M3 CSL
Carbon airbox. Carbon roof. An unforgettable straight-six.
2003 European CSL specification · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 360 PS · 355 hp · 265 kW
- Torque
- 370 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 4.9 s
- Top speed
- 250 km/h · limited
- Power-to-weight
- 3.85 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- S54 · Inline-six
- Displacement
- 3,246 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Gearbox
- 6-speed SMG automated manual with Drivelogic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 2003–2004
- Body
- Coupés
- Length
- 4,492 mm
- Width
- 1,780 mm
- Height
- 1,365 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,729 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,385 kg
- Fuel tank
- 63 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Why you’d want one
- A lightweight-focused E46 M3.
Know before you buy
- Rod bearing wear and VANOS pump/solenoid faults
- Rear subframe mounting cracks on E46 bodies
- SMG hydraulic pump failure (where fitted)
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
A straight-six with a carbon voice.
The E46 CSL pairs a more powerful S54 with a carbon-fibre air collector, carbon roof and weight-saving measures. Its specification belongs to the coupé rather than the ordinary M3 Convertible.
A lightweight-focused E46 M3.
CSL-specific components and originality require specialist checks.
The CSL’s carbon-fibre air collector is part of its distinctive engine installation.
S54 · Inline-six
The E46 M3 CSL raises the naturally aspirated S54 straight-six to 360 PS and 370 Nm. A carbon-fibre air collector, carbon roof and carefully reduced weight give this M3 a distinctive identity.
S54B32 naturally aspirated straight-six. Family reference; model-specific intake and engine-bay details differ.
S54 · Petrol
The E46 M3 CSL raises the naturally aspirated S54 straight-six to 360 PS and 370 Nm. A carbon-fibre air collector, carbon roof and carefully reduced weight give this M3 a distinctive identity.
Naturally aspirated power
Air enters without a turbocharger. Cylinder capacity, valve timing and engine speed shape the engine’s torque delivery.
Rear-wheel drive
The CSL uses a six-speed SMG automated manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Its factory specification differs from the 343 PS European standard M3.
2003 European CSL specification
These figures describe the selected specification and engine output. PS is metric horsepower. Equipment, power ratings and homologation can differ between markets and model years. Open the BMW source to inspect the original factory information.
The full specification.
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Photo credits
- BMW M3 CSL (E46).jpg — Jake Thomas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original
- Black BMW M3 CSL E46 rr.jpg — Darren · CC BY 2.0 · Original