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Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics Instead, you got an optimized engine based on the iconic S54B32HP in-line 6-cylinder engine and a robotized version of the M gearbox with a shift time of down to just 80 milliseconds. Also, the CSL didn’t come with radio, air-conditioning or navigation system. However, it perfectly explains just how serious BMW was about optimizing the model. The boot floor cover made from lightweight fiber-board confused Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson in 2004 as he thought the new material was “cardboard”. Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics
2003 e46 m3 specs hp windows#
Furthermore, the rear windows were made from thinner glass and special composite material and carbon-fiber were used for the rear diffuser, front apron, intake airbox and parts of the interior. As a result, the original roof was replaced with a carbon-fiber roof. Well, the M3 CSL is no “ordinary” M3! The name CSL stands for “Coupé Sport Leichtbau” meaning Coupe Sport Lightweight and the spec list reveals that BMW took the weight reduction VERY seriously. – Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear 2004 Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics What is so special about the CSL edition? So what was this “CSL” version all about – and what could possibly justify a price tag with a $24,500 USD increase compared to the standard M3? Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics “The most hardcore BMW ever made” The E46 BMW M3 CSL first appeared in 2003 and was – at the time – the most hardcore BMW ever made! The M3 was already widely recognized for its amazing performance as three generations of the track day weapon already existed: the E30 from 1986-1991, the E36 from 1992-1999 and the E46 introduced in 2000. However, the power, sound and performance is nothing less than legendary! Photo credit: Millenium Heroes / Fast classics The legendary light-weight E46 BMW M3 CSL The successor to the 1972 CSL with the nickname “Batmobile” might not have the obvious looks of a supercar. The E46 BMW M3 CSL is known as the lightweight legend.