Hiya everyone, my name is Wayne 32 and I'm from Hertfordshire in the UK. I'd like to let you know firstly, that I don't actually own a BMW at present. I have had a few of them though from E46 318CI, E60 530d & E46 M3 SMG.

I now drive a heavily modified dry use only, Ford Focus RS mk1 (The original blue one lol).

The reason I'm here, is due to wanting to venture into CSL ownership! My absolute dream machine which would only be for toy use and never for the Rain or Winter.

But my knowledge of these great cars is limited to youtube video's and therefore would like to chat to CSL owners to get their view on what to look for, running costs, and where to buy from (Main Dealers a no no?!?)

So, looking forward to being here and hopefully in the new year I'll get the car.

Wayno.

Hi,

Welcome to the forum first things first nice ford! i love the mark ones! Get a piccy up!

the CSL models seem to be quite a beast I'd love to drive one, seem to me to be a heavily modified M3, as there were around 1400 made they're as rare as rocking horse sh*t lol good luck finding one, you may want to read the article below to ave a good feel for what your letting yourself into lol

The BMW M3 CSL (Coupé Sport Leichtbau was a limited edition version of the M3, with only 1,400 cars being produced for its 2004 model year run.The CSL was only available in two colours - Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic.

As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The M3 CSL has a kerb weight of 1,385 kg (3,050 lb), 110 kg (240 lb) lighter than the regular M3. The CSL features many weight saving technologies taken from BMW's Formula One racing applications. A large proportion of the M3's sound insulation has been removed,electric seats, and navigation systems. Air conditioning and stereo systems could be retrofitted free of cost, but were not available standard. The CSL's unique body pieces are all crafted from carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Glass-reinforced plastics are used throughout structural points in the car. The rear glass window was replaced with lightweight plastic. Although the CSL loses a considerable amount of curb weight from its original version, the focus was put on strategically reducing or moving the weight in the car rather than the raw amount of weight that could be lost. This is to retain the ideal 50:50 weight distribution characteristics the E46 has. For example, the roof is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic. While this only reduces the curb weight of the car by 7 kg (15 lb), it lowers the center of gravity of the car and decreases body flex.

In order to improve the handling ability of the car, the entire suspension system was further refined. Specially developed racing springs and dampers are given to the CSL, and a tightened steering ratio (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3) improves responsiveness. The braking system is also modified, with larger front and rear floating rotors and calipers from the E39 M5. The CSL is given a retuned dymanic stability control system with a "M track mode" setting that allows the car to be pushed to its absolute limits before being activated.

The 3.2L engine used in the M3, the BMW S54, has been modified to increased output by 17 hp (13 kW) and 5 N·m (1 lbf) over the European M3. This is achieved through a high flow carbon fiber air intake, modified valve and camshaft timing, and a retuned DME. However, the engine is further modified in order to reduce weight - it features a lightweight exhaust manifold and thinner exhaust piping. Additionally, the intake and exhaust manifolds are slightly straightened to improve engine responsiveness.

The CSL also has various aesthetic modifications over the standard M3. It received an aerodynamic lightweight body kit which included carbon fiber front splitters that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%, as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser. The front bumper has a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake. The boot floor is made of cardboard. The boot lid is redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the standard M3 where one is simply added on to a flat boot. The CSL was sold with distinct 19 inch lightweight forged BBS alloy rims that came with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slick racing tires. The interior of the CSL is redesigned with a sporty-weight saving theme. The CSL obtains fiberglass front racing bucket seats, and fiberglass backed rear seats. The center console, door panels and trim, and headliner are all formed from carbon fiber, and the steering wheel is redesigned with cruise control, stereo, and phone controls removed to include just a single button that activates the M track mode.

Unlike the standard M3, which was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, or optionally a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II), the CSL was offered only with the SMG II transmission. This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal, similar to an Formula One style transmission. However, the CSL received a more advanced drivelogic unit than the standard M3 that was capable of making shifts in 0.08 of a second.

welcome to the forum, excellent choices in cars there :D

would love a mk1 myself for dry use only, defo a classic car

Welcome to the club..

CSL = epic car :wub:

and to be honest for what car you get, its very cheap, if you can find one.

Get a pic up of that Mk1 mucka

I remember that day I first seen one of these and fell in love...

Top Gear

Thanks for the responses guys. The CSL defo ticks all the right boxes, but would like to find one which has the AP Brake set up on it already. But that will difficult, and I only want it in Grey. Black cars don't do it for me, as you can't appreciate the lines of the car. But the hunt is on post January lol.

Anyway, as requested, some of mine.

Bought as standard in January 2006 and then found the modifying bug lol.

As she was:

And how she looks now lol:

Hope you like.

I don't want to sell the car as it holds a special place in my heart, but I'm going to have to in order to help fund the CSL :(

Niiiiicee...

i found this CSL

I've seen that car too mate. Unfortunately its Black, and I really do want a grey one. That company seem to like CSL's. They've had a few recently. Could be where I go.

that focus is awesome, theres one similar around were i live, not you? (liverpool)

welcome to the club mate

welcome to the club :D

I work for a ford main dealer and drive a bmw says it all really lol,

But the RS is an exception to the rule, good choice hun ;)

that focus is awesome, theres one similar around were i live, not you? (liverpool)

Thanks for the kind words about the car mate. Afraid not, I'm down south in Hertfordshire near London. I know of a few up in your neck of the woods though. They're very fast and their owners have spent thousands!

welcome to the club mate

Cheers Fella.

welcome to the club :D

I work for a ford main dealer and drive a bmw says it all really lol,

But the RS is an exception to the rule, good choice hun ;)

Thanks very much. Ideally I want both the CSL & the RS but thats in a dream world far far away lol.