E46 M3 CSL + Manual: The Best BMW of All Time?

By Daud Gonzalez - January 21, 2020

The SMG transmission has always been a point of contention between CSL owners. What happens when you swap a 6-speed manual instead?

When people think BMW, they quickly associate certain ideas and aesthetics with the brand. Obviously, the iconic kidney grills might be the first to come into mind. However, when thinking individual cars, the vehicle we think people relate closest to the brand is the E46. Maybe this has to do with the fact that over 4,000,000 million of these vehicles were produced during the years of 1998 and 2005. In 2002 alone, over 500,000 E46’s were sold. To no surprise, you still very frequently see these cars on the road today.

So when we think about the most iconic E46, we think M3. The S54 inline-six powering the M3 has gone on to be one of the most sought after engines in the world. Its silky 8,000 RPM redline and perfectly linear torque delivery make for a seamless and easy driving experience. Push the pedal more, the engine produces its signature rasp reminiscent of BMW’s early years in rally racing. There are so many positive qualities about the E46 M3, we aren’t sure BMW has produced a car to topple this one. However, the most exclusive of the M3s, the CSL, is most likely the best example of what a road-going E46 could be. Thanks to Autocar on YouTube, we get to see what it’s like to get behind the wheel of one of these legends.

To start, it is safe to say that the CSL (Couple Sport Lightweight) is a very low production car. With approximately only 1,383 units ever made for the entire world, only a select few managed to experience owning one of these specials. The car was available in two very tame colors: grey and black. Both look amazing. However, the not-so-secret secret to making the CSL a better driver’s car than the regular M3 was to kill as much weight as possible. This means around 250 pounds off the stock weight.

Most if not all the body panels were carbon, including the roof. The glass was thinner, the sound insulation- gone. The only thing owners griped in relation to this car was the fact it only was available with the SMG transmission and not a 6-speed manual. Some people have decided to change that. This is one of those examples. Check out the video to learn more!