The 1965-1968 BMW 2000CS was the coupe derivative of BMW's successful "comeback" early-'60s sedan series designed around the firm's new overhead-cam inline four. It had a shared underpan and running gear with the 2000 four-door but wore a distinctive pillarless hardtop body built by Karmann and incorporating BMW's then-current styling themes. Its only flaw was a snubbed snout that awkwardly tried to blend BMW's trademark kidney grille into a rounded shape accentuated by wide wraparound headlamp/parking light units.
The 1965-1968 BMW 2000CS was offered in two versions: a lower-powered automatic model and a faster manual car capable of 110 mph. It was not space efficient -- only passable 2+2 seating in a package longer than the sedan -- but was intended more to lend some sportiness to the lineup than to be strictly practical.
With new sheetmetal ahead of the cowl and a brilliant six-cylinder engine, the 2000CS would be transformed into the much nicer-looking and more capable 2800CS.
Pluses of the 1965-1968 BMW 2000CS:
- Unique model
- Powerful and reliable ohc engine
- Fine handling
- German craftsmanship
- Good appreciation potential
- Not costly
- Strong club support
Minuses of the 1965-1968 BMW 2000CS:
- Beware of unit body/chassis rust
- Body parts now hard to acquire
- Overshadowed in collector circles by 2800CS
- Front end spoils otherwise pleasant styling
Production of the 1965-1968 BMW 2000CS:
11,720
Specifications of the 1965-1968 BMW 2000CS:
Wheelbase, inches: 100.4
Length, inches: 178.3
Weight, pounds: 2,630
Price, new: $5,185 U.S. in 1966
Engines for the 1965-1968 BMW 2000CS:
*DIN European Type Size Horsepower* Years ohc I-4 1,990 cc 100/120 1965-1968
