There’s Nothing Quite Like A BMW 3.0 CS With Hidden Superpowers

November 30, 2015

33 comments

With years of automotive history behind us, we’ve reached a point where it’s possible to create a bespoke car. Sure, coachbuilt specials have been around forever and the modifications seen here aren’t too extreme, but the fact is that Joshua Stern had an idea of his perfect classic BMW coupé—and made it a reality.

The result is a 1973 BMW 3.0 CS that’s been treated to extensive modifications, inside and out, that are equal parts supercar and subtle. From the ground up, of course: a full bare metal restoration was the first step in a process that eventually led to the fitment of modified BMW CSL suspension with stock-looking coilovers, a 350 horsepower S54 3.2-litre inline-6 cylinder engine and 6-speed transmission from a 2003 M3, and extensive tuning to ensure the car performed as reliably as possible.

Some of the more subtle details are easy to spot, like the Brembo brakes (from the E46 M3 Competition Pack) and 16-inch Weds wheels. But when learning of the scope of changes to the car when corresponding with Stern, it’s actually probably easier to just list the things that haven’t been altered.

Inside, a restored CSL scheel interior was completed by Juan Ortiz, which is set off by an astounding level of detail: Italian black walnut satin-finished trim made by a cabinet maker in Costa Mesa, CSL package tray, hidden air conditioning system featuring hood vents from a CS coupé, GPS-driven speedometer…and a custom houndstooth seat cover so Stern’s beloved English Bulldog could enjoy the car too.

The list of collaborators is extensive, and Stern made a point of saying that without Jeff Tighe, John Esposito’s Porsche Repair, Juan Ortiz, Castro Motorsport, RK Tunes, and others, this build wouldn’t have been possible.

Hopefully, Stern’s to-do list has only one more box to tick:

☑︎ Enjoy.

Tags BMW 3.0CS/ German

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soopa doopa

I just stumbled across this article. Wow. An E9 with a S54 engine swap. Wow. This is something I would want to do, to hell with resale value. Bravo

Devin Baillairgé

Wow. BMW car porn. I would love to know how much $ went into this build.

David Clover

Absolutely stunning. Great work!

jdccrice

Will this one ever be for sale??? Please!!!!

Adeel Hussain

Hello Alexander, I’d like to find out more about the wheels and the air conditioning please – i am just about to start restoration of my CSL. Any chance of getting in touch with Stern please?

David Banks

If there ever was an epic BMW resto mod… I love it!!!

Killian O'Neill

Oh my god, I need that in my life

Bellamy C

Why no video on this car? As much praise as has been put on this car it’s not nearly enough. This car is so spectacular. The huge changes are done so well and subtly it doesn’t change what is a very underrated design. The interior is so late ’60’s cool, the stance is spot on, the exterior color works perfect what else can I say, I love it.

Killian O'Neill

I agree

Abubakar Siddiq Abdulkadir

OMG! The ride is AWESOME. Av got to hav one of dis in my Garage. Am goin crazzyyyy.

Peter Ferri

This is pure sex. Any more pictures available?

phyzul

Joshua, what a brilliant build. Nicely done. Euro and Japanese restomods are my favourite genre of car.

Now, has anyone asked if you’re up for selling this car? It has to be asked… I can’t imagine the masses aren’t yearning for something like this.

Do let me know, as I am certainly an admirer of the car.

Slava Bondarenko

Perfetto! Thats it. From now, I know, what I’m living for. I want to build the same car.

Shawn Bokaie

Soooo nice

Elaine Ewe

Hi,

I’m the admin of BMW Malayisa, and we would like to feature some photos from this article on our Facebook page. Our purpose of posting the photos is to showcase the various BMW cars out there and the aesthetics of the photo. The Petrolicious.com watermark will not be cropped, and we will give due credit to the original writer of the article and Petrolicious.com.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Elaine Ewe

*BMW Malaysia

Ronnie Gracious

That is pure perfection. Sadly where I am from, I dont even get to see one for real. 🙁

Keith Kenitzer

I am thinking this is what Singer might do if they were into BMW’s instead of Porsche’s.

David Sonck

Perfect !

Juan Alfonso Saravia

It’s such a difficult decision to take the original M30 engine and swap to a S54 monster + the other modifications, car loosing it’s original value… but it’s such a temptation…!!

tmburke

Loving everything but the GPS speedo. Was that really necessary? Can’t imagine it’s the most accurate in urban canyons or tunnels…

Juan Alfonso Saravia

what you talking about my friend..?

Sam N

Agree, and would also wonder why it was done? Issues preventing mechanical linkage?

Mirko Cocco

Some BMW greetings from The Netherlands! http://www.cinecars.nl/nl/sleutelvrienden-2-2/

Albert Ayars

Perfect. Its just so perfect. I hope we get a video of this some day. I cant wait to win the lotto so I can start my build. I would not even feel like I was copying someone because I have been dreaming of something like this for so long. I am a S54 fanatic, and an e46 nerd… add in the old school class and it does not get any better. I’m not sure about the weight on the E9 but that power to weight ratio has got to be fantastic. I want MORE of this car. Good to… Read more »

Tim Wilcox

This is achingly beautiful, and with that list of mods it might be the perfect GT. Glorious.

Tony Edwards

I love it, both aesthetically and functionally. I own an E46 M3 and have always thought the E9 was one of the prettiest (quite possibly THE prettiest) BMWs ever made.

Svenneaut

Exactly how I imagine doing a restomod myself one day, some day. Old looks, updated driveability. Beautiful machine.

Andrew Benzer

Any chance of making some of these beautiful photos available as download/wallpapers?

Petr Sauer

Exactly my thoughts. I would love to get these photos in high resolution.

Shawn Bokaie

Agreed!

Andrew Benzer

Any video with this beautiful machine?

Zachary Hollen

this has got to be one of the most gorgeous vehicles ever made.

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There’s Nothing Quite Like A BMW 3.0 CS With Hidden Superpowers

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