Classic Bmw Bavaria: How Much Does It Sell For?

The 1972 BMW Bavaria is a classic car that was sold for $64,500 on an auction in 2021. The car has a 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a four-speed manual transmission. It is finished in Agave Green with tan leather seats and features an electric sunroof, polished trim, and aftermarket wheels. The car has been well-maintained, with the seller replacing the radiator, starter, and battery during their ownership. The 1972 BMW Bavaria is a rare find and is sought-after by classic car collectors, especially given its importance in BMW's history as the company's first foray into the larger executive market.

The 1972 BMW Bavaria's value

The 1972 BMW Bavaria is a classic car, and its value can vary depending on various factors such as mileage, condition, and previous ownership. The market for classic cars can also fluctuate, and the value of these vehicles is often influenced by their rarity, historical significance, and desirability among collectors.

One source mentions a 1972 BMW Bavaria with 122,627 miles on the clock, but the overall condition of the car is not specified. Another listing offers a 1972 BMW Bavaria with 72,079 miles, described as being in "very good dry, clean 99.9% rust-free condition" with a "deep lustrous overall shine." This particular car is a rare find and is expected to attract attention from collectors.

The value of a 1972 BMW Bavaria can also depend on the specific model and its features. For example, the presence of additional options such as air-conditioning, power steering, tinted glass, and upgraded stereos could increase the car's value. The transmission type is another factor; a 1972 BMW Bavaria with a four-speed manual transmission sold for $64,500 in 2021, while another listing offers a similar model with a five-speed manual transmission.

The condition of the interior and exterior also plays a crucial role in determining the value. One listing mentions a 1972 BMW Bavaria with a distinctive colour scheme of Macaw Green, while another highlights the presence of Agave Green paint with chrome bumpers and an electric sunroof. Well-maintained interiors with functioning features and minimal wear and tear are also desirable.

It's worth noting that the 1972 BMW Bavaria has a special place in the company's history. Introduced in 1971, it marked BMW's entry into the upper end of the market, targeting the larger executive market with an upscale four-door sedan. This model is also known for its powerful M30 engine and smooth driving experience.

The car's specifications

The 1972 BMW Bavaria is a full-size luxury car with rear-wheel drive. It has a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with dual Zenith carburetors, producing 190 horsepower. The engine has a seven-main-bearing crank and trispherical turbulence bowl combustion chambers, which eliminate the need for air pumps or exhaust gas recirculators. The transmission is a four-speed manual.

The car's exterior features chrome bumpers and an electric sunroof. The cabin features leather seats, a Becker Europa radio connected to a glovebox-mounted cassette player, and console-mounted speakers. The dashboard has VDO instrumentation, including a 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature.

The BMW Bavaria has McPherson struts in the front and trailing arm independent suspension in the rear, which is angled to provide a better ride and improved anti-dive capability. The car is equipped with power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. The wheels are 15-inch aftermarket basketweave wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Comp T/A tires, and a full-size spare tire is included.

The BMW Bavaria's dimensions are: length - 4700 mm / 185 inches, width - 1750 mm / 68.9 inches, and height - 1450 mm / 57.1 inches.

Its rarity

The 1972 BMW Bavaria is a classic car that has become quite rare and sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its rarity is due to several factors, including its limited production run, its place in automotive history, and its unique characteristics.

To start with, the BMW Bavaria was only produced for a short period, from 1970 to 1975, and the 1972 model year was particularly limited in its production numbers. This was due to a combination of factors, including labour strikes and economic downturns, which disrupted the production and supply chain. As a result, the number of 1972 BMW Bavarias that rolled off the production line was significantly lower than in other years, making it a rare find on the classic car market today.

Additionally, the BMW Bavaria holds a significant place in automotive history. It was one of the first models that helped establish BMW as a leading manufacturer of sports sedans. The Bavaria offered a unique combination of performance, luxury, and handling that was ahead of its time. This, coupled with its sleek and elegant design, has ensured that the car has become an iconic classic, revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike, further adding to its rarity and desirability.

Another factor contributing to its rarity is the level of preservation and restoration. Given the age of the 1972 model, many examples may have succumbed to the passage of time, with parts deteriorating or becoming damaged beyond repair. Well-preserved or meticulously restored Bavarias from that year are, therefore, highly prized, as they represent a piece of automotive history in its original or near-original state.

Finally, the specific options, specifications, and equipment of the 1972 BMW Bavaria can also influence its rarity. Certain colour combinations, interior options, or engine configurations may have been rarer at the time of production, and this extends to the present day. For example, a BMW Bavaria with a manual transmission or a specific exterior colour may be rarer and more desirable to collectors, further driving up its value and contributing to its overall rarity.

In conclusion, the rarity of the 1972 BMW Bavaria stems from a combination of limited production numbers, its significance in automotive history, the potential for well-preserved or restored examples, and specific options or configurations that were less common at the time of manufacture. These factors collectively contribute to the car's desirability among collectors and enthusiasts, ensuring that it remains a sought-after classic.

The driving experience

The 1972 BMW Bavaria is a powerful and sleek car, offering a unique driving experience. With its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, upgraded 5-speed Getrag transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes, the car delivers an impressive performance on the road. The engine has been recently rebuilt and runs very strongly, providing 180 horsepower. The dual Weber carburetors contribute to the car's overall power and performance.

The interior of the car is well-maintained, with a functional speedometer, horn, lights, blinkers, and interior dome light. The seats are upholstered in leather, providing a comfortable and luxurious feel. The exterior of the car is also in very good condition, with a deep lustrous shine to the original Agave green repaint. Overall, the 1972 BMW Bavaria offers a rare and enjoyable driving experience, combining performance, comfort, and style.

One notable aspect of the driving experience is the electric sunroof, which adds to the overall enjoyment of cruising in this classic car. The steering wheel is a sport-style one, and the car is equipped with 17" BMW style 5 wheels, providing a modern touch to the overall driving experience. The car also comes with a box full of extra parts, ensuring that you can keep it in top condition.

Similar models

The 1972 BMW Bavaria is part of the BMW New Six (or E3) line of mid-size luxury sedans and grand tourer coupés produced from 1968 to 1977. The E3 was BMW's first luxury class car in a long time and a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz 250S and 250SE. The E3 was also BMW's response to the growing market segment dominated by Mercedes-Benz.

The E3 line includes the following models:

• 2500: Introduced in 1968, the 2500 had an MSRP of $5,284 in the US market (nearly $45,000 today). It had 150 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque.
• 2800: Also introduced in 1968, the 2800 had an MSRP of $6,874 in the US market (over $54,000 today). It offered a full leather interior, power windows, and a power sunroof. It had 170 horsepower with 174 lb-ft of torque.
• 3.0S: Introduced in 1971, the 3.0S was a more powerful and expensive model than the 2800. It had twin carburetors and 180 horsepower.
• 3.0Si: Also introduced in 1971, the 3.0Si was a fuel-injected version of the 3.0S, with 200 horsepower.
• 3.3L: Introduced at the end of 1973, the 3.3L had a longer wheelbase and a bigger engine. It had 190 horsepower at 5500 rpm.
• 3.3Li: Introduced in 1975, the 3.3Li replaced the carburetors of the 3.3L with Bosch fuel injection, increasing power to 197 horsepower.

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