Editor's Excuse:
1972 BMW Bavaria

VIN #: 3131987
color: Fjord blue
Mileage: 98,000

I saw this Bavaria FOR SALE in the parking lot of a Harris Teeter grocery store! It was like a diamond in the middle of a granite rock pile; I had to take it for a test drive..and the $3000 asking price had to drop....



FOR SALE 12/09 - SOLD
Asking Price: $4500
Selling Price: $800
see: My 72 Bav ~ 12-03-2002

I purchased this 72 Bavaria in 1997 for an excellent deal. It was advertised for $3000 but I had information that the owners were moving to Colorado and wanted to sell before they left. The car was in damn good shape but was an automatic, something I usually deplored. I had a 72 2002 that was highly modified with wheels, suspension, and chassis upgrades; as well as an European engine. The silver Dupont Imron paint job looked unbelievable but ultimately the salt air of the Carolina coast took its toll. I was looking for another car of character, excellent performance, and fine manners when I spied the Bavaria for sale. I had heard some negatives about this car while owning the 2002. Some of the loons at Miller and Norburn were not overjoyed at the pre 81 big six's propensity to crack its aluminum head from overheating. There was talk of the inadequate radiator as well. And like all cars of that vintage, there was the dreaded RUST. Still, I always thought the car had classic lines and a lovely front end. The rear was a bit more controversial, with its unusual tail light assembly and rather large brake lamps. That was one of the positives about my 72 2002- the rear end with its classic round lights (I later grew to love the distinctive BAV rear).


Well, the six in that Bavaria was smooth as silk and had great power. I don't think I had ever driven a six that smooth, refined and powerful, especially given the age! Perhaps, that is why it is considered by Road & Track to be one of the best six cylinders EVER made! Although, I had owned a number of four cylinder vehicles such as a 73 Fiat Spider, 74 Fiat Special TC Rally, and the 2002, I had never really had the chance to own a great six.

I fell in love with the car and became completely hooked within a few weeks of purchase. This car has the stock Zeniths but they had recently been rebuilt and seem to be doing great, despite a few hiccups and flat spots here and there (The weber upgrade does not increase the power as much as the driveablity and quality).

I am contemplating removing the air conditioning since it is currently only putting more strain on the engine. The water pump went out at 107,000 miles and I am getting ready to replace the pump, fan clutch, and thermostat as well as activate the air conditioning fan by remote switch in the cabin, which will help air flow when stopped in southern NC sweltering heat and humidity (see TECH TIPS page for advice on cooling mods).



Editor's 72 Bavaria: front right quarter view. The cheese ball wheel covers have finally been replaced with 20 spokes. The Sears Roadhandler (Michelin MXL's) tires were put to pasture as well!





So far the notoriously weak automatic has managed to hold in there (thank God I have the post 71 automatic - they upgraded to Borg Warner unit in 72).

I have upgraded the cheese ball plastic wheel covers to the 20 spoke 14 " turbines (coupe rims were unavailable at the time). Any size above 16" looks rather foolish on a car of this vintage (indeed, even 16" is pushing it).

Pretty soon , I'll be having to delve into the suspension which has aging Bilsteins. Notice the rear sag which is symptomatic of sunken springs. The thought of all this is a bit depressing so I am trying to enjoy the car before I have to succumb to upgrade fever. Hell, I know it's coming sooner or later. The ole Bav still handles fairly well considering and the engine pulls strongly up to red line.

The car was repainted fjord blue a few years back but rust is starting to appear in a few places much to my chagrin. So far, there is no rust underneath and the interior (blue vinyl) is in excellent condition. I have a Momo steering wheel (viewable in Design section)to replace the monster stock "trucker" wheel. This Bavaria came with the optional rear headrests and the tool kit in the trunk which, of course, is missing ever single tool! The tool problem is down the list of worries at the moment, however.

This whole web site grew out of the infatuation with this fine car that gets little respect but has a charm and performance like few other sedans of this vintage. It's also nice to not see one every time you round another corner!

BMW BAVARIA DEFENSE MECHANISM

©1998-2002 Kelly Holsten