BMW CSL Models You Need to Know
Image Above By Jake Thomas - https://www.rushmagazine.co.uk/post/critical-mass-bmw-m3-csl-review, CC BY-SA 4.0, Source
BMW CSL models have become one of the most iconic cars on the planet. From the original 3.0 CSL to the reborn 3.0 CSL, they represent a level of automotive engineering and performance that only BMW could provide. This comprehensive guide will look at all the BMW CSL models ever built. We will also take a look at the performance statistics that made these models so famous.
By cosmic_spanner - Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Source
CSL which stands for 'Coupé Sport Leichtbau' in German or 'Coupe Sport Lightweight' used by BMW Motorsport to denote special vehicles.
1. BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)
By Clemens Vasters from Viersen, Germany, Germany - BMW 3.0 CSL, CC BY 2.0, Source
Based on Wikipedia, the BMW E9 is a scope of cars created from 1968 to 1975 developed by Karmann. At first, delivered as the 2800 CS model, the E9 depended on the BMW 2000 C and 2000 CS. Then, the car size expanded to fit the six-cylinder (M30) engine.
According to BMW M, the 3.0 CSL which is developed by Alpina introduced in 1972 as a homologation special for motorsport. Plus, it was the first to wear the CSL designation.
The car is fitted with a retuned suspension with gas-pressurized Bilstein springs.
In terms of lightweight construction, the 3.0 CSL had thinner steel for its body shell. Next is Perspex glass for the rear and side windows with aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid. Besides, a thinner metal is used for the wall divider between the boot and passenger area. Housings for the wheels and the side walls at the front and rear also uses a thinner metal.
Even the support for the bonnet was using thinner rods. Coming inside, the car features lightweight bucket seats. Including the absence of almost all sound insulation, the overall weight of 3.0 CSL is around 1270 kg (2799 lb).
The 3.0 CSL, also known as the 'Batmobile' has several aerodynamic attributes that are worth mentioning. Starting with its big spoiler. Unfortunately, the spoiler has been banned to use on normal roads for the latter model. With the intention to only use the spoiler on the racetrack, the dealer back then put it inside the boot when the customer got the car.
Next, is another spoiler which is mounted on the back of the roof. The long black fin or what BMW M called the air rails placed on the bonnet is another quirky touch. The front bumper with 2 holes on each side claimed to create a downforce to the front axle.
Throughout the production, BMW upgraded the 3.0 CSL engine size from 2985 cc to 3003 cc, which all were carburetted. In 1973, a 3153 cc Bosch petrol injection system engine is implemented creating an output of 206 hp. It can reach a top speed of 136 mph (220 km/h). All engines were only mated with an engaging 4-speed manual gearbox.
2. BMW M3 CSL (E46)
By Jake Thomas - https://www.rushmagazine.co.uk/post/critical-mass-bmw-m3-csl-review, CC BY-SA 4.0, Source
The M3 CSL launched in 2003 as the ultimate M3 (Source: BMW M). The BMW M3 CSL was the first M car to be made with an exposed Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) roof (Source: BMW M). Other exposed CFRP touches include the front splitter (Source: Supercar Nostalgia) and rear diffuser (Source: BMW M). The front and rear bumper are made from CFRP too (Source: Supercar Nostalgia).
An integrated and more pronounced duck-tail spoiler can be seen on the boot lid instead of a smaller mounted duck-tail spoiler in regular M3 (Source: Supercar Nostalgia). The car has unique 19-inch wheels that wrapped on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires when it was new (Source: BMW Blog). However, the forged wheels had lost their uniqueness since they became a part of the Competition Package for regular M3 that launched in 2005 (Source: BMW M).
Inside all 4 wheels are the ventilated two-piece brake rotors with single-piston callipers. On top of that, it has shorter and stiffer front springs, stiffer bushings at the rear and bigger anti-roll bars fitted on both ends.
Another unique exterior feature is the front bumper with a big hole on the left side for air intake. For extra weight savings, BMW M gave a thinner rear glass and wall for its exhaust system. Besides, the bonnet is made of aluminium. M3 CSL only came in 2 colours, Sapphire Black and Silver Grey.
The front seats are made of the same GFRP at the rear section with Alcantara at the front section. The only electronics available inside are power windows and side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, central locks and an onboard computer. The audio system and automatic climate control didn't come as standard, but available as an option. The door panels, rear quarter inserts and centre console are made of GFRP as well.
The M3 CSL had a unique engine, a 3.2-litre inline-six (S54) engine that had a different camshaft, a lightweight exhaust, and larger exhaust valves producing 360 hp and 370 Nm (273 lb. ft.) of torque. It was an increase of 17 hp and 5 Nm (4 lb. ft.) of torque over a regular M3. As for the gearbox, the M3 CSL only uses a single-clutch automatic transmission called the SMG.
In conclusion, the result of all mentioned upgrades is a kerb weight of 1385 kg (3053 lb), which is 110 kg (243 lb) lighter than the M3 (Source: BMW M). Acceleration time from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) (Source: Acceleration Times) with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) (Source: BMW M).
3. BMW M4 CSL (G82)
By MrWalkr - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Source
This track focus version of the M4 was created to celebrate 50 years of BMW M in 2022 (Source: BMW M). It maintains the mission to be a more lightweight and hardcore road car than its regular model. The car weighs around 1625 kg (3583 lb) (Source: BMW M) which is 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than a standard M4 (Source: Auto Car).
These can be achieved using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) on the bonnet, a boot lid with an integrated duck-tail spoiler, and a rear diffuser for the exterior. Other special exterior touches include front Laserlight headlights with yellow daytime running lights, laser technology rear lights, and with more aggressive front and rear bumper to improve aerodynamics.
Inside, BMW M removed the rear seats and used lightweight full carbon fibre bucket seats in the front that reduce 44 kg of weight. On top of that, they used a lightweight centre console as their tradition for CSL models.
Not only that, but they also removed some sound insulation that is available from the standard M4.
It is powered by an enhanced 3.0-litre inline-six twin-turbocharged (S58) engine that has 550 hp and 479 lb. ft. (650 Nm) of torque. As a comparison, the M4 Competition has 40 hp less than the M4 CSL with the same torque figure. The power is transferred to the rear wheels only via an 8-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission.
For the brakes, this CSL came standard with carbon ceramic brakes and track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres (Source: BMW USA). However, customers can request to change for road-friendly Michelin Sport 4S tyres (Source: Auto Car). It also had a special axle design connected to its improved springs, anti-roll bars, damping and control arms to maximize driving feel. (Source: BMW M).
In practice, M4 CSL achieved a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds) and reached a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h).
On the other hand, M4 Competition with rear-wheel drive has the same 0-60 mph acceleration, 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 181 mph (291 km/h).
4. 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL
Another car built to celebrate 50 years of M is the BMW 3.0 CSL. Only 50 units will be made. This car pays tribute to the iconic 1972 3.0 CSL. The lightweight theme is continued with this car. Firstly, the quad exhaust silencer is made from titanium which saves 4.3 kg (9.5 lb.) of weight.
CFRP has been heavily used for the roof, bonnet, boot lid, and front and rear aprons. The wide-body panels, side skirts, rear diffuser and roof and boot lid spoilers were made from CFRP. All CFRP material for this car is hand-made. The exterior design is nothing like any other BMW model. The car has a yellow headlight design and a big but slightly shorter kidney grille frame than the M4.
Not to forget are the 20 and 21-inch gold forged wheels with a Y-spoke design and centre locks. There are two BMW logos behind both Hofmeister kinks, two air rails on the bonnet and two holes on the front bumper. Those are references to the original CSL.
This CSL has an 'Alpine White' with M-striped body paint that was hand-painted. The '50' numbering is visible on each door. The 'M Power' lettering exposes carbon fibre can be seen on top of the boot lid spoiler. The interior of the latest CSL has less sound insulation and more lightweight touches like a carbon fibre centre console.
The main attention is the M Carbon bucket seats padded with Alcantara and '3.0 CSL' lettering below the headrest. The lettering also can be seen on the door sills. The height and inclination of the seats can be adjusted only in the workshop. The driver and passenger can still adjust the forward and backward of the seats. The whole interior consists of white contrast to match its exterior.
That white touch can also be found on the manual gear knob with '50' written between the gear numbering. There is an individual number of the car written '#0/50' in front of the passenger. Each car will have a unique number that will end with '#50/50'.
This handbuilt in Bavaria CSL is powered by the most powerful inline-six twin-turbo engine ever producing 560 hp. This car will do a top speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph). This is another one of the best and most desirable BMW M cars ever built.
There you go, those are the BMW CSL models built for driving passion. It's certainly one of the most memorable models in automotive history. Which CSL model do you prefer? Let me know in the comments your opinion about those cars or your experience owning any of these BMW CSL models.
