Anyone ever driven a E46 M3 CSL or try to build their own American Tribute CSL

[RawS54]

Is the CSL cabin filter housing the same exact shape/size just a lighter material? Didnt know about this. Yall got a link to all the part numbers?

[Tbonem3]

I'd like to think I'm there, same color, wheels & boot to boot.

still not quite as light, but more powerful, manual & decent mods like seats, susp, brakes and, ofc, the airbox.

I would say it might be a case of a real csl being greater than the sum of its parts, though?

I think owning a real csl is too much investment and worry, and not nearly enough fun as modding a regular coupe. Especially given the abundant aftermarket few cars enjoy like we do.

[Altaran]

After all these years it is really pointless to buy a CSL for the driving experience. It was great in its time, but there's been a lot of development in suspension and other areas since then. Plus even the CSL had shit brakes. So agree with previous posts, get a standard M3, put it on a diet, and mod it. Much cheaper and better in the end.

Gesendet von meinem LON-L29 mit Tapatalk

[S14]

After all these years it is really pointless to buy a CSL for the driving experience. It was great in its time, but there's been a lot of development in suspension and other areas since then. Plus even the CSL had shit brakes. So agree with previous posts, get a standard M3, put it on a diet, and mod it. Much cheaper and better in the end.

Gesendet von meinem LON-L29 mit Tapatalk

I lived in Germany when the CSL was one of the best Ring Tools that rich guys could buy. Just about everybody put AP Racing brakes on them because stock brakes just aren't up to the task.

[Obioban]

The CSL is great because it's light and zero effort for the buyers. Plus, it's one of the best looking cars ever made, and the induction noise is one of the best noises out there.

But... you can do better with aftermarket parts. The wheels are 19" and cast, the brakes floating single pistons with heavy and drilled rotors, the exhaust leaves power on the table, it's SMG, the seats don't harness holes, the suspension is nothing amazing, etc.

Many project cars are worse because they're not as comprehensive or cohesive. The stock CSL is very much both. But, with effort, money, and a broad picture in mind, you can do better.

[bigjae46]

Isn't the CSL the first production BMWs to use carbon fiber somewhat extensively.

[Obioban]

Isn't the CSL the first production BMWs to use carbon fiber somewhat extensively.

Depends on your definition of extensive-- in terms of functional parts, just roof and front bumper.

I'd say the i3 was their first car to use it extensively (monocoque).

[usdmej]

Isn't the CSL the first production BMWs to use carbon fiber somewhat extensively.

more the case they experimented with it extensively in terms of functionally (roof), as a parts replacement (airbox), and cosmetically (door panels, center console)

the cosmetic attempts were a flop imo as non structural carbon fiber in an interior setting is a pretty terrible idea (makes acoustics worse, not durable)

[bigjae46]

True, i3 and i8 were the first mostly composite cars...not sure which one came out first. I would consider the trunk lid, intake manifold, door panels, and other interior parts as functional so long as they reduce weight. That is one benefit of composites.

Unlike my VRS carbon fiber hood. Yes you see carbon fiber when you look at it. Its heavier than the OE aluminum hood. If you cut into it, you quickly discover its FG chop mat under the CF layer. But I digress.

If I were to build a CSL, I'd slap on the intake, roof and trunk lid. 50/50 on the bumper.

[Obioban]

True, i3 and i8 were the first mostly composite cars...not sure which one came out first. I would consider the trunk lid, intake manifold, door panels, and other interior parts as functional so long as they reduce weight. That is one benefit of composites.

Unlike my VRS carbon fiber hood. Yes you see carbon fiber when you look at it. Its heavier than the OE aluminum hood. If you cut into it, you quickly discover its FG chop mat under the CF layer. But I digress.

If I were to build a CSL, I'd slap on the intake, roof and trunk lid. 50/50 on the bumper.

The factory CSL trunk is not CF and is stock M3 weight.

The bumper is lighter the the contemporary M3 (alu carrier), but most of that weight benefit was incorporated into the M3 when they transitioned it to the carbon kevlar carrier.

CF interior bits aren't really lighter, at least compared to a no armrest, no side airbag M3 (CSL has no side airbags).

Intake manifold I suppose, but in terms of "first"-- wasn't there an OE BMW CF manifold for e30 M3s?

[usdmej]

I would consider the trunk lid, intake manifold, door panels, and other interior parts as functional so long as they reduce weight. That is one benefit of composites.

Unlike my VRS carbon fiber hood. Yes you see carbon fiber when you look at it. Its heavier than the OE aluminum hood. If you cut into it, you quickly discover its FG chop mat under the CF layer. But I digress.

functional is debatable for their interior parts, carbon fiber is inherently strong but if you build it thin enough to reduce weight (like with their door panels and center console) they are super easy to crack and are not fun to live with


which VRS hood did you get? they claim lighter than stock for at least their street version (can't find the vented one on their website anymore)

https://varisna.com/product/varis-light-weight-bonnet-carbon-bmw-e46-m3-vtb-4602/

[usdmej]

CF interior bits aren't really lighter, at least compared to a no armrest, no side airbag M3 (CSL has no side airbags).

the CSL door panel is significantly lighter than a stock E46 M3 door panel even when you don't account for the airbag delete

still not worth switching to imo

[Obioban]

the CSL door panel is significantly lighter than a stock E46 M3 door panel even when you don't account for the airbag delete

still not worth switching to imo

CSL door panels are 0.25 kg (0.55 lbs) lighter than M3 leather door panels, per BMW:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...&q=51417895581
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...&q=51417890951

[usdmej]

CSL door panels are 0.25 kg lighter than M3 leather door panels, per BMW:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part?id=BL95-EUR-09-2003-E46-BMW-M3_CSL&mg=51&sg=50&diagId=51_5068&q=51417895581

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...&q=51417890951

that doesn't take into account the differences in the armrest and mounting hardware

[Obioban]

that doesn't take into account the differences in the armrest and mounting hardware

.7 kg (stock) vs .218 kg (CSL) for arm rests... though I'm not sure that's representive of weight saved by using CF, so much as a simpler "armrest" design (really just a pull handle on the CSL).