Driving the E46 M3 CSL - 17 years on does the legend stand up?
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- There are a few BMW's every enthusiast knows of, the famous E9 CSL, the E30 M3 and the E46 M3 CSL. BMW have of course produced many more legendary cars but you'll often find at least two of these at the top of any list.
Having cut our teeth on E46 M3 tuning when Evolve started 13 years ago the CSL was a halo car even then. Imran had a chance to drive a CSL back then and it left a lasting impression on him. Would revisiting the car in a now turbocharged world 17 years after it launched shatter those rose tinted glasses, or only reinforce the memories of the last meeting with one of BMW M's finest.
Thanks to our friends at BMW Park Lane and BMW UK for making this possible.
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#M3 #E46M3 #CSL
"Its not about power, its about how the car makes you feel" - this message could not be more true and something new m cars need to go back to.
@Zombie Head why do you think the s54 is unreliable? Granted it had problems initially, but instead of saying its unreliable, I'd say it requires maintenance, and its not actually that costly measured over time. The transmission, well yes id agree, it was rubbish. Should have been a manual.
@Zombie Head also agree I find it amazing that the m4 couldn't beat this car, I really think bmw have lost their way with these new batch of m cars. Too much focus on tail happiness and not on feel, balance and feeling at one with the car.
@@Freshiemaster Agreed. It was a "racecar" motor made for the masses. It is hard to compare against other motors made for the consumer from the ground up.
Freshiemaster even the SRT Challenger Hellcat beat the M4.
@Zombie Head And now put some modern tyres on the CSL and it will cut off even some more seconds.
Imran said something at 3:03 “The Older I get the more I realize it’s not about power the car has, it’s really about how the car makes me feel and this car does make you happy, it really puts a smile on your face ” I can relate to this same thought process when it comes to being enthusiastic about cars in general, performance or not.
exactly..I spent so much money in things I should have not....
The E46 M3 is timeless
E46 M3 and the E39 M5 truly were the Ultimate Driving Machine 👍
Two of the best
Nice drive video. I've driven one back to back with a normal m3, I think your comment of "I just remember it being very different" sums it up well. The dash in front of you is almost one of the only reminders its an E46. It really shows how much difference making tiny changes to almost every component can make. The CSL is still regarded as one of the best cars by those engineers right at the top of the chassis dynamic consultancy industry, I cant imagine that'll ever change.
Somethings will never stop being great...
This car for sure is one of them!
Comment of the decade
No doubt. That M3 CSL is gorgeous. I'd prefer it w/ manual but when u think of M cars, people always have E46 pop into their head. I wish I owned one. That CSL is pretty much perfection.
As a CSL owner I always enjoy content about the car like your presentation.
Thanks Leo
I just got my E46 M3 last week! Fully stock and kept indoor since new. I will keep it stock but will drive it like its meant to be!
Loved my e46 . Wish I never sold it ! . Enjoyed it more than . My e92 and f80
Had a stock E46 M3. Still one of the best cars I've ever owned, even after a few newer M cars. BMW are so far from where they used to be. The brand has lost all of their specialness. Too many cars in the M range and no great differentiation from the regular models, as well as M-lite models is to blame inmho.
What do you have now
Agree and disagree. Yes M has bloated their range and in a way have had to for the sake of sales and catering to much bigger market/demand BUT if you look at some of the models they've released in recent times you'll see the original character and uniqueness is still there e.g. M2C, M5C and M3CS.
@Zombie Head Great buy, the E30 325i is still one of the coolest, timeless pieces of art that no other manufacturer can touch. But it's a shame you listened to the usual scaremongering about the E46. Rod bearings are not a regular replacement, after fitting new ones if the owner makes sure that the engine is up well up to temp before pushing it they really should never have any future issues. Head gaskets are also a relatively rare fail, my own 2001 plate is still on the original HG with around 170ish across all cylinders. Running costs are around what are to be expected for this type of car. If servicing DIY, costs are dramatically reduced. All the talk about these items on the E46 are unfairly labelled as unreliable, what people should accept is that these are maintenance items. The subframe RACP is the main major flaw in this model IMO.
Totally agree with the M-lite statement. Lost count of how many base/mid-range models I've seen that have an M badge variant slapped on them.
@@sarcastixx74 agree with you regarding E46 M3 reliability. I don't think rod bearings were a big deal with those engines. Only big issue was the rear sub frame, but tbh I never had any mechanical issues. The only problems i had were due to electrics, (fuse replacement) and some interior trim bits falling/coming off. Minor things and easily replaced.
E46 M3 FTW!
I love the metallic rasp from the E46, evokes memories
Iconic sound for sure
I owned one for 3 years from 15-18’. It was easily the best car I’ve owned and enjoyed driving. It’s a car you can drive to the track, have a great time then drive home with a few little changes (pss10, AP racing brakes in my case). It isn’t the fastest car I’ve had but like you guys I’ve come to realise that while not going as fast it just felt amazing. I’d happily buy mine back for what I sold it in a heart beat.
@Commendatore Double the return on its purchase price is pretty hard to say no to. It helped me buy my second house. I'll buy one back at some point in the future. Also stupidity plays a part in selling it.... you know, sometimes you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone.
So true it’s about how the car makes you feel. though people laugh at me the take off in a civic type R fn2 or fk8 is still epic to me it’s more connected to the driver even though not powerful. Would imagine the csl has that connected feeling never driven one but. Thank you. Fantastic video as always
Nice to see you take a step back and review an iconic car of its era, or maybe a step forward.
We got love for the older cars too. Thats why we have an E39 M5 and E92 M3 in our fleet. Would like to add an E46 and E36 M3 at some point.
Buy or modify? ‘It’s not about power, it’s about how it makes you feel’. Brilliant summary.
When I had all the original suspension bushings and arms replaced on my 2005 M3 the compliance and handling was transformed, then came the PS4S and the grip was a league ahead from before. Coupled with the Eventuri and EVolve's remap, the noise, performance and handling is just sublime. I don't have the quicker CS/CSL rack (which is the same as the Z4M) but for B road blasting and navigating winding country roads, I couldn't have hoped for anything more, and it has a manual box! 6 years on and it still makes me smile.
Steering rack is a worthwhile upgrade for sure.
@@EvolveAutomotive one day! What are the costs involved with this upgrade? Just rack and labour?
Depends what you want to change at the same time, if you email sales@evolveautomotive.com we can price the job up for you. To do properly would recommend changing all the power steering lines etc.
@@EvolveAutomotive Thanks! The rack has always been a nice to have upgrade for my uses so definitely once all other things on my to do list are out the way I'll be back with the car to you guys.
The best car BMW has ever made!!!
Agreed!
CSL.. Classic Sporting Legend !
I still have my e46 m3 after nearly 10 yes, nothing in the modern line up is particularly exciting to drive.
davidh4632 same. Ordered an 03 off the line....ended up being a .5. It’s not a daily anymore, but it’s still an event everything I take it out.
Great video, the CSL is so special and will be for a long while. The fact that it still competes today, is proof it’s ‘greatness’ is here to stay. The way modern cars are going now, if it hasn’t been bettered by now, it probably won’t ever be. On a side note, what are the front wheels on the M2 at the end? They’re stunning!!! 😍
Imran if you can afford it, you MUST buy it, life’s too short.
GP FASTLANE MOTORS you know he can afford it😂
Thrue
M3 CSL is just... Legendary. No argument needed
There's a really good video of a guy with a high mileage CSL, like over 120k miles, who was a bit of a Guinea pig to manual swap the SMG box a few years ago!
Well worth a watch if you can find it, the guy is all about driving a car and enjoying it for what it was meant for!
E46 M3. Timeless and beautiful. The perfect, gentleman's sports car, IMHO.
CSL All day, it held the fastest lap on the n'ring for
N m3 for a long time before the m3/4 CS came along.
Great video as always.
Kind regards.
Short answer, yes. Sublime cars and a delight to own / drive.
Awesome video as always - amazing car and one that simply broke the mould and re set the bar for all future M3s 👊🏼😎
This was the first m3 that really caught my eye. I dont really think theyve improved on that design, that package. The look, the sound the way it goes, is just perfect for uk roads.
CSL all day! That car is so special and for me is the Best M Car ever made!
E46 M3 CSL definitely still a very special car !!! way out of most people's reach but for me it's got to be your M2 I love your mods 👍 I like to make my car my own which you just couldn't modify the CSL . Great video
Thanks! Glad everyone enjoyed it and that I got the chance to make it. Only issue now is I really need a CSL haha
Like all M cars, the CSL has aged extremely well! I have absolutely no doubt that values are going to skyrocket on them in the not too distant future. If I was in the market for one, Id get one sooner rather than later!
Of course that CSL being owned by BMW means it's kept in tip top shape.
Very tip top.
Best m3 ever still e46,and beautiful
E46 m3 for ever 💙❤️💙❤️💙
I remember driving one of these back to back with a ‘06 997 C4S. The BMW felt very special indeed. But when I got in the Porsche it really highlighted the difference a bespoke sports car (one that does not share a platform with more regular cars) really makes.
Prices nowadays for perfect examples don’t compare, the much rarer CSL is a lot more money - it is after all, the more special car.
But if it’s pure driving pleasure you crave, then don’t worry, there is no shortage of 997’s to choose from, and at seemingly bargain prices!
The e46 M3 can fight the 996 gt3 back in the days,!but when the 997+ came out,BMW can’t really keep up with Porsche. M2C I’d say it’s a modern upgraded E46 M3! Which is a must have M car nowadays!!!
I literally do no care about the shots of the new m3... this csl has a special place in my heart
I hope I can own my very own E46 m3, its always been a dream car have had a 330ci but its not the same. Soon
Hope you get it!
One word, legend.
Thanks for a brilliant video. I share your sentiments with how a car makes you feel rather than outright power and a CSL is a car that I would dearly love to have - maybe one year soon if work is okay in these surreal times. Your M2 looks fantastic as well 👍
I’ve unfortunately never driven an E46 M3, I’ve driven an M4 and own what I class the working mans M3, a E46 330ci m sport convertible, manual, and love it, had it 4 years and not looking to get rid of it, also got a CBR600RR ‘04
I've got a tuned e46 m3 and a K5 gixxer 750. Best combo, but I've had the hankering for a Acid green S1000RR for ages to match my Phoenix m3
Love the CSL, such a great car...Very nice video
Congratulations for reaching 50k subs! 😁👍
😊 🙏
Man the CSL is also a car I would love to have, but I am still very happy with my M3 E46 👍😊
E46 M3 is a very good car.
Evolve Automotive yup and love it even more after my evolve tune and venturi 👍
In the question "does the E46 M3 CSL stand the test of time?'' the answer should only be one. Depends on when did you last change the rod bearings!
Great video, Imran. Thanks. I’ve driven that exact car too. Actually, it was thanks to you that I had that opportunity! You tuned my then E60 M5 and I believe it was your first one! Shortly after that you recommended my car for a reputable car magazine shoot in which it featured used M cars, including 161 BMW. I’ll admit though that I had been wanting to drive a CSL since launch and that day it didn’t feel special to me. I think the issue was that I’d not long bought the M5 and really was addicted to the power. So the CSL felt slow in comparison to the metal that was there that day. The sound was easily the best on the day (given we had 2x V10’s there too) though and I now regret not savouring the experience more. I too think that car would feel more special to me now (I’m 11 years older, right). :)
CSL is not a fast car. It is the handling and sound that makes it special.
I knew there would be a catch when I drove this car...
Great vid. Wish I’d never sold mine. Will buy another one day. A very special car. Never failed to put a grin on my face. I think the SMG gearbox actually suited the more raw nature of the car very well. Loved it.
I am an Audi fan but the E46 M3 CSL makes me want one!!!
I don't believe Audi make anything close to this car.
@@EvolveAutomotive I would probably compare it to like having an Audi Ur quattro,I know it's a classic car but is the real Audi for me.Big fan of you channel from around 2 years.I love the content you are doing.Your company looks like dream place to work and to be part of the team!
@@hristohristov8787 Yes the UR Quattro and the E30 M3 are more comparable. Thanks! I'm glad you like the content.
Completely agree, these cars are turning into collectables. Good review 👍
Im currently saving up for a CSL. So i cant wait til 2024 to be export US Legal. To add to my E46 collection.
Hi. Thanks. Nice review. As a z3m, then e46 individual, then m2 and now csl owner, the csl is far more engaging and special to drive.
Noted that you didn’t hit the sport button, it makes a massive difference in the csl to the engine induction, sound and response.
I did press it just didnt mention it. This wasn't really a review on the car but a look back it it from today's perspective. Thanks 🙏
That’s the way a m3 is suppose to sound , not like these f80s . I’ve owned the e92 m3 6mt and the e46 m3 smg, and I can say that they were both awesome in my opinion. Don’t make no mistake about it the f80 style m cars look awesome but it seems like everyone and they’re grand father have that car where I live.
No question needed im taking the m3
BEST M3 EVER
IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO GO WRONG WITH E46 M3 CSL
Great to see this video. What a car!
what a great machine the CSL is. I still think the E36 sounds better though
E46 CSL Best M ever!!
Should have said how do you rate the M3 CS in comparison to the standard M3 Vs the CSL
That is a hard one and I am thinking CSl but that M2 does look amazing! have both and enjoy I say :)
Thats the plan!
Great video Imran!! I like what you said about as we get older its not so much about bags of unusable power and more of how the car makes you feel.. I love the throttle response and the v8 in my e92 on a summers day with the window down.. great video and thanks for your efforts 👍
This is why the E92 M3 is perfect for the road. The power is totally useable.
Evolve Automotive Ive had a few 92 m3s but just before the one I own now I tried a high powered f10 m5, it was great and would blow the socks off the m3 on a motorway, but I was smiling and felt happier the day I got back into an e92 m3 and its an le500 in blue!! Love it 😊
M3 CSL everyday of the week
Ever since I saw the M3 GTR on NFS MW I fell in love!
A unicorn of a car 👌
My uncle is into cars and i was talking to him about the CSL compared to the M3 POOGO and this is what he told me.He felt the CSL was a bit tricky bit nervous than the poogo one because he has driven both and got the impression on full blast round the same piece of road
Not sure what you mean by POOGO?
For me is the Best M Car ever made!
What is dead may never die!
BMW e46 👈🏽 undefeated vintage mechanics!
Imran & Evolve peeps, could you theoretically take a base E46 M3 & turn it into a pimped out CSL version w/ nice usable HP, Evolves dreamy Carbon under the bonnet & a tricked out interior with CF & nice seats. (maybe a unique wrap for exterior) but still have CF roof? I'd love to see that project. Maybe new Olins or MSS shocks/springs & Evolves custom forged wheels. M3 CSL & F87 M2 are the best M cars ever made imo (the 1M as well) but they're rare. I like the body lines of new M3 (even with big grills). can't wait to hear your reviews on the new M4/M3 variants. Love the red E92! Great color!
We could do that yeah, but are hoping to find an M3 CSL to add to our collection 😇
@@EvolveAutomotive - even better... Can't wait to see what you mad geniuses end up doing with one of those classics. Keeping it NA or perhaps a Turbo or 2? Love the channel. Happy hunting for your E46 CSL...
Dream car and great review 👍
How do you compare the M3 CS in comparison to the standard M3 Vs the CSL
Apologies in advance for going a bit off topic! Do you guys have any plans to revisit the supercharger kit you were developing for the E46? The vid you put up a while back said it was being put on the back burner. Just wondered what/if the plans may be? TIA
Currently nothing has changed in regards to that project, it’s still on pause. I’d like to say we will get back to it but when that would be I can’t say.
@@EvolveAutomotive Thanks for the update.
Do a review on the e60 m5
Wonderful car. Mortgage prices now those things. Worth it just for that noise.
Really nice to see on your channel this kind of reviews 👍
What about the other models that you pictured on BMW Headquarters: M440i, LCI M5? 😉
We weren’t allowed to drive those! Just took a quick look whilst we were there.
Gotta love BMW uk cars .. they’ve a lovely m3 e30 and the orginal CSL .. and the rare 1m
And a E9 CSL and a E92 M3 GTS...
Great great video Guys!!
Thanks Diamond George! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great vid. Inshaallah soon for you Imran!
My dream BMW, never seen one in the flesh
The colour alone just makes it look special
Don’t wait too long to add one. They don’t seem to be getting any cheaper.
never been a fan of the m2,but yours look absolutely mega:)
Cheers!
Total agree it's not about power.
Fun fact: e39 m5 faster around the Nurburgring than the e46 m3 coupe. But, the e46 m3 CSL is faster than the e39 m5.
Try a z4m coupe has the same steering rack, floating calipers as the csl....however it does not have the carbon intake or tune so you do not hear the ITB's as much....love my z4m
Have driven many miles in Z4M's. Great little cars also but very different to the M3 CSL.
The Csl is a prize.
I had a 330ci clubsport for 13 years, bilstein b12 kit, brembo brakes, eibach front and rear anti roll bars and a few cosmetic mods. Then I purchased a 1 of 13 Bmw e46 M3 and it’s still with me. Will never sell this car. 😉
What makes it a 1 of 13?
The car looks like they could still charge full price for it today
I’d pay 60k for a brand new one!
@@EvolveAutomotive Dang that's fairly used Porsche money though!
amazing video. how much power your modified M2 puts on the dyno
Video coming at some point with our updated Stage 2 software, but should be a bit more than what it was before 😇
If I want to go fast around the track, and daily, M2 all day. Otherwise something I would hide away and drive on special occasions, M3 CSL.
The BMW E46 needs to be Remastered in 2021. Same shape better technology. I told BMW Chief he laughed at me.
Reimagined would probably work like Singer Porsche but not sure if people would pay the money.
CSL coming up at Silverstone Auctions only 9k miles......£70k+ lol
Great Vid. Are you related to SuperSaf??
Thanks..dont know who that is so I guess not 🤷♂️😁
What wheel is the odd one on the m2? looks sick
6Sixty Shuriken 20”
an estorilblau E34 M5
E46 M CSL is the greatest M car, a true sports car, the craftsmanship that BMW put into this car cannot be compared to a mere bolt on, power comes from that NA free revving straight six. Newer cars lacks the true character and soul of the M spirit, newer cars sound the same with that synthetic sound and silly pops/bangs. Please take them back to the factory for BMW to finish it up.
Anybody know what kit is on the M2 competition? And the cost of specs on that car now in 2020?
Its not a competition its the OG. Its all by Edison Composites except the rear diffuser which is by RKP.
Would love seeing you guys buy a CSL, manual conversion, and tuning it further. The raised red line after you did guys applied the Alpha N tune was insane
Good camera work..