BMW E3 3.0 SI

The engine was based on the existing fours, sharing their overall layout while not merely an addition of two cylinders. The design team was led by Wilhelm Hofmeister, with some detail work executed by Italy's Bertone and Michelotti studios. A goal was to allow for more passenger space and comfort than the earlier "Neue Klasse" saloons had been able to offer.

A wider body with a dramatic rear spoiler gave the 3.0 the nickname of 'Batmobile'.