BMW: From now on, there will always be a CSL version of the M3

The last BMW M3 CSL weight just 1,385kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 3.85 kg/bhp. The lightweight successful M3 CSL carried a 343 horsepower engine and was stripped of basically every practical needs (see video below).

Due to the success of the previous M3 CSL, Gerhard Richter, vice president of the M division, has confirmed with InsideLine that BMW will continue producing the M3 CSL in every upcoming version of the M3.
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M53R - 7/24/2007 1:58:51 PM

+3 Boost

I cant wait for this monster to kick some serious butts on the ring.

Heyhuub - 7/24/2007 2:11:58 PM

0 Boost

The E46 CSL carried a 360hp engine, not 343hp.

Heyhuub - 7/24/2007 2:12:18 PM

-2 Boost

The E46 CSL carried a 360hp engine, not 343hp.

Heyhuub - 7/24/2007 2:12:37 PM

-2 Boost

The E46 CSL carried a 360hp engine, not 343hp.

Heyhuub - 7/24/2007 2:12:59 PM

-2 Boost

right.....

Qwazywabbit - 7/24/2007 2:39:01 PM

-1 Boost

are you trying to bait someone Heyhuub?

Qwazywabbit - 7/24/2007 2:40:12 PM

-1 Boost

it will not be SMG. I thought this was already covered. You need to read about the E92 specs. It is a true dual clutch system unlike the SMG.

henbmw - 7/24/2007 2:42:24 PM

+1 Boost

Considering the last one lapped Nurburgring in 7:50, I don't think 7:45 is out of the question; that is as fast as a GT3 RS and a 599 Fiorano, among others. Wow.

JRobUSC - 7/24/2007 2:56:07 PM

-1 Boost

Anyone have the exact weight of the new M3? I'm pretty sure it's around 3500lbs, right? At 3500lbs (I know that's not exact but it's close) the new "regular" M3 maintains the same 8.47lb/hp power to weight ratio as the old M3 CSL. If they can improve on that and drop the Servotronic steering, which thus far has been the only real complaint anyone has had about the car, the new CSL would be pretty awesome.

Will_ - 7/24/2007 3:23:54 PM

+1 Boost

The new M3 weighs 3648 lbs.

Considering the last M3 weighed 3415 lbs and the CSL dropped down to 3052, if the new CSL weighs more than a 363lb difference between the last-generations, it will be considered a failure?

JRobUSC - 7/24/2007 3:47:23 PM

0 Boost

ok, so it's 3.95kg/bhp or 8.69lb/hp. Still pretty close to the old CSL. Why was I deboosted for that? This site is crazy.

Anyway, if BMW can add 27hp and drop 363lbs, same as last time, the power to weight becomes 3.34kg/bhp or 7.35lb/bhp. That's a pretty nice jump.

Designer1 - 7/24/2007 3:01:53 PM

-4 Boost

So what's the meaning of this? The M3 is already a tuned version of the 3 series, now YET a tuned version of the M3?

This is crap. And what's next now, a tuned version of the CSL and the sega continues...

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/24/2007 3:04:50 PM

+2 Boost

You obviously don't know a thing about BMW history do you..

Will_ - 7/24/2007 3:29:29 PM

+4 Boost

The sega continues? You mean that old video game console? I always hoped it would come back! The Dreamcast wasn't all that great in my opinion, but the original Sega Genesis was awesome. Sonic the Hedgehog was one of my favorite games...

...and this was back when I was like 23.

cdoke - 7/24/2007 3:39:48 PM

+3 Boost

Like YAH!

I remember the Sega Genesis: I was much younger than 23 at the time of course. Sonic the Hedgehog I think was THE game to have then.

07mcs - 7/24/2007 6:02:52 PM

0 Boost

did you mean to say "the Saga Continues"?

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/24/2007 3:04:12 PM

+1 Boost

It's about weight and about balance. And that last part is critical. BMW did everything to balance the new M3 perfectly, with a carbon roof for instance the centre of gravity is lowered therefore providing better balance. You it's not just weight itself, of course the new M3 has become fatter but that doesn't tell the whole story. Power to weight ratio is what matters too.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/24/2007 3:07:07 PM

+1 Boost

"The last M3 CSL was very successful and fun to drive. From now on, there will always be a CSL version of the M3."

It was indeed very popular. Ultimate Ring-machine.

"We already have a brake-energy regeneration system in the new M3, but it's not our target to put 100 kilograms [220 pounds] of batteries in our car. We need much smarter hybrid technology."

Hahah, I really like that last sentence.

Qwazywabbit - 7/24/2007 7:35:40 PM

-1 Boost

hehehe

cdoke - 7/24/2007 3:15:42 PM

+3 Boost

No air-conditioning?

I'm out.

Will_ - 7/24/2007 3:25:33 PM

+1 Boost

I guess you wouldn't really need air conditioning if you planned on buying this car exclusively for the racetrack on Saturday mornings...

jmrA480 - 7/24/2007 4:54:18 PM

+1 Boost

in the old CSL, you could get A/C and Radio as an option, but it kinda defeats the purpose of trying to lose weight

indoctrin8ed - 7/24/2007 4:09:15 PM

+2 Boost

I agree. A/C is one of those things, if the CSL had, I'd consider coughing up the extra cash. Would be nice if you could remove the compressor at the track and reinstall it so I can drive the car to work.

Lexus - 7/24/2007 4:17:29 PM

-2 Boost

I sure hope so, especially their new M3 got it butt kick by the current Audi RS4. So if BMW want to continue in this league it has no choice but to bring out the CSL M3 version.

Seriously, the new MB C63 AMG is coming with 457 hp with 450lb of torque of it own. Cadillac CTS-V close 500hp, and the Lexus IS-F close to 500 hp as well.

jmrA480 - 7/24/2007 5:04:08 PM

+2 Boost

first off I am a huge Audi fan, but the M3 didnt get its butt kicked, Wait till there is a real comparo between the 2 with the same driver in both driving them back to back. Personally I would take the RS4, but thats just my opinion.

Second, the IS_f will be no where near 500HP, keep dreaming, more like the 420HP that the M3 and RS4 have. Even with 500H, the IS-F could not stay with the RS4 or M3 on the track.

henbmw - 7/24/2007 5:13:18 PM

+2 Boost

If you really knew what the old CSL was about, you wouldn't be comparing it to those cars. The MB weighs in 3813lbs compared to a possible 3300-3400lb CSL. That difference in weight translates into a completely unique beast; a beast that will rip tracks apart.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/24/2007 5:31:02 PM

+1 Boost

Ooh dear god here we go again..

supermoto - 7/24/2007 5:51:57 PM

+1 Boost

BMW needs this car. M3 is lard-y.

No A/C tho? If I wanted a track car, I would get an Exige, which would shred the doors of the M3 CSL, and every other car on the planet.

henbmw - 7/24/2007 7:48:56 PM

+3 Boost

I'm sorry to keep using Nurburgring, but it is the gold standard.

2004 Exige: 8:32
2000 M3: 8:22

The CSL, as I said earlier, blasted around the track in 7:50.

johnct - 7/24/2007 7:37:01 PM

0 Boost

Any truth to the rumor that there is a planned LS-F CWF1 (C ant W in F ormula 1) model planned that is half the weight, twice the power and 10K less then the M3?

Lexus - 7/24/2007 7:55:15 PM

+1 Boost

henbmw, can you provide the link or website to that stat you provided for the 2004 Exige and 2000 M3 time around the Nurburgring?

thank you

Wazz - 7/25/2007 3:34:13 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus

Go to this link:
www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=3&fID=0&tID=10073

Wazz - 7/25/2007 3:37:57 AM

+1 Boost

Also check out the race car times near the bottom. The M3 GTR went round the Nurburgring in 7:00 flat...that is damn quick!

bmwpowerf1 - 7/25/2007 9:27:57 AM

+1 Boost

wtf is the new skyline doing. 7.15. wat a joke