BMW E9 Electric Conversion: The Classic Coupe, Reborn Electric
As a specialist EV conversion factory, CMVTE transforms the legendary BMW E9 (3.0 CS / CSi) coupe into a silent, high-performance electric grand tourer. Keep the timeless Karmann-bodied elegance and add instant torque, a modern lithium battery pack and effortless, maintenance-free driving.
What Is a BMW E9 Electric Conversion?
A BMW E9 electric conversion means removing the original M30 inline-six engine, gearbox, fuel tank and exhaust and replacing them with an electric motor, lithium battery pack, controller and charger. Because the E9 is a light, elegant coupe (~1,400 kg), conversions commonly produce 150–330 kW (200–450 hp) with 40–90 kWh battery packs and around 250–350 km of range — dramatically more performance than the original, with zero emissions and timeless looks intact.
About the BMW E9: A Grand Tourer Worth Electrifying
Built from 1968 to 1975, the BMW E9 (2800 CS, 3.0 CS and CSi) is one of BMW’s most beautiful cars — a Karmann-bodied grand touring coupe powered by the classic M30 inline-six. Its long bonnet, rear-wheel-drive layout and refined GT character make it a superb EV conversion candidate: an electric motor’s instant torque suits its cruising nature, while modern components add the reliability the aging six can’t match.
| Spec | Stock E9 3.0 CS (Petrol) | Typical After EV Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | M30 inline-six (2,986 cc) | AC / PMSM electric motor |
| Power output | ~180 hp (132 kW) | 200–450 hp, instant torque |
| Energy / tank | Petrol tank | 40–90 kWh lithium battery |
| Kerb weight | ~1,400 kg | Similar (balanced placement) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual / auto | Retained via adapter, or single-speed |
| Range | — | ~250–350 km |
| Maintenance | Carbs, oil, tuning | Near maintenance-free |
| Emissions / noise | Exhaust + engine noise | Zero emissions · silent |
Why Convert a BMW E9 to Electric?
Instant Torque
An electric motor delivers peak torque from zero rpm, giving the E9 effortless, refined acceleration that far exceeds the original inline-six.
Zero Emissions · Silent
Cruise in near silence with no fumes — ideal for a grand tourer, and with free access to low-emission city zones.
Rock-Solid Reliability
No more carburettor tuning, overheating or hard starts. A modern EV drivetrain simply works, every drive.
Preserve a Classic
The conversion keeps the E9’s stunning Karmann body and interior — a sustainable way to enjoy a rare classic without engine worries.
Balanced Handling
Careful battery placement maintains ideal weight distribution, keeping the E9’s composed grand-touring handling.
Factory-Grade Quality
CMVTE has manufactured its own motors since 1995, using EVE cells and an automotive-grade BMS, with key components CE certified.
What Components Does an E9 EV Conversion Need?
A complete BMW E9 electric conversion kit usually includes the parts below. CMVTE supplies the full drivetrain, custom adapter plates, wiring diagrams and installation guidance:
Electric Motor
A high-output AC or PMSM motor replaces the inline-six, driving the rear wheels. Choose 150–330 kW to match your performance goals.
Motor Controller / Inverter
Manages motor speed and torque and controls voltage/current. Programmable for smooth GT cruising or spirited performance.
Lithium Battery Pack
A 40–90 kWh pack with an automotive-grade BMS sets your range, split between engine bay and boot to preserve balance.
Adapter Plate & Coupler
A custom adapter mates the motor to the original gearbox or driveline, preserving the rear-drive layout and feel.
Charger & DC-DC
An onboard charger for convenient charging, plus a DC-DC converter to power the E9’s 12 V lights, gauges and electrics.
Dashboard & Wiring
Integrates speed, state of charge (SOC) and power readouts, with a complete harness and wiring diagram for a clean install.
An EV Drive Kit Suited to the E9
High-Output Motor + Programmable Controller Kit
For rear-drive classics like the E9, CMVTE offers high-output motor and controller kits, including integrated two-in-one drive systems like our BMW M2 build. Pick the power level and battery capacity that match your target performance and range, and we’ll supply the custom adapter plate to fit your E9’s driveline.
- Motor typeAC / PMSM (high efficiency, high torque)
- Power range150–330 kW
- BatteryEVE cells · automotive-grade BMS
- ControllerProgrammable · multi drive modes
- CertificationKey parts CE · ISO9001
- IncludedAdapter + harness + wiring diagram
How to Choose the Right Battery & Range
Battery capacity is the biggest factor in your E9’s range, weight and cost. A converted GT coupe typically consumes roughly 160–200 Wh per km, so you can size the pack to your real-world driving. Use the guide below as a starting point:
| Battery Capacity | Est. Real Range* | Best For | Added Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 kWh | ~200–250 km | Weekend & show use, lighter build | Lightest |
| 60 kWh | ~280–350 km | Best all-round balance (recommended) | Moderate |
| 80+ kWh | ~380–450 km | Long-distance grand touring | Heaviest |
*Estimates only. Real range depends on driving speed, terrain, temperature and driving style.
Weight Distribution
We split the pack between the engine bay and boot to retain the E9’s balanced weight distribution and composed handling.
Cell Chemistry
LiFePO4 offers excellent safety and cycle life; NMC packs more energy density for greater range in less space. We advise per your goals.
Preserve Originality
We package the battery to avoid cutting the classic body where possible, protecting the E9’s value and authenticity.
Don’t Forget the Brakes
With far more torque and instant power on tap, upgrading the braking system is a critical part of any E9 EV conversion. We’ve written a dedicated guide to help you choose the right setup:
Powering Your Stop: Choosing the Perfect Braking System for Your BMW E9 EV Conversion
Learn how to match brakes, regenerative braking and components to the added performance and weight of your electric E9 — so your coupe stops as confidently as it accelerates.
Read the full guide →BMW E9 Electric Conversion Cost Estimate
The total cost depends mainly on battery capacity, motor power and whether you install it yourself or have it done professionally. The battery is the single biggest factor. Here's a realistic breakdown of the main component costs:
| Component | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric motor (AC/PMSM) | $2,000 – $6,000 | Depends on power (150–330 kW) |
| Controller / inverter | $1,000 – $3,000 | Programmable, matched to motor |
| Lithium battery pack | $6,000 – $16,000 | Largest cost — scales with kWh |
| Adapter plate & coupler | $500 – $1,500 | Custom to mate motor to driveline |
| Charger & DC-DC | $500 – $1,500 | Onboard charging + 12V supply |
| Brakes & suspension upgrade | $800 – $3,000 | Recommended for added performance |
| Installation labour (optional) | $4,000 – $10,000 | Skip for a DIY build |
Budget DIY Build
~$12,000 – $20,000
~40 kWh battery, mid-power motor, self-installed. Great for a lighter weekend classic.
Balanced Build
~$20,000 – $38,000
~60 kWh battery, strong motor, some professional help. The most popular choice.
Premium Build
~$38,000 – $60,000+
80+ kWh battery, high-power motor, full professional restomod build and tuning.
The Basic Steps of an E9 EV Conversion
Assess & Spec
Confirm your target performance, range and budget, then select motor power, voltage and battery capacity for your E9.
Remove the Petrol System
Take out the inline-six, gearbox, fuel tank, exhaust and cooling, then prepare mounting points for the new drivetrain.
Install Motor & Adapter
Fit the motor with a custom adapter plate to the gearbox or driveline, keeping the rear-drive layout aligned.
Fit Battery & Electronics
Mount the battery packs for balanced distribution, then install the controller, charger and DC-DC, wiring per the diagram.
Brakes & Commissioning
Upgrade the braking system for the added performance, integrate the display, program the controller and test all systems.
Road Test & Handover
Complete the first charge and shakedown drive, verify range and performance, then hand over with ongoing support.
Explore the Full BMW Electric Conversion Kit Range
The E9 is just one of the many BMW models CMVTE can electrify. See our complete BMW electric conversion kit hub for motors, batteries and solutions across the BMW lineup.
Our BMW Electric Conversion Projects
CMVTE has extensive experience converting BMW vehicles to electric — from classics to modern performance cars. Below are some completed BMW projects, useful references for your E9 build:
BMW E46 Electric Conversion
An EV conversion for the classic 3 Series E46 with full motor, battery and electronics.
View case study →BMW Mini Classic Electric Conversion
Electrifying the classic Mini — retro looks with a modern EV drivetrain, much like the E9.
View case study →BMW M2 EV Conversion Kit
A 32 kW two-in-one drive system for a performance-focused M2 conversion.
View case study →BMW X3 Electric Conversion
A complete EV conversion solution for the BMW X3 SUV.
View case study →BMW E9 Electric Conversion FAQs
How far and fast can a converted E9 go?
How much does an E9 electric conversion cost?
Do I need to upgrade the brakes?
Will the conversion damage the classic body?
Do you supply the complete EV drive system?
Is there a warranty and after-sales support?
Get a Custom Electric Conversion Plan for Your BMW E9
Tell us your target performance, range and budget, and the CMVTE factory will match the ideal motor, battery and complete EV drivetrain for your E9 coupe.
