BMW E3 1968–1971 car dimensions: 4700 mm long, 1750 mm wide and 1450 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,300 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 600 litres.
The cabin seats five with individual front seats, door armrests and a rear centre armrest. Large glass area gives good all-round vision. Fresh-air vents and pressure-regulated ventilation are standard along with a heater. Air conditioning is optional. Heated rear window is optional on the 2500. Power steering is optional. Instruments include a tachometer and warning lights. No electronic driver aids are fitted.
Boot volume is 600 litres. Carpet lining is fitted in the boot. The load area is wide but relatively shallow.
Payload is 475 kg. Self-levelling rear suspension (Boge Nivomat) is available as an option.
The cabin seats five in comfort with wide body-contoured front seats whose backs recline fully to a rest position and a broad rear bench with fold-down centre armrest. Carpet covers the floor and 600-litre boot. Storage abounds with door pockets, seat-back pockets, centre box, lit glovebox and shelves. Large glass area gives an airy feel. Powerful heating and ventilation supplies hot and cold air together via adjustable vents and pressure control, so no quarter lights are needed. Materials feel exclusive and solid with a driver focus.
Petrol engine, 75-litre tank, mixed consumption 10.9 l/100 km
All-round disc brakes, dual circuit with servo
Energy-absorbing steering column and seat-belt mounts
Child locks on rear doors, hazard lights, rear fog light
Radial tyres standard
The 2.5-litre six runs on Super petrol from a 75-litre tank. Maker figures give mixed consumption of 10.9 l/100 km.
All four wheels have disc brakes with dual circuits and servo assistance so the rears cannot lock early. Independent suspension all round keeps the car planted. Power steering is optional.
Body and cabin meet then-current safety standards with crushable ends, belt mounts, child locks and an energy-absorbing column. No official crash-test scores appear in period data.
Build quality is high with good corrosion resistance and quality materials. Routine work is straightforward on the accessible engine and running gear.
Length 4700 mm, Width 1750 mm, Height 1450 mm, Wheelbase 2692 mm (E3 1968–1971)
Sources: manufacturer data, Deutsches Ärzteblatt, 12 October 1968, “Eleganz aus München,” reporting the BMW 2500/2800 introduction, German type data, The 1969–73 BMW six-cylinder brake manual specifies ATE four-wheel discs on the E3 sedans.