For many fans, the BMW M3 CSL is the best M3 of all time! Between 2003 and 2004, the Munich company built almost 1400 examples of the special model, some of which are now traded for over 100,000 euros. The ingredients of the CSL are exquisite: in-line six-cylinder with carbon airbox, bucket seats, semislicks (normal tires were also available on request), carbon roof and much more. What hardly anyone knew until now: BMW also built an M3 CSL with V8. The prototype still exists today and is even ready to drive!

Three letters that give every sports car fan goose bumps: The BMW M3 CSL is considered the icon and crowning achievement of the third BMW M3 generation. Even more: Then as now, the M3 CSL occupies an unrivaled special position across the different model series. In 2003, BMW M offered everything the top echelons of motorsport had to offer and took the sports car, which was consistently derived from racing, to a completely new level.

Lightweight construction was no mere promise with the M3 CSL; it is a firmly anchored part of the unique sports car’s DNA. With a curb weight of 1,385 kilograms, BMW GmbH engineers lightened the already well-trained M3 coupe by an impressive 110 kilograms. In addition to the body and interior, the engine itself as well as the transmission and chassis made their contribution. The engineers also used a special, thin-walled exhaust system to save further weight.

The tried-and-tested inline 6-cylinder engine from the standard BMW M3 (S54B32) was retained in the M3 CSL as the S54B32HP (HP stands for High-Performance), but came up with even more consistent solutions in detail. The engine department of BMW M GmbH was able to coax another 17 hp and an additional 5 Nm of torque out of the engine by making adjustments to the camshafts and valves. A particular highlight of the S54B32HP is the airbox: Not only is it especially lightweight, the carbon component is responsible in particular for the engine’s characteristic intake noise, which is so popular with fans.

In conjunction with other extensive lightweight design measures, this gives the M3 CSL an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 3.85 kilograms per hp. This value is made possible above all by the consistent use of lightweight materials. Composite materials familiar from motorsport are used in the rear diffuser, front apron, intake and some parts of the interior. There is also an aluminum hood and a rear window made of special thin glass. The highlight, however, is the roof. The M3 CSL was the first M model with a roof finished in visible carbon fiber. A feature that has since become an integral part of the BMW M GmbH repertoire.

Externally, the CSL is recognizable by numerous details, such as the special door sill trims, the curved tear-off edge (“Bürzel”) on the trunk lid and, of course, the name affix at the rear. Also very striking and probably unique in this form is the one-sided “porthole” in the front apron, through which the engine is supplied with the necessary oxygen by means of enlarged intake air ducting. Inside, the BMW M3 CSL welcomes its occupants with plenty of motorsport-typical purism, such as special door panels and bucket seats for maximum lateral support during strong lateral acceleration. Buyers who really meant business also dispensed with comfort features such as a radio and automatic climate control.

Connoisseurs usually don’t even need a clear view of all the details that make the M3 CSL so unique. The M automobile is also known above all for its unmistakable and widely audible sound from the two twin tailpipes. In addition, the racing car, which is suitable for everyday use, rolled off the production line exclusively in the “Sapphire Black” and “Silver Gray” color variants.

The special CSL rims, on the other hand, were no longer a clear distinguishing feature at an early stage. From 2005, they could also be ordered for the M3 production car as part of the Competition package.

Behind the wheel at the latest, however, it should be clear to every driver what he is dealing with here. Measures such as a further lower center of gravity thanks to a subtle lowering, shorter springs on the front axle, more powerful stabilizers, increased wheel camber at the front and rear, the track width extended from 1,508 to 1,518 millimeters and the semi-slick tires fitted as standard ensure extremely sporty handling and unimagined lateral acceleration. Incidentally, anyone who presented a C racing license at the time of purchase could accelerate to up to 280 km/h in the M3 CSL. The standard limit of 250 km/h was then lifted.