BMW M3 CSL | PH Auction Block
Two door, six cylinder, track focused M cars are still a thing, but none quite like the CSL...
While circuit-focused M3s existed before 2003 - think GT and Lightweight E36s - as well as after - GTS, most notably - still nothing has quite captured the imagination of M enthusiasts quite in the same way as the CSL. More than 20 years after launch, it has a hold on BMW aficionados like little else.
The noise of it, obviously, will play a part in the obsession, its legendary S54 never sounding better than when ingesting air for its six throttle bodies through a carbon air box. There’s an argument to say that the CSL is the best-sounding M car ever, and the competition is strong. The design of the CSL, undoubtedly appreciated when new, is now an even greater source of appreciation, given how some subsequent M cars have looked. Nobody, surely, prefers an M4 CSL to an M3 as something to look at, put it that way.
The E46 3 Series was always a handsome car (apart from as a hatchback), and the CSL took the M3’s handsomeness to another level of menace: the ducktail, the wheels and the carbon roof saw to that. The roof was part of an extensive weight-saving campaign that some will tell you the latest generation of M cars need. More than 100kg off a sub-1,500kg car was undoubtedly an impressive feat, and with the incredible response of the engine helped contribute to the feeling of the CSL as a raw, engaging, exciting road racer. Nevertheless, it wasn’t adored when new, for the simple fact that the standard M3 was so good - and the CSL wasn’t quite deemed £20,000 better.
How times have changed. The rarity factor (with just 422 RHD cars, with the majority grey), the move away from naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive M cars and the popularity of manual gearbox conversions have really driven up CSL demand in the past decade and a bit. Where once £30k or so would have bought one, now you’re looking at at least twice that for the most famous E46. Or well into six figures, in fact, depending on mileage and condition.
This PH Auctions lot is notable as one of the black cars - it was also specced from new without the radio for maximum lightweight kudos. It’s been upgraded with AP Racing brakes, too. And if you think the body looks great, wait until you see underneath, because it’s stunning. Work to address the common rear subframe weak spot means the CSL presents perfectly between the driven wheels. The interior is equally pristine, with even the fabrics so susceptible to wear looking barely used.
Having been in storage for a little while, a service will probably be worthwhile before embarking on any grand road trips. But the seller will have the M3 MOT’d (and any advisory items addressed) prior to handover anyway. After that, the CSL really should be fit for anything, from track to show. It really is an M car experience like no other.
I actually brought this car to market specifically because of its condition. That YouTube video doing the rounds from Redish Motorsport is actually this exact car watching it on the ramp and seeing how pristine the floor and subframe are is what convinced me it was special enough for the PH Auction Block.
It s an incredibly honest example with the right upgrades. Happy to answer any questions!
I actually brought this car to market specifically because of its condition. That YouTube video doing the rounds from Redish Motorsport is actually this exact car watching it on the ramp and seeing how pristine the floor and subframe are is what convinced me it was special enough for the PH Auction Block.
It s an incredibly honest example with the right upgrades. Happy to answer any questions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTwv0D5bKTU
And what, if anything, is replacing it??
They tried haggling on the price but were still quite a bit lower than we were prepared to go to.
I suggested he added the csl in to his offer. His girlfriend was well up for it but neither he nor Mrs SGI were.
Damn shame really.
And if we’d kept the csl (highly unlikely) I’d be quids in now.
I actually brought this car to market specifically because of its condition. That YouTube video doing the rounds from Redish Motorsport is actually this exact car watching it on the ramp and seeing how pristine the floor and subframe are is what convinced me it was special enough for the PH Auction Block.
It s an incredibly honest example with the right upgrades. Happy to answer any questions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTwv0D5bKTU
It’s the little details that matter (to me, IMO).
Good luck with the sale though.
It s the little details that matter (to me, IMO).
Good luck with the sale though.
I actually brought this car to market specifically because of its condition. That YouTube video doing the rounds from Redish Motorsport is actually this exact car watching it on the ramp and seeing how pristine the floor and subframe are is what convinced me it was special enough for the PH Auction Block.
It s an incredibly honest example with the right upgrades. Happy to answer any questions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTwv0D5bKTU
It s the little details that matter (to me, IMO).
Good luck with the sale though.
The gearbox suits the car, nobody who has owned one has ever sold it because of the gearbox. You just fancy trying different cars.
But I still like a manual gearbox in a fun car and am not a fan of black, especially with a dark interior. Someone on M3cutters was selling an Imola Red manual CS recently which would appeal much more to me as I doubt the weight saving from the carbon roof would make much difference on a road car. And I'm sure it would have been much cheaper.
Although a standard M3 would be thousands cheaper still.
The S54 engine is something really special even in an even cheaper Z4M!
to my eyes the best looking 3 series M3, although not the lightest and sadly standard not with a manual.
a best looking BMW say from the 70-tish? would for me be the BMW Z3 M models.
from the older models say something like a BMW 507 specially with the hardtop on.
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