BaT Auction Success Story Update: Back in an E9 Again: A Practical Look

01/12/2026 Update: BaT user NIACC wrote to us in 2023 about the 1971 BMW 2800CS that he won from 2800carzoom in a July 2023 BaT auction, and today he’s back to give us an update on the recently-completed refresh!

NIACC writes:

Sometimes you get lucky, and everybody wins. I knew the seller was pleased. The 2800CS is back on the road, looking and running terrifically.

I had bought this car as a bit of an ugly duckling with a number of unknowns, but I’m an experienced E9 restorer. I also own a welder and a paint booth, and I work for free. As it turned out, the ugly was barely more than skin deep. While some expert rust repair had been done a while back under previous ownership, my welder saw some action. Nothing like it could have been, though.

Some interior work had also been addressed already, but I continued on, redoing the wood, dash, carpets, and sound system. Since my planned color change required complete disassembly, all of this work was somewhat expedited. It turned out that the best surprise was the Metric Mechanic 3.5L inline-six under the hood. If you know, you know. The five-speed E9 was already a great driving experience, but wow, what a boost a little horsepower gives.

Its first trip beyond the neighborhood was appropriately to Road America for dinner at Siebkens (no, I did not track it). A month later, it was invited to join the display at the German Car Show at the Gallery in Green Bay.

Most recently, I’ve finished the “can you see me now” lighting project. Now, it’s tucked away until next spring. Life is good.

The E9 is looking great, NIACC! Thanks for the update.

ORIGINAL POST:

We heard from BaT user NIACC earlier this year when he told us about his 1950 Buick Series 50 coupe. Now he’s back with another story, this time about the 1971 BMW 2800CS that he won from 2800carzoom in a July 2023 BaT auction:

Finally, I’m back to E9 ownership! After having chased a dozen or more cars in these past years, I was finally successful. I found one that needed my kind of work and in a less-popular color.

This 2800CS arrived as described, packed full of the new and used parts that were offered as a part of the auction. I found the seller pleasant and cooperative, and BaT shipping went smoothly as usual.

I was hopeful there would be minimal issues, but I was prepared: I own a welder, do my own paintwork, and don’t charge myself for labor. I was pleasantly surprised to find the car an excellent driver. The parts cache was also far better than expected, and most importantly, the corrosion issues were relatively minor.

After a thorough triage, parts were ordered and the dash was sent off to be recovered—the restoration work was well underway. I reconditioned the wheels, and new tires were installed on the car. Parts piled in, and the dash came back, ready to be installed along with a new heater core and A/C expansion valve.

The heater and A/C boxes received new foam and seals and were thoroughly cleaned. The areas behind the dash and the outer cowls were also refinished.

Chamonix will be the car’s new color, and a repaint of engine compartment and trunk interior are next. Additional bodywork and paint will come next spring, since I take winter off from working on the cars.

So far so good, NIACC! We’d love to see another update in the spring.

If you’ve got a Success Story or an update on a project you purchased on BaT, please send a few lines and pictures (or a video) to community.content@bringatrailer.com. We’d love to hear from you! We’ll send you a $50 credit to the BaT Gear Store when your entry posts to the site.

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