What would i have to do to make my M3 handle like a csl?

[rob05]

Does the csl have thicker anti roll bars?Whats the cheapest way to upgrade to some thing near to the csl handling?

[Zod]

It's difficult, because much of the improvement inteh CSL's handling comes from the lower centre of gravity and that depends on the CF roof inter alia.

[sjj84]

Didn't the CSL have a different steering rack from the normal M3 aswell?

[taffyracer]

To get it remotely close you'd need to lose the weight, the wheels are lighter as is the interior, roof, etc etc, overall about 180 Kgs I believe. They do have different steering, brakes and induction / cams as well hence the greater torque and power, i personally wouldn't bother, it'd cost far too much

[ascender]

I'd just buy a CSL, I bet it would probably work out cheaper.

[rob05]

Ok if that is the case,what can be done to it to make it better.I dont think the springs and shocks are the problem,in fact on the motorway if feels too hard at times,its more of the leaning into the bends i dont like.
Its one of those cars that leans but holds the line,i'd rather it did'nt lean.
My thinking is upgrade the anti roll bars?
Also what about the rack is there anything better out there than what i have?
I'm really warming to this car after the first few weeks of hating it,if i could just make it a bit sharper on the twisty stuff i'd be a lot happier.
I'm really a porsche man at heart so i dont really have the first clue about these cars and i wont mess about with it without advice from people in the know,so any suggestions are most welcome

Edited by rob05 on Sunday 4th June 19:46

[DoctorD]

rob05 said:

I'm really a porsche man at heart so i dont really have the first clue about these cars and i wont mess about with it without advice from people in the know,so any suggestions are most welcome

Rob, the sure fire way of improving an M3's handling comes from fitting a tried and tested coil-over suspension upgrade (Bilstein PSS9 or KW). The CSL does have thicker anti-roll bars than the M3 (31.5mm front compared to 26mm on the CSL) and 1mm thicker at the rear also. You could try fitting an upgraded H&R set but this might make it even less compliant than it already is. Anti-roll bars would be cheaper though (around £400-500) to upgrade compared to the £1500 or so that a suspension replacement would cost.

Why don't you register on bm3w.co.uk and read the posts from other M3 owners in the 'tuning and modifications forum'. I'm sure you'll find your answer there.

[rob05]

Thanks doc,i know what you mean about the anti roll bars,i did this on one of my boxsters and yes it did'nt lean but it felt more nervous.I'm not sure this will be the case on the m3,but i really dont know for sure,i guess i'll just have to risk it.
I have found a really great forum,mostly american www.m3forum.com.
Lots of info in fact to much for my limited experience of m cars,if you know what i mean.
I do miss the porsche and the forum is,yes there are lots of crazys over there but its also a lot of fun.
Anyway thanks to all,i will let you know how i get on.

Edited by rob05 on Sunday 4th June 20:09

[DoctorD]

Rob, I choose to upgrade the roll bars on one of my cars (Alpina Roadster S) and used CSL front roll bar plus a 1mm thicker bar on the rear (all OEM BMW parts), you may have read the review we wrote about it in issue 091 of EVO magazine. It certainly cures the roll, but can leave the car lacking in compliance over bumps, but it's a good expedient solution for very little £££.

M3forum.com can be useful but bear in mind that the US version M3 is different to the European version, so some of the solutions they propose will not be applicable over in the UK. You'll find some useful information plus DIY guides on http://m3.madrussian.net/ but BM3W is the largest UK based forum and where most M3 owners reside. www.bm3w.co.uk/index.php

Other forums worth visiting include the European based M3 section of M5board.com www.m5board.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=17

[rob05]

Fantastic thanks that madrussian site looks the biz.So can i just go down to my local bmw dealer and order the two csl anti roll bars?Ive used H&R before and found them to be very good,there around £320,which out of the two would be the better bet?
Lastly is it a straight forward fit,ie an hour or so labour?I'l get the lads at redline racing to sort it,although at this time of year they will be busy with the cup cars.

[DoctorD]

Unfortunately you can't order a CSL anti-roll bar from your local BMW dealer because they restrict supply to owners with a CSL designated VIN number. Might be best to go the H&R route, but make sure they're adjustable because you don't want to go too firm on the rear bar.

Another worthy source of expertise in terms of chassis tuning is Thorney Motorsport, run by John Thorne over in Milton Keynes. He operates from a slick purpose built building and has access to all the parts and advice you need. Contact him on www.tunergp.co.uk/contact.htm

Edited by DoctorD on Sunday 4th June 22:43

[rob05]

Ok thanks a lot just what the doctor ordered!