JeffNNJ

I remember during the 80s BMW came out with what I think was a 5 Series called the Bavaria. I don't remember there being numbers on the back just the words "Bavaria." I also remember that it was quite popular. Anyone remember what is was??

Thanks,
Jeff

wowe

As I remeber it was like sportpackage http://www.bmwworld.com/models/bavaria.htm

ImolaRedM

If I remember right the Bavaria was a 2500 with the 2800 engine. I don't think it was offered outside the US but I could be wrong on that. It seems to have a bad reputation but it's really a good car.

http://www.seniorsix.org/e3info.html

Rudy

The Bavaria was sold in the US -- I remember a family friend got a brand new one and was about as excited about it as we are with our E60...

EBMCS03

Wow what a classic! I want one!

Ray Hull

E-3: It's what Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis drove. She bought it from Hoffman (US importer) on Park Ave, (in the fities) who by the way, "invented" the 2002 sports sedan for the US market, (got BMW to put larger engine in 1600 body). I believe the Bavarias first showed up here in late 60s, or early 70s.
http://www.answers.com/topic/bmw-new-six

My favorite of that period was the E9, CS coupe. Most elegant c-pillar EVER in the industry.

http://www.bmwworld.com/models/newsixes/30csi.htm
http://www.e9coupe.com/gallery/
Cheers,
Ray Hull

CSBM5

The Bavaria was a special model developed by Max Hoffman, the US importer of BMWs prior to the existence of BMWNA in 1974. In 1969 BMW introduced the E3 to the US market with the 2500 and 2800 both of which were powered by the M30 in-line 6 cylinder, 2.5 and 2.8 liter respectively. The 2800 was also loaded up with leather, power windows, locks, etc, while the 2500 was basic by comparison. Hoffman's idea was to take the 2500 level of equipment and drop the bigger motor into it...the classic American hot-rod formula.

So for the 1971 model year, he convinced BMW AG to build this new model, and he started advertising it as a hot sedan. The car was WAY ahead of its time with excellent gas mileage, big trunk, plenty of room inside, great combination of ride/handling, 4-wheel disk brakes, and very good performance. So in 1971, they sold the 2500, Bavaria, and 2800.

In 1972, the 2500 was dropped, and a larger 3.0 liter motor was introduced. The 72 Bavaria was the most desirable one. So in 1972, they sold the Bavaria (with 3 liter motor) and the 3.0S which was the same car just loaded up with luxury stuff like the prior 2800. The same line-up existed in 1973 and 1974 (74 started with the big bumpers), and then in 1975 with the 530i was introduced, the same injected motor was put in the E3, and now the Bavaria was dropped. So in 1975 and 1976, there was only the 3.0Si E3 model sold here.

It might sound a bit sick I know all this stuff, but my dad bought a 1972 Bavaria new when I was 13, and I later bought the car from him in 1980, and I owned/modified/autocrossed/tracked the car for the next 14 years.

Cheers,
Chuck

P.S. Here's a pic of my old car:

Blah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_New_Six