Tekknikal
12-10-2007, 03:15 PM
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_1.jpg" alt="" />
This is a car that's been mentioned on this site in the past. It's a very important car because it represents something that I think most driving enthusiasts would probably like to taste at least once, if not all the time. Today we talk about the BMW M3 CSL.
<!--more-->
But before we talk about the car, let's talk about the brand. Whenever you mention the name BMW people instantly think expensive, high end luxury cars. They know it's German so they think it's going to be different, and in a better way. They think it's going to be strange since they're accustomed to Camrys and Tauruses and by comparison, a BMW is... well a BMW. And they'll think just that: a BMW is a BMW. It doesn't matter what the actual model is, it's a BMW and that's all that matters.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/318ti.jpg" alt="" />
Well all of that is wrong.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/m3gtr01_06.jpg" alt="" />
BMWs are luxury cars in the sense that it's a luxury to own them, but not in the sense that they're built to coddle the driver everywhere they go. These are cars that are built to be driving machines- first and foremost. If you want raw comfort, traditional luxury, and a good ride- get a Lexus or Mercedes. If you would rather drive than be driven, get a BMW.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_inter.jpg" alt="" />
And not all are the same. Some are small, others are large. While they all try to cater to the driver, they do so to varying degrees. For instance, the X5 is a sporty SUV but it is by no means a sports car. Same goes for the 7 series which is a sporty sedan but it's not a 911 competitor.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/2007-bmw-x5.jpg" alt="" />
But there are some BMWs that are, by nearly all but the purist of definitions, sports cars. And they wear the BMW M badge.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/Z-M-Badge.jpg" alt="" />
These cars are a cut above the rest.
For example, if you see a 5 series, think of it as the family car you could drive cross country. And back. Comfortably and with great fun. If you see a 3 series, think of it as a proper driver's car- compact, easy to manage, fun to drive, and hard wired to your brain on the road.
But if you see an M3, understand that it's an out and out sports car. It bypasses all the aforementioned wires to your brain, in favor of a direct connection via a steering wheel and three pedals.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_11.jpg" alt="" />
There have been many generations of 3 series's in the past. And within each generation, there have been a wide variety of cars. The generations are denoted by a letter followed by a two digit number. For instance, the current 3 series sedans are E90 and coupes are E92. They entered production in around 2006/7. The generation before, the E46, ran from about 1999 to 2005/6. The generation before that was the E36, and before that was the E30. Among the E46s, BMW made over a dozen models ranging from 4 doors to coupes, hatches, wagons and convertibles. Engines varied from 1.6L to 3.2L in size with both diesel and gasoline variants. In the US they tended to only offer 2.5L, 3.0L and 3.2L engines however, pretty much marking the higher end of the range and contributing to the high end brand image BMW tends to have here.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/3Fam.jpg" alt="" />
In particular, by 2004 we had the 325, 330, and M3. The 325 was a 2.5L straight six with 192hp. The 330 was a 3.0L straight six with 221hp. The M3 was special however, being powered by BMW's S54 engine, a 3.2L highly tuned straight six outputting 343hp @ 7,900rpm in euro trim and 330hp in US trim. The M3 also featured an exclusive suspension, limited slip differential, exclusive (read: proper) steering tuning, and more.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_engine.jpg" alt="" />
The car was brilliant in its focus and package. It's offer was very special: you could drive it every day if you wanted to or you could reserve it for track days only. It didn't matter. Best of all, no one would need to know. It looks like almost any other BMW. To those who weren't aware, it really was just any other BMW. Until they tried to play with it on the road.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_09.jpg" alt="" />
The M3 got up to 60mph in under 5 seconds and went through the quarter mile in the very low 13s at over 105mph. It's handling was even better than that as it could easily lap the ring in 8 minutes 22 seconds and most importantly, feel good in the process.
This wasn't enough for BMW though. It wasn't enough to set a benchmark for performance and driving enjoyment. Too many people got excited by the name. There was too much concern being given to the image. There were too many amenities that somehow ended up in the car, distorting their vision of what a proper driver's car should be. And it was about driving after all. So, BMW felt that it was important to remind the world what driving was about. And the E46 M3 CSL was born.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_36.jpg" alt="" />
CSL Stands for lightweight sports coupe. The E46 M3 CSL wasn't the first "CSL", there had been one about 30 years prior, and there was one in the E36 generation. But the E36 car was not produced in any real quantity and was mainly just a stripped M3 (not that its a bad thing).
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_35.jpg" alt="" />
This time however, BMW pulled all the stops to take driving back to its roots.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_13.jpg" alt="" />
They started by taking the M3, and literally stripping it of everything but the dashboard and back seat. This included the center console, doors, front seats, glass, everything. Then they took off the roof. The hood, front and rear bumpers were replaced. They remanufactured the interior components from carbon fiber and what couldn't be carbon fiber was alcantara- an Italian suede material. The glass was remanufactured to be thinner. The roof and trunk? Carbon fiber. And they didn't bother painting the roof when they were done. This was all done in an effort to bring the weight down. 3,500lbs was too much. BMW wanted to lose 500lbs. The trunk floor was remanufactured in what is essentially be cardboard. Side impact airbags went out the window. I don't think I need to tell you what they did with the A/C and Radio...
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_20.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_16.jpg" alt="" />
And so it weighed 3,052 lbs. Making it lighter wasn't enough though. Yes they retuned suspension and steering to match... but they didn't stop there. The S54 engine from the normal M3, already tuned to the limit of its life (most aftermarket exhausts LOSE power), was re-engineered to claim an additional 20hp. Insane considering how hard it is to get 5 more horsepower. And not only that, but it was done with lighter than stock components. The brakes also got reworked with cross drilled rotors.. and to help the car grip the road better, BMW had Michelin make their Pilot Sport Cup tires for it. These tires are as soft as street tires get, and they come with half the tread of normal summer sport tires. Buyers had to sign waivers stating that they understand that the tires don't work in the rain, or if it's cold....
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_11.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_17.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_19.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_18.jpg" alt="" />
The result was more than a 12 second car. A massive 30 seconds was shaved off the Ring time as the car dropped into the 7 minute 50 second range. This is a car about focus, not pose. Winning, not fashion. The six speed manual was shown the door in favor of a 6 speed sequential with a race setup.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_12.jpg" alt="" />
So there you have it. On the outside the car is a BMW. But try to pose off with it and your date will wonder if you couldn't afford a radio or air conditioning. At it's heart though, it's a drivers car. Nothing more or less. And one of the world's most brilliant ones at that. The car was never able to make it to the US- BMW didn't feel like modifying their masterpiece to appease the department of transportation's safety requirements. But the car's influence is felt just the same: the new BMW M6 features the CSL's exposed carbon roof. Late model E46 M3s bore the CSL's brake rotors and other trim pieces.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/bmwm3csl03_09.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_2.jpg" alt="" />
Sadly, the E46 M3 and its CSL are no longer in production. As they say, all good things come to an end. Rumors suggest however, that BMW is planning something special with the new E92 M3. So should you hear these letters again, and you will, understand this: it's the most serious driver's car to ever come from a company that has, by actions and not words, pioneered the term- ultimate driving machine.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_37.jpg" alt="" />"
This is a car that's been mentioned on this site in the past. It's a very important car because it represents something that I think most driving enthusiasts would probably like to taste at least once, if not all the time. Today we talk about the BMW M3 CSL.
<!--more-->
But before we talk about the car, let's talk about the brand. Whenever you mention the name BMW people instantly think expensive, high end luxury cars. They know it's German so they think it's going to be different, and in a better way. They think it's going to be strange since they're accustomed to Camrys and Tauruses and by comparison, a BMW is... well a BMW. And they'll think just that: a BMW is a BMW. It doesn't matter what the actual model is, it's a BMW and that's all that matters.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/318ti.jpg" alt="" />
Well all of that is wrong.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/m3gtr01_06.jpg" alt="" />
BMWs are luxury cars in the sense that it's a luxury to own them, but not in the sense that they're built to coddle the driver everywhere they go. These are cars that are built to be driving machines- first and foremost. If you want raw comfort, traditional luxury, and a good ride- get a Lexus or Mercedes. If you would rather drive than be driven, get a BMW.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_inter.jpg" alt="" />
And not all are the same. Some are small, others are large. While they all try to cater to the driver, they do so to varying degrees. For instance, the X5 is a sporty SUV but it is by no means a sports car. Same goes for the 7 series which is a sporty sedan but it's not a 911 competitor.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/2007-bmw-x5.jpg" alt="" />
But there are some BMWs that are, by nearly all but the purist of definitions, sports cars. And they wear the BMW M badge.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/Z-M-Badge.jpg" alt="" />
These cars are a cut above the rest.
For example, if you see a 5 series, think of it as the family car you could drive cross country. And back. Comfortably and with great fun. If you see a 3 series, think of it as a proper driver's car- compact, easy to manage, fun to drive, and hard wired to your brain on the road.
But if you see an M3, understand that it's an out and out sports car. It bypasses all the aforementioned wires to your brain, in favor of a direct connection via a steering wheel and three pedals.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_11.jpg" alt="" />
There have been many generations of 3 series's in the past. And within each generation, there have been a wide variety of cars. The generations are denoted by a letter followed by a two digit number. For instance, the current 3 series sedans are E90 and coupes are E92. They entered production in around 2006/7. The generation before, the E46, ran from about 1999 to 2005/6. The generation before that was the E36, and before that was the E30. Among the E46s, BMW made over a dozen models ranging from 4 doors to coupes, hatches, wagons and convertibles. Engines varied from 1.6L to 3.2L in size with both diesel and gasoline variants. In the US they tended to only offer 2.5L, 3.0L and 3.2L engines however, pretty much marking the higher end of the range and contributing to the high end brand image BMW tends to have here.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/3Fam.jpg" alt="" />
In particular, by 2004 we had the 325, 330, and M3. The 325 was a 2.5L straight six with 192hp. The 330 was a 3.0L straight six with 221hp. The M3 was special however, being powered by BMW's S54 engine, a 3.2L highly tuned straight six outputting 343hp @ 7,900rpm in euro trim and 330hp in US trim. The M3 also featured an exclusive suspension, limited slip differential, exclusive (read: proper) steering tuning, and more.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_engine.jpg" alt="" />
The car was brilliant in its focus and package. It's offer was very special: you could drive it every day if you wanted to or you could reserve it for track days only. It didn't matter. Best of all, no one would need to know. It looks like almost any other BMW. To those who weren't aware, it really was just any other BMW. Until they tried to play with it on the road.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/Misc/e46m3cslwriteup/bmwm304_09.jpg" alt="" />
The M3 got up to 60mph in under 5 seconds and went through the quarter mile in the very low 13s at over 105mph. It's handling was even better than that as it could easily lap the ring in 8 minutes 22 seconds and most importantly, feel good in the process.
This wasn't enough for BMW though. It wasn't enough to set a benchmark for performance and driving enjoyment. Too many people got excited by the name. There was too much concern being given to the image. There were too many amenities that somehow ended up in the car, distorting their vision of what a proper driver's car should be. And it was about driving after all. So, BMW felt that it was important to remind the world what driving was about. And the E46 M3 CSL was born.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_36.jpg" alt="" />
CSL Stands for lightweight sports coupe. The E46 M3 CSL wasn't the first "CSL", there had been one about 30 years prior, and there was one in the E36 generation. But the E36 car was not produced in any real quantity and was mainly just a stripped M3 (not that its a bad thing).
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_35.jpg" alt="" />
This time however, BMW pulled all the stops to take driving back to its roots.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_13.jpg" alt="" />
They started by taking the M3, and literally stripping it of everything but the dashboard and back seat. This included the center console, doors, front seats, glass, everything. Then they took off the roof. The hood, front and rear bumpers were replaced. They remanufactured the interior components from carbon fiber and what couldn't be carbon fiber was alcantara- an Italian suede material. The glass was remanufactured to be thinner. The roof and trunk? Carbon fiber. And they didn't bother painting the roof when they were done. This was all done in an effort to bring the weight down. 3,500lbs was too much. BMW wanted to lose 500lbs. The trunk floor was remanufactured in what is essentially be cardboard. Side impact airbags went out the window. I don't think I need to tell you what they did with the A/C and Radio...
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_20.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_16.jpg" alt="" />
And so it weighed 3,052 lbs. Making it lighter wasn't enough though. Yes they retuned suspension and steering to match... but they didn't stop there. The S54 engine from the normal M3, already tuned to the limit of its life (most aftermarket exhausts LOSE power), was re-engineered to claim an additional 20hp. Insane considering how hard it is to get 5 more horsepower. And not only that, but it was done with lighter than stock components. The brakes also got reworked with cross drilled rotors.. and to help the car grip the road better, BMW had Michelin make their Pilot Sport Cup tires for it. These tires are as soft as street tires get, and they come with half the tread of normal summer sport tires. Buyers had to sign waivers stating that they understand that the tires don't work in the rain, or if it's cold....
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_11.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_17.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_19.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_18.jpg" alt="" />
The result was more than a 12 second car. A massive 30 seconds was shaved off the Ring time as the car dropped into the 7 minute 50 second range. This is a car about focus, not pose. Winning, not fashion. The six speed manual was shown the door in favor of a 6 speed sequential with a race setup.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_12.jpg" alt="" />
So there you have it. On the outside the car is a BMW. But try to pose off with it and your date will wonder if you couldn't afford a radio or air conditioning. At it's heart though, it's a drivers car. Nothing more or less. And one of the world's most brilliant ones at that. The car was never able to make it to the US- BMW didn't feel like modifying their masterpiece to appease the department of transportation's safety requirements. But the car's influence is felt just the same: the new BMW M6 features the CSL's exposed carbon roof. Late model E46 M3s bore the CSL's brake rotors and other trim pieces.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/bmwm3csl03_09.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_2.jpg" alt="" />
Sadly, the E46 M3 and its CSL are no longer in production. As they say, all good things come to an end. Rumors suggest however, that BMW is planning something special with the new E92 M3. So should you hear these letters again, and you will, understand this: it's the most serious driver's car to ever come from a company that has, by actions and not words, pioneered the term- ultimate driving machine.
<img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/streetseen/BMW/e46/M3CSL/m3_csl_37.jpg" alt="" />"