2003 BMW E46 M3 CSL

Introduced in 2004, the M3 E46 CSL was a car deemed worthy to reintroduce BMW’s legendary CSL badge. The car was built in limited numbers, and only 1,383 M3 E46 CSLs were produced.

The commitment to lightweight construction was not merely a pledge with the M3 CSL; it is deeply ingrained in the DNA of this distinctive sports car. Weighing in at 1,385 kilograms, the engineers at BMW M reduced the weight of the already finely tuned M3 Coupé by an impressive 110 kilograms. Alongside reductions in the body and interior, a refined engine, transmission, and chassis all played their part. Engineers also incorporated a special, thin-walled exhaust system to further save weight.

Presented here is a 2003 BMW M3 CSL in grey with a black interior. Originally delivered to New Zealand, it arrived in Australia in 2012.

The original Warranty and Service Book confirm that this car was delivered to its first owner on the 20th of January 2004 by BMW Auckland. The Service Book indicates that this car has been well-maintained. The engine, suspension, and gearbox underwent overhauls by BMW Motorline in 2022, with all invoices available.

In conjunction with other extensive lightweight construction methods, the M3 CSL achieves an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 3.85 kilograms per hp. More than anything else, that measurement is made possible by the consistent use of lightweight materials. Composite materials familiar from motorsport were used in the rear diffuser, front apron, intake manifold, and some parts of the interior. Additionally, the bonnet was made of aluminium, and the rear window was crafted from special thin glass. The highlight, however, is on top, with the M3 CSL being the first M model to feature a visible carbon roof – a feature that has become an integral part of the BMW M repertoire.

Externally, the CSL can be identified by numerous details, such as the special door sills, the curved spoiler lip on the boot lid, and, of course, the addition of those three special letters on its rear. The single ‘porthole’ on one side of the front apron, which provides the engine with the necessary oxygen through an enlarged intake air duct, is also very striking and unique to this model.

Internally, the BMW M3 CSL welcomes its occupants with plenty of motorsport-typical purism, including special door panels and bucket seats for maximum lateral support during vigorous acceleration. Buyers who were genuinely focused on performance also forwent the comfort provided by features such as the radio and automatic climate control.

Radically agile, the M3 CSL is distinguished by its razor-sharp steering. To achieve this, perhaps the most uncompromising model in BMW M’s history was exclusively equipped with the powerful SMG II transmission with Drivelogic. Not only does this provide the expected feeling of a racing car, but in conjunction with the modified engine, it also delivers a driving performance to match. As a consequence, the speedometer needle hits the 100 km/h mark in just 4.9 seconds, and when the M3 CSL was tested on the legendary Nordschleife, it achieved a remarkable lap time of 7 minutes and 50 seconds.

The BMW M3 E46 CSL is regarded by many as the best car BMW has ever built and is now available for sale at Classic Throttle Shop.