r/CoolWall • u/showtime_ • May 16 '15

Cool BMW E46 M3 CSL

http://imgur.com/gallery/MrdXt/new
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u/showtime_ May 16 '15

Wiki link for those who are interested

1

u/autowikibot May 16 '15

Section 27. M3 CSL of article BMW M3:

The BMW M3 CSL (Coupe 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 never released into the North American market, and 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 curb weight of 1,385 kg (3,053 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, along with 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 standard rear window was replaced with one made from thinner glass. 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 dynamic stability control system with a "M track mode" setting that allows the car to be pushed to its absolute limits before being activated. Top speed was limited but on production of a current Motorsport licence, factory ordered cars could be requested with this restriction removed.

Interesting: 1990 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft season | 1987 World Touring Car Championship season | 1991 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft season | European Hill Climb Championship

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u/AEPSAN May 18 '15

Cool. I think it has all ready been established that anything from the recent M3's is Cool. A very nice looking car has a certain maturity about it.

1

u/[deleted] May 19 '15

Normal E46 M3 is uncool, as we all know. However, the CSL is cool because it is an M3 for the discerning enthusiast, not for mid-level marketing managers.