2003 BMW (E46) M3 CSL

This BMW M3 CSL is a lauded contemporary performance hero, which remains original and unmodified, and which is in very good condition throughout. Under the bonnet is the 3.2-litre S54 straight-six, producing 355bhp, driving the rear wheels through the six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with paddle shifters.

First registered on 26 September 2003, this M3 CSL has six previous keepers on the log book. Its factory-fitted equipment includes xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, the BMW Business radio and CD player, and air-conditioning. The odometer now shows 61,925 miles from new.

There is no known previous damage to the bodywork, and the vendor reports that the Silver Grey paint is in good condition all around the car. He understands the front bumper has been resprayed at some point given how few marks or stone chips there are, and the rear bumper presents with a few slight scuff marks at the centre below the number plate. Its rear carbon-fibre diffuser also has a minor crack on the offside section, but otherwise this CSL is in impressive cosmetic condition. It rides on the correct 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, which are in great shape.

In the cabin, the Amaretta synthetic suede and ‘Reflex’ cloth is believed to be original and is in very good order for the age and mileage. There is no heavy wear or excessive discolouration on the seats, and the fabric, plastic and carbon-fibre trims around the dashboard, centre console and door panels are also in excellent condition. The vendor reports that the suede around the steering wheel rim is visibly worn and slightly smooth, though this could be easily and inexpensively re-trimmed in the future. The only foible noted is that the auto-dimming rear-view mirror gel looks slightly low, with an inconsistency in the brightness across the mirror. Otherwise, there are no issues with any switchgear or electrics, and no warning lights present.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in September 2020 at 61,880 miles at BMW dealer Specialist Cars Stevenage. This comprised an Inspection II service, with checks and adjustments to the valve clearances, as well as an engine oil change, new oil and air filters, micro-filter, differential oil, and new brake fluid.

This year, the car has also received a new clutch and flywheel, differential pinion seal, and propshaft front rubber coupling, with parts supplied by BMW Specialist Cars Stevenage. A new BMW battery was also supplied a fitted by them in September 2020. The two services prior to this were in December 2017 at 61,769 miles and in November 2016 at 61,555 miles - both also at Specialist Cars Stevenage.

The most recent MOT test was on 16 September 2020 at 61,892 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres on the front, date-coded to 2013 and with around 5mm of tread; and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres on the rear, date-coded to 2019 and with 7mm of tread.

All of the original handbooks accompany the car, including the stamped service record showing the comprehensive maintenance history, as well as lots of previous invoices. A number of OEM replacement parts are also included, consisting of new CSL door sill protectors, front BMW badge, CSL front arch stickers for the grilles, and new floor mats. An indoor car cover branded with the BMW M logo is also present.

The BMW M3 CSL is one of the most coveted M-cars, and a rare sight with only 422 originally delivered to the UK. This particular example has been driven and enjoyed as intended, but still presents in superb order and in strong mechanical condition following a recent Inspection II service. It would be a fine addition to any collection of modern classics, and needs nothing to get out and enjoy on the road immediately.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.