8 Reasons Why The BMW M3 CSL Is The Best BMW Of All Time (1 Reason Why It's Not)

Historically, BMW has been renowned for making outstanding vehicles that are high quality, reliable, and often very powerful. Cars built by BMW's M division are revered by fans as they offer a nice sporty addition to the BMW lineup, and perhaps the pinnacle of this was the BMW M3 CSL, a track-orientated sports car that immediately earned public favor when it debuted in 2003.

The BMW M3 CSL is an iconic sports car that has lived as a perfect reflection of what BMW can do when the brand builds a performance car. Indeed, its abilities are out of this world and it is often considered to be the perfect BMW vehicle. As such, we bring you the reasons as to why the car is the BMW vehicle which is at the top of the lineup, but it will also give a reason as to why it may not be the best of the best just to even the score.

9 Exclusivity

There were only 1,383 models of the M3 CSL made and as such, it is a rather collectible car for this reason alone. The CSL wasn't made for the US market either, so American fans will find them even harder to source. There were 422 that went to the UK market, which shows just how rare the model was.

As one of the most iconic M3 cars to exist, the BMW is unsurprisingly exclusive and its exclusivity speaks of just how fantastic the car is. Indeed, with few people actually getting to drive one let alone own one, this car is one special vehicle that should be treated as such.

8 Praise from the press

2003 E46 M3 CSL parked outside — Via collectingcars.com

The press were and still are huge praisers of the BMW M3 CSL. For example, Jeremy Clarkson considered it to be "the most hardcore BMW ever made" in 2004 and the car is still considered to be a very special vehicle. The press isn't wrong, with it being so lightweight and performance-based, it was bound to be loved by many.

The press loved it because the car was technical while also being appealing at face value. It was fantastic in terms of drivability, power, handling, making it a dream for many enthusiasts - the press included.

7 Excellent engine

Considered to be one of the best engines put into a vehicle, the M3 CSL came with an S54B32 I6 engine that was given the high-performance treatment. Indeed, the engine became the S54B32HP engine as it was tuned. BMW adapted camshafts and valves, which enhanced power nicely. Coming with 355 hp, this was a fantastic amount for the car's size and abilities.

The engine was also lighter. The air filter was made from carbon fiber for example. The engine has been lauded and it is no surprise that this is the case as the performance was outstanding and speed could even be improved if buyers had a motorsport license. As such, the engine adds to why the BMW M3 CSL is the best BMW of all time, and many would argue the same point.

6 Lightweight changes

Rear 3/4 of the M3 CSL in black — wikipedia.org

The BMW CSL quite literally has 'lightweight in its name being the Coupe Sport Lightweight. It weighed just 3053 lb and it was 243 lb lighter than the standard M3. Weight reduction measures included the use of glass-reinforced plastics and the roof was made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which reduced weight substantially. Indeed, the use of carbon fiber also lowered the center of gravity in the CSL.

The rear of the M3 CSL — press.bmwgroup.com

Further lightweight materials such as fiber-board used in the trunk and refining the suspension aided the lightness of the model. As such, its lightweight changes make it a fantastic high-performance vehicle and it comes with an incredible sporty appeal because of this. The updates made to the car definitely aided it in becoming the best BMW of all time.

5 It rivaled the Porsche 911 GT3

The BMW M3 CSL rivaled the Porsche 911 GT3 very nicely. In terms of engine ability, power, and speed, both cars are incredible. The M3 CSL does not have the same power as the 911 GT3 which comes with 375 hp nor does it have the same acceleration rate as the GT3 which has a 0-60 mph rate of 4.8 seconds. However, the M3 CSL comes with a nice edge over the Porsche in its general drivability and appeal.

As an all-around reflection of what the BMW is, it definitely feels much lighter and much easier to throw around a corner. The GT3 may feel more grounded than the BMW, but the M3 CSL is certainly a winner if it is light and free drivability that one is after. The suspension and dampers on the M3 CSL also are much more refined than the GT3 in the same regard. As such, the car's ability to compete with the very best Porsche could offer, is great when considering its status as the best BMW, and it earns this name well.

4 It was a part of the fabled E46 generation

The E46 generation is an incredible lineup of BMW cars. It is one of the most popular lineups of BMW cars, which is the case for a reason. The E46 lineup brought incredible fast and well-made cars and it's considered the pinnacle of the M3 lineup. Indeed, many love the E46 generation no matter their age, making it an incredibly well-received generation and one that will stay an icon forever.

The car reflects the car culture in the early 2000s and is of great significance to many. As such, with the M3 CSL being the high-performance and lightweight vehicle from one of the best BMW generations, it earns its name as one of the most iconic vehicles from an iconic generation.

3 It was very fast

Via: nakhon100, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The quickness of the M3 CSL was mentioned above with the fact that those with speed racing licenses being able to have quicker versions of the car, but generally without this it was still a very fast car. The car could go 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds while being able to go 155 mph at top speed. This was great considering the car was so light too.

The car is perfect to take on a track but it isn't uncontrollable so it is perfect to take on the everyday roads too, making it a great versatile vehicle. The car is great for a lot of fun on the roads and it is incredibly easy to enjoy. The speed of the car makes it the best BMW ever because it is fantastic when combined with the performance-based features on the car and it is a dream to drive.

2 The CSL badge is legendary

The BMW CSL badge is absolutely iconic among car enthusiasts. The lightweight ability combined with the outstanding sportiness of these cars is amazing. The E9 Coupe released in the 1970s and the M3 CSL are the only two production models to come with the CSL badge and they are both exclusive, reflecting just how outstanding BMW is at making high-performance track-based vehicles.

The best thing is, BMW is reviving the CSL badge too which means more iconic and more track-based vehicles. As such, the M3 CSL belongs to a very exclusive and brilliant lineup of vehicles, and its iconic status is also cemented through this.

1 Why it isn't the best BMW of all time - the SMG gearbox

The SMG gearbox is often despised by many BMW fans. Standing for Sequential Manual Gearbox, the gearbox can work as both an automatic and a manual. Users can switch between the modes and have the driving style they would like. However, the SMG gearbox is a bit of a nightmare as it often needs to be repaired and those repairs are expensive.

As such, for an already expensive car that most simply want to get in and enjoy, the SMG gearbox is a constant worry for many and it is a big reason why buyers are put off from owning an M3 CSL. While the car has plenty of good elements, the SMG gearbox is a big turn-off for many who otherwise love the vehicle.