E46 M3 CSL in gleaming sapphire black metallic coachwork with amaretia grey reflex cloth/carbon fibre interior. This superb M3 CSL is in excellent condition inside and out having covered only 60,000 miles since first registered in March 2004. As one of only 422 CSL versions of the E46 M3 made in right hand drive, this particular car is an almost unique opportunity to own a fully inspected, medium mileage, superbly presented example of this iconic modern classic at a price that is affordable. . It also has a full service history, including its all important 1200 mile running in service at Whitehouse BMW in Ruxley, and has been fully inspected by our BMW trained technicians.
Those who assume that the CSL is simply a stripped down version of the standard car couldn’t be more wrong. With ‘CSL only’ front valence, roof, wheels, boot lid, boot floor, rear glass, interior, brakes, suspension, steering, gearbox set-up and much more, the M3 CSL is a masterclass in weight reduction and distribution, resulting in one of the most thrilling drives of any production BMW.
The M3 CSL (‘L’ being for lightweight) is around 110 kg lighter than the regular M3. This was achieved by removing a large proportion of the M3’s sound insulation, along with the electric seats, and navigation systems (as well as the other modifications listed here). Air conditioning and stereo systems however were available as no-cost options – this car has both. It also has Xenon Headlights and Park Distance Control (PDC) as factory options.
The CSL’s body is crafted from a combination of carbon fibre with glass reinforced plastics used for the structural points in the car. The rear glass window was replaced with lightweight plastic and the handling ability of the car was further improved by redesigning the entire suspension system and modifying the brakes.
The CSL’s aerodynamic lightweight body kit which included a larger and fully integrated rear spoiler, carbon fibre rear diffuser and front splitters all helped greatly to improve down force at high speeds. Further weight was saved by replacing the boot floor with a lighter-weight substitute. The CSL has distinct 19 inch lightweight forged BBS alloys.
The interior of the CSL has specially designed fibre glass racing bucket seats. The centre console, door cards are all carbon fibre and the steering wheel has just one button for the “M” track mode which reduces the traction control to the bare minimum (it can be fully disengaged).
The M3 CSL was only ever available with the (significantly remapped) SMG II gearbox – in essence the standard 6 speed manual gearbox actuated by an electro-hydraulic clutch pedal that allowed changes to be made in 0.08 seconds, and thanks to the bespoke CSL software set up for the SMG, the ‘box compliments the other performance modifications perfectly. A carbon fibre air intake, modified valve timing, exhaust system, and a retuned Engine Management System saw the power increased by 17 hp. But don’t be fooled by this apparently meagre power upgrade. The overall package shows BMW to be a company at the very top of their game, reviving memories of the original 1970s 3.0 CSL and a generation on, the amazing E30 M3 Sport Evolution. It is arguable that the M3 CSL is the greatest production BMW in the company’s modern history, and with such limited numbers made (and even fewer still available), this is a car that is as certain an investment as any performance classic can be.
To drive an M3 CSL for the first time in anger is an experience no keen driver will ever forget. The combination of the lightweight chassis, perfect steering, super fast gear change and that incredible noise from the CSL only giant carbon fibre air intake, make for an incredibly exciting and highly addictive driving experience. In the words of BMW DTM and Touring Car champion Steve Soper, the M3 CSL “feels and sounds so much like a race car, I’m surprised it’s road legal”. Rest assured though, this CSL is both road legal and available to test drive now at Munich Legends.
For more information on this car, or to book a road test, which are strictly by appointment only, please do not hesitate to contact the showroom team on 01825 740456 or email sales@www.munichlegends.co.uk.
