The BMW M3 CSL impressed the test drivers during cornering as well, when they measured a maximum lateral acceleration of 1.4 g. New lightweight construction technologies such as the carbon roof, the elimination of comfort features such as air-conditioning and electric seat adjustment, an even more sporty chassis than in the standard BMW M3 and first use of cup tyres caused a sensation: in the Super Test carried out by the German magazine 'Sport Auto', the M3 CSL achieved a time of 7 minutes and 50 seconds on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. Several measures were used to consistently tune the car to dynamic driving performance. When the BMW M3 CSL was launched at the end of 2002, it attracted a great deal of attention. Its original price was at that time € 85.000. The E46 M3 CSL (“Coupe Sport Lightweight”) is a special version of the standard E46 M3 Coupe of which 1.383 units have left the Regensburg factory between June and December 2003. The final production version was unveiled in Geneva in March 2000. With a celebrated history, massive enthusiast community, and astounding aftermarket support, it has maintained relevance and still commands a premium price, even for SMG-equipped examples. Only then was the impressive curb weight of just 1,350 kg possible.In 1999, BMW showed a design study for the third generation of the M3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The E46 M3 is considered the last analog M3 and is still used today as the benchmark quintessential sports car. That included the removal of comfort equipment, while the roof, front and rear aprons as well as the mighty rear wing were made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, just as in the circuit model. In fact, even the smallest detail showed that the extremely limited edition M3 GTR remained as close as possible to the racing car’s dynamics. In spite of the strict framework conditions for noise and exhaust emissions, the V8 still delivered more than 350 hp in the street-legal version. The 4.0-litre V8 with a 90-degree cylinder bank angle largely matched the P60B40 engine of the racing version, which had a power output of well over 450 hp. This version was almost as ferocious as its track-going sibling. BMW M followed suit and produced a small series of ten BMW M3 GTR Street cars. For the 2001 season, the regulations for the GT class of the American Le Mans Series required manufacturers to have a freely available and fully road-legal counterpart.

Bmw e46 m3 specs