Description
The letters ‘CSL’ have been associated with high performance BMW’s since the early 1970s when the name was first applied to the sporting E9 model and its highly successful competition derivates following the launch of the BMW Motorsport Division in 1972
The E46 generation of the 3 series was an instant hit and achieved ‘modern classic’ status early in its life, continuing to grow in popularity to the current day due to its sensational design and superb road holding. At the top of the ‘E46 tree’ sits the fabled M3 CSL, a limited production lightweight variant ‘Coupe Sport Leichtbau’ model with just 1383 cars constructed in 2003 and the first BMW to feature a Carbon roof panel
The powerplant was similar to the standard M3, a 3. 2 litre double overhead cam straight six that developed 355bhp but the CSL had a couple of major differences, the first was an enormous sculptured carbon air intake which created quite possible the greatest sounding six cylinder engine note of all time with dry sump oil lubrication, a feature seldom seen on road cars
The combination of this improved mechanical setup and substantial weight reduction of 110kg less than the standard car gave the CSL serious performance thanks to lightweight body panels, carbon fibre roof and front bumper plus rear diffuser, thinner rear glass, lightweight seats, removal of sound insulation and side airbags
This exceptional CSL is one of only 422 UK supplied, right-hand drive examples and finished in Black Sapphire Metallic with black Amaretta suede and Reflex cloth. With the launch CSL finished in Silver Grey, the majority of cars were supplied in similar spec and it is believed that around just ninety UK cars were painted Black from new, making this car extremely rare and desirable
Supplied new on 30th September 2003 by Snows BMW of Portsmouth, original options included 19” BMW forged CSL wheels, acoustic fasten seat belt reminder, rain sensor, Xenon headlights, headlight cleaning system, automatic air conditioning, battery master switch, BMW business radio, CD drive, warning triangle, first aid kit and alarm system
The only noted deviations from standard specification are the revered AP racing front brake upgrade and the rear brakes upgrad with K-Sport brake callipers to enhance braking capabilities, one of the only criticisms of the standard CSL
Offered with comprehensive history file and extensive maintenance records as outlined below confirming its low mileage of just 37, 400 miles, without doubt one of the finest CSL models we have seen and supplied with two sets of keys, complete and original owners book packs, original service book, extensive paperwork with the original invoice
With the majority of CSL models used regularly and driven hard as BMW intended, it is rare to find a factory Black car that has been cherished and cosseted as this car has and will make a welcome addition to any sports car collection
Service History
PDI -30th September 2003 – Snows BMW
Running In check – 1st November 2004 -Holland Park BMW – 1522 miles
Oil Service – 1st November 2004 -Holland Park BMW – 1522 miles
Oil Service – 26th May 2005 – Holland Park BMW – 2644 miles
Inspection 1 Service – 19th May 2006 – Holland Park BMW – 5577 miles
Oil Service and Brake Fluid– 10th January 2008 – Sytner Chigwell BMW – 14, 270 miles
Inspection 2 Service – 11th September 2009 – Sytner Oldbury BMW – 26, 265 miles
Oil Service – 18th October 2011- BMW Park Lane – 30, 680 miles
Brake Fluid and Coolant – 17th May 2013 – BMW Park Lane – 30, 908 miles
Inspection 1 Service and Brake Fluid- 7th December 2013 – BMW Park Lane – 32, 405 miles
Oil Service and Brake Fluid– 12th October 2015 – BMW Park Lane – 33, 950 miles
Brake Fluid – 25th May 2016 – Technosport BMW – 34, 305 miles
Inspection 2 Service – 6th October 2017 – BMW Holland Park – 34, 932 miles
Oil Service and Brake Fluid– 28th October 2019 – BMW Park Lane – 35, 283 miles
Brake Fluid – 27th Janaury 2020 – Technosport BMW – 35, 298 miles
Inspection 1 Service and Brake Fluid – 26th May 2022 – Munich Legends – 35, 358 miles
Oil Service and Brake Fluid – 8th September 2024 – Munich Legends – 37, 169 miles
