[citation needed] At the 1969 Geneva Motor Show, BMW unveiled the "2800 Bertone Spicup" concept car.

The 3.0 CS has a 9.0:1 compression ratio, twin carburetors and produces 134 kW (180 hp) at 6000 rpm.

The 3.0 CSi has a 9.5:1 compression ratio, Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, and produces 149 kW (200 hp) at 5500 rpm.

The lightness was achieved by using thinner steel to build the unit body, deleting the trim and soundproofing,[9] using aluminium alloy doors, bonnet, and boot lid, and using Perspex side windows.

[8] The five hundred 3.0 CSLs exported to the United Kingdom were not quite as light as the others, as the importer had insisted on retaining the soundproofing, electric windows, and stock E9 bumpers and 195/70R14 Pirelli Cinturato CN36, later Michelin XWX on these cars.

[11][12][13] This final version of the 3.0 CSL was homologated in July 1973 along with an aerodynamic package including a large air dam, short fins running along the front fenders, a spoiler above and behind the trailing edge of the roof, and a tall rear wing.

[17] The CSL also competed in Group 5 Special Production guise, winning three rounds of the 1976 World Championship for Makes.

[18] The engine, from the 2500 sedan, displaced 2,494 cc (152.2 cu in) and produced 150 hp (112 kW) at 6000 rpm.

Hezemans and Quester had driven to second place at the 1973 German Touring Car Grand Prix at Nürburgring, being beaten only by Chris Amon and Hans-Joachim Stuck in another 3.0 CSL.

In 2015, BMW introduced the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept car at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

As a homage to the original, the 3.0 CSL Hommage has a minimal interior to keep the weight as low as possible; carbon fibre and aluminium are used in the cockpit for the same reason.

It features a more powerful 3.0-liter Inline-six cylinder engine producing 412 kW (560 PS; 553 hp) and 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) of torque and is being built to celebrate BMW M's 50th Anniversary.