History of E9 #2250492 - 1973 3.0cs                                    November 2022

This car was imported by Hoffman Motors through POE Elizabeth, NJ, for Tyler Imported Motor Car Co., Farmington, Connecticut. It was sold to Mr. Charles Rolles and first registered on March 16, 1974 to the Towers Hotel, Honolulu, HI., where it was registered through 1980. On August 29, 1994 the car was purchased by me from European Motors Corp. in Seattle WA for $10,000. The odometer reading was 87104.

From April to December of 1996, the car was assigned to Bernard Import Bodyworks, Seattle, WA for a complete repaint. The car was stripped of all trim, windows were removed and body stripped to bare metal. There was no evidence of rust, body work, filler or metal damage. Repaint was over primer coats sanded with long boards finished with multiple coats of PPG paint polished to a completely smooth, glossy surface.

In May of 2002 we installed a 5-speed transmission and associated bits. The transmission is from an E30-M3 which was rebuilt by Jim Blanton of Performance Gearing, with everything else from Carl Nelson at La Jolla Independent in CA. At this point he odometer shows (1)39400 miles. At this point we are able to put restoration aside and simply drive and enjoy the car doing Vintage TSD rallies, tours and having fun with week-end drives. 

In 2003, we were contacted by representatives of the Microsoft X-Box team working on the Forza driving simulation application, inquiring if we would permit our car to function as the "baseline" car for sampling and inclusion in the game. This lead to a week of intensive photography and finally extensive runs on a dynamometer with complete sound sampling through 21 microphones and video capture of instrumentation.

In May of 2017 at (2)58533 miles, a complete rebuild of the suspension was undertaken. Carl Nelson supplied a complete kit including Suspension Techniques sway bars (F-28mm, R-22mm), sport springs, shocks, and all associated bushings and spring perches. This lowered the stance by about 1" all around and vastly improved the driving dynamics.

April of 2018 at (2)65692 miles, the time came for a complete engine rebuild, as oil was seeping from nearly all major seals, and compression was down. Northwest European was chosen to execute this work, as they have been caretakers for all our cars for the last 12 years, and they have race-build experience. The rebuild was to 3.3 litre specifications (M30B33V) which is a 3,210cc motor with 89mm bore x 88mm stroke rated at 186hp and 213Lb-ft. NOS 3.3 pistons and carefully matched 3.3 crank and rods were used. Importantly, the original block was kept resulting in a "numbers matching" rebuild. Head work included new shafts and rockers, sprockets etc. The result is a motor that is significantly more robust in torque, while still maintaining turbine like smoothness throughout the rev range. In addition, all hoses, wiring, clamps and ancillary systems were replaced or refurbished, and detail painting was done where required. 

I am pleased to report that in 2022 we are still enjoying our coupe which now has (2)92522 miles on the clock. Since the rebuild of the motor only regular upkeep (fluid changes) has be required. We are out as often as possible, weather allowing, to enjoy this magnificent car in our scenic northwest surroundings. Regardless of the recent increase in valuation, this car will not be for sale anytime soon.