Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Supercar Fest 2026 on Saturday the 16th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. With only 1, 383 examples produced during its 2004 production run, the E46 M3 CSL was the definitive 'Touring Car' for the road. When new the UK market received 422 examples in total, available in only two colours, Silver-Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic, with only 106 CSL finished in Black.
The proven S54B32 in-line 6-cylinder engine of the BMW M3 remained in the M3 CSL as the 3, 246cc S54B32HP but now offered 360bhp as further development of the camshafts and valve-gear by the engineers at BMW M Sport released a further 17bhp and an additional 5Nm torque. A special highlight of the engine is its airbox, not only is it particularly light, but the carbon component also gave the engine a uniquely characteristic intake noise that became so popular with enthusiasts. This engine was mated to the 'state-of-the-art' SMG II transmission which features a launch-control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration and this, in turn, was mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and 'M' differential-lock. Finally, the DSC can be switched to 'M Track' mode with a steering wheel-mounted button, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of wheelspin. 0-60mph is in an incredible 4. 6 seconds, impressive in a car with four comfortable seats, electric windows and a boot spacious enough for the weekly shop.
BMW's 'Leichtbau' philosophy in relation to the mass-produced M3 was not only to reduce weight overall, but to distribute the weight savings in order to retain the E46 3-Series' perfect 50/ 50 split. To get the centre of gravity as low as possible, the CSL adopted many weight-saving technologies from BMW's Formula 1 racing applications. A large proportion of the M3's sound insulation was removed, along with the electric seats and navigation systems. The CSL's unique body pieces, including the roof, were all crafted from carbon fibre, glass-reinforced plastics were used throughout structural points in the car, and the standard rear window was replaced with one made from thinner glass. The results were considerably more effective than the 110kg weight saving would suggest, as the reduction in mass in conjunction with the lowered height of that mass and less body flex led to a dramatic improvement in dynamics.
Externally, the CSL can be identified by numerous details, such as the special door sills, the curved spoiler lip on the boot lid and, of course, the addition of those three special letters on its rear. The single 'porthole' on one side of the front apron, which gives the engine the necessary oxygen by means of an enlarged intake air duct, is unique to this model.
The car presented here is a 2004 BMW M3 (E46) CSL, one of the 422 UK-supplied examples, finished in Black Sapphire Metallic and had covered 60, 189 miles at the time of cataloguing.
Full details to follow.
