BMW New Six (E3) Price Guide

The BMW New Six (formally known as the E3 series) was the large saloon BMW produced between 1968 and 1977 that introduced the “New Six” M30 straight-six engine that would go on to power BMWs for the next two decades. The 2500, 2800, 3.0S, and 3.0Si are the principal variants: proper large luxury saloons that competed with Mercedes in the upper executive segment at a time when BMW was still establishing its premium credentials.

The Car

The E3 used the M30 straight-six in 2.5 and 2.8-litre carburettor forms, later expanding to the 3.0-litre with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection in the 3.0Si. The 3.0Si produced 200bhp , which was more than respectable for a large saloon in 1975. A long-wheelbase L variant was offered for chauffeur use. The body was styled by Wilhelm Hofmeister and Paul Bracq, with the Hofmeister kink rear window line that would become BMW’s signature design element. Around 210,000 were built across the full production run.

Buying

The 3.0Si is the performance pick. Rust attacks the sills, rear wheelarches, and floor on all E3s. The M30 straight-six is a characterful and well-supported engine as well as forming the foundation of the later 5 Series and 6 Series engines.

The BMW E3 New Six is an underappreciated classic that offers the character of the period at accessible prices.