Would you pay $10-15K extra for a Lightweight E46 M3 (CSL) ?

[Qwickm3]

those BBS are on fire.

[Ali'sBMWBabe]

IMO those rims look hot, are they 18 or 19's?
~Ali

[JDMskyline]

Why is the front bumper like that? Did BMW forget to drill the other hole for the fog lights, or is it supposed to be like that?

[M3PiNoYdRiVeR]

Originally posted by JetBlack2002SMG
I think it's Sterling Grey.

It's steel gray metallc.

[Blitz]

Why is the front bumper like that? Did BMW forget to drill the other hole for the fog lights, or is it supposed to be like that?

I believe that hole is there for the intake. I could be mistaken though...

[eMed_out]

The hole is an Intake...pretty clever idea....

[marwan]

Originally posted by outkast
Those rims are FUGLY!

you mean very FUGLY! ...they sorta look like BBS RC minus the shiny look!

besides, how come the car doesnt look like it did before? i like the new rear spoiler, but i think prefer the old CSL rear lid!

btw, is it leather from the inside?

[marwan]

Originally posted by JetBlack2002SMG
BMW has released this press announcement to the German press about their upcoming M3 CSL. It has shed 300lb and has around 360hp due to even less restrictive exhaust, breathing, and engine management.
Would you pay the $10-$15 over for this setup. I love my SMG E46 M3 but I'd love some of the tech on this car. Carbon fiber roof, hood, trunk lid, trim pieces, rear deck, air intake, CF everywhere!

Press Release: "BMW M3 CSL - Das 110-Prozent-Automobil.
Einer Tradition folgend, präsentiert BMW M ein Leichtbau-Sportcoup?.

Die drei Begriffe Coup?, Sport und Leichtbau, vereint im Kürzel CSL, haben eine lange Tradition. Bereits 1938 entstand das legendäre 328 Mille Miglia Coup? mit Aluminium-Außenhaut, und in den 70er Jahren wurde auf der Basis des damaligen 3,0-l-Coupés ein Leichtbau-Sportwagen gebaut. Auf der Internationalen Automobilausstellung 2001 hat BMW M mit dem M3 CSL Concept Car dieses Thema wieder aufgenommen und die Herzen aller Sportwagenfans höher schlagen lassen. Nach der überwältigenden Resonanz folgt nun ein unter Serienbedingungen darstellbarer M3 CSL Prototyp als Vorstufe für ein späteres Serienfahrzeug.

Der "Intelligente Leichtbau" bildet die Grundlage des neuen M3 CSL. Damit wird die optimale Kombination von Werkstoff und Bauteil bezeichnet, die je nach den spezifischen Ansprüchen einer Komponente das am besten geeignete Material nutzt. Formel-1-Technologie bei Leichtbau und Antrieb. Diese Strategie führt direkt zur Formel-1-Technologie, die der M3 CSL in fundamentalen Bereichen für den Einsatz auf der Strasse übernimmt. So wurde konsequent kohlefaserverstärkter Kunststoff (CFK), der Formel-1-Werkstoff schlechthin, eingesetzt. Damit leitet BMW M die Umkehr der Gewichtsspirale in einer faszinierenden Form ein. Im Antriebsbereich steht dafür das Hochdrehzahlkonzept des bekannten M3-Reihensechszylinders, das den Leichtbau auf dem Motorensektor integriert. Bei dem modifizierten Motor wurden der komplette Ladungswechsel und die Reibleistung überarbeitet. Zum blitzschnellen Gangwechsel mit entsprechend direktem Zugkraftanschlu? dient das Sequenzielle M Getriebe mit Drivelogic (SMG), das ebenfalls direkt auf Formel-1-Technologie basiert und integraler Konzeptbestandteil für den sportlichsten M3 ist. Insgesamt ist der Leichtbausportwagen in seiner Gesamtkomposition und -abstimmung also auf ein puristisches Dynamikerlebnis ausgelegt. Leichtbau ist freilich kein Selbstzweck gewesen bei der Entwicklung des M3 CSL durch BMW M. Denn das absolute Gewicht und die Massenträgheit eines Automobils um die Hochachse sind ausschlaggebend für die Quer-, Hoch- und Längsdynamik - also dafür, wie der Fahrer die Fahrdynamik erlebt. Zudem ist das Leistungsgewicht, der Quotient aus Fahrzeuggewicht und Fahrzeugleistung, der entscheidende Faktor für eine möglichst hohe Längsdynamik, für möglichst hohe Beschleunigung. Ganz nach der 110-Prozent-Formel von M Geschäftsfeldleiter Gerhard Richter: "Wenn wir im M3 CSL ein um nochmals zehn Prozent geringeres Leistungsgewicht erzielen können, haben wir das 110-Prozent-Auto und damit den Sprung in eine neue Dynamikklasse geschafft." Um alle diese Dynamikkriterien schnell und gründlich zu testen, gibt es keinen besseren Ort als die Nürburgring-Nordschleife, die anspruchsvollste Rennstrecke der Welt. Dort trennt sich in fahrdynamischer Hinsicht die Spreu vom Weizen, da das Zusammenspiel sämtlicher Fahrzeug-Komponenten erlebbar wird.

Weitere Gewichtsreduzierung durch gezielten Einsatz alternativer Materialien. In weiten Bereichen ist dem M3 CSL das Leichtbau-Konzept förmlich ins Gesicht geschrieben: Die Flaps in der Frontschürze, Dach und Heckdiffusor sind sichtbar aus CFK. Aus lackierter Kohlefaser besteht darüber hinaus die Frontschürze. Tür- und Seitenverkleidungen sowie die Mittelkonsole sind ebenfalls aus diesem Material gefertigt. Doch es muss nicht immer Kohlefaser sein: Die Trägerstruktur der asymmetrisch teilbaren Durchlade besteht aus Endlos-Glasfaser-Thermoplast, einem innovativen Werkstoff aus der Luft- und Raumfahrt. Die Vordersitze in Schalenbauweise aus GFK (Glasfaser verstärkter Kunststoff) sind nicht nur leichter als die Seriensitze des M3, sie bieten den Insassen auch noch mehr Halt bei sportlicher Fahrweise. Die Heckscheibe des M3 CSL ist aus Dünnglas, als Gepäckraumboden dient eine Wabensandwichplatte, ebenfalls ein Werkstoff, der vorzugsweise in der Luft- und Raumfahrt eingesetzt wird. Selbst die Basis des Bodenteppichs besteht aus einer gewichtsoptimierten Schaumunterlage. Der M3 CSL steht auf speziell entwickelten 19-Zoll-Rädern mit einer - ganz dem puristischen Konzept folgend - neuen Sportbereifung, eine 18-Zoll-Bremsanlage sorgt für fulminante Verzögerungswerte. Ganz der Tradition folgend entsteht damit bei BMW M ein Automobil für motorsportliche Enthusiasten, die den fahrdynamischen Purismus als ultimatives Fahrgefühl zu schätzen wissen. Schon im nächsten Jahr wird dieser M3 CSL in einer limitierten Stückzahl angeboten."







More Photos here.

Damn I want that engine cover, those carbon fiber trim pieces, those rims and michelin track tires, that new spoiler, and the illuminated SMG stick.

anyone care to translate???

[hofbrau8]

from altavista to you. to very good though

The three terms coup?, Sport and lightweight construction, united in the contraction CSL, have a long tradition. Already 1938 developed legendary 328 mille the Miglia coup? with aluminum outer skin, and in the 70's on the basis of the 3,0-l-Coupés at that time a lightweight construction haven car was built. On the international motor show 2001 BMW M with the M3 CSL Concept Car took up this topic again and the hearts of all sports car fans more highly strike to let. After the overwhelming resonance now on series conditions of representable M3 CSL prototype follows as preliminary stage for a later series vehicle. The "intelligent lightweight construction" forms the basis of the new M3 CSL. The optimal combination of material and construction unit is named, which uses the best suitable material depending upon the specific requirements of a component. Formel-1-Technologie with lightweight construction and drive. This strategy leads directly to the Formel-1-Technologie, which the M3 CSL transfers in fundamental ranges for the employment on the road. So consistently carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFK) was used, the Formel-1-Werkstoff absolutely. Thus BMW M introduces the reversal of the weight spiral in a fascinating form. In the drive range for it the high speed concept of the well-known M3-Reihensechszylinders, which integrates the lightweight construction on the engine sector, stands. With the modified engine the complete gas exchange and the friction achievement were revised. To the very fast course change with according to direct Zugkraftanschlu? the Sequenzielle serves M transmission with Drivelogic (SMG), which is likewise directly be based a concept component for the sportiest M3, integral on Formel-1-Technologie and. Altogether the lightweight construction haven car is thus appropriate for a puristic dynamic experience in its total composition and tuning. Lightweight construction is certainly no self purpose been with the development of the M3 CSL by BMW M. the absolute weight and the mass inertia of an automobile around the vertical axis is decisive for the crosswise -, high and longitudinal dynamics - thus for it as the driver experiences the driving dynamics. Besides the weight per horsepower, the quotient from vehicle weight and vehicle achievement, is the crucial factor for as high a longitudinal dynamics as possible, for as high an acceleration as possible. Completely after the 110-Prozent-Formel of M business field leader Gerhard judge: "if we in the M3 CSL a weight per horsepower smaller around again ten per cent to obtain can, we the 110-Prozent-Auto and thus the jump into a new dynamic class created." In order to test all these dynamic criteria fast and thoroughly, there are no better place than the Nuerburgring Nordschleife, the most fastidious racing course of the world. There the chaff separates from wheat in drivingdynamic regard, since the interaction of all vehicle components becomes experiencable. Further weight reduction by purposeful employment of alternative materials. In wide ranges the lightweight construction concept is formally in the face written the M3 CSL: The Flaps in the front apron, roof and tail diffuser is visible from CFK. Of painted carbon fiber beyond that the front apron consists. Door and cowls as well as the center console are likewise manufactured from this material. But it does not have to be always carbon fiber: The carrier structure of the asymmetrically divisible Durchlade consists of continuous glass fiber thermoplastic, an innovative material of air and space travel. The front seats in shell construction from GRP (glass fiber strengthened plastic) are not only more easily than the series seats of the M3, them offer the passenger also still more stop with sporty driving fashion. The back window of the M3 CSL is from duennglas, when baggage compartment floor serves a honeycomb sandwich slab, likewise a material, which is preferably used in air and space travel. Even the basis of the carpet consists of an weight-optimized foam document. The M3 CSL stands on particularly developed 19-Zoll-Raedern with one - completely the puristic concept following - ne

[PrinceE30]

Though I'd have to compare the cost of the to buying one of Racing Dynamics E46 shells and building one myself....

But I think anyone wanting to get an M3 on this board might as well get one. I mean, that's all people complain about is the weight and such. You're getting a little closer to the real M3 here.

And for all those people who want "comfort", sell them the 330 or 325. Make the M3 for enthusiasts, not doctors and lawyers. So you sell less M3s, you'll sell more 3-Series in general and give those who want a street legal touring car a REAL touring car.

so to answer, yes, i'd pay extra...

-Prince

[Tony Mack]

Translation from German news release

BMW M3 CSL. The 110-Percent Automobil. Following, BMW M a
lightweight construction Sportcoupé presents a tradition.

The three terms Coupé, sport and lightweight construction
are united in the contraction CSL and have a long tradition.
Already 1938 developed legendary 328 Mille Miglia Coupé
with aluminum outer skin, and in the 70's on the basis
of the 3.0-l-Coupés at that time a lightweight construction
haven car was built.

At the international motor show in Frankfurt 2001, BMW M
with the M3 CSL Concept Car took up this topic again and
the hearts of all sports car fans more highly strike to
let. After the overwhelming acceptance now on series
conditions of representable M3 CSL prototype follows as
preliminary stage for a later series vehicle.

The Intelligent lightweight construction forms the basis
of the new M3 CSL. The optimal combination of material
and construction unit is named, which uses the best
suitable material depending upon the specific
requirements of a component.



Formula-1 technology with lightweight construction and drive.

This strategy leads directly to Formula-1 technology,
which the M3 CSL adopts in fundamental ranges for the
employment on the road. As used in Formula-1 extensively,
carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFK) was also used.
Thus, BMW M introduces the reversal of the weight spiral
in a fascinating form.

In the drive range for it the high speed concept of the
well-known M3 in-line 6 cylinder engine, which integrates
the lightweight construction on the engine sector, stands.
With the modified engine the complete gas exchange and
the friction achievement were revised. For very fast gear
changes with accordance to direct traction power the
connection of the Sequential M transmission with Drivelogic
(SMG) was utilized. SMG, which is also integrated from
Formula-1 technology, can be found on the sportiest M3.
Altogether, the lightweight construction is thus a
ppropriate for a purist dynamic experience in its
total composition and tuning.

Lightweight construction is no self purpose been with
the development of the M3 CSL by BMW M. The absolute
weight and the mass inertia of an automobile around
the vertical axis is decisive certainly for the crosswise -,
high and longitudinal dynamics, therefore, allowing the
driver to experience the driving dynamics.

Besides the weight per horsepower, the quotient from
vehicle weight and vehicle achievement is the crucial factor
for as high a longitudinal dynamics as possible, for as high an
acceleration as possible. Completely after the 110-Percent
Formula of M business field leader Gerhard judge: If we
in the M3 CSL a weight per horsepower smaller around again
ten percent to obtain know, we the 110-percent auto and
thus the jump into a new dynamic class created

[eMed_out]

Originally posted by r6e36
It's already proven than American are not willing to pay more for less comfort equipments even if it came with more performance. BMW already got burned by making the E36 M3 LWT in '95 and the dealer had to let it go at Invoice price. .

Theres a difference between the LTW and the CSL...the LTW was just an M3 without AC and a few other things...but the same chasis...body..and engine...so why pay more for a couple of hundred lbs less?...
.
the CSL..is almost a different car...more powerful engine....lighter frame...better seats.. and SMG!...your paying more and getting more

[Tony Mack]

I would pay the extra $$. Something i really don't like about the
CSL is the SMG. I would still rather shift

Also America has gone down they only want comfort. They don't care about performance Like the Germans. Makes me sick

[00soul]

i would definatly pay the extra cash -

[kevln]

those wheels are ugly from an angle but from straight on they're dead sexy