2003 BMW (E46) M3 CSL

KEY FACTS

• A superb example of a modern performance hero, with low mileage and excellent maintenance history.
• Under the bonnet is the 3.2-litre S54 straight-six, producing 360hp, driving the rear wheels through the six-speed SMG automated manual transmission with paddle shifters.
• It is offered from cherished 11-year ownership by the vendor.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Finished in Black Sapphire Metallic, this M3 CSL is in a relatively rare colour, as most cars were painted in Silver Grey. It rides on the original 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels.
• Topaz paint protection film (PPF) has been applied to the entire car. The BMW roundel wheel centre caps have been replaced due to wear.
• The cabin is trimmed in ‘Amaretta’ suede fabric and ‘Reflex’ cloth for the seat centre panels, along with a carbon-fibre transmission tunnel cover, and carbon-fibre door card inserts.
• Its factory specification includes the BMW Business stereo and CD player, climate control, and xenon headlights.
• Accompanying the car is the original handbook, stamped service record, supplementary handbook for the M3 CSL model, SMG II transmission guide, radio user manual, and the original suede book pouch.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage.
• The paintwork is in excellent condition. The front end was resprayed before the Topaz PPF was applied, but otherwise it is assumed to be all original. During this work the carbon splitters were also re-lacquered.
• The synthetic suede and ‘Reflex’ cloth upholstery is in superb order, with signs of use but no significant wear, and certainly no damage. The vendor notes that the plastic panel between the rear seats is slightly faded due to sun exposure. In addition, the rear of the carbon-fibre centre console has some light scratches due to the proximity of rear passenger feet. The rest of the interior trim and carbon-fibre inlays are in great shape.
• There are no known electrical faults.
• The most recent MOT test was on 22 January 2021 at 38,783 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories or defects whatsoever. Bidders should note that the December 2016 MOT test took place at 37,910 miles during the main dealer service (incorrectly recorded as 39,910 miles by the tester).

SERVICE HISTORY

• Last serviced in August 2020 at 38,688 miles at BMW specialist BMR Performance, this comprised Inspection II maintenance, fresh gearbox oil, adjustment of the valve clearances, and renewal of the micro-filter.
• Prior recent servicing took place in November 2018 at 38,424 miles at Cooper BMW Cobham, and in December 2016 at 37,910 miles at Berry BMW Heathrow.
• In January 2020, BMR Performance carried out a major overhaul at a total cost of £5,589 at 38,643 miles. Most significantly, this involved a reinforcement of the rear axle carrier panel (RACP) - commonly known as the rear subframe fix - plus a new clutch, flywheel and associated parts. The front and rear brake pads were changed, as were both track rods, the airbag control unit, and the exhaust flanges. It was also fitted with new side repeaters, CSL wing badges and CSL kick plate trims.
• The electronic throttle actuator was replaced at 37,979 miles, and all four wheels were renewed in 2010.

Dates and mileage:

• Running in check 1,291 miles 18/04/2005
• Oil Service 5,716 miles 23/05/2006
• Inspection I 12,788 miles 26/06/07
• Oil Service 20,152 miles 02/06/2008
• Oil Service 24,422 01/12/2008
• Inspection II 28,373 miles 18/09/2009
• Oil Service 34,654 miles 23/05/2015
• Inspection I 37,910 miles 02/12/2016
• Oil service 38,424 miles 06/11/2018
• Inspection II 38,688 miles 04/08/2020

SUMMARY

The low-mileage BMW M3 CSL is a particularly well-maintained and well-presented example of a rare and sought-after M-car. One of just 422 original UK-market examples, it is offered in excellent mechanical order, benefiting from regular main dealer and specialist maintenance. The car is still fresh from a significant overhaul with the common problem areas attended to, so now wants for nothing and is ready to enjoy.

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. 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. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.