Immaculate low mileage 2004 Silver Grey CSL Inspired Build

[Avedis]

ImAzn Projecte46m3
The CSL door panel/ center console DIY is live HERE

Avedis


First of all great build, really love the attention to detail. Do you feel that the sound deadening is necessary on the back of the carbon interior panels with the vapor barrier already sort of acting as some of it. Reason asking is because I have a set of panels that are waiting to get installed. Kind of bummed that I didn't as KARB to see if they can do brushed door handles since I have brushed aluminum trim as well.

That’s a very fair question. In terms of adding sound deadening on the back of the carbon panel to block/reduce road noise, it probably makes little to no difference.

I installed the sound deadening to change the way the panels felt, not to reduce ingress of noises. With the sound deadening on them, they have a lovely solid feeling when you interact with them. Whether you are purposely tapping on the panel, or incidentally knocking your knuckle as you grab the door handle, they just feel sturdy now.

As you know, the Karbonius panels are made to such a high standard and are incredibly light. The flip side of that is they have a slightly tinny feeling when you touch them. With the sound deadening, you are literally only adding ounces of weight while dramatically enhancing the feel of them.

Have you driven the car yet and observed any change in cabin noise?

Drove it to a local cars & coffee meet and did not notice any dramatic increase in noise with the insulation removed.

I did notice that the car smells far less like an E46 M3 now. The insulation has been out for a few weeks now and the interior has definitely lost some of its iconic smell. It’s been referred to as “crayon smell,” but I personally never thought it smelled like crayons. Regardless of what it smells like, it dramatically diminished.

[slavik1988]

Avedis


First of all great build, really love the attention to detail. Do you feel that the sound deadening is necessary on the back of the carbon interior panels with the vapor barrier already sort of acting as some of it. Reason asking is because I have a set of panels that are waiting to get installed. Kind of bummed that I didn't as KARB to see if they can do brushed door handles since I have brushed aluminum trim as well.

[Projecte46m3]

I haven't driven it yet, but when I do I will listen and report back. To be honest though, I've driven this car so few miles that I'm probably a bad judge of what the baseline noise was. Either way I will let you know.



Absolutely,
M5x10mm hex socket head cap bolt LINK
M5 flat washer LINK
M5 serrated flanged nut LINK

If you are preparing to do your install, my comprehensive DIY will be posted within the next few weeks. It has pretty much every detail you could want.

Thank you! Yes, I'm preparing to do the install as well. Looking forward to see the detailed DIY post.

[Avedis]

Have you driven the car yet and observed any change in cabin noise?

I haven't driven it yet, but when I do I will listen and report back. To be honest though, I've driven this car so few miles that I'm probably a bad judge of what the baseline noise was. Either way I will let you know.

Amazing build!! Can you share the exact details on the hardware used for the CSL door panels?

Absolutely,
M5x10mm hex socket head cap bolt LINK
M5 flat washer LINK
M5 serrated flanged nut LINK

If you are preparing to do your install, my comprehensive DIY will be posted within the next few days. It has pretty much every detail you could want.

[Projecte46m3]

Amazing build!! Can you share the exact details on the hardware used for the CSL door panels?

[0-60motorsports]

That looks absolutely gorgeous! I have started saving money for Matte CSL door panels to replace my Glossy OE CSL ones with. Also going to get the seatbelts done. The minimalist simple look Just won me over.

[cornerbalanced]

Reading your entires is always cathartic. Can’t wait until I have a proper garage and can devote a similar amount of effort/attention to detail towards working on my car.

Looking forward to seeing what’s up next for the car.

[Avedis]

While doing research for the CSL install, I found no comprehensive DIY for this project. I had to pick through various forums, YouTube videos, and random decade old PDFs to piece together some sort of a tutorial. I decided that I was going to take on a clear and comprehensive DIY that could be used by others in the future. Once it’s finished I will host the PDF on my website and give it to Karbonius so they can provide it to future customers. For now, here’s some info and photos of the install.

Everything stripped out of the interior.



Mirror adjustment harness was extended. I cut, stripped, soldered, heat shrunk then ran it to its new home under the center console.






Door brackets being installed





Here is the hardware I used. If anyone is doing this project and wants the correct hardware, please reach out. I have more than enough and I will send you a set for free.



Vapor barrier modified to fit new brackets.




Onto the door panels. Here is everything laid out for install.



Photos of the door panel modification and install. I had a lot more photos for you to follow along visually, but I reached the maximum attachment limit for my post and I had to delete them. Here are a few.






Prior to installing the new panel, I added a little bit of sound deadening to the back. It added about 7.5oz of weight to the panel. The panel now sounds and feels very solid, yet lightweight at the same time. It is a strange combination that is hard to describe. It’s one of those things that if you knocked on the panel with your knuckle, you’d know right away what failing to describe.



After the new panel was on, I replaced all of the clips with the version that contains the foam o-ring vapor barrier. They feel more solid and should allow less movement / potential rattling issues as well.



Door handles were replaced. I specifically chose the non HK versions for a more minimalist look. I never realized how worn the chrome on my door handle was until I held them side by side.



Here is the freshly modified and restored door panel. Also some shots in the sun so you get a more true look. The process for the rear panels was very similar so I will not be posting that unless someone would like to see something specific.





Mocked up on the door to verify the bracket location. It was such a relieving and satisfying feeling when the bracket lined up perfectly with the holes in the door panel.



Everything installed. Turned out exactly how I imagined. I will try to capture some more outdoor beauty shots soon.






Here’s everything that was permanently removed.


This was definitely a fun but highly involved project. I learned a ton in the process. I am by no means the leading authority on CSL door panel installs, but I now have a really good grasp on the project. If anyone needs help with this project, please reach out. If you’re local I can help you in person, and if not I can FaceTime to answer any questions as you do the install.

[bavarian3]

Many moons later it was all cleaned up. I used Carpro Tarx and a ton of paper towels to loosen and soak up the mess. I threw the whole lot in a trash bag and was surprised by just how much it all weighed, I get why the CSL ditched it.

Have you driven the car yet and observed any change in cabin noise?

[Actuary]

Awesome build and progress!! I have a soft spot for Silver grey

[0-60motorsports]

Great updates! Matte looks amazing.

You have me thinking now of doing the same. I have OE CSL door panels which i can remove and store for another project car in the future and get the KARB ones and do what you did. Thanks for the great idea.

[jhatch]

The Matte looks amazing. Even better with the Ceramic coat, that was a great idea. Excellent picks all around.

[Cronenberged]

^ this

[discoelk]

Never considered matte carbon for the CSL interior parts. That's a 10/10 decision.

[karter16]

That looks awesome! Great job and loving the personalised twist you're putting on the classic CSL interior! Also love the photos of your son, I had my 5 year old under the car with me earlier in the year and it's special memories to form.

Loving following this build!


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