The Essen Motor Show 2024 is in full swing, and as tradition dictates, last Friday was all about hitting the autobahn to Germany for the show’s much-anticipated Preview Day. Once an exclusive affair reserved for press, exhibitors, and VIPs, Preview Day now offers early access to anyone willing to pay €10 extra. Predictably, this change has transformed what was once a quieter experience into a bustling start to the weekend.
For me, Preview Day is a mix of networking, catching up with familiar faces, and getting behind the lens to capture the cars. But let’s be honest: while the people and conversations make the event memorable, the cars are the real stars of the show. And one car that I wanted to see in real life, stole the spotlight for me this year—a breathtaking BMW E9 2800CS that didn’t disappoint.
When it comes to quality and sheer aesthetic appeal, this E9 was in a league of it’s own. Everything about it exuded precision and passion, from its stance to the meticulously crafted interior. This wasn’t just a build; it was a vision brought to life. What impressed me most was how the car retained the timeless lines of the original E9, a design so inherently beautiful it hardly needs enhancement.
This particular BMW E9 has undergone a complete transformation, beginning with the bodywork. Stripped down to its bare essence, the car was resprayed in a classic Mercedes-Benz color known as Weissgrau (white gray). This shade, a nod to icons like the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, graces not only the exterior but also the undercarriage and engine bay.
While I wasn’t able to sneak a peek under the hood, the details shared were enough to ignite my imagination. The car retains its original M30B28 engine, now fully rebuilt to perfection. Enhancing its performance is a set of ITBs (Individual Throttle Bodies) from Racehead Engineering, paired with a standalone Maxx ECU for better engine management. To complement the revamped engine, the wiring harness has been completely replaced—a testament to the dedication and thoroughness of the build.
One of the most surprising elements of this car is its wheels. They started life as Pontiac Firebird wheels. Originally in 15-inch, they’ve been rebuilt in 18-inch, three-piece masterpieces, with dimensions of 7.5×18” at the front and 8.5×18” at the rear. Finished in iconic BBS gold, these wheels are a bold and unexpected choice that works flawlessly.
The suspension system takes things to the next level, courtesy of KEAN Suspension in Belgium. Their custom airride setup is managed by Airlift’s 3H system, ensuring not just a stunning stance but also modern-day drivability. The air tank and compressor? Ingeniously hidden in the trunk, of course.
If the exterior is a showstopper, the interior is no less impressive. Inspired by Singer’s approach to reimagining classics, every surface inside the cabin has been wrapped in luxurious chocolate brown leather sourced from BMW’s own material lineup. The seats are a work of art, featuring a basketweave pattern that adds texture and sophistication to the overall design.
Owner; Dimii
The owner told me that the BMW E9 was built in loving memory to his late grandfather, hence the photo on the console in front of the gear shifter. A fitting tribute if you’d ask me.
