Best CSL Parts?

[Kipjames3]

I'm new to the community (just picked up a 04 M3 a couple months ago) in silver grey and want to go the CSL route. Original I know, but I was wondering what everybody's opinions, advice, and experiences with the available CSL parts on the market today.

Trunk: I currently have a karbonius trunk and while it's great there are a few things on it that kinda annoy me: the emblem is crooked and I purchased a CSL trunk liner and it's not even close to fitting. I appreciate the carbon fiber look but I really want the OEM liner look while hiding the lighting housings and all the cables. I was going to possibly sell the karbonius and purchase an OEM trunk and start new. I already have all the necessary parts obviously so I'd just need to paint it and swap the parts over. Is this a ridiculous idea? Or is the OEM trunk that much better?

Diffuser: I have a SG one currently and the fitment just seems a little lacking on the edges where it meets the bumper. I was thinking of going to MEC for that and selling the SG one, and again starting new.

Front bumper: Now here is the big one I've been going back and forth with. I've seen euro connex, vorsterin, and MEC all seem to sell quality products (unless I'm missing something?). All around the same price also. I'm leaning towards MEC because of all the great things I've read on here so far about their products.

Again, any advice or opinions would be appreciated on any of these products. I'm still researching and going through the forum but I haven't seen anything too recently or a thread discussing all the parts in one thread. Again, unless I missed it. If the thread does become a good source of information I can change the title to something different to reflect that. Maybe "CSL Parts Discussion" or something like that.

[AbbeyRoad]

I went with Vorsteiner front, trunk and diffuser. All parts made in California. They’re supposedly making only 103 units each. They shipped quickly which I valued.

We shall see how they fit. So far, so good.

[Gt4]

I went with Vorsteiner front, trunk and diffuser. All parts made in California. They’re supposedly making only 103 units each. They shipped quickly which I valued.

We shall see how they fit. So far, so good.

Only 103...

So what's your number/103?

[AbbeyRoad]

Only 103...

So what's your number/103?

No se. I got two of each.

[usdmej]

if the intention is to geek out on OE+ engineering then you should probably try to source original parts as they're superior to aftermarket in so many ways


trunk - bmw chose SMC instead of carbon fiber, presumably a tradeoff in weight made to achieve OE fitment (like you said, even the top tier aftermarket makers still have trouble getting this right). it also shows that they knew removing weight in the rear would only make the balance of the car worse

interior - a design masterclass imo, lighter parts while maintaining most of the coupe function. the only downside in my experience is all the pieces they made do not handle use well (scratches/scuffs easily).

airbox - not a popular opinion but the flap/ducting does not get the respect it deserves. around time driving is refined and civilized, and then it all gets bypassed and you get the full bark when you get hard on the gas

[Gt4]

trunk - bmw chose SMC instead of carbon fiber, presumably a tradeoff in weight made to achieve OE fitment (like you said, even the top tier aftermarket makers still have trouble getting this right). it also shows that they knew removing weight in the rear would only make the balance of the car worse

IMO the trunk is too heavy. They should makes it lighter since it's higher on the car and leave the trunk floor similar to non CSL instead of making it in cardboard to reduce weight...

Battery was also lighter, muffler was also lighter, backglass was thinner.

[usdmej]

Battery was also lighter, muffler was also lighter, backglass was thinner.

it's a great example of manufacturer level decision making imo

we might never know for sure, but my interpretation is that BMW was willing to sacrifice a little starting capacity, functionality, and NVH to make the car faster, but drew the line at bad panel fitment, especially if all it meant was weight loss at the rear


i've owned trunks from modbargains (horrific) and scorza (pretty good), but after seeing an OE trunk in person i was never gonna go back

[bmw m3 s50]

I would say that remember, when the CSL was introduced in 2003 it overlapped with a period in the early 2000’s when mainstream automakers began incorporating carbon fiber into exterior panels. BMW was one of the first major manufacturers to integrate a carbon fiber roof, which was considered groundbreaking at the time.

Following the CSL, numerous aftermarket companies began producing various carbon fiber exterior components, beyond just basic hoods which was already available. It is possible that BMW held back from using carbon fiber for the trunk due to concerns over fitment quality as mentioned or cost even considerations by the bean counters at BMW. Additionally, one more point about fitment, I have read that the OEM CSL diffuser has also experienced fitment and alignment issues.

[ac427]

On the mechanical side i would go with the CSL airbox and the steering rack

[Gt4]

I would say that remember, when the CSL was introduced in 2003 it overlapped with a period in the early 2000’s when mainstream automakers began incorporating carbon fiber into exterior panels. BMW was one of the first major manufacturers to integrate a carbon fiber roof, which was considered groundbreaking at the time.

Following the CSL, numerous aftermarket companies began producing various carbon fiber exterior components, beyond just basic hoods which was already available. It is possible that BMW held back from using carbon fiber for the trunk due to concerns over fitment quality as mentioned or cost even considerations by the bean counters at BMW. Additionally, one more point about fitment, I have read that the OEM CSL diffuser has also experienced fitment and alignment issues.

We also had fitment problems with an OEM CSL trunk. It came from a batch made around 2018-2019

[bmw m3 s50]

We also had fitment problems with an OEM CSL trunk. It came from a batch made around 2018-2019

Would you happen to know if batches sold after 2020 had fitment issues? I bought mine in 2020 as the prices started to rise.

[bmwfnatic]

Would you happen to know if batches sold after 2020 had fitment issues? I bought mine in 2020 as the prices started to rise.

Need to see when mine was made, but should be around that and it fits perfectly.

[Gt4]

Would you happen to know if batches sold after 2020 had fitment issues? I bought mine in 2020 as the prices started to rise.

I have no idea

Ours was bought from Schmiedmann when they were like $1000 or so... Even if it's OEM, it's composites and shit can happen

[Cubieman]

My CSL trunk was purchased via Schmiedmann in May of 2020 and fitment is spot on.

[Obioban]

Only 103...

So what's your number/103?

I don't mean this as an endorsement, because I don't think very highly of Vorsteiner.

That said, my trunk is #1 (from the first time they were making e46 products)