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BMW E46 M3 CSL

Mileage: 104,540 Top Speed: 155 Year: 2004 0 - 60: 4.9 MOT Expiry: May 12 BHP: 360 Tax Expiry: Oct 12 Transmission: 6 Speed SMG Exterior Colour: Sapphire Black Engine Capacity: 3246 cc Interior Colour: Black Engine Configuration: Inline 6

BMW E46 M3 CSL | £19,995

Mileage: 104,540

Model History

After the huge success of the E9 CSL in the 1970's it is somewhat of a surprise that it took BMW another 30 years to resurrect the name, but when they did the E46 M3 CSL certainly stood up to the challenge. As with the original E9 CSL the main objective was weight loss.

 

On the exterior the car got a carbon fibre roof panel that saved 6kg's and lowered the cars centre of gravity, the front bumper was also made from carbon as was the rear diffuser. The distinctive duck tail boot lid was made from sheet moulding compound, the rear floor and bulkhead are constructed from fibreglass reinforced plastic and the rear screen used thinner gauge glass.

 

The comfortable leather seats where ditched in favour of some light weight, fixed back bucket seats, the door cards were replaced by more carbon as was the centre console. Air conditioning and the radio were both deleted, although could be spec'd as no cost options.

 

BMW really pulled out the stops on the E46 CSL to make it something special. A touring car style carbon air box was fitted that gives the CSL it glorious induction roar, a more efficient intake system, better manifolds, modified camshafts and exhaust valves along with a lightweight exhaust system meant that power rose to 360hp at 7900rpm. This was coupled to the SMG 2 gearbox with bespoke software.

 

The chassis was improved with different springs and uprated shocks, thicker anti roll bars, some upgraded bushes, a quicker steering rack and larger front brake discs. Unique 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres completed the package.

 

The M3 CSL is now well renowned as one of BMW's finest achievements with stunning pace, an addictive induction roar and a staggeringly accomplished chassis!

Equipment

CSL spec, Air Conditioning, Xenon headlights, BMW Business Stereo 

Exterior

This CSL has been owned by one of the 4 Star team (James) so has been brought up to the highest standards. The car had some stone chips to the front, the mirrors and the bottom of the rear arches so in the strive for perfection the whole car had a top re-paint at our prefered bodyshop 355 restorations in Dunsfold park. On return the car went into our detailing studio for three days and the results are staggering, the Sapphire black paintwork has a concourse finish! All the badges where also replaced so it has a perfect factory fresh look.

Interior

We viewed many other CSL's before buying this car, most had half the mileage but the interiors where starting to look worn and shabby with scratches on the carbon and dash trim and also wear to the seat bolsters. This example had by far the best due to its careful previous owner, an accountant who had owned the car since 2006 and used the car for visiting clients up and down the country. The only thing we changed was the steering wheel with a brand new item purchased direct from BMW. 

Engine & Transmission

With a fully documented service history, this CSL has been pampered its whole life The last service was an inspection 2 and the next inspection 1 service is not due for 9,000 miles. The E46 CSL is well renowned as being one of the best sounding cars of all time, it does not disappoint and the induction roar is truly addictive.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The wheels had no curb marks on them but the paint had dulled a little between the spokes so to get them perfect they were correctly stripped and refurbished by Lepsons, the badges were also replaced and a brand new set of wheel bolts purchased from BMW. The tyres are Michelin PS2s and have only covered a couple of thousand miles since being replaced. The brakes are in fine working order and pull the car up quickly in a straight line.

History File

This CSL was first registered in March 2004 and has a full up to date service history (10 stamps) from the run in inspection to the last Inspection 2 service done at 101,629 miles last year.

 

The previous owner bought the car from a BMW dealer in 2006 with 20k miles on the clock and used it for long motorway trips visiting clients, every service since his ownership has been done at the same BMW specialist in Cambridge. Every receipt from new has also been kept detailing the exact work that has been carried out.

 

The CSL leather document holder is still with the car and contains all the owners guides and manuals. All keys are also present.