BMW 3 SERIES (E46) M3 CSL 2003

The modifications required for an M3 to earn the coveted CSL badge are legion. Alongside the now legendary S54 straight six engine and carbon fibre comes revised suspension, modified brakes, quicker steering and a paddle-operated SMG gearbox capable of swapping one cog for another in 0.08sec -or, three times faster than you.

Inside, lightweight Alcantara racing seats ensure your body can withstand 1.5G of lateral acceleration without depositing you on your passengers lap. The svelte door cards found in your stock E46 M3 have been superseded by smart carbon fibre panels, even the rear passenger seats have been on the Atkinson diet.

This pre-weigh-in crash diet continues with the expected levels of Bavarian severity. Aluminium formed bonnet, thinner rear glass, aviation grade thermoplastic bumpers, less sound deadening, and in a first of its kind application, a carbon fibre roof panel - adding rigidity and bringing the centre of gravity closer to the tarmac. Combined, these modifications shave 110kg off the curb weight -not too shabby.

Steering improvements courtesy of the CSL’s higher gear steering ratio of 14.5:1 (vs 15.4:1 standard) means not just a tighter turning circle but a faster response when attacking the corners, paired with a revised spring set-up and modified settings on the Sachs dampers, lowering the car by a further 10mm, thicker anti-roll bars and lighter aluminium front and rear lower control arms.

Perhaps the most notable difference under the bonnet of the CSL is the gargantuan carbon air box. Fed directly by a standalone air duct in the front bumper, it’s not just the primordial howl and character of the S54 that changes as a result. A revised camshaft and less restrictive exhaust system bring the total power of the CSL to 360bhp @7,900rpm and 370N·m of torque @4900rpm and a 0-60mph time of just 4.8seconds!

It’s only with the benefit of hindsight you can see how truly special the E46 M3 CSL was and still is. Only the second car to earn the CSL moniker, the E46 M3 is as close to road legal track perfection as we will ever see from BMW. The CSL takes this already heroic generation of M3 and makes it the stuff of legend.

This M3, presented in original Silbergrau Metallic, is one of only 1,383 CSL’s made and has been in the care of Hero Motor Company since 2017. As with all the cars we represent, the CSL has been used sparingly, with just 25,800miles and a no expense spared approach to maintenance and servicing. With a central London residence and time to enjoy the car in short supply, the current owner has decided to let it go to a new custodian.

The car will be presented to the new owner with original key sets, CSL alcantara wallet, all manuals and supplements, original fully stamped service book and supporting document file.

Prior to handover to the new owner, the CSL will pass through our workshop for its very thorough full sales inspection and the following work will be carried out. PDI, road test and valid MOT.

Full Specification:

Build Date: 08/09/2003

First Registered: 24/09/2003

5 Previous Owners

25,800 Miles

Full Service History

Silbergrau Metallic

SMG Drive Logic

19" CSL Alloy Wheels

Black Alcantara CSL Bucket Seats

Dynamic Stability Control

Factory alarm

High Gloss Shadow Line

Headlight cleaning

Park Distance Control

Rain Sensor

Green top tint screen

Xenon Lights

Battery Master Switch

Automatic Air Conditioning

Interior Mirror with Anti-Dazzle

On-Board Computer

BMW Business Radio/CD Player

White Indicator Lights

Please enquire with Barney for full details of this stunning E46 M3 CSL!