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M3 CSL - e46 (2003 - ...) PDF Print E-mail
Article Info
Publisher: Ilir Dibrani
Published: 07 Aug 2005
Gallery: M3 - e46 CSL
Read: 3908 time(s)
Rating:  - 4 vote(s)

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Article Index
1 M3 CSL - e46 (2003 - ...)
2 Materials and Engine
3 A real racecar
4 Specifications
 
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Innovative materials right where they are required.
The intelligent lightweight technology so typical of the M3 CSL is demon¬strated very clearly by the roof also made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic easily recognisable as such. This large component built by specialists at BMW’s Landshut Plant is not only some six kilos lighter than a conventional roof, but also, through its exposed position, lowers the car’s centre of gravity.
Focusing on their quest to reduce weight, the engineers at BMW M took a close look at virtually every component of the M3, in each case using the most suitable materials in order to save weight. As a result, the M3 CSL even comes with glass-fibre plastics otherwise used for aerospace applications such as endless-glass-fibre thermoplastics serving as the structural material for the through-loading system and on the rear bumper supports.
Another example is the paper-honeycomb sandwich panel used on the floor of the luggage compartment. And like the M3, the M3 CSL also comes with an aluminium engine compartment lid and features a special rear window made of extra-thin glass.
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Just right for fast motoring: the extra-powerful engine of the M3 CSL.
The significant increase in power and performance is however not only the result of intelligent lightweight engineering. Rather, the straight-six power unit already renowned for its high engine speeds has been enhanced to an even higher standard, BMW M’s engineers boosting maximum output to 360 bhp (265 kW) at 7,900 rpm from 3.2 litres capacity, that is a sensational output- per-litre figure of 111 bhp. Maximum torque, in turn, is 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,900 rpm.
Even the engine of the M3 CSL follows the principle of minimum weight,
with the walls on the exhaust emission system being even thinner than usual and the air collector being made of carbon fibre. The characteristic sound of motorsport, in turn, results from the new air intake with its modified flow of air.
Featuring an extremely large intake air opening and a large air collector made of carbon fibre, this new intake air system enables the engine to breathe in even more air than usual, which is why the camshafts come with longer valve opening periods.
Air intake and volume is calculated according to the same principles as in Formula 1. And to facilitate the outgoing flow of exhaust emissions, the M3 CSL comes with optimised exhaust valves, a modified exhaust emission manifold and funnel-shaped pipes leading into the air silencer.
With features and improvements of this kind, the BMW M3 CSL accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaching 200 km/h in 16.8 seconds.
Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).
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Shifting gears like in Formula 1 with the M3 CSL’s special gearbox.
It almost goes without saying that the M3 CSL comes with BMW M’s most sporting and dynamic transmission, the Sequential M Gearbox with Drivelogic. Also based on Formula 1 technology, the SMG/Drivelogic transmission ensures an ultra-fast gearshift in just 0.08 seconds on all six gears, providing a direct and consistent flow of power at all engine speeds.
With the driver being able furthermore to choose between the sequential and an automated gearshift mode and benefitting from Drivelogic, he has no less than eleven different gearshift options at his disposal. And last but not least, SMG Drivelogic has been re-designed and re-adjusted completely for the M3 CSL.
A special feature certainly worth mentioning in this context is the launch control modified for the M3 CSL and its particular character: Whenever he wishes to take off perfectly from a standstill, the driver, choosing the acceleration assistant, can accelerate all the way to the top speed of the car without intervening himself, SMG shifting gears automatically shortly before the speed limit in each gear.

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