Coupe, sport, light. BMW has only put the CSL badge on two vehicles in its history: the 3.0 CSL, the homologation hero nicknamed the Batmobile, and this very delicately designed special edition E46 BMW M3 introduced in 2003. All credit to M Division, Indeed. He's certainly trademarked the letters and could have put them on a number of his recent products - like the latest M2 CS - but he clearly knows the L at the end needs to be earned.
This M3 definitely did. He was on110 kg lighter than the standard M3 of the time , which is a lot, considering that there are two more seats in the back. His diet was much more subtle and thoughtful than just tossing extra bits into the bin, though BMW will let you lose the stereo and air conditioning if you want to.
Carbon fiber roof. It is now a staple even of the two-ton M8 Gran Coupes, but the M3 CSL was the first. Other areas - the rear diffuser, front skirt and interior panels - used motorsport-derived composite materials, while the hood was made from aluminum and the rear window was made from thinner than stock glass.
Think it's boring? There's also a carbon fiber airbox connected to the engine, which sheds even more grams, and3.0 liter the inline six-cylinder engine made a new shrill intake noise. BMW also tinkered with the cams and valves to unleash another 17 hp, the CSL peaked at355 HP and370 Nm.
The package, which with a curb weight of 1385 kg and acceleration to 100 km / h took 0.3 seconds less - 4.9 seconds. The M3's electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h remained...unless you showed up to the showroom with a racing license, in which case they would push it to 280 km/h. on VW when buying a Golf R.
But none of the above is the main topic of CSL discussion. It sits between the two bucket seats up front - a short, cylindrical lever that shifts reverse, neutral and first gear. The M Division ditched the standard M3 manual transmission and replaced it with an automated single-clutch transmission that changed… gears… rather… slowly.
Like a blob on a supermodel's face, it took a lot of people's attention away from all the other wonderful things CSL could do. The speed at which paddle shift transmissions have evolved since the early 2000s has only exacerbated how harsh and reluctant shifts can be. But what happens if we go back to the M3 CSL and this transmission two decades later?
On the way
Well, it looks even more exciting than ever. Its gorgeous alloys are farther apart than the regular M3 (better for handling), with more negative camber pressing them tight against those exquisite arches. Then there's a single porthole in the front bumper to allow the engine to swallow a bit more air, and a more curved spoiler at the rear. It's a stunning sight, and one BMW has kept it simple by only offering gray or black as options.
Given the reputation of CSL - well, the reputation of its transmission - you're almost tempted to leave it at that. A great item that you don't want to get dirty while driving. Well, that would be a blatant disgrace. Because even some slightly hesitant gear changes can't ruin the fact that this is one of the biggest M cars.
With the timely adjustment of your right foot – a sympathetic slight rise when you upshift, or a sharp rev bump when downshifting – it really isn't as harsh as the doom fanatics think. The trick is to accept that it won't be silky smooth and speed up the process dramatically. Look, in addition to the carbon roofs, CSL has also made changes to the M driving style. So, in addition to the Sport button to increase throttle response, you can increase the response of the gearbox in five boost levels. Perhaps a bit unnecessary, but you want it to be at least "3". Trust us.
This thing still shifts fast and you can't push it too far out of the six gears on the road. Which, given its latest frenzied jump to 8000 rpm, is a shame. It was a less than 8 minute car on the Nordschleife before there was something called "YouTube" to post an onboard video. Its lap time of 7 minutes 50 seconds is faster than the latest Mk8 VW Golf R, which has almost the same power as the CSL and has quirky 4WD and tricky differentials to deal with.
This is because M3achieves its speed thanks to an old-fashioned thing called agility . It's light and nimble in feel and response, and its slim Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel is a joy to use with the silly stylized 12 o'clock marker (which you'll find in the M2 CS) thankfully missing. Everything here is function above form, however beautiful it may be.
You have complete faith in everything this car does, although with massive 19-inch wheels it doesn't ride with the shocking agility that some retro pieces do when revisited. CSL is still a tense, focused subject, but all the more poignant - and exciting - for him. Don't just stare - get in and drive. Because the more you put into it, the more you get. This is true of the faulty sequential manual transmission as well as the marvelous car it sits in.
From within
It really is function over form here, which, considering how draped everything is in velvety alcantara or glossy carbon, may be shocking. It was 2003—the stuff barely made it to supercars, let alone the options list of front-wheel drive hatchbacks.
These frameless doors radiate a true racing car vibe, and when you close them you suddenly realize you're in a relatively harsh environment. There's a lot of gray there, only highlighted by the three-tone M stitching on the wheel and the tachometer's illuminated upper quartile that actively moves the red line as the engine warms up. Another feature adopted by dozens of vehicles since the introduction of the CSL.
While there's a full range of power window switches - even for the rear window - there's a simplicity here that feels a lot more authentic than the CS M2 or M4 versions, the latter essentially removing the armrests and replacing the door handles with canvas. stripes. BMW would probably get away with giving her a CS badge, but put a line on it. We love it.
However, despite the lack of color, the bucket seats look fantastic, hug your love arms tight while they are a real old pain at the bottom to move forward to let people in the back. You see, the seat is one piece - it doesn't flex at the hip, leaving little room for people to slip into the rear seats.
It's like the CSL doesn't want the extra pounds on board, like it's run by bouncers who really don't want to let your white sneakers get ice cream in their nightclub. Those who do go back will find the car just as special and comfortable as a regular 3 Series coupe, though perhaps a little louder given that the glass behind their heads isn't as thick as usual.
Final Thoughts
The best car M? He's right there, despite his infamous flaw.All of the most iconic cars have a quirky backstory or a chink in their armor that makes owning, running and driving a little more fun. The more effort you put in, the more fun you will have...
This is the perfect match for the BMW M3 CSL. Keep the transmission in automatic mode and steer it like a modern M4 with paddle shifters and you'll growl at its sudden changes. Put in a little effort - like driving an M3 fast with a manual transmission - and you'll not only fix some of the transmission's flaws, but also increase the size of your smile.
With a factory manual transmission, this car will probably score 10 points. Every other aspect of its chassis and drivetrain is so, so brilliant. But there is no doubt that this is a more interesting car due to the unusual drivetrain. And just look at where we are now with these gearboxes. Just like with its extensive carbon trim, the M3 CSL was a pioneer in the performance car world, having these things before they became the norm. It's completely imperfect and we love it. Stains and all.
