BMW E46 M3 CSL
£90,000
£90,000
BMW E46 M3 CSL

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.

History File

  • Mileage: 61,000 miles
  • Exterior Colour: Silbergrau Metallic
  • Interior Colour: Black
  • Transmission: SMG
  • Engine: 3246cc
  • Previous Owners: 9
  • Date Of Registration: 27/03/2004
Take A Seat

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 The svelte door cards found in your stock E46 M3 have been superseded by smart carbon fibre panels, even the rear passenger seats have been on the Atkinson diet.



Creating A Lightweight

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.

Carbon fibre roof panel of a silbergrau BMW E46 M3 CSL.
Things Take A Turn

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.

Full Specification:

  • Date of Production: 30/10/2003
  • Date of First Registration: 27/03/2004
  • Mileage: 61,000 miles
  • Full Service History
  • Engine Capacity: 3246cc
  • 19’ BMW CSL Alloy Wheels
  • Previous Owners: 9
  • Silbergrau Metallic
  • Alcantara CSL Motorsport Bucket Seats
  • Dynamic Stability Control
  • Transmission: SMG
  • Rubber Boot Liner Protector
  • Interior Mirror With Auto-Dip
  • On-Board Computer
  • High Gloss Shadow Line
  • Sequential M Gearbox Drivelogic
  • Alarm System
  • Headlight Cleaning System
  • White Direction Indicator Lights
  • Rain Sensor
  • Xenon Lights
  • Automatic Air Conditioning
  • CD Drive

Engine Work

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!

Carbon fibre air box on a BMW E46 M3 CSL.
Rear M3 and CSL badge detail of a silbergrau BMW coupe.

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 2019.
Enhanced braking is courtesy of an AP Racing brake kit, ensuring the CSL can deploy the anchors just as quickly as it can take off again.

This CSL has been used sparingly, with just 61,000miles and a no expense spared approach to maintenance and servicing. The VANOS system was serviced in 2023 at 55,000miles and has since been through our workshop for front and rear brake caliper rebuilds and an additional £10,000 worth of preventive maintenance. Later that year we carried out the all-important Hero Motor Company protection program. Along with installing reinforcement plates to the rear subframe mounts, the underside of the car was thoroughly washed, taken back to bare metal, original factory product and paint re-applied and clear cavity wax sealant to protect the shell and cavities. The M3 was then thoroughly scrutinised to rectify any small issues found.

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: Inspection II Service, Brake Fluid Change, Replace Coolant, Replace Air-Con Pulley Belt, Replace Rear Offside Exhaust Mount, Replace Rear Bump Stops, Replace Nearside & Offside Engine Mounts and a new MOT.

Our Thoughts

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.

BMW E46 M3 CSL
£90,000
£90,000
BMW E46 M3 CSL