BMW’s rare E46 M3 CSL was fast, furious and fiercely exclusive when it launched in 2003. More than two decades on, this lightweight legend is still turning heads
What is the BMW E46 M3 CSL?
It seems the moment you drive a shiny new car off the showroom forecourt, it’s replaced by something a little bit sharper, a tad faster and generally more appealing. But every once in a blue moon something comes along that is simply irreplicable. And one car that perfectly meets that criteria is the BMW E46 M3 CSL.
Now, that’s a lot of letters and numbers, but what it all adds to is a two-door coupe that features a 3.2-litre straight-six engine and takes 4.9 seconds to reach 62mph from a standing start. That may sound average these days with super-fast EVs arriving every week, but the two things I have failed to mention is this Bimmer was launched back in 2003 and the product-run was really limited, giving it unique appeal.
In fact, it is viewed by those in the know as one of the greatest modern BMW M cars ever produced. So, when we were handed the keys to this powerhouse of a vehicle, they were grabbed without hesitation and with high expectations.
Ready to get behind the wheel of a BMW? Book a test drive today and see current offers Book a Test Drive
Why is the BMW M3 CSL so desirable?
Slap a ‘limited edition’ label on anything and the desirability, along with increasing value, become major selling points. So, when BMW limited the run of the M3 CSL to just 1,383 models globally, of which only 422 right-hand drive versions came to the UK, demand was high. There were just two colour options – black or silver – and the combination of exclusivity, breath-taking performance and that legendary CSL name made it exceptionally sought-after.
If you’re wondering what the ‘CSL’ is all about, these three letters will give any dedicated sports fan goosebumps, and this car was viewed by many as the crowning glory of the third M3 series.
The letters actually stand for Coupe Sport Lightweight and with its carbon-fibre body panels and roof, lightweight glass and wheels, revised suspension, along with added power, BMW’s M division took absolutely everything the top echelons of motorsport had on tap back in 2003. The result was this model – a track-focused coupe that is just as engaging to drive today as it was back in its heyday. But, we’ll get to that in a moment.
How fast is the BMW E46 M3 CSL?
There’s no denying the fact, a certain number of big city dwellers have money to burn, and this is the type of car that would not only have attracted big spenders back in 2003, but more importantly, the devoted driving purists among them.
Without wanting to get too technical and wrapped up in numbers, we simply can’t ignore the performance figures of this vehicle. And remember it hit the road 23 years ago. Beneath the bonnet is the beating heart of the BMW, a 3.2-litre, V6 engine developing 360hp and 370Nm of torque.
While this wasn’t a huge increase in power over the standard E46 M3 vehicle, the CSL version shed 185kg without any mechanical assistance. So, the combination of the added power and considerable weight loss results in performance figures that are not for the faint-hearted.
As we mentioned, it could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in just 4.9 seconds, but it also boasted a top speed that was limited to 155mph.
What is the BMW M3 CSL like to drive?
Although we only spent an hour behind the wheel of this beautifully-crafted rear-wheel drive model, it was time I would happily re-live over and over again.
The pair of front sports seats are manually adjusted, but they are certainly body-hugging and quite firm. But when you take into account this model was engineered as a purist driver’s car, which meant sacrificing comfort and luxury in pursuit of sharper responses, a more engaging experience and exceptional dynamic ability, lightly-padded seats are a fairly small compromise.
That’s because this exclusive BMW is guaranteed to make you smile. The gear shifter is not the smoothest and controls a six-speed automated manual transmission, with the option of paddles for added fun. But the balance, poise and grip through twisting New Forest roads was truly inspirational. However, one slight gripe is the lack of a traditional clutch and manual gearbox – something true race-bred cars offered in the early noughties.
But back to ‘my’ test car – the acceleration is very fast, even for an old gal (the car, not me), and the steering still feels responsive with ample driver feedback. It’s fast, it’s furious and it’s exceptionally entertaining.
What technology does the E46 M3 CSL have?
Cars that are three years old look dated when you get inside, so little wonder this Bimmer looks as old as the Ark in places. But the race-car vibe is very apparent. There’s little clutter when it comes to instrumentation and no annoying bings or bongs to let you know you are one mile over the speed limit or hugging the white lane markings.
Instead you get four dials with the centre two displaying speed and revs and these are flanked by smaller dials showing fuel and temperature readings.
There are electric windows, even for back seat passengers, lots of physical controls (thankfully touchscreens hadn’t infiltrated cars back then), and you get a CD player to listen to your favourite tunes.
There is just a single pair of rear seats, more weight-saving engineering, but back seat passengers do have enough room to sit comfortably. That said; they may need their dentist and chiropractor on speed dial after a longer journey.
Ready to get behind the wheel of a BMW? Book a test drive today and see current offers Book a Test Drive
Is the BMW M3 CSL suitable for city driving?
While the rich and famous rock up in their Porsche and Lamborghini sports cars, sometimes a nod to the days when driving was about character, performance as well as looks is a not-so-gentle reminder of happier times. And that’s where this BMW comes to the fore. It’s not glossy, it’s not crammed with unnecessary gadgets and technology, but there are few new cars that will be this desirable in 23 years’ time. In fact, by 2049, we’ll probably be driven by automated robo taxis.
The limited number also gives this car a sense of uniqueness that often money can’t buy. And then there is that V6 engine noise. Boy, oh boy it sounds incredible. Engineers fitted a carbon-fibre airbox that amplifies the sound of air being sucked into the engine – it resembles feeding time in the Serengeti. If you have close neighbours that you get on with, it’s not the car for you!
How much does a BMW E46 M3 CSL cost to run?
When the BMW M3 CSL went on sale, it carried quite a hefty price-tag for the time, of £58,455, but as with most limited-edition models, the value has increased significantly. A quick search online showed prices up to around the high £70k mark, although a few cheaper versions were available too. That said; there was one with a £100k-plus asking price and many that we spotted were ‘price on application’ listings.
Frequent fuel stops will be essential with a combined 23.7mpg figure, way back when. Expect far less these days and the 287g/km of carbon emissions will mean hefty tax bills.
Additionally, insurance costs will be high and it’s very wise to invest in a high-end immobiliser and tracker where the system is constantly monitored.
Then, there are those increasingly common no-go zones that are only free to EV drivers. While owners will have to pay to enter zero-emission zones, the E46 M3 CSL is Euro 4 compliant, so meets Ultra Low Emission Zone rules and most regional Clean Air Zone requirements. However, we would advise checking ahead just to be certain.
Where can I get one?
If you still feel the urge to dip into the savings and purchase a BMW E46 M3 CSL, then search through the classic sections and maybe have a good look around the auction sites. It’s a car that will come with lots of added day-to-day expenses, but you could be the only person within a 1,000-mile radius with one on the driveway … and that is something money can’t always buy.