The BMW M3 CSL was the M3 in its purest form. A car reduced to the pure driving essentials. This meant consistent reduction of weight by using the most appropriate materials at the right point. Carbon-fiber -reinforced plastic, one of the most important materials in Formula 1, for example, not only reduces the overall weight of the car (weighing approximately 243 lbs less than the standard M3, the BMW M3 CSL has an overall weight of just 3,054 lbs), but also allows even higher speeds in bends particularly through the use of this lightweight material at the extreme ends of the car. Focusing on their quest to reduce weight, the engineers at BMW M3 CSL took a close look at virtually every component of the BMW M3 CSL, in each case using the most suitable materials in order to save weight. As a result, the BMW M3 CSL even comes with glass-fiber plastics otherwise used for aerospace applications such as endless-glass-fibre thermoplastics serving as the structural material for the through-loading system and on the rear bumper supports.
BMW M3 CSL
The BMW M3 CSL's significant increase in power and performance is however not only the result of intelligent lightweight engineering. Rather, the straight-six power unit already renowned for its high engine speeds has been enhanced to an even higher standard, BMW M3 CSL’s engineers boosting maximum output to 360 bhp at 7,900 rpm from 3.2 liters capacity, that is a sensational output- per-liter figure of 111 bhp. Maximum torque, in turn, is 273 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. Wider front track and modified suspension geometry give the BMW M3 CSL a standard of dynamic driving performance otherwise only a thoroughbred racing car is able to offer. BMW M3 CSL modifications include specially made springs and dampers as well as the car’s newly aligned steering for supreme, cutting-edge handling. The brakes have also been modified for even more stopping power and faster deceleration, allowing the BMW M3 CSL to reach a standstill from 60 mph in less than 34 meters. And for special purposes on the race track, the car is also available with sports brake linings.
BMW M3 CSL
Inside, the BMW M3 CSL aga in follows the concept of supreme function and minimum weight wherever it makes sense. Reflecting the purist standard of motorsport, the car does without electric seat heating or a navigation system, and both the radio and air conditioning are only available as an option. A special feature on the clear-cut dashboard is the CFP covers on top, the centre console, door and side linings also being made of the same material.
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For 2011, the BMW M3 coupe and sedan are now available with a Competition package that adds a lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels, a wider track and reprogrammed electronic damping and stability controls. This isn't as hard-core as the previous BMW M3's Competition package, but it should still deliver that much more handling acumen -- especially for those who track their cars.BMW M3 is a sports car that doesn't look like a sports car. It has too many seats, and one body style has too many doors. It has a usable trunk. You could drive it to Kansas in complete comfort. And yet the 2011 BMW M3 has a 414-horsepower V8. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It stops from 60 so quickly your eyes may find themselves on an outbound journey from their sockets, and it sticks in corners with the tenacity of super glue. The BMW M3 truly is the sports car for people who still need the practicality (and/or anonymity) of a regular old sedan, coupe or convertible.
Of course this wolf in sheep's clothing nature is not new to the BMW M3, which has been kicking other sports cars in the teeth since the 1980s. The car's free-revving engines have always been a big part of that, and this latest BMW M3 is the first (and likely the last) to feature a normally aspirated V8. Essentially the M5's V10 with two cylinders removed, this manic 4.0-liter eight-cylinder sings a glorious wail at full throttle all the way up to its sky-high redline of 8,400 rpm.
BMW M3
The BMW M3 story isn't all about the engine, though. The ultimate "ultimate driving machine" must go around corners, and the BMW M3's brilliantly balanced and capable chassis gets the job done. There's a level of communication and involvement with the BMW M3 that makes you feel in complete control, and it's one that's increasingly being lost in the new world of electric power steering and selectable driver settings. Indeed, the 2011 BMW M3 still stands as the most well-rounded choice in the hyper performance luxury car class. Audi offers the same body style choices, but its S4 and S5 trade some all-out performance for better civility, though the new RS5 should be a better match. Cadillac's CTS-V (now as a coupe and wagon, too) will outrun the BMW M3 in a straight line but isn't as agile around corners. The story is similar with the sedan-only Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But if you really want a sports car that doesn't look like one, the BMW M3 is the only game in town.The 2011 BMW M3 is available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power front seats (with manual thigh extender, adjustable side bolsters and four-way lumbar adjustment), leather-cloth upholstery, driver memory functions and a 10-speaker sound system with HD radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The BMW M3 coupe adds a carbon-fiber roof and split-folding rear seat, while the convertible adds a fully powered retractable hardtop and sun-reflective leather.The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and retractable headlight washers. The Premium package adds power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and different interior trim. The Technology package adds in BMW M3 electronic damping control, M Drive adjustable settings, keyless ignition/entry, the iDrive electronics interface and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic.BMW M3 most of the above items are available as stand-alone options along with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (deletes carbon-fiber roof on the coupe), rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, power rear sunshade (coupe and sedan), a split-folding rear seat (sedan), satellite radio, an iPod/USB adapter and a 16-speaker premium sound system.The coupe and sedan can be equipped with the Competition package, which adds EDC (electronic damping control), 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a lowered suspension and different programming for EDC and stability control.A 4.0-liter V8 powers every 2011 BMW M3, sending 414 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. BMW M3 six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT) is optional. The latter offers manual operation via steering-wheel paddles as well as a full automatic mode. All M3s feature a specialized locking rear differential.
BMW M3
We've tested just about every variety of BMW M3. The BMW M3 coupe with traditional manual went from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the sedan with a manual and the convertible with M DCT did it in 4.8 seconds. With either transmission, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. A manual-equipped convertible gets 13 mpg city.Standard safety features for the 2010 BMW M3 include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. The convertible lacks the side curtains, but the regular front side airbags extend up to head level, and there are also pop-up rollover hoops. Braking is phenomenal -- in our 60-0-mph braking test, the BMW M3 came to a halt in just 100 feet, which is among the shortest distances we've ever recorded.The BMW M3 itself has not been crash-tested, but the 3 Series sedan scored four stars (out of five) for frontal impacts for both driver and passenger in government tests. It garnered a perfect five stars for side impacts for both front and rear occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests gave the BMW M3 3 Series sedan "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, although the convertible received a second-lowest "Marginal" score.The BMW M3's sport seats are at once outstandingly supportive in hard driving and among the most comfortable we've sat in for long trips. BMW M3 backseat is a bit cramped, however -- expected in the two-door models, but not in the sedan, which trails rivals from Audi and Mercedes in rear headroom. In the coupe, an automatic seatbelt arm delivers front occupants their belts, eliminating the need for torso-twisting maneuvers. TheBMW M3 convertible's heat-reflective leather does a wonderful job of keeping the seats from absorbing too much heat from the sun with the top down.Build and materials quality inside the BMW M3 are excellent. However, the overall design lacks visual interest despite the availability of metallic and wood accents. The current version of iDrive -- mandatory with the optional navigation system -- is the best yet by far, featuring extra physical buttons and a revised menu structure for much more intuitive operation. From the driver's perspective, there's a notable lack of bins and cubbies in which to store cell phones, wallets and the like, especially if the iDrive controller has been equipped, as it replaces the storage nook on the center console.
The BMW E46 M3 CSL (Coupé Sport Leichtbau) was a limited edition version of the M3, with only 1,400 cars being produced for its 2004 model year run. The BMW E46 M3 CSL was never released into the North American market, and was only available in two colours - Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic.
As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The BMW E46 M3 CSL has a kerb weight of 1,385 kg (3,050 lb), 110 kg (240 lb) lighter than the regular M3. The BMW E46 M3 CSL features many weight saving technologies taken from BMW's Formula One racing applications. A large proportion of the M3's sound insulation has been removed,electric seats, and navigation systems.
Air conditioning and stereo systems could be retrofitted free of cost, but were not available standard. The BMW E46 M3 CSL's unique body pieces are all crafted from carbon fiber reinforced polymer.Glass-reinforced plastics are used throughout structural points in the car.The rear glass window was replaced with lightweight plastic.Although the BMW E46 M3 CSL loses a considerable amount of curb weight from its original version, the focus was put on strategically reducing or moving the weight in the car rather than the raw amount of weight that could be lost. This is to retain the ideal 50:50 weight distribution characteristics the E46 has. For example, the roof is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic.While this only reduces the curb weight of the car by 7 kg (15 lb), it lowers the center of gravity of the car and decreases body flex.
BMW E46 M3 CSL
In order to improve the handling ability of the BMW E46 M3 CSL car, the entire suspension system was further refined. Specially developed racing springs and dampers are given to the BMW E46 M3 CSL, and a tightened steering ratio (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3) improves responsiveness.The braking of BMW E46 M3 CSL system is also modified, with larger front and rear floating rotors and calipers from the E39 M5. The BMW E46 M3 CSL is given a retuned dynamic stability control system with a "M track mode" setting that allows the car to be pushed to its absolute limits before being activated.The BMW E46 M3 CSL 3.2L engine used in the M3, the BMW E46 M3 CSL, has been modified to increased output by 17 hp (13 kW) and 5 N·m (1 lbf) over the European M3.This is achieved through a high flow carbon fiber air intake, modified valve and camshaft timing, and a retuned DME. However, the engine is further modified in order to reduce weight - it features a lightweight exhaust manifold and thinner exhaust piping. Additionally, the intake and exhaust manifolds are slightly straightened to improve engine responsiveness.The BMW E46 M3 CSL also has various aesthetic modifications over the standard M3. It received an aerodynamic lightweight body kit which included carbon fiber front splitters that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%,as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser. The front bumper has a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake. The boot floor is made of cardboard. The boot lid is redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the standard M3 where one is simply added on to a flat boot. The BMW E46 M3 CSL was sold with distinct 19 inch lightweight forged BBS alloy rims that came with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slick racing tires.
BMW E46 M3 CSL
The interior of the BMW E46 M3 CSL is redesigned with a sporty-weight saving theme. The BMW E46 M3 CSL obtains fiberglass front racing bucket seats, and fiberglass backed rear seats.The center console, door panels and trim, and headliner are all formed from carbon fiber, and the steering wheel is redesigned with cruise control, stereo, and phone controls removed to include just a single button that activates the M track mode.Unlike the standard BMW E46 M3 CSL, which was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, or optionally a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II), the BMW E46 M3 CSLwas offered only with the SMG II transmission.This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal, similar to an Formula One style transmission. However, the BMW E46 M3 CSL received a more advanced drivelogic unit than the standard M3 that was capable of making shifts in 0.08 of a second.
