BMW E46 M3 CSL
£105,000
£105,000
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
- Exterior Colour: Silbergrau Metallic
- Interior Colour: Black
- Engine: 3246cc
- Transmission: SMG
- Mileage: 82,000 miles
- Previous Owners: 8
- Date Of Production: 19/06/2003
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 The svelte door cards found in your stock E46 M3 have been superseded by smart carbon fibre panels, even the rear passenger seats have been on the Atkinson diet.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.
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: 19/06/2003
- Engine Capacity: 3246cc
- Transmission: SMG
- Mileage: 82,000 miles
- Full Service History
- 19’ BMW CSL Alloy Wheels
- Previous Owners: 8
- Silbergrau Metallic
- Alcantara CSL Motorsport Bucket Seats
- Factory De-Restricted
- AP Racing Front Brake Calipers
- AP Racing Rear Brake Calipers
- AP Racing Brake Discs
- Pagid RS29 Brake Pads
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4s Tyres
- Redish Motorsport Rear Subframe Plates
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Category 5 Tracker
- Bluetooth Audio Receiver
- 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!
Presented in original Silbergrau Metallic, this M3 is one of only 1,383 CSLs produced, offering incredible value when we consider not just its rarity, but the level of care its current owner has lavished on this iconic M3.
A new customer to Hero Motor Company, our man shares our approach to no expense spared ownership, leaving no stone unturned.
The current owner has in fact owned the car twice, purchasing it first in 2022 from a long term owner of 7 years and during this initial ownership period carried out an extensive program of work.
In 2023 the underside of the CSL received a sizable investment of over £42,000 in future-proofing and cosmetic refurbishment. The rear subframe mounts have been reinforced, and every bush, gaskets, heatshield, nut, bolt, clip and fastener available was replaced. OEM dampers, springs, top mounts and bump stops have been replaced as a matter of course, ensuring that this CSL handles as well as it did when it rolled off the production line. Its sole modification is an AP Racing big brake kit front and rear, ensuring its stopping power matches its acceleration.
As with most E46’s of this age, the front wings had the beginnings of corrosion emerging. Our client was having none of it, and the wings were swiftly replaced with genuine BMW panels and the entirety of the exterior wrapped in paint protection film. But he didn’t stop there…
The interior was retrimmed in factory BMW Alcantara, with all carbon fiber trim treated to a fresh coat of lacquer. New BMW floor mats and a retrimmed steering wheel complete this factory fresh interior.
The CSL has covered a mere 3,000miles since being restored and in July 2025 received an Inspection II service with an additional £3,000 of maintenance including replacement tensioners, pulleys and belts.
Underside Photography Courtesy of 'Noak Photography'.
Included in the sale of this incredible M3 CSL is a highly desirable number plate, 2 keys, all original manuals, service books and supplying dealer literature. A category 5 tracker has been fitted and will be accompanied by a binder with several inches of receipts and invoices beautifully organised in chronological order documenting one of the most comprehensive service histories we’ve ever seen.
Before handover, this one of a kind CSL will pass through our workshop for a final PDI 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
£105,000
£105,000
BMW E46 M3 CSL