BMW M is definitely enjoying its birthday year. The XM, M2 and M4 CSL were warming the M stage for what is likely the ultimate birthday toy, BMW 3.0 CSL.
To avoid confusion, the 3.0 CSL shares some architecture with the M4 CSL but it then turns the volume to 11 using racing design, technology for that ultimate BMW M car and with only 50 global units to be produced, it is one of the rarest M cars ever. The design gets distinctive air deflection elements, powerfully shaped wheel arches, a striking rear spoiler and numerous other details harking back to the design of the legendary coupe from the 1970s. The specific exterior features are based on the technical requirements in terms of cooling air supply, aerodynamic balance and driving dynamics, which form the basis for highly fascinating performance.
The front features the large kidney grille but in a design unique to the 3.0 CSL. Laserlight come standard with LED daytime lights. The lower air intakes hint at racing design with influence coming straight from the wind tunnel where the 3.0 CSL was also shaped. The bonnet features creases that run from the grille to the bottom of the windscreen for that aggressive look. Air intakes on the bonnet are placed on the outer edges mimicking the air deflectors seen on the 1974 3.0 CSL.
On to the side, the designers really put the 3.0 CSL away from the M4 models with enlarged wheel arches both front and rear as a result of wider track width. These house unique gold finish 20-inch wheels in the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. There are no wheel arch mounted air vents with those replaced by faux design lines. There is a rear roof mounted spoiler also paying homage to the original 3.0 CSL.
The rear of the 3.0 CSL is exclusive in every way to the new model with Laser tech used for rear lighting. The dominant rear spoiler is neatly and aerodynamically integrated into both the boot lid and wheel arches for a racing design. 4 large bore exhausts are mounted below a carbon fibre rear diffuser. The 3.0 CSL features aero efficient accents all around the design from front, side to the rear.
Inside, there is a strict 2 seater configuration with 3.0 CSL branded M Carbon full bucket seats.
The dashboard is taken from the M4 CSL whilst the M steering wheel is finished in Alcantara with a red line on top of the steering wheel. Climate control and audio settings will be familiar to M4 owners whilst the lack of a centre storage binnacle shows the racing and also weight saving aspect.
Power comes from the 3.0 TwinPower Turbo 6 cylinder engine which at 412kW/550Nm is the most powerful straight six engine ever fitted to a production M car. This is exclusively linked to a 6 speed manual transmission driving only the rear wheels. The Active M Differential in the rear-axle transmission also ensures superior dynamics. If necessary, it prevents torque compensation between the rear wheels and, at the same time, continuously and variably builds up a locking effect of up to 100 percent. The Active M Differential is linked to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and precisely adjusts its locking effect to the respective driving situation.
The suspension components used in the BMW 3.0 CSL represent the spearhead of development for high-performance sports cars by BMW M GmbH: a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle in M-specific design, an Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and the M carbon ceramic brake system with adjustable characteristic curves. The 50 units feature marking, documented in the interior from #01/50 to #50/50, corresponding in each case to the final digits of the suspension number, thus representing a clearly visible and authentic reference to the individual vehicle identity.