2004 BMW M3 (E46) CSL - 947 Miles

The car has just received a full service and vehicle health check at Sytner BMW with no advisories/suggested action

With only 1,383 examples produced during its 2004 production run, the E46 M3 CSL was the definitive 'Touring Car' for the road. Available in only two colours, Silver-Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic, with a purposeful but not overly compromised cockpit.

The proven S54B32 in-line 6-cylinder engine of the BMW M3 remained in the M3 CSL as the 3,246cc S54B32HP but now offered even more power, at 360bhp. By adapting its camshafts and valves, the engineers at BMW M were able to generate a further 17bhp and an additional 5Nm torque. A special highlight of the engine is its airbox: not only is it particularly light, but the carbon component also gave the engine the uniquely characteristic intake noise that became so popular with enthusiasts. Mated to the exclusive SMG II transmission, this state-of-the-art transmission featured a launch-control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration and this, in turn, was mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and M differential lock. Finally, the DSC can be switched to 'M Track' mode with a steering wheel-mounted button, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of wheelspin. 0 - 60mph is in an incredible 4.6 seconds, totally remarkable in a car with four comfortable seats, electric windows and a boot spacious enough for the weekly shop.

BMW's 'Leichtbau' philosophy in relation to the mass-produced M3 was not only to reduce weight overall, but to distribute the weight savings in order to retain the E46 3-Series' perfect 50/50 split. To get the centre of gravity as low as possible, the CSL adopted many weight-saving technologies from BMW's Formula 1 racing applications. A large proportion of the M3's sound insulation was removed, along with the electric seats and navigation systems. The CSL's unique body pieces, including the roof, were all crafted from carbon fibre, glass-reinforced plastics were used throughout structural points in the car and the standard rear window was replaced with one made from thinner glass. The results were considerably more effective than the 110kg weight saving would suggest, as the reduction in mass in conjunction with the lowered height of that mass and less body flex led to a dramatic improvement in dynamics.

Externally, the CSL can be identified by numerous details, such as the special door sills, the curved spoiler lip on the boot lid and, of course, the addition of those three special letters on its rear. The single 'porthole' on one side of the front apron, which gives the engine the necessary oxygen by means of an enlarged intake air duct, is unique to this model.

The car presented here is a 2004 BMW M3 (E46) CSL, one of the 422 UK-supplied examples, which has covered an incredibly low 947 miles from new. Iconic Auctioneers are privileged to offer for sale what we believe to be the lowest mileage M3 CSL in existence.

The car was ordered by Lancaster BMW on the Isle of Man, and it was supplied via them to its first local owner (with the corresponding sales invoice in the history file), being first registered there on the 7th January 2005. It was spec'd in Silver Grey Metallic (A08) paintwork and with Options 358: Climate Comfort Windscreen, 423: Velour floor mats, 508: Front & rear parking sensors, 521: Automatic windscreen wipers & headlights, 522: Xenon headlights and 534: Automatic air-conditioning. Its original owner bought the car and immediately placed it into his garage, barely using it for the next couple of years. In 2007, our vendor, a keen car enthusiast, travelled over to buy it, driving it briefly around the island, before trailering it safely back home, and that's where it has resided ever since, professionally stored, on an OptiMate trickle-charger, regularly run-up, and only being removed for a comprehensive service at BMW on the 27th May 2020 (at 947 miles).

The car is as good as any enthusiast-collector would want, being virtually unmarked, with two keys, book-pack and supplementary Owner's Handbook (specific) for the M3 CSL. The paint is factory-fresh, the underside is spotless and the interior still smells 'of BMW'. It is as close to a new M3 CSL as is surely possible; quite something when you think this is now a 20-year-old car.

We invite any interest and inspection of car that surely represents a unique opportunity. The M3 CSL is a 'high-tide mark car' and this example is undoubtedly the 'best-of-breed'.

**The car has just received a full service and Vehicle Health Check at Sytner BMW - with no advisories/suggested action; the BMW technicians were astounded by its 'as new' condition.