Build Specifications

So how did BMW create the M3 CSL?

Intelligent lightweight technology

For optimum weight reduction, BMW M engineers turned to ‘intelligent’ lightweight technology. This meant matching the most appropriate materials to the component or assembly requirements and resulted in widespread use of carbon fibre reinforced plastics, lightweight aluminium and glass fibre plastics. Much of this technology has been transferred from Formula 1.

Award winning engine — made better

BMW’s M3 engine has just received its third accolade in a row at the 2003 International Engine of the Year Awards. Now an enhanced version of this 3.2 litre straight-six power house, has been developed for the M3 CSL. Power output has been boosted from 343 to 360 bhp at 7,900 rpm, while torque is up from 365 to 370 Nm at 4,900 rpm.

The enhancements include:
• Thinner exhaust walls
• Larger air intake opening and carbon fibre air collector
• Camshafts with longer valve opening periods
• Air intake and volume calculated according to Fl principles
• Optimised exhaust valves
• Modified exhaust emission manifold

M3 CSL gearbox

BMW M’s most sporting and dynamic transmission features on the M3 CSL - the paddle shift SMG gearbox with Drivelogic and new software. Based on Fl technology, it allows ultra-fast shifting through all six gears, using the gear stick or paddles, with changes taking just 0.08 seconds. Drivers can choose between sequential and automated mode.

Handling dynamics

Precision handling comes courtesy of a wider front track and modified suspension geometry, including bespoke springs and dampers. A more direct ratio for the rack-and-pinion steering (14.5 : 1, compared to 15.4 : 1 for the M3) offers greater steering response in all conditions. While substantially modified brakes slow the M3 CSL to a standstill from 62 mph in less than 34 metres — just seven and a half car lengths.

Driver aids

M Track Mode is a unique function of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), activated via a steering wheel mounted switch. This allows skilled track drivers to push the car to the absolute limit of transverse and longitudinal acceleration, with DSC operating only where these limits are exceeded.

The optional 19” wheels and tyres for the BMW M3 are fitted as standard but Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres, with asymmetric treads developed especially for the MS CSL mounted on unique alloy wheels, can be specified as a no cost option. The tyres, which are suitable for both road and track, measure 235/35 ZR 19 at the front and 265/30 ZR 19 at the rear. Complementing the performance of the car, they offer outstanding lateral grip, up to 1.6g, improving the M3 CSL’s already remarkable handling qualities and cornering capability.

To ensure M3 CSL owners are comfortable with the handling of these specially designed optional tyres, dealers will explain the need for caution while they warm up and during very poor weather. Buyers will also be required to confirm that they are aware of and understand the unique performance characteristics.

Free driver training for all M3 CSL customers is also included in the price. Worth £850, this offers drivers a day at the Pro-Drive Live circuit, driving under the guidance of experienced racing drivers, learning how to get the most out of the car.

Interior

In the cockpit, the M3 CSL follows the principles of a genuine sports car. Options are kept to a minimum, with a focus on the functional, like contoured, glass fibre bucket seats, offering optimum side support in fast bends.

Centre console and door trims are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic and the M Sports steering wheel is clothed in Alcantara. To make best use of the reduced weight potential many features of modern cars normally considered as essential, such as air conditioning and a radio, are excluded from standard specification, but can be specified as no cost options if the customer wants them.

Standard equipment - interior
• Cloth Laser/Amaretta ‘Reflex Pur’ Anthracite
• Anthracite Headlining
• Individual high gloss satin chrome
• Titanium Shadow Interior Trim
• Chrome gear lever knob
• 4 Seats
• M Steering Wheel with switch for M Track Mode

Standard equipment — exterior
• M3 CSL specific suspension settings
• M Mobility System to inflate tyres
• Tailgate with low loading sill and integrated rear spoiler
• Front apron without fog lights, with extra air intake
• Model designation M3 CSL
• Choice of Black Sapphire or Silver Grey metallic paint
• 19” double spoke alloy wheels style 67M

No cost options
• 19” M light alloy wheels ‘M3 CSL’ with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres
• Auto air conditioning
• BMW Business radio / cassette
• No model inscription
• Graduated tint front windscreen
• Smoker package

Cost options
• Climate comfort front windscreen £190.00
• Floor mats £75.00
• Park Distance Control (PDC) £340.00
• Rain sensor £160.00
• Xenon headlights with headlamp wash £770.00
• Single CD £100
• Mini disc player £295.00

Specifications

Body

No. of doors/seats		2/4
Length/width/height (unladen)	mm	4,492/1,780/1,365
Wheelbase	mm	2,729
Track, front/rear	mm	1,518/1,525
Turning circle	m	11.0
Tank capacity	approx.ltr	63
Cooling system inc. heater	ltr	10.7
Engine oil	ltr	7.0
Transmission fluid	ltr	1.9
Final drive fluid	ltr	1.2
Unladen weight, EU	kg	1,385
Max. load to DIN standard	kg	415
Max. permissible weight to DIN	kg	1,800
Max. axle load, front/rear	kg	880/1,020
Luggage compartment to VDA st.	ltr	410
Air drag	Cx*A	0.683

Power unit

Configuration/cylinders/valves		Straight/6/4
Engine management		MSS 54HP
Capacity	cc	3,246
Bore/stroke	mm	87.0/91.0
Compression ratio	1	11.5
Fuel	RON	98
Output	kW/bhp	265/360
at	rpm	7,900
Torque	Nm (lb-ft)	370(273)
at	rpm	4,900

Electrical system

Battery/location	Ah/-	55/luggage comp
Alternator	A/W	120/7,680

Suspension

Front	Single-joint spring strut axle with displaced castor; small positive steering roll radius, compensation of transverse forces, anti-dive
Rear	central-arm axle with longitudinal control arms and double track control arms, anti-squat and anti-dive

Brakes

Front	Single-piston swing-caliper disc brakes
Diameter	mm	345 x 28, vented
Rear	Single-piston swing-caliper disc brakes
Diameter	mm	328 x 20, vented
Driving stability systems	ABS, CBC, DSC; M differential lock

Steering - Rack-and-pinion

Overall steering transmission

1

14.5

Transmission Six-speed manual

Transmission ratios and maximum speed at 8000rpm	:
1st	4.227	39.29mph (63.23km/h)
2nd	2.528	65.69mph (105.72km/h)
3rd	1.669	99.50mph (160.14km/h)
4th	1.226	135.46mph (218.00km/h)
5th	1.000	166.07mph (267.27km/h)
6th	0.828	200.57mph (322.79km/h)
Rev	3.746	44.33mph (71.35km/h)
Final Drive Ratio	3.620
Tyres, front/rear	235/35 ZR19	265/30 ZR19
Rims, front/rear	8.5J x 19 EH 2 IS 44 alu	9.5J x 19 EH 2 IS 27 alu

Performance

Power-to-weight ratio to DIN stand	kg/kW	5.2
Output per litre	kW/bhp	81.6/111.0
Acceleration
0—62 mph	sec	4.9
Stand-start km	sec	23.5
In 4th gear 62—80 mph	sec	5.0
Top speed	Restricted cars top speed = 161mph / 259km/h (167mph / 269km/h indicated). Derestricted cars top speed = 174mph / 280km/h (180mph / 290km/h indicated)

Fuel consumption (Eu cycle)

Urban	Mpg	15.9
Extra urban	Mpg	33.6
Composite	Mpg	23.7
CO2	g/km	287

Other data

Emission category

EU3