BMW M3 CSL

A lighter, more powerful version of the BMW M3 was introduced for sale in 2003. The BMW M3 CSL is quicker and more responsive than the standard M3 which makes it an authentic motor sport experience in a production car.

A limited run of 1385 were built in Regensburg between June and December of 2003.

In creating the BMW M3 CSL, which stands for Coupe, Sport and Lightweight, engineers at BMW's M division succeeded in stripping ca. 150 kg from the M3. The result is a car that benefits from an impressive power to weight ratio of just 3.85 kg/bhp and accelerates from 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but can be de-limited to 280 kph (175 pmh) for holders of a 'C' racing licence.

But the BMW M3 CSL, which is based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt in 2001, is not just about lighter materials. Designers were tasked with creating a car true to BMW's motor sport heritage, right down to the last component. And by engineering a range of power and handling improvements, BMW has created a vehicle capable of breaking the eight minute (7:50) lap time at the famous Nurburgring, North Circuit in Germany.

Intelligent lightweight technology

For optimum weight reduction, BMW M engineers turned to 'intelligent' lightweight technology. This meant matching the most appropriate materials to the component or assembly requirements and resulted in widespread use of carbon fibre reinforced plastics, lightweight aluminium and glass fibre plastics. Much of this technology has been transferred from Formula 1.

A great engine - made even better

BMW's M3 engine has received many accolades for being International Engine of the Year. An enhanced version of this 3.2-liter straight-six power house was developed for the M3 CSL. Power output has been boosted from 343 to 360 bhp at 7,900 rpm, while torque is up from 365 to 370 Nm at 4,900 rpm.

The enhancements include:

• Thinner exhaust walls
• Larger air intake opening and carbon fibre air collector
• Camshafts with longer valve opening periods
• Air intake and volume calculated according to F1 principles
• Optimised exhaust valves
• Modified exhaust emission manifold

M3 CSL gearbox

BMW M's most sporting and dynamic transmission features on the BMW M3 CSL - the paddle shift SMG gearbox with Drivelogic and new software. Based on F1 technology, it allows ultra-fast shifting through all six gears, using the gear stick or paddles, with changes taking just 0.08 seconds. Drivers can choose between sequential and automated mode.

Handling dynamics

Precision handling comes courtesy of a wider front track and modified suspension geometry, including bespoke springs and dampers. A more direct ratio for the rack-and-pinion steering (14.5:1, compared to 15.4:1 for the M3) offers greater steering response in all conditions; while substantially modified brakes slow the M3 CSL to a standstill from 62 mph in less than 34 metres – just seven and a half car lengths.

Driver aids

M Track Mode is a unique function of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), activated via a steering wheel mounted switch. This allows skilled track drivers to push the car to the absolute limit of transverse and longitudinal acceleration, with DSC operating only where these limits are exceeded.

The optional 19" wheels and tires for the BMW M3 are fitted as standard but Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, with asymmetric treads developed especially for the BMW M3 CSL mounted on unique alloy wheels, can be specified as a no cost option. The tires, which are suitable for both road and track, measure 235/35 ZR 19 at the front and 265/30 ZR 19 at the rear. Complementing the performance of the car, they offer outstanding lateral grip, up to 1.6g, improving the BMW M3 CSL's already remarkable handling qualities and cornering capability.

To ensure M3 CSL owners are comfortable with the handling of these specially designed optional tires, dealers will explain the need for caution while they warm up and during very poor weather. Buyers will also be required to confirm that they are aware of and understand the unique performance characteristics.

Free driver training for all BMW M3 CSL customers is also included in the price. Worth £850, this offers drivers a day at the Pro-Drive Live circuit, driving under the guidance of experienced racing drivers, learning how to get the most out of the car. Interior

Center console and door trims are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic and the M Sports steering wheel is clothed in Alcantara. To make best use of the reduced weight potential many features of modern cars normally considered as essential, such as air conditioning and a radio, are excluded from standard specification, but can be specified as no cost options if the customer wants them.

Standard equipment - interior

• Cloth Laser/Amaretta 'Reflex Pur' Anthracite
• Anthracite Headlining
• Individual high gloss satin chrome
• Titanium Shadow Interior Trim
• Chrome gear lever knob
• 4 Seats
• M Steering Wheel with switch for M Track Mode

• M3 CSL specific suspension settings
• M Mobility System to inflate tires
• Tailgate with low loading sill and integrated rear spoiler
• Front apron without fog lights, with extra air intake
• Model designation M3 CSL
• Choice of Black Sapphire or Silver Grey metallic paint
• 19" M light alloy wheels 'M3 CSL' with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires

No cost options

• 19" double spoke alloy wheels style 67M
• Auto air conditioning
• BMW Business radio
• No model inscription
• Graduated tint front windscreen
• Smoker package

• Car alarm €430.00
• Climate comfort front windscreen €230.00
• Floor mats €100.00
• Park Distance Control (PDC) €400.00
• Rain sensor €110.00
• Headlamp wash €260.00
• (Bi-)Xenon headlights with headlamp wash €530.00
• Single CD €100.00
• Mini disc player €260.00

Body

No. of doors/seats

2/4

Length/width/height (unladen)

mm

4,492/1,780/1,365

Wheelbase

mm

2,729

Track, front/rear

mm

1,518/1,525

Turning circle

m

11.0

Tank capacity

approx. ltr

63

Cooling system incl. heater

ltr

10.7

Engine oil

ltr

7.0

Transmission fluid

ltr

1.9

Final drive fluid

ltr

1.2

Unladen weight, EU¹

kg

1,385

Max. load to DIN standard

kg

415

Max. permissible weight to DIN

kg

1,800

Max. axle load, front/rear

kg

880/1,020

Luggage compartment to VDA st.

ltr

410

Air drag

c_X x A

0.683

Power unit

Configuration/cylinders/valves

Straight/6/4

Engine management

MSS 54HP

Capacity

cc

3,246

Bore/stroke

mm

87.0/91.0

Compression ratio

:1

       11.5

Fuel

RON

98

Output

kW/bhp

265/360

at

rpm

7,900

Torque

Nm (lb-ft)

370 (273)

at

rpm

4,900

Electrical system

Battery/location

Ah/-

55/luggage comp

Alternator

A/W

120/1,680

Suspension

Front

Single-joint spring strut axle with displaced castor;

small positive steering roll radius, compensation of transverse forces, anti-dive

Rear

Central-arm axle with longitudinal control arms and double track control arms,

anti-squat and anti-dive

Brakes, front

Single-piston swing-calliper disc brakes

Diameter

mm

345 x 28, vented

Brakes, rear

Single-piston swing-calliper disc brakes

Diameter

mm

328 x 20, vented

Driving stability systems

ABS, CBC, DSC; M differential lock

Steering

Rack-and-pinion

Overall steering transmission

:1

14.5

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Transmission ratios

1^st

:1

4.227

2^nd

:1

2.528

3^rd

:1

1.669

4^th

:1

1.226

5^th

:1

1.000

6^th

:1

0.828

Rev

:1

3.746

Final drive ratio   

:1

3.620

tires, front/rear

235/35 ZR19 / 265/30 ZR19

Rims, front/rear

8.5J x 19 EH 2 IS 44 alu / 9.5J x 19 EH 2 IS 27 alu

Performance  

Power-to-weight ratio to DIN stand

kg/kW

5.2

Output per liter

kW/bhp

81.6/111.0

Acceleration

0-100 km/h

sec

4.9

Stand-start km

sec

23.5

In 4^th gear

80-120 km/h

sec

5.0

Top speed

km/h

250²

Fuel consumption (EU cycle)

Urban

ltr/100km

17.8

Extra-urban  

ltr/100 km

8.4

Composite

ltr/100 km

11.9

CO₂

g/km

287

Other data

Emission category

EU3