The production of all vehicles will take around three months. Each and every one of them is created with
absolute dedication to excellence in craftsmanship and precisely coordinated technologies in an elaborate
manufacturing process at the external location of the BMW Group Dingolfing plant in Moosthenning, Lower
Bavaria. The exclusive interior carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are produced by hand
both in Munich and at the BMW Group component factory in Landshut by specially assigned bodywork
specialists.
A specific process was also conceived for the paintwork of the BMW 3.0 CSL, in which craftsmanship and
state-of-the-art technology complement each other to provide each individual part with its characteristic
colour design. In addition, a team of 30 specially qualified and experienced technicians is responsible for
the configuration and assembly of the vehicles. Due to the complexity of the processes in the manufactory,
each BMW 3.0 CSL passes through eight assembly cycles at just as many production stations, a
procedure that takes up to 10 days in all.
All in all, the extremely high proportion of individual manual work means that the time required to assemble
a BMW 3.0 CSL is many times higher than that of a conventional BMW M automobile. After completion in
the manufactory, each vehicle also undergoes a multi-stage quality inspection and approval process at the
main Dingolfing plant before it is released for delivery to the customer. The BMW Group Plant Dingolfing is
the company’s largest European production site. In addition to several BMW M automobiles, the luxury
sedans of the BMW 7 Series and body components for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars are produced there.
The successful touring car – a role model in its time.
As the reincarnation of a legendary sports car both for the racetrack and the road, the BMW 3.0 CSL
possesses all the characteristics of a puristic car. It embodies the joy of classic driving and an awareness
of the traditional roots of BMW M GmbH in a uniquely exclusive form. Its eponymous role model is
considered the first automobile to carry the DNA for maximum driving pleasure and passion, an
unmistakeable feature of BMW M automobiles to this very day. In the founding year of BMW Motorsport
GmbH, it was developed for use in touring car competitions, where it became the most successful racing
car of its era.
The racing version of the historic BMW 3.0 CSL won the European Touring Car Championship during its
inaugural season in 1973 – and repeated this title win five more times in succession from 1975 to 1979.
Drivers such as Toine Hezemans, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Chris Amon and Niki Lauda left the competition
behind at the Nürburgring and numerous other circuits, followed by BMW’s first victories on US circuits as
early as 1975. All these successes helped the works racing cars to gain international popularity.
“Coupe, Sport, Lightweight construction“: New interpretation of a legendary formula.
The road version of the racing car, which was developed for homologation purposes, became a widely
known symbol of inspiring driving pleasure focused on the essentials, especially in its final stage of
development. CSL – this combination of letters in the model designation stood for “Coupé, Sport, Leichtbau”
(Coupe, Sport, Lightweight), a concise summary of the two-door car’s recipe for success.
In addition to wide wheel arches, its coupe-shaped body also received an eye-catching aerodynamics
package, which included a front spoiler, air bars on the front side panels and a roof spoiler. Completing the
design modifications vs. the other coupes in BMW large series was a rear wing that optimised the grip of
the rear wheels. It was not approved for road use and therefore lay in the boot when the vehicle was
delivered, but nevertheless received much public attention so that the Coupe was given the nickname
“Batmobile”.
With an increased displacement of 3,153 cubic centimetres and a maximum output of 151 kW/206 hp, the
most powerful straight six-cylinder engine with direct injection ever used in a BMW model ensured sporty
power delivery. The powerful drive system was combined with refined suspension technology. Its unladen
weight was just 1,270 kilograms.
The reduced weight was achieved through comprehensive lightweight construction. The doors were made of
aluminium, as were the bonnet and the boot lid, which were supported on filigree retaining rods after
opening. Numerous other body components such as the roof, side panels and luggage compartment
partition were made of particularly thin sheet metal, and the chrome bumpers were replaced by plastic
skirting. Lightweight bucket seats and the omission of insulation material, power steering and electric
windows ensured optimal weight reduction. An overall power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 kilograms per horsepower
was thus achieved.
The new BMW 3.0 CSL is the contemporary reinterpretation of all these features anchored in its model
designation. Its coupe-shaped body sets traditional accents for sporty elegance and expressive dynamics.
Its drive and suspension technology stems from the latest developments for racing cars and
high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH. And the intelligent lightweight construction reaches an
outstanding level, above all through the extensive use of carbon. The power-to-weight ratio of the BMW 3.0
CSL is a mere 2.9 kilograms per hp.
As an independent model from BMW M GmbH and despite the limited number of units, the BMW 3.0 CSL
has undergone a complete series development process. In addition to the extensive quality and function
tests and the driving dynamics tuning test drives under a wide range of conditions from city traffic to country
roads and motorways to the race track, the BMW 3.0 CSL has also undergone comprehensive
aerodynamic testing. Around 200 working hours were spent on optimising the airflow and aerodynamic
balance of the vehicle, including 50 hours in the wind tunnel of the BMW Group’s Aerodynamic Test Centre.
In addition, two pre-production vehicles of the BMW 3.0 CSL had to undergo a safety test in the form of a
frontal and a side crash test in order to meet road legal requirements.
Unique, M-typical design, geared to the technical demands of fascinating performance.
With its classic coupe proportions and a traditional vehicle concept that combines a front engine and
manual transmission with rear-wheel drive, the BMW 3.0 CSL follows in the footsteps of its historic
ancestor. Distinctive air deflection elements, powerfully shaped wheel arches, a striking rear spoiler and
numerous other details are unmistakably based on the design of the legendary coupe from the 1970s.
At the same time, its appearance is characterised by the principles that have always applied to BMW M
automobiles: 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. In this way, the BMW 3.0 CSL expresses timeless racing passion in an emotional and
authentic way.
Powerful aesthetics pay tribute to the historical ancestor.
Power and athleticism are signalised by the front end of the BMW 3.0 CSL, which sits low on the road. At
its centre is the distinctive BMW kidney grille with a lattice-shaped insert in a diamond structure. Its upright
position relates to the front design of its historic ancestor. Like the side window surrounds, the kidney frame
is finished in satin aluminium – a design feature that emphasises the special status of the BMW 3.0 CSL.
Together with the BMW kidney grille, two generously dimensioned recesses in the front apron, reminiscent
of the air intakes on the 1970s model, ensure reliable cooling of the drive and brake systems even in
extremely dynamic driving situations. Sculpturally shaped air fins on the bonnet accentuate the classic
lines.
With their flat contours, the headlights create the characteristic focus on the road. The BMW Laser Light
headlights shine in yellow, both during the welcome scenario after unlocking the doors and when the low
and high beams are activated, thus making reference to successful GT racing cars. This detail is a subtle
reference to the strong connection with motorsport and BMW M GmbH’s currently most successful
competition vehicle, the BMW M4 GT3, which won both the drivers’ and team championships in the DTM in
2022 and whose power unit is based on the same straight-six engine as the power unit of the BMW 3.0
CSL. The BMW M4 GT3 achieved championship success right at the start of its racetrack career, much
like the historic BMW 3.0 CSL, which once won the European Touring Car Championship in its inaugural
season.
Viewed from the side, the long bonnet and wide wheelbase lend the BMW 3.0 CSL an appearance that is
both sporty and classically elegant. The brand-typical coupe proportions in a three-box design also
contribute to this. Particularly wide, diagonally offset side panels and wide side walls underline the dynamic
appearance of the coupe even when stationary, with an air deflector extending along the roof line.
Wide wheel arches, central locking wheels produced exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL’s tyres.
Muscular wheel arches give indication of the large track widths that contribute significantly to the vehicle’s
high cornering dynamics. They offer space for the forged light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design, these being
20 inches on the front axle and 21 inches at the rear. With their filigree spokes, a gold-coloured paint finish
in the style of the 1970s and a centre lock, they represent a highlight in terms of design and driving
dynamics adapted directly from racing. The integration of the model-specific wheels into the pre-assembled
axles of the BMW 3.0 CSL is part of the manufacturing process at the BMW Group's Dingolfing plant. At
930 Nm, the torque applied during the assembly of the centre locks achieves the highest value for a BMW
Group production vehicle.
The forged light-alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin tyres developed exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL. They
bear the number 50 embossed on the tyre sidewalls, providing another subtle reference to the anniversary of
BMW M GmbH, on the occasion of which the special model was designed and built.
A tail wing in the style of the “Batmobile“.
The rear view of the BMW 3.0 CSL is also characterised by powerful aesthetics and reinterpreted design
features of its ancestor. The most striking feature is the rear wing, which is enclosed at the side and
translates the characteristic appearance of the “Batmobile” into a modern design language. Designed to
generate additional downforce and thus optimise traction on the rear axle, the air deflector encloses the
entire rear section, thus becoming a dominant visual element. For the benefit of aerodynamic balance, it is
combined with a strongly pronounced carbon diffuser in the rear apron, thereby optimising airflow in the
underbody.
The four tailpipes of the exhaust system, which are arranged in an arrow shape in the centre of the rear
apron and feature a particularly lightweight titanium rear silencer, also provide a striking accent. The rear
lights of the BMW 3.0 CSL use innovative lighting technology to generate a fascinating, exclusive night
design and a particularly vivid radiance. This is achieved by filigree laser light threads that appear to be
free-floating inside the lights and create an expressive 3D effect through precise superimposition.
Elaborate paintwork in the style of classic racing cars.
Right from the very beginning the 1970s, BMW Motorsport GmbH became imprinted in fans’ memories not
only thanks to spectacular racing successes, but also through an unmistakable appearance. Just like the
competition cars, the drivers’ outfits, the vehicle transporters and all other team equipment featured uniform
stripes in blue, purple and red on a white background – a novelty at the time and a globally recognised
trademark to this day. The BMW 3.0 CSL picks up on this tradition with a paint finish in Alpine white uni
and an elaborately applied stripe decor in the BMW M GmbH colours. The lines on the body effectively
reflect the dynamic surfaces, thus bringing to the fore the powerful aesthetics of the coupe even more
clearly.
Both the base colour and the M stripes, known in technical jargon as livery, are applied largely by hand,
involving an extremely high level of time and effort. A total of 22 individual parts are painted in a process
specially designed for the BMW 3.0 CSL. Particular attention is paid to a highly precise arrangement of the
areas of the body surfaces and livery stripes finished in visible carbon. In general, most of the exterior in
Alpine white uni comprises carbon components, which are hand-painted by specialists. The high-tech
material is only visible in the lettering on the roof and on the rear wing. For this purpose, these areas must
be exposed during the painting process. In order to precisely position the livery stripes in the BMW M
GmbH colours, the painters use masking by means of laser projection as well as customised contour films.
Each component with a livery paint finish has a throughput time of six working days. During this time, it
completes up to eight paint processes, each with the necessary intermediate work steps such as sanding
and masking the colour stripes. This results in a total of 134 paint processes for each vehicle, adding up to
a total of 6,700 manual work sequences in the paint shop for the entire small series of the special model.
The number sequences on the doors and roof of the BMW 3.0 CSL, designed in the style of early racing
cars, build a bridge from the past to the present. Their design in the style of racing numbers is based on the
historical model of the first BMW M automobile developed for touring car racing, whilst the number 50 refers
to the anniversary of BMW M GmbH. Another reminder of the 1970s are the two BMW logos positioned on
the C-pillar, hence directly behind the counter-swing of the side window graphic known as the Hofmeister
kink.
The most powerful straight six-cylinder power unit ever used in a road-legal BMW M automobile.
The BMW 3.0 CSL features the most powerful straight six-cylinder engine ever used in a road-legal BMW M
automobile. This is also a tradition: in its final stage of development, the predecessor of the same name
marked a new record with an engine output of 151 kW/206 hp – not only for six-cylinder models, but for all
BMW production vehicles produced up to that point.
Since then, the straight six-cylinder engine with M Power has undergone an impressive development.
Engines of the same design mobilised an output of 204 kW/277 hp in the BMW M1 as early as 1978 and
250 kW/340 hp in the second-generation BMW M5 from 1991. The fifth-generation BMW M3 was launched
in 2014 with a 317 kW/431 hp straight-six engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology.
The straight six-cylinder engine of the BMW 3.0 CSL possesses the same technological roots as the power
unit of the current DTM winning car. The 3.0-litre power unit offers spontaneous high revving thanks to the
typical M high-revving concept and comprises, among other things, an extremely rigid crankcase in a
sleeveless closed-deck design, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head core featuring 3D
printing technology. The cooling system and oil supply are also designed for extremely dynamic driving
situations. For its championship win in the DTM, the BMW M4 GT3 was powered by a version of the latest
straight six-cylinder engine with around 600 hp which, in its version designed for large-scale production in
the current models of the BMW M3/BMW M4 series, delivers up to 375 kW/510 hp.
The version of the drive system with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which was further developed
exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL, mobilises a maximum output of 412 kW/560 hp. The new record for
straight six-cylinder models from BMW M GmbH with road approval underpins the special status of the
vehicle. Its engine develops a maximum torque of 550 Nm and fascinates with a linear power delivery up to
a maximum speed of 7,200 min-1.
6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive for particularly intense driving pleasure.
To transfer the drive power to the road, the developers of the BMW 3.0 CSL used a concept that has been
tried and tested for decades for maximum driving pleasure and intensive interaction between driver and
vehicle. The straight six-cylinder engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox whose spread and
transmission ratios are ideally matched to the performance characteristics. Precisely defined gear shift
travel enables fast and precise gear changing. The gearshift knob made exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL
protrudes from the centre console and is a luxurious accessory. It immediately arouses anticipation for the
manual gearshift, lies snugly in the hand and, with its white surface, the engraved gearshift diagram and the
number 50, is reminiscent of the beginnings of BMW M GmbH in the 1970s. A tribute to modern technology
is the shift assistant, which uses a connection speed control to ensure slip-free clutch engagement after
downshifting when braking for corners. It can be activated or deactivated by the driver.
In traditional manner, the drive torque is transmitted to the road exclusively via the rear wheels of the BMW
3.0 CSL. For ambitious use on the race track, the driver can use the typical M linear build-up of lateral
acceleration forces to steer the vehicle through bends with controlled drift manoeuvres. 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. For example, traction is optimised on
roads with different friction values for the right and left rear wheels. When accelerating dynamically out of
bends, the driver receives noticeable feedback on the grip potential on the rear wheels and can thus
optimally dose the use of the accelerator pedal.
Suspension technology tuned exclusively to each model, including M carbon-ceramic brake
system and M Traction Control.
In the configuration of the suspension technology as well, state-of-the-art technology has been combined
with a methodology for the harmonisation of all components that has matured over five decades. 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 integrated application of all drive and chassis systems took place during intensive test drives on public
roads as well as on race tracks, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which has been the ultimate testing
ground for all BMW M automobiles for 50 years. Prior to testing, engineers at BMW M GmbH had designed
and optimised the digital image of the BMW 3.0 CSL in every detail in a computer-aided design and
development process. By incorporating virtual reality and other digital processes, it was possible to
accelerate the series development process to the maximum extent. This detailed simulation and tuning
process took into account the model-specific dimensions, vehicle weight and axle load distribution, the
extremely high rigidity of the body and suspension connections as well as the aerodynamic balance of the
BMW 3.0 CSL to ensure from the onset that typical M combination of agility, dynamics and handling
precision.
Powerful deceleration performance, optimised fading stability, outstanding thermal stability and extremely
high wear resistance are offered by the M carbon ceramic brake system. It combines six-piston
fixed-calliper brakes and ceramic brake discs measuring 400x38 millimetres on the front axle with
single-piston fixed-calliper brakes and 380x28-millimetre ceramic brake discs at the rear and features
red-painted brake callipers. The M-specific design of the integrated braking system allows two
characteristic pedal-feel curves to be displayed, which can be selected in the M Setup menu.
With the M Traction Control function, the driver can individually set the intervention thresholds of the wheel
slip limitation. Ten levels are available for this purpose, and complete deactivation of the driving stability
control is also possible via the M Dynamic Mode. The BMW 3.0 CSL is thus perfectly prepared for
experiencing puristic performance on the race track.
Intelligent lightweight construction with maximum use of carbon components.
In the BMW 3.0 CSL, the tradition of intelligent lightweight construction, which has been cultivated since
the 1970s, is reformulated and reshaped using state-of-the-art technology. To reduce weight in the body and
chassis areas, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used to an exceptionally high extent in addition to
the minimal use of insulating material. BMW M GmbH is a pioneer in the use of CFRP in series-produced
vehicles. As early as 2004, it equipped a large-series model with a carbon roof for the first time.
The BMW 3.0 CSL features CFRP components on virtually all bodywork sections. In addition to the roof,
bonnet and boot lid, the front and rear aprons are made entirely of carbon. The front and rear side panel
attachments, the side sills, the rear diffuser, the rear wing and rear spoiler are also made of the high-tech
material. All carbon components are manufactured in small series, mostly by hand and exclusively for the
BMW 3.0 CSL.
In addition, a targeted selection of materials and state-of-the-art design methods also lead to a significant
reduction in the weight of other vehicle components. The roof spoiler of the BMW 3.0 CSL is made of glass
fibre reinforced plastic. The titanium rear silencer of the BMW 3.0 CSL is around 4.3 kilograms lighter than
a conventional steel component. The cast aluminium precision struts in the engine compartment, which
connect the suspension strut domes to each other and to the front end, have a geometry that has been
precisely matched to the forces acting in different driving situations. With the aid of numerical models agility
and steering precision has been optimized with a minimum of material and weight
.
Puristic sports car cockpit with M carbon full bucket seats.
Also, in the interior of the BMW 3.0 CSL the use of carbon and other lightweight construction measures
emphasise the puristic sports car characteristics. Instead of additional seats, the rear offers a storage
compartment with two integrated helmet compartments. CFRP trim in the door panels and reduced
acoustic insulation also contribute to the extremely sporty flair. The driver and front passenger sit in M
Carbon full bucket seats, which convey a highly emotional and inimitable racing feeling every kilometre of
the way. The diagonal connections between the seat surface and the backrest are reminiscent of the
construction principle of the lightweight seats featured in the historic model. Seat height and inclination can
be adjusted exclusively via a three-stage screw linkage in a workshop. The longitudinal position can be
varied manually using a lever at the front edge of the seat. In addition, the M Carbon full bucket seats offer
removable headrest inserts.
Over and above that, the interior of the BMW 3.0 CSL presents itself as a sports car cockpit that is puristic
and exclusive. Black Alcantara seat surfaces and M seat belts are combined with an M Alcantara steering
wheel, an anthracite roof liner, black Alcantara and matt carbon surfaces. Contrast stitching and other
accents in white correspond with the exterior paintwork of the BMW 3.0 CSL, the model lettering of which is
embossed into both the door sill trims and the seat surfaces. The white gearshift knob symbolises the
classic form of interaction between driver and vehicle when changing gear. The red start/stop button and the
likewise red M buttons on the steering wheel are available for activating the engine and for direct access to
the vehicle’s overall setup. The matt interior trims in a carbon fibre finish feature sequential numbering for
each of the 50 units available.
This marking, documented in the interior from #01/50 to #50/50, corresponds in each case to the
final digits of the suspension number, thus representing a clearly visible and authentic reference
to the individual vehicle identity.
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