With the big E3 saloon BMW picked up the glove and went head to head with Mercedes to compete in the big luxury segment. The Bavarians from Munich had not since the “Barock Angels” in the 1950’es had cars in the upper market. In reality BMW created a whole new class of spacious, luxurious cars with more power and above all a more sporty DNA than Mercedes and Jaguar.
3.3 Li with “L” for Long and “i” for injection was the ultimate version of the E3. The 3.3 liter in-line 6 cylinder engine was at that time the biggest and most powerful engine in any BMW production car. In the long version almost all the of the extra 10 cm was used for added legroom for the backseat passengers. This was clearly a car for the owner with means to include a chauffeur on his payroll.
This car has had the body thoroughly repaired for that little rust there was. All mechanic are fully functional and has been kept well serviced. Interior is original, well kept and beautiful patinated leather upholstery and wood veneer.
Only 701 cars where made with automatic transmission and injection and this makes this 3.3 Li quite rare. It’s a wonderful driver and it’s hard to believe that you are behind the wheel of a 40 year old car. So if a Mercedes S-class is too common and a Jaguar XJ seems too unreliable, it could make good sense to take a closer look at this luxurious, sporty saloon.
