Are E46 M3 CSL parts still "rationed"?

[AW10]

When the E46 M3 was in production allegedly one needed to show proof of ownership before being able to buy CSL-specific parts such as body parts and wheels. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

[Leins]

Yes, but people got around it and it wasn't enforced strictly enough. Many CSL parts are now NLA, including the carbon roof

Edited by Leins on Sunday 21st June 19:54

[Honestherbert]

Yes, BMW used to request the vin number to order CSL specific parts, but so many owners were either buying them and then selling for a massive mark up to make money on the side, or giving out their vin to friends that they now ask for both vin and proof of registration.

I don't know how true it is but I have also heard that certain CSL parts can no longer be ordered at all.

If you are looking then keep an eye on owners forums in parts for sale but be prepared to pay even more through the nose now than BMW used to charge!!

[GregorFuk]

Honestherbert said:

Yes, BMW used to request the vin number to order CSL specific parts, but so many owners were either buying them and then selling for a massive mark up to make money on the side, or giving out their vin to friends that they now ask for both vin and proof of registration.

I don't know how true it is but I have also heard that certain CSL parts can no longer be ordered at all.

If you are looking then keep an eye on owners forums in parts for sale but be prepared to pay even more through the nose now than BMW used to charge!!

Most of the main CSL parts are now no longer available. Roof, Front Bumpers, Intake. All swallowed up by people trying to make replicas. The value of real CSLs with all the bits can only go one way.

[Schermerhorn]

Could you put a carbon roof onto a standard E46 M3?

And surely there are plenty of fibreglass knock off bumpers etc out there?

Even the Recaro seats will have a cheap equivalent that you could retrim in grey suede.


Hmmm....I feel a project coming on

[SPORTSTER]

Schermerhorn said:

Could you put a carbon roof onto a standard E46 M3?

And surely there are plenty of fibreglass knock off bumpers etc out there?

Even the Recaro seats will have a cheap equivalent that you could retrim in grey suede.


Hmmm....I feel a project coming on

Yes you can, a friend of mine has done it to his track car

[Honestherbert]

You can buy parts just as good for a third of the price aftermarket.

[GregorFuk]

Honestherbert said:

You can buy parts just as good for a third of the price aftermarket.

Fine if you want to make a replica. Not so good if you have a genuine CSL and need a genuine part.

[Leins]

GregorFuk said:

Fine if you want to make a replica. Not so good if you have a genuine CSL and need a genuine part.

This is my biggest worry with long-term CSL ownership. BMW really screwed up in their control of this, and should now have the decency to have the parts produced (and then available in stock) going forwards as and when they are required. Saying that the carbon roof should just be replaced with a steel one is a nonsense, as is waiting two years for replacement camshafts to be commissioned

[AW10]

I was specifically thinking of a set of wheels - sorry; should have been clear on this. They seem to be readily available.

[Panthro]

AW10 said:

I was specifically thinking of a set of wheels - sorry; should have been clear on this. They seem to be readily available.

The wheels are made by BBS I think and weren't exclusive to the CSL. You could factory order them with later cars.

[GregorFuk]

Panthro said:

AW10 said:

I was specifically thinking of a set of wheels - sorry; should have been clear on this. They seem to be readily available.

The wheels are made by BBS I think and weren't exclusive to the CSL. You could factory order them with later cars.

Genuine CSL wheel are a different part number and are made from a lighter alloy.

[Phooey]

GregorFuk said:

Genuine CSL wheel are a different part number and are made from a lighter alloy.

Are you sure about the 'lighter' alloy bit?

[161BMW]

I think if enough people register their interest with BMW Park Lane Classic (this is what I was told) then they tell BMW AG and then when enough people are interested they make big batches

Because making a few at a time is not efficient as making a lot of parts and them selling them

This is what I was told when I had a tour of BMW Park Lane .... Worth a go CSL owners
Try speaking to Jamie at BMW Park Lane Classic in Parts Department :-)

[161BMW]

Leins said:

GregorFuk said:

Fine if you want to make a replica. Not so good if you have a genuine CSL and need a genuine part.

This is my biggest worry with long-term CSL ownership. BMW really screwed up in their control of this, and should now have the decency to have the parts produced (and then available in stock) going forwards as and when they are required. Saying that the carbon roof should just be replaced with a steel one is a nonsense, as is waiting two years for replacement camshafts to be commissioned

Is all the bruvs from Slough and the CSL wannabes fault innit !!

[HFLagos]

161BMW said:

Is all the bruvs from Slough and the CSL wannabes fault innit !!

Don't be an idiot with the pointed reference to a certain demographic in Slough.

Main reason for lack of CSL parts is due to folks in the US getting hold of them as the CSL was never sold there.