Spotted: BMW M3 CS
A rather rare E46 M3 catches our eye - but this one isn't a CSL
The very best CSLs are still commanding over £35,000, but our featured M3 is available for £14,000, its additional miles accounting for the even greater price difference. Moreover, it isn't a regular E46 M3; it's a CS. With a manual gearbox, an interface between man and machine so cruelly denied to CSL owners.
The CS was the E46 M3's swansong, a run-out special that appears largely neglected now in the face of spiralling CSL values. Whilst power remained identical to standard at 343hp, the CS received the brakes, steering wheel and steering rack from the CSL. BMW also fitted the M-Track mode to the traction and stability controls, loosening their respective intervention thresholds. The CS package was completed by some CSL-esque Y-spoke alloy wheels.
It wasn't, despite the nomenclature, a cut-down CSL. Consider the CS instead as an M3 Plus and you'll be closer to the truth. So although there's no carbon airbox or weight loss, an M3 CS does offer small but tangible improvements over the regular car. The revised steering gives even better response over the standard M3 and revised springs aid its B-road composure. For £14,000, a manual CS appears stunning value.
Of course, it is possible to bag an E46 M3 for significantly less. Indeed, if you're brave enough to take on a car with nearly 150,000 miles and a new engine, this early M3 can be had for under £6,500. However, when just a couple of thousand pounds more buys this just-serviced 2002 M3, it seems wise to spend a little bit more to secure a lower-mileage car.
Spending more than four figures means some of the best E46 M3s are within grasp such as this Phoenix Yellow manual version. Some of the very last special-edition M3s are being sold in the teens but, against the aforementioned CS, the premium appears unnecessary.
Finally, whilst it isn't as dynamically capable as the coupe, an M3 Convertible is more than a match for its open-topped Mercedes and Audi rivals. Just under £7,000 buys a manual convertible with a full BMW service history.
With so much choice, choosing the right M3 isn't an easy task. Messrs. Harris and Trent are advocates of the basics-is-best philosophy; a manual car with the 18-inch wheels. Personally, the lure of that CS would probably prove too strong, especially given its rarity as a three-pedal car.
There are a few key points to be wary of with any E46 M3; for a comprehensive list, see the PH M3 buying guide. It is vital to ensure the first running-in service was completed at 1,200 miles, and check any SMG-equipped cars for undue clutch judder. But the wealth of E46s for sale attests to their inherent dependability, only boosting its credentials as a used purchase.
BMW M3 (E46) CS
Engine: 3246cc straight six
Transmission: Six-speed manual, RWD
Power (hp): 343@7,900rpm
Torque (lb ft): 269@5,000rpm
CO2: 323g/km
MPG: 21.1
Recorded mileage: 64,000
First registered: 2006
Price new: £43,555
Yours for: £13,990
See the original M3 CS advert here
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
What a beautifull car the E46 M3's are though. A definate future classic for sure.
1. Its too expensive
2. Its chavved
3. Its a shed
For those looking into e46 M3 ownership, make sure you have a read about subframe issues and head gasket failure. Both common/expensive issues.
The CS as a model is great though.
Shame that one has been "improved" with chav tat.
I think it looks fine though, better than the blue one posted earlier with the awful (factory fitted) "chav" spoiler...
Shame that one has been "improved" with chav tat.
However the CSL is one of the finest cars ever made in my opinion, so it's a bit of an unfair comparison on the CS. The regular E46 M3 is still very well regarded and you could do far worse than a late model CS.
I didn't get on with the seats in the CSL. And although SMG is great for the open road, I found it to be an added faff in town.
Interlagos blue with black leather and three pedals for me, please.
And for those looking at E46 M3's, M3cutters.co.uk is a great resource, with FAQs, etc.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff