BMW M3 CSL

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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BMW E46 M3 CSL

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 lb_f) 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.