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THE 3.0 CSL*

THE 3.0 CSL*

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A crowning finale of an anniversary year marked by fascinating highlights: The BMW 3.0 CSL is the most exclusive automobile BMW M has ever produced and combines a unique design with a puristic performance experience. The exceptional high-performance car conveys to the present day in an extremely focused manner the concept created in the 1970s of applying racetrack technology designed for sheer driving pleasure on the road. All facets of its character – dynamic exterior elegance, a classic sportscar cockpit, intelligent lightweight construction, a straight 6-cylinder engine, manual transmission and rear-wheel drive – are based on traditional principles of a BMW M automobile. They complement each other with the help of the latest technology to create the ultimate symbol of fascination for top performance in the style of the brand that has been successful for 50 years.
THE BMW 3.0 CSL*

THE BMW 3.0 CSL*

The ultimate expression of M Legacy

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5 POWERFUL FACTS:

  • Comeback of a legend
  • Max. output 412 kW (560 hp)
  • Only 50 units available for sale
  • Handmade production in Bavaria
  • Outstanding share of carbon fibre parts
THE 3.0 CSL (2023). WALK-AROUND.

THE 3.0 CSL (2023). WALK-AROUND.

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2.9 kg/hp

2.9 kg/hp is the power-to-weight ratio of the BMW 3.0 CSL.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE BY TRADITION.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE BY TRADITION.

Most powerful inline 6-cylinder engine.

The version of inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which was further developed exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL, mobilises a maximum output of 412 kW (560 hp). Thus, the model features the most powerful straight-six engine ever used in a road-legal BMW M automobile. The power unit possesses the same technological roots as the power unit of the current DTM winning car. The 3.0-litre power unit offers spontaneous high revving thanks to the typical M high-revving concept and comprises, among other things, an extremely rigid crankcase in a sleeveless closed-deck design, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head core featuring 3D printing technology. The cooling system and oil supply are also designed for highly dynamic driving situations.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION.

LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION.

Maximum use of carbon components.

To reduce weight in the body and chassis areas, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used to an exceptionally high extent in addition to the minimal use of insulating material. The BMW 3.0 CSL features CFRP components on virtually all bodywork sections. In addition to the roof, bonnet and boot lid, the front and rear aprons are made entirely of carbon. The front and rear side panel attachments, the side sills, the rear diffuser, the rear wing and rear spoiler are also made of the high-tech material. All carbon components are manufactured in small series, mostly by hand and exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL. Another highlight in terms of weight reduction: The titanium rear silencer is around 4.3 kilograms lighter than a conventional component.
ELABORATE PAINTWORK.

ELABORATE PAINTWORK.

Alpine white uni with elaborately applied stripe decor.

Both the base colour and the M stripes, known in technical jargon as livery, are applied largely by hand, involving an extremely high level of time and effort. A total of 22 individual parts are painted in a process specially designed for the BMW 3.0 CSL. Particular attention is paid to a highly precise arrangement of the areas of the body surfaces and livery stripes finished in visible carbon. In general, most of the exterior in Alpine white uni comprises carbon components, which are hand-painted by specialists. The high-quality material is only visible in the lettering on the roof, on the rear wing, the sills and the lower parts of the bumpers. For this purpose, these areas must be exposed during the painting process. In order to precisely position the livery stripes in the BMW M GmbH colours, the painters use masking by means of laser projection as well as customised contour films.
>300 km/h

>300 km/h is the top speed of the BMW 3.0 CSL.

PURISTIC INTERIOR.

Sports car cockpit with M Carbon full bucket seats.

Also, in the interior of the BMW 3.0 CSL the broad use of carbon and other lightweight construction measures emphasise the puristic sports car characteristics. Instead of additional seats, the rear offers a storage compartment with two integrated helmet compartments. CFRP trim in the door panels and reduced acoustic insulation also contribute to the extremely sporty flair. The driver and front passenger sit in M Carbon full bucket seats, which convey a highly emotional and inimitable racing feeling every kilometre of the way. The diagonal connections between the seat surface and the backrest are reminiscent of the construction principle of the lightweight seats featured in the historic model. Seat height and inclination can be adjusted exclusively via a three-stage screw linkage in a workshop. The longitudinal position can be varied manually using a lever at the front edge of the seat. In addition, the M Carbon full bucket seats offer removable headrest inserts.

BMW 3.0 CSL

Black Alcantara seat surfaces and M seat belts are combined with an M Alcantara steering wheel, an anthracite roof liner, black Alcantara and matt carbon surfaces. Contrast stitching and other accents in white correspond with the exterior paintwork of the BMW 3.0 CSL, the model lettering of which is embossed into both the door sill trims and the seat surfaces. A special highlight in the centre console is the white gearshift knob as a symbol and central element of driving pleasure in its purest form. It lies snugly in the hand and, with its white surface, the engraved gearshift diagram and the number 50, is reminiscent of the beginnings of BMW M GmbH in the 1970s. The matt interior trims in a carbon fibre finish feature sequential numbering for each of the 50 units available. This marking, documented in the interior from #01/50 to #50/50, corresponds in each case to the final digits of the suspension number, thus representing a clearly visible and authentic reference to the individual vehicle identity.

MORE TECHNICAL DETAILS.

Model-specific M Suspension.

Suspension technology with five decades of motorsport experience: The suspension components used in the BMW 3.0 CSL represent the spearhead of development for high-performance sports cars by BMW M GmbH: a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle in M-specific design, an Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and the M carbon ceramic brake system with adjustable characteristic curves.

6-speed manual transmission.

A concept for maximum driving pleasure and intensive interaction between driver and vehicle: The engine of the BMW 3.0 CSL is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox whose spread and transmission ratios are ideally matched to the performance characteristics. Precisely defined gear shift travel enables fast and precise gear changing. In traditional manner, the drive torque is transmitted to the road exclusively via the rear wheels.

Active M Differential.

The Active M Differential in the rear-axle transmission ensures superior dynamics. If necessary, it prevents torque compensation between the rear wheels and, at the same time, continuously and variably builds up a locking effect of up to 100 percent. The Active M Differential is linked to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and precisely adjusts its locking effect to the respective driving situation. For example, traction is optimised on roads with different friction values for the right and left rear wheels. When accelerating dynamically out of bends, the driver receives noticeable feedback on the grip potential on the rear wheels and can thus optimally dose the use of the accelerator pedal.

Central locking wheels.

With their filigree spokes, a gold-coloured paint finish in the style of the 1970s and a centre lock, they represent a highlight in terms of design and driving dynamics adapted directly from racing. At 930 Nm, the torque applied during the assembly of the centre locks achieves the highest value for a BMW Group production vehicle. The forged light-alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin tyres developed exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL. They bear the number 50 embossed on the tyre sidewalls, providing another subtle reference to the anniversary of BMW M GmbH, on the occasion of which the special model was designed and built.

BMW 3.0 CSL

REINCARNATION OF A LEGEND.

As the reincarnation of a legendary sports car both for the racetrack and the road, the BMW 3.0 CSL possesses all the characteristics of a puristic car. It embodies the joy of classic driving and an awareness of the traditional roots of BMW M GmbH in a uniquely exclusive form. Its eponymous role model is considered the first automobile to carry the DNA for maximum driving pleasure and passion, an unmistakeable feature of BMW M automobiles to this very day. 1972, in the founding year of the former BMW Motorsport GmbH, now BMW M GmbH, the BMW 3.0 CSL was developed for use in touring car competitions, where it became the most successful racing car of its era.
Experience more about the 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL

THE 3.0 CSL STORY.

About the challenges of reviving a legend: Here, the developers of the BMW 3.0 CSL have their say.
THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF M LEGACY

THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF M LEGACY

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