Immaculate low mileage 2004 Silver Grey CSL Inspired Build

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Projecte46m3]

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

[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]

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.

[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.

[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.

[nyc951]

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.







Here’s everything that was permanently removed.

How much do those parts weigh? And if you are going to toss that into the trash, please PM me!

[Avedis]

How much do those parts weigh? And if you are going to toss that into the trash, please PM me!

Definitely not going in the trash. They have been packed up and stored away for now.

I actually just weighed these and a few other parts for another member. Weights do not include hardware such as screws, bolts, etc. The weights are EACH, not total.

• Center Armrest 3lb 13.9oz
• HK rear parcel shelf speaker 1lb 14.3oz
• HK rear parcel shelf subwoofer 7lb 1.9oz
• HK rear door panel speaker 8.3oz
• HK front door panel speaker 1lb 13oz
• Front Door Airbag 1lb 9.7oz
• Font Door Armrest 1lb 13.5oz
• Front Door Panel Insert 2lb 14.9oz
• Rear Door Armrest 14oz
• Rear Door Panel Insert 1lb 8oz
• Center console with cupholder, storage tray, ashtray 3lb 6.1oz
• Rear parcel shelf latch-restraint hardware 1lb 1.6oz
• M Mobility Kit 5lb 11oz
• Rear Headrest 1lb 4.1oz

[nyc951]

Thank you for the detailed write ups, pictures and weights. Happy Holiday!

[Avedis]

Continuing on with the theme of buying parts when you can, not necessarily when you want.

Just before Christmas someone posted a reasonably priced (for 2023 market) OE CSL trunk less than 40 minutes away from me. I drove down, confirmed it was a genuine BMW part by inspecting / comparing it to resource images I had saved, then weighing it (yes, I actually brought a bathroom scale).

The seller said it had sat in his garage since 2019, and by the looks of it, he was being honest. There was an incredibly thick layer of dust and dirt on it, and the paintwork had a good amount of scratches and chips. I wasn’t concerned with the paint condition, as it was going to get repainted regardless. Most importantly, it was solid, no structural damage, broken corners, modifications, etc.





I had no doubt it was the real deal and I picked it up as an unexpected Christmas present to myself. I cleaned it up, took a cheesy photo under the Christmas tree, then packed it right back up for storage.




Although the actual paint and install won’t be happening for a long time, I am already preparing for the install by buying all new hardware, pre fitting accessories, and creating the license plate lights wiring harness. Every part on the trunk will be new. I’ll be documenting the entire process and creating a comprehensive DIY. For now, the trunk will sit in storage while I continue on with the interior.

[ejendow]

Man I wondered who picked that trunk up! I unfortunately saw the FS ad too late. Glad its going on a great build though

[Cronenberged]

Score

[big greasy taco]

Blank upper steering wheel trim and refinished lower steering wheel trim installed. Loving this streamlined and driving focused setup.

Do you happen to know the PN for that upper trim piece? looks incredible