E46 MC CS - Verifying it is a CS

[Neil_M]

Folks,

I may be going to look at an E46 M3 CS over the weekend.

The photos aren't super clear to answer some of the obvious questions about proving its ID.

It does seem to have the CS rims, though as we know they could be copies. I can't tell if it has the alcantara steering wheel / handbrake. The brakes could be upgraded from a standard M3 (which is my concern).

Is there any specific markings, chassis number etc that would only be applicable to a CS? Or perhaps something that isn't easily changed from a non CS M3?

Many Thanks,
Neil

[Cemesis]

Could call BMW on their premium rate number to check, or just put the reg into direct lines website and see if it comes up (not sure if this will work).

Main differences inclued M-track DSC which cannot be retrofitted as I understand. Hence if it has the CSL wheel with a single button and you can press it to get a yellow arrow turning left (I think) then its a CS.

Retrofitting the brakes, wheels, steering wheel and handbrake would be a complete arse so I doubt you need to worry.

[Neil_M]

Cemesis said:

Could call BMW on their premium rate number to check, or just put the reg into direct lines website and see if it comes up (not sure if this will work).

Main differences inclued M-track DSC which cannot be retrofitted as I understand. Hence if it has the CSL wheel with a single button and you can press it to get a yellow arrow turning left (I think) then its a CS.

Retrofitting the brakes, wheels, steering wheel and handbrake would be a complete arse so I doubt you need to worry.

Thanks for the reply.

Interestingly the reg is blanked out on the add, so I may call to get the details checked.

I think it looks like a multi-function steering wheel... I think I can make out the buttons, I believe this can be retro fitted though. Could it be changed as an option?

You are quite right about the parts to "spruce" it up being a bit of an arse...

I'm just a dubious character.

[david_h]

You can activate M-track in non-CS M3's these days, people have worked out how to do it, the light is also present in most cars.

If the car is in Interlagos Blue colour then it is definitely a CS, this paint hue was exclusive to the CS model.

Other than that, everything can be retrofitted. I suppose the most difficult item to fit would be the steering rack.

Probably the easiest spot is the steering wheel, few people fit the CS wheel as an upgrade as it only has the M-track button and you lose all your stereo and cruise control buttons.

[Crackie]

Neil_M said:

I'm just a dubious character.

Neil I'm sure you're not so bad - I hope the seller isn't a dubious character though and a you're being a suspicious caveat emptor character. Good luck with the CS

Edited by Crackie on Friday 10th February 09:51

[Gruber]

My very hazy recollection is that it said CS on my V5... But I may well have remembered that wrong.

What colour is it? (the car, not the V5, obv.)

[Neil_M]

Thanks for the reply folks.

david_h you are quite right, the steering rack will be the give away. At that stage, I hope to drive a non CS E46 before then, so I can notice the difference.

Crackie - thanks I think .

Gruber its back!

See the interior pic... not brilliant, but multifunction wheel, seems to be leather, as does the hand brake...

Edited by Neil_M on Friday 10th February 09:11

[Sub5s]

It has to be an Alcantara steering wheel with M-button. Doesn't look like it from the picture?

[Neil_M]

Sub5s said:

It has to be an Alcantara steering wheel with M-button. Doesn't look like it from the picture?

Thats what I thought too! Could you not specify anything else when buying the car?

[Sub5s]

Neil_M said:

Thats what I thought too! Could you not specify anything else when buying the car?

It's part of the CS package, and the only steering wheel with the M-Mode button on it, which was only available on the CS and CSL!
Choosing another steering wheel would basically mean to delete the possibility to use the M-Track mode, which would be nothing but daft.

Apart from that, the handbrake also has to be Alcantara. And it came with a unique aluminium interior trim.
It also came with a more direct steering rack, the CSL Wheels, CSL brake rotors, which are cross drilled and about an inch larger than the standard ones, and black brake calipers.

[david_h]

Afraid to say that black M3 doesn't look like a CS. More like a boggo M3 on rep CSL's.

[Neil_M]

Thanks folks, suspicions seem to be justified!

I'll phone the guy and call him a plum

[leeson660]

Definitely looks like a normal M3 looking at the steering wheel.

As said before you could also look at the front discs as the CS has the bigger brakes from the CSL

BTW mine doesn't say CS on the V5.

Also if its got cruise control it's not a CS.

[Slurms]

Yeah doesn't look like a CS to me...

[NickXX]

david_h said:

You can activate M-track in non-CS M3's these days, people have worked out how to do it, the light is also present in most cars.

No way! Have you got any more details?

[KP]

If you don't mind me asking how old is the car?

Saw this strange "Clubsport" edition E46 advertised in the classifieds a while back.

One of these? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2626627.htm


Cheers,

KP.

[Neil_M]

KP said:

If you don't mind me asking how old is the car?

Saw this strange "Clubsport" edition E46 advertised in the classifieds a while back.

One of these? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2626627.htm


Cheers,

KP.

Its December '05... Its not the one you have linked. However it does bare the same spec.

I just wonder would BMW have changed the wheel upon request? I.e. someone doesn't like the look/feel of it.

[E30M3SE]

Get the last seven of the VIN then ring your local BMW dealer, all will be revealed.

[Neil_M]

E30M3SE said:

Get the last seven of the VIN then ring your local BMW dealer, all will be revealed.

Super, thanks for that... Saves any speculation

[david_h]

NickXX said:

No way! Have you got any more details?

it's on cutters, I'll try and hunt out the details. The light is present in all coupe cars and most cabs apparently.