Estimated Price: £70,000 - £90,000

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 UK examples finished in Black.

The proven S54B32 in-line 6-cylinder engine of the standard M3 remained in the 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 as, not only is it particularly light, but the carbon component also generated a characteristic intake noise, distinctive and slightly addictive! 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 106 UK-supplied examples, finished in Black Sapphire Metallic and had covered just 60,189 miles at the time of cataloguing. According to the CSL Register, it was delivered new to Bavarian BMW of Belfast, NI on the 3rd December 2003 and onward to its first owner, a Mr Bowness, with the relevant invoices and correspondence in the car's history file. He evidently enjoyed the car as it accompanied him when relocating to England in 2006 where the history file shows it visited Derek Woodman BMW of Blackpool (now Lloyd Blackpool BMW) with invoices for servicing and the replacement of the brake discs and pads on file. 

The folder and MOT history indicate that the vast majority of the M3’s current mileage was covered by its original owner with our vendor acquiring the CSL in August of 2013 at which point it was treated to an engine oil service and further attention which included new tensioner, idler pulleys and accessory belts, differential oil, front and rear brake pads, two new rear springs, a wheel refurb, new BMW Centre and M badges, and various trim and sundry items, resulting in an invoice for £4,104.82.

Since then the M3 CSL has remained part of our vendor's eclectic collection and used occasionally with only around 1,800 miles covered in the intervening years. In 2017, a BMW Health Check was carried out by Bowker Preston BMW when the only items of note reported were a leaking screen-wash reservoir and missing front jacking blocks, all duly replaced.

More recently, the car has benefitted from some light recommissioning including an engine oil service, replacement of the pollen and fuel filters, renewal of the front brake pads and discs, fresh differential oil, and replacement of the B and C pillar trims, accompanied by an invoice for £3,317.81. We are also advised that new ‘CSL’ sill trims are on back order with BMW and can be sent to the new owner on arrival with our vendor.

For many enthusiasts, the E46 M3 was a product of the Bavarian manufacturer's 'Golden Age' and the rare CSL was the 'high water' mark of E46 production. The example offered here strikes the enviable balance between a collectors item and a vehicle to be genuinely enjoyed without too much concern about increasing the mileage. We therefore welcome your interest and encourage your viewing at our upcoming May Sale.