to see it thus far, there is no other structural rust. The front wells, fuse-panel area, glove box area, rockers, spare tire well, and nose and rear are strong and true.
