BMW E46 M3 CSL (2001 - 2006)

If you want to own a little bit of unique history, then the BMW E46 M3 CSL, could be a very sound investment … if you can find one that is. That’s because this stunning Bimmer took weight loss to a whole new level and the end result was better than any prescription jab can do in current times.

The BMW E46 M3 CSL was built in 2003 as a lighter version of the superb E46 M3 – adding the CSL formular to the mix really raised the bar. This stripped back version of the third-generation M3 added power, shed some pounds and delivered a vastly improved performance. For anyone not in the know, CSL stands for Coupe Sport Lightweight and any vehicle carrying that badging became exceptionally sought after.

When you take into account BMW’s M3 engine won three International Engine of the Year Awards in a row and, in the M3 CSL, the power was boosted further, this car quickly gained cult status.

Not only that, the car was also limited to just 1,383 models globally, of which only 422 right-hand drive versions were created for the UK. And that gave it the ‘golden ticket’ formula from day one.

We were lucky enough to be handed the keys to one of those 422 models for a not-so-gentle jaunt into the countryside so we could explore the full potential of its 3.2-litre straight-six powertrain in all its glory.

This is the area where the M3 CSL really shines. With that 3.2-litre V6 engine pumping out 360hp and 370Nm of torque, this powerful sports coupe can reach 62mph from a standing star in just 4.9 seconds and it maxes out at a top speed that is limited to 155mph. These figures are possible because this slimmed down version of the M3 weighs 185kg less than the standard model.

It has a six-speed automated manual transmission so you can leave the car to do its own thing or, for added driver engagement use the gear-shifter or the steering wheel-mounted paddles to change through the gears. This set-up was based on F1 technology at the time.

BMW also made a raft of technical adjustments to this limited-edition model, such as introducing a wider front track and modified suspension, including bespoke springs and dampers, and there was an upgraded steering set-up. 

So, how does this M3 CSL complete with added firepower and the fine-tuning enhancements for performance and handling, feel when put to the test and does it live up to all the hype? The answer is a resounding yes. It’s balanced, poised and confident through tight corners and has blistering pace on the straight with an accompanying soundtrack guaranteed to put a smile on any driving purist’s face. It is sheer entertainment.

It has a certain rawness in a day and age where everything has to be smooth and refined. The gear shifter takes a little getting used to and the brakes feel a tad spongy initially, again because modern day cars are so well set-up (generally). And you can expect to feel the full force of any unexpected potholes, but even with its flaws, this car is still one of the greatest production vehicles to roll of the BMW line.

A perfect blend of elegance and aggression would just about sum up the styling of the two-door coupe M3 CSL E46. With flared wheel arches, enlarged air intakes, signature kidney grille and light-weight multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, it’s easy to understand why this car turned heads wherever it passed. And the sound of that V6 engine meant it could generally be heard long before it was seen.

To finish off the styling, this Bimmer boasted sculpted bodywork, a deep front splitter, sleek xenon headlights, lightweight glass, a carbon fibre roof and body panels, sculpted bonnet, a boot lid spoiler and quad tailpipes. I think the greatest complement we can pay the designers is this vehicle still oozes charisma more than 20 years after it launched.

Admittedly, the interior looks dated by today’s modern, flashy standards, but that race vibe is certainly carried through from the exterior design. The main focal point isn’t an over-complicated touchscreen, but instead you get a chunky centre console with a proper gear stick and handbrake, alongside a wealth of switches and controls. There is even a CD player (remember those).

Behind the steering wheel all the performance data is displayed on four clear dials. The larger centre circles show the all-important speed and revs, and these are flanked by smaller readouts for the fuel and engine temperature.

There are mod cons too, such as electric windows (even in the back) and the body-hugging sports seats offer great support. They are lightly padded, upholstered in a grey Alcantara material and are adjusted manually. Everything is quite dark, but that almost adds to this car’s menacing character.

And what we did really appreciate was being able to listen to the roar of that engine without any infuriating bings and bongs that are so irritating in modern cars.

The BMW M3 CSL is a two-door coupe that stretches 4,492mm in length, is 1,780mm across, 1,365mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,729mm.

A couple of tall adults can sit comfortably up front with the sports seats offering generous levels of support, which is really beneficial when the car is being pushed on through sharp bends.

There are two rear seats too, although clambering in and out takes some doing, and back seat occupants do suffer from the firm suspension set-up. An emergency dentist and chiropractor will be worth looking into!

The boot, accessed via manual tailgate, can hold 410 litres of luggage and there are plenty of convenient storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin, including a glovebox, a couple of covered trays, an open tray and door bins. There’s not a cup holder in sight which probably isn’t a bad thing.

This is where things get a little more complicated than normal because the BMW M3 CSL went on sale in limited numbers back in 2003. The models were snapped up quickly and, at the time, were offered for £58,455. That was expensive back in the day, but owners knew they were buying a little bit of history that could only increase in value. In fact, a search online will highlight a few models on sale with price-tags frequently topping the £100k mark with many advertised as “price on application”. The cheapest we found was £70,000.

With its official fuel economy figure of 23.7mpg, frequent stops to top-up will be required and tax bills will be hefty due to its 287g/km carbon emissions figure.

Insurance costs will also be high, and with such a sought-after model, added security such as a Thatcham-approved tracker will be a wise investment but also add to the running costs.

And you will need to plan routes that don’t include too many zero emission zones. That said; the vehicle’s engine is Euro 4 compliant so meets Ultra Low Emission Zone rules and most regional Clean Air Zone regulations.

We rarely get the opportunity to test a piece of history and boy, what a great revelation the BMW M3 CSL proved to be. It still boasts eye-catching good looks and delivers driving dynamics to match the performance-focused styling.

Then there’s the sound. BMW engineers added a carbon-fibre airbox that amplifies the sound of air being sucked into the engine. The result is a loud roar that resembles feeding time in the Serengeti.

It all fits perfectly in this unique package, and is a reminder that these types of driver-focused vehicles that are bursting with character are truly becoming a thing of the past as we move forward into an electrified era.