2004 BMW E46 M3 CSL
Description
Key Points: Silver Grey Metallic Exterior Paint, Xenon Lights With Headlight Cleaning System, Automatic Climate Control.
The BMW M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau) is a limited edition version of the E46-era M3, only produced for the 2004 model year. The CSL was available in two colours, Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic. Only 1,383 examples were built, of which 422 were reserved for the UK market. A commemorative numbered plaque is mounted next to the handbrake lever.
As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The CSL has a curb weight of 1,385 kg, 110 kg lighter than the regular M3. Structural weight reduction measures include the use of glass-reinforced plastics, a roof constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, body panels constructed from carbon fibre, and thinner glass for the rear window. The boot floor cover was made of lightweight fibre-board.
The CSL discarded a large proportion of the M3's sound insulation, electric seats, navigation system, air conditioning, and stereo (the latter two were able to be re-added as no-cost options). The interior includes fibreglass front racing bucket seats, a fibreglass backing for the rear seats, and carbon fibre for the centre console, door panels, door trim, and head-liner. The steering wheel has just a single button which activates the M track mode, instead of the buttons for cruise control, stereo, and phone controls on the regular M3. The CSL retained the M3’s 50:50 weight distribution.
The wheels were increased in size to 19 inches, while the brakes were upgraded with larger floating discs at the front and larger pistons at the rear.
The suspension system was revised with stiffer springs, upgraded shock absorbers and a quicker ratio for the steering rack (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3). The electronic stability control was re-tuned and an "M track mode" was added, allowing higher thresholds before the system intervened.
The engine used in the CSL had increased output over the regular S54 unit, producing a healthy 350bhp. This is due to the use of sharper profile camshafts, a bigger air intake with carbon fibre manifold, a refinement of the exhaust manifold, and slightly different exhaust valves. The top speed was electronically limited as standard, but buyers with a current motorsport licence could order the CSL with the speed limiter removed. The sole transmission available was the six-speed SMG II automated transmission, with revised software resulting in shift times of 80 milliseconds.
The aerodynamics were also revised, including a carbon fibre front splitter that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%, and a carbon fibre rear diffuser. The front bumper had a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake. The bootlid was redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the regular M3 where one is simply added onto a flat boot.
Read MoreKey Points: Silver Grey Metallic Exterior Paint, Xenon Lights With Headlight Cleaning System, Automatic Climate Control.
The BMW M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau) is a limited edition version of the E46-era M3, only produced for the 2004 model year. The CSL was available in two colours, Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic. Only 1,383 examples were built, of which 422 were reserved for the UK market. A commemorative numbered plaque is mounted next to the handbrake lever.
As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The CSL has a curb weight of 1,385 kg, 110 kg lighter than the regular M3. Structural weight reduction measures include the use of glass-reinforced plastics, a roof constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, body panels constructed from carbon fibre, and thinner glass for the rear window. The boot floor cover was made of lightweight fibre-board.
The CSL discarded a large proportion of the M3's sound insulation, electric seats, navigation system, air conditioning, and stereo (the latter two were able to be re-added as no-cost options). The interior includes fibreglass front racing bucket seats, a fibreglass backing for the rear seats, and carbon fibre for the centre console, door panels, door trim, and head-liner. The steering wheel has just a single button which activates the M track mode, instead of the buttons for cruise control, stereo, and phone controls on the regular M3. The CSL retained the M3’s 50:50 weight distribution.
The wheels were increased in size to 19 inches, while the brakes were upgraded with larger floating discs at the front and larger pistons at the rear.
The suspension system was revised with stiffer springs, upgraded shock absorbers and a quicker ratio for the steering rack (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3). The electronic stability control was re-tuned and an "M track mode" was added, allowing higher thresholds before the system intervened.
The engine used in the CSL had increased output over the regular S54 unit, producing a healthy 350bhp. This is due to the use of sharper profile camshafts, a bigger air intake with carbon fibre manifold, a refinement of the exhaust manifold, and slightly different exhaust valves. The top speed was electronically limited as standard, but buyers with a current motorsport licence could order the CSL with the speed limiter removed. The sole transmission available was the six-speed SMG II automated transmission, with revised software resulting in shift times of 80 milliseconds.
The aerodynamics were also revised, including a carbon fibre front splitter that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%, and a carbon fibre rear diffuser. The front bumper had a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake. The bootlid was redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the regular M3 where one is simply added onto a flat boot.
