2004 BMW E46 M3 CSL

• The CSL's unique body panels, including the roof, were all crafted from carbon fibre
• Powered by a modified version of the usual 3,246cc S54 inline-six producing 338bhp
• Exclusive SMG II transmission with launch control. 'M Track' mode on the DSC
• Privately owned since 2009, fresh MOT, new alternator & regulator recently fitted
• The CSL is highly regarded and offers one of the most exciting driving experiences available

When a company with one of the greatest saloon car racing histories of all time and an engineering department with the greatest minds and billions at its disposal produces a car designed to be the best, you better believe it is. With only 1,383 produced during its 2004 production run, the E46 M3 CSL, the L stood for Leichtbau, was the definitive 'Touring Car' for the road. Available in only two colours, Silver-Grey metallic and Black Sapphire metallic, the CSL was powered by a modified version of the usual 3,246cc S54 inline-six, mated to the exclusive SMG II transmission. This state-of-the-art transmission featured a launch control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration, and this, in turn, was mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and M Differential Lock. Finally, the DSC can be switched to 'M Track' mode with a steering wheel-mounted button, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of wheelspin. Zero to sixty is in an incredible 4.6 seconds, totally remarkable in a car with four comfortable seats, electric windows and a boot for the weekly shop.

BMW's 'Leichtbau' philosophy in terms of the mass-produced M3 was, not only to reduce weight overall, but to distribute the weight savings to retain the E46 3-Series' perfect 50-50 split. To get the centre of gravity as low as possible, the CSL adopted many weight-saving technologies from BMW's Formula One racing applications. A large proportion of the M3's sound insulation was removed, along with the electric seats and navigation systems. The CSL's unique body panels, including the roof, were all crafted from carbon fibre, glass-reinforced plastics were used throughout structural points in the car, and the standard rear window was replaced with one made from thinner glass. The results were considerably more effective than the 110kg. weight saving would suggest, as the reduction in mass in conjunction with the lowered height of that mass and less body flex led to a dramatic improvement in dynamics, and the car would turn left and right in a much more eager fashion, which, in fact, was the whole idea.

One of only 422 UK-supplied BMW CSLs, this Silver Grey Metallic example is showing 56,990 miles and has been owned by our vendor since 2009. With four previous owners, this is an honest highly useable example as one of the most special BMW Coupes ever built. In preparation for the sale, the E46 was issued a fresh MOT valid until February 2022 and a new alternator and regulator were fitted in March of this year.

A new set of brakes, which are rather expensive, were fitted five years ago but the car has only covered five miles since, having been in professional storage since. The E46 CSL is highly regarded for offering one of the most exciting driving experiences available, do not miss this opportunity to own a good one, in fact, a very good one.