BMW M3 E46: unique and unparalleled

Let's explore the driving model of the BMW M3 E46 from the perspective of popularity and its legendary qualities, which have not faded even in our days. Although maintaining a position on the pedestal was not easy. The cohort of enthusiasts is constantly growing.

Exterior of BMW M3 E46

In the third series, the car combines power and compact dimensions. A regular three series compared to this model is less aggressive.

Other notable features include:

  1. The front air intakes are made smaller in size.
  2. The size of the radiator grilles has been reduced.
  3. Curved lines have been added from the beginning of the bumper. In the standard version, from the upper grille. Hoods are designed with convex configurations, covering large intake manifolds.
  4. The optics have acquired a new shape.
  5. The side parts of the fenders have changed direction. They no longer point upwards.
  6. The inserts under the optical elements have been made wavy. They have kept the classic 2 lenses in the headlights.
  7. Additional motor cooling grille inserts have been added to the front bumpers.
  8. The bumpers are equipped with fog lights on both sides, with turn signal repeaters (but not in all configurations).
  9. The wheel arches have been made expressive and protruding.
  10. The bodies remain in the two-door version. Highlighting moldings run the full length of the cabins.

Exterior of BMW M3 E46

The BMW M3 E46 car enjoys enduring popularity. And all of this is justified. The concept is without unnecessary extravagances. Developers did not touch the body. They worked on the suspension and slightly boosted the engine unit.

Nevertheless, the cars have become more dynamic.

Interior

Compared to the exterior, there are few changes in the interior. Badges with the inscription «M3» have been added. The front panels are classic.

There are enough configurations, so you can choose a package according to your preferences:

  1. With a TV.
  2. With climate control and other decorative elements.

Above the front panels in the cars are built-in 2 air vents. Below them, depending on the package chosen, there may be audio systems with displays or regular systems. There is also the possibility to heat the seats, lock the door locks with buttons.

Interior of BMW M3 E46

In the cabins, there are:

  • Concealed ashtrays.
  • Cigarette lighters.
  • Shift levers.

The standard equipment of the BMW M3 E46 can be presented in both automated transmission and manual transmission variants. The levers themselves are marked with the letter «M». Conveniently located behind them are manual handbrakes in the cars.

Window regulators can be controlled with 4 buttons. Although BMW M3 E46 cars are two-door, the second row also features windows.

The driver's seats are equipped with armrests and recesses for handbrakes.

In the central part of the BMW M3 E46, the instrument panels of the cars feature:

  • Speedometers.
  • Tachometers.
  • Fuel level sensors and engine temperature indicators.

Indicators are located under the panels. The steering wheels are the same as in standard models, except for the letter «M on the third spoke».

The two side spokes have buttons for:

  • Mobile communication.
  • Cruise control.
  • Audio systems.

Engines of BMW M3 E46

The cars come with different engines. The BMW M3 E46 model has longitudinally positioned L-shaped engines. With 6 cylinders, 3.2 liters, 343 hp, and a torque of 365 Nm.

Engines of BMW M3 E46

With the CSL engines, there are 360 hp, 7900 rpm, and a torque of 370 Nm. As you can see, they do not lack power and charisma.

Predatory exterior, unique capabilities, everything that can be said about the BMW M3 E46 CSL. This smooths out their negative aspects. In every absolute, flaws can always be found. And the first is the presence of a six-speed automatic transmission that does not allow the driver to fully unleash.

However, following the example of this model with the CSL engine, car enthusiasts now enjoy the BMW M4 GTS. Even more sporty and aggressive model, but without the expressiveness of the M3 CSL cars.

A Bit of History

What is CSL? The name translates to lightweight sports coupe. The first BMW 3.0 CSL was released in 1972. It won the European Touring Car Championship race. Rare BMW M3 E46 GTR racing cars were developed for Le Mans. The racing season featured 16 cars. After the races, another 10 such cars appeared. They are distinguished by gills (additional ventilation holes).

The first regular road M3 cars, designated CSL, were produced in 2003, with racing technological characteristics. These are the most ordinary road cars. Among them are modified versions with regular inline six-cylinder S54 engines with 3.2 liters.

But they also underwent changes:

  1. The cars were produced with a lack of air due to standard air meters. Therefore, to increase engine response, they began to use DME when calculating airflow.
  2. They also started using modified camshafts and exhaust valves.
  3. Lightweight exhaust systems were installed in the cars. Thin steel was used for their production.
  4. The changes affected the engines, and they started to produce 360 hp, with a torque of 370 Nm and speeds of 7900 per minute.

Differences between standard M3 cars and CSL

BMW M3 E46 CSL

Here are the characteristics that distinguish the BMW M3 E46 CSL.

  • CSL features lightweight body parts.
  • Reinforced carbon fiber sheets were used for the roofs.
  • The front bumpers are also made from this material. They are designed with a unique «single air flow» technology.
  • The opposite lower parts are also made of GFP (reinforced carbon fiber).
  • The CSL trunk lids are made using the SMC sheet pressure connection technology.
  • The trunk floors and rear partitions are made of thermoplastic and foam with fiberglass reinforcement.
  • The rear bumpers used a technology with fiberglass reinforcement. To further reduce the car's weight, the thickness of the rear windows was changed.
  • By using carbon fiber materials, parts of the CSL car such as the roof and hood became lighter. The roof lost 5.9 kg.

Transmissions of BMW M3 E46

In regular cars, either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission functions alongside the engines. In the BMW M3 E46 CSL vehicles, the SMG II transmission is used. They have special controlled transition modes. Gears are shifted automatically.

BMW M3 E46 CSL

For acceleration, perfect points are provided. The transmissions have basic gear connections with high-torque differentials. The DSC mechanism of the BMW M3 E46 CSL allows these systems to switch to individual M Track modes using a button on the steering wheel. These actions raise the thresholds for cornering.

Suspension Elements

The suspension mechanisms of the BMW M3 E46 CSL are based on typical elements of the M3 E46 cars.

But they have also undergone changes:

  • The springs have become shorter and firmer.
  • The shock absorbers have added different speeds for compression and rebound.
  • Large stabilizers in the form of stabilizers with transverse stability (3.8 cm in front), (2.25 cm in the rear) were added.
  • Rear aluminum levers have been introduced.
  • The chassis was modernized by increasing the steering control ratio to 14.5:1.
  • The brake discs have been updated with perforations. Multi-spoke, lightweight 8.5×19 front and 9.5×19 rear alloy wheels have been added. The tires have also been revamped.

As part of the weight reduction program, climate control and audio system mechanisms were removed from the cars. However, they were installed for interested buyers at no extra cost.

From June to December 2003, 1358 BMW M3 E46 CSL cars were produced. Of which 823 cars had left-hand drive, and 535 had right-hand drive. The spiritual successors of the BMW M3 E46 CSL are the BMW M3 E92.

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