BMW M3 CSL | PH Auction Block
Be upstanding, please, for the special one
Though only for America, the new manual-only, rear-drive-only M3 CS Handschalter is a nice move by BMW. Not a car it had to make, and which will only sell in small numbers, but one that represents a nod to enthusiasts who’ve had little to be excited by of late. It’s those buyers like us who’ll go to extremes when buying and maintaining cars, often with main dealer agents, so they must be worth keeping on side.
It’s good timing, too. As both Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport fumble around with exactly how to do an electrified fast car lineup, so BMW M seems to be striking just the right balance. If it’s not too fawning, they look like the brand most concerned with the wants and needs of enthusiasts, just as it was when the M3 CSL came along in 2003. Back then, there wasn’t a Black Series AMG nor a great fast Audi like the R8; BMWs really were the choice for those who cared deeply about driving, to the extent that the CSL was compared with the 911 GT3 and 360 Challenge Stradale in the early '00s. It really was considered of that calibre. Still is, in fact - look at how the values of all the road racers have climbed in recent years.
Now, reminding you in 2026 of what went into making an M3 CSL is like telling you what goes into a G&T; the clue’s in the name and, well, it’s been around quite a while now. Suffice it to say that a little extra power, a chunk less weight and an induction sound to die for worked a treat for one of the modern M car greats. M3s prior to the E46 are 30 years old now; the V8 that came after was much heavier. When people talk about the heyday of the early '00s, the sweet spot between modernity and engagement, they’re talking about cars exactly like this.
While the CSL’s near-50 per cent premium over a standard car looked hard to justify 20-odd years ago, the owners of the 422 right-hand-drive cars have had the last laugh. (In fact, that sentiment probably applies to all 1,383 examples.) Because the market loves the rarity, the look, the sound and the badge, with CSLs regularly for sale at six figures - with most standard cars between £20,000 and £30,000. For many it represents BMW M at its very best, and they’re willing to pay accordingly. Even the rubbish SMG can be manual gearbox swapped.
This particular CSL, to be auctioned on PH next week, looks a beaut. It was bought from its first owner in 2004; the second owner was so enamoured with their CSL that they kept it for 22 years, before selling earlier this year. There are decent careers, marriages and royal reigns that last for much less time. During that time, they covered more than 80,000 miles, had it tended to at BMW dealers and also kept the bodywork tip top with independent specialists and main dealer support.
All of which means the thing looks ruddy fabulous right now. There really can’t be many better-looking BMW two-doors. With 90k on the clock, the airbag recall complete and a recent Inspection II service at BMW, this CSL should want for nothing bar the best super unleaded - and roads - you can find. Hardly like a few more miles is going to harm the CSL mystique now…
t written about "manual gearbox swap" though. It's the same gearbox with a spring, pedal box and other bits added to convert to manual.Yes, I do have a SMG in mine. I like it actually but get why people don't.
Still a well cared for CSL is a thing of beauty.
I've never had an M3 but the CSL seems a bit over-rated to me given what they sell for these days!
My Z4M has a ZF gearbox which is better than any Getrag I've had and has a few CSL bits, without any boot-floor issues but was cheaper than a standard M3. If you are really keen you can buy a carbon roof for the Z4 and Geoff Steel sell carbon air-boxes.
Still it will be interesting to see what this sells for.
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