2004 BMW M3 CSL (E46)

Highlights 

• Rare, driver-focused lightweight version of BMW's venerable E46 M3

• 355bhp, straight-six engine

• Main dealer and specialist service history

• Upgraded brakes

• Common E46 subframe issue addressed

• Low miles

• In superb condition throughout

Overview

Could BMW's E46 M3 CSL be peak “M”? It's a compelling argument and the CSL remains a stand out track in BMW's always impressive oeuvre to this day. The original E46 M3, produced between 2000 and 2006, was already a staggeringly good car but then the boffins in Bavaria decided they could improve upon said greatness by introducing the limited edition “Coupe Sport Leichtbau” in 2004.

Conceived as a more focused, lightweight version of BMW's sporty 3 Series, the CSL went on a crash diet to the tune of 110kg thanks to composite materials, including a carbon fibre roof, and even the use of thinner glass (amongst other weight saving antics), which was significant enough to substantially improve the car's performance credentials. Its 0-60mph time was now down below 5 seconds with the added help of tweaked cams and valves as well as a new air intake that bumped power to 355bhp, but it was the way the car handled that really caused a stir.

Precise and direct the car can confidently be chucked into corners with wanton abandon, safe in the knowledge that it'll go where it’s told with minimal body roll and bags of mechanical grip thanks to stiffer springs, uprated shocks and a quicker steering rack. It really is that good, even today, and stands out proudly in a sea of boring electric econoboxes.

This particular example is a 2004 model and comes complete with all of the upgrades over a standard M3 with the added bonus of AP racing brakes at the front, further improving the car's  performance. The common E46 subframe issue has also been addressed so peace of mind is assured. 

Service history is a mix of BMW main dealer and marque specialists from the pre -delivery check to an inspection less than 1,500 miles ago. Presenting beautifully in stunning Black Sapphire Metallic over an Anthracite interior the car is in incredibly clean condition throughout, including the underside and looks to be a shining example of one of BMW's best. 

History and documentation

• 2004 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 26 Apr 2004

• In current ownership since 17 Oct 2018

• Original leather/Alcantara CSL document pack, including dealer-supplied manuals, stamped service booklet and an original sales brochure. 

• Service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 2004 pre-delivery check (Scotthall Hampshire BMW), 2004 @ 1,160 miles (running-in check, Scotthall Hampshire BMW), 2005 @ 13,363 miles (Oil Service, Scotthall Hampshire BMW), 2007 @ 26,907 miles (Inspection I,microfilter,brake fluid, Scotthall Hampshire BMW), 2008 @ 35,645 miles (Oil service,microfilter, Murketts Limited BMW), 2010 @ 56,000 miles (Inspection II,microfilter, Sytner High Wycombe BMW), 2013 @ 68,388 miles (Oil service,microfilter, Specialist Cars Tring BMW), 2015 @ 71,949 miles (Inspection I,oil service,valve clearances, ETA Motorsport BMW Specialist), 2017 @ 75,473 miles (Oil service,microfilter,brake fluid, Lee Shannon BMW Specialist)

• Some invoices for parts and maintenance

• At 69k miles the common E46 subframe issue was addressed, with photographic evidence present in the paperwork

• This car will come with a full MOT with any advisories rectified at cost to the seller before hand over

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• 76,939 indicated miles

Interior

• The driver-focused interior is in wonderful condition throughout

• Minimal wear and tear

• All of the carbon fibre detailing retains a damage-free glossy finish

• The Alcantara upholstery is superb shape without any damage, even to the high traffic areas

• Alcantara steering wheel with M-stitching remains in lovely, hardly worn condition

• All trim appears to be in great shape throughout with only the rear central console showing light signs of use

• No reports of any electrical problems

• CSL plaque

• Fibreglass racing seats

• Electric windows

• Electrically adjustable door mirrors

• CD player

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M-track mode

• Alarm System

• Velour Floor Mats

• Park Distance Control (PDC)

• Automatic air conditioning

• On-board Computer

• No apparent pixel issues with the dash display

• SMG Drivelogic 

• Remote entry central locking

• Boot space is equally tidy and comes with warning triangle and first aid kit

• The carbon fibre-laced engine bay is clean and presents well

Exterior

• The condition of the exterior is excellent

• There are no apparent dents or damage to the body panels 

• The Black Sapphire Metallic paintwork looks to be free from any major blemishes or swirl marks

• No evidence of any corrosion

• All panel gaps appear straight

• Glasswork is free from damage

• Only a handful of minor stone chips towards the front end worthy of note.

• Carbon fibre roof presents without any lacquer peel or unsightly chips

• All items of trim retain a fresh appearance

• 19” lightweight cast BBS alloys all present beautifully with no evidence of any kerb marks having previously been refurbished by Lepsons

• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres all round each with ample tread remaining as reported by the vendor

• No apparent lacquer peel to the red painted AP racing brake calipers 

• Xenon lights

• Headlight washer system

• White indicators

• Damaged rear quarter panel professionally repaired 30 Apr 2024

• The underneath is in superb, clean condition following what the seller describes as a 'full underside restoration' by specialists Redish Motorsport including a full strip down of the subframes, suspension, brakes and lines, repairs as necessary, rust treatment and replacement of worn components with genuine BMW or high-quality parts

• The rear axle carrier panel is also said to have been reinforced and checked

Mechanical

• 355bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Six-speed SMG-II gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.8seconds

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• AP Racing front brakes: the car is reported to stop well, benefiting from reduced fade over the standard braking system

• The vendor states that the car has had no expense spared and (upgraded brakes aside) everything is as close to 100% authentic CSL as possible

• No mechanical issues to report, with the seller describing that the rod bearings and other known E46 M3 weak points have been checked and attended to as appropriate

• No unwanted noises from the VANOS
• In short, it's an M3 CSL ready to be used and enjoyed

Summary

In truly excellent condition throughout and backed up by an impressive service history this car has further been improved with the addition of a few tasteful, choice upgrades making it stand just that little bit taller than other examples. If the rare and sought after CSL is indeed peak M then this stunning example is arguably the beautiful dusting of snow perched deftly atop.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Salisbury, Wiltshire.