The BMW 3.0 CSL

To close out the 50^th anniversary of the M badge, BMW M is producing the most exclusive special model in the company’s history. The BMW 3.0 CSL pays homage to the championship winning 1973 3.0 CSL and immediately stakes its claim as one of the most desirable M cars ever made.

The 3.0 CSL is built from the ground up with all of the ingredients that BMW M has become known for over 50 years of success on the road and track. Lightweight construction, straight-six engine, six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive make this one of the purest road cars in the BMW M portfolio. It is also one of the rarest, limited to just 50 units to celebrate 50 years of BMW M.

Coupe, Sport, Lightweight is the guiding principle and nameplate of the 3.0 CSL. With classic coupe dimensions, wide wheel arches and aerodynamic package, and a typical driver-focused setup, the 3.0 CSL is a fitting homage to the history of BMW M. It is also fitting that this limited edition model receives the most powerful straight-six engine BMW has every produced. This 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo straight-six makes a stunning 553 horsepower, and increase of 50 over the same engine in the BMW M4 Competition. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and power is sent exclusively to the rear-wheels, as a true sports car should. The Active M Differential and M Traction Control ensure all that power is properly tamed for an unparalleled driving experience.

On the outside, extensive use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic on almost all of the body panels upholds the L in CSL. Aggressive aerodynamics, from the widened fender flares to the double spoilers on the roof and trunk, pay further homage to the “batmobile” styling of the 1973 3.0 CSL. Titanium and aluminum components add to further weight reduction. Each 3.0 CSL is finished with a paint livery reminiscent of the 1973 version. With a base color of Alpine White, the 3.0 is adorned with hand painted racing stripes in BMW M’s world-famous color scheme. Each model is also emblazoned with a “50” number marking to celebrate 50 years of BMW M. In total, 134 paint processes are applied to the 3.0 CSL with a total of 22 individual paints, a process that takes six working days to complete. This is truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

On the inside, drivers are greeted by a pure sports car cockpit. M Carbon full bucket seats offer a supportive cradle for hard cornering. Headrest are also removable to accommodate a helmet for track driving. Instead of a rear seat, there is a storage compartment behind the front seats to store helmets and further save weight. Extensive use of carbon fiber and alcantara bely this vehicles sporting intentions. Each vehicle is also inscribed with a number marking across the dashboard to denote where each vehicle corresponds with in the sequence of 50.