[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by Gatte

The CSL does stand for "Coupe Sport Lightweight (Leichtbau)". The club sport is what the CS could stand for.

There were a total of 1358 E46 CSLs built between June and December of 2003. Out of this, 823 were left hand drive and 535 were right hand drive (UK got 500 I think).

It looks like 250 e92 m3 GTS cars were produced. LINK

The M2 MotoGP safety car is what has me thinking M2 GTS. Honestly, I hope they make all 3!

[Artemis]

For the record (source: here):

What is the E46 M3 CSL?

The E46 M3 CSL is a special variation of the standard E46 M3 coupe that features numerous lightweight components, as well as a myriad of drivetrain, chassis and cosmetic enhancements. The "CSL" moniker denotes "Coupe Sport Lightweight" and was first used on the 3.0 CSL homologation special in 1971. A total of 1,383 E46 M3 CSLs were produced to European specification between June and December of 2003 in both left-hand drive (841 built) and right-hand drive (542 built) configuration. (This figure excludes an additional series of at least a dozen pre-production M3 CSL prototypes built between September of 2002 and February of 2003.)

The E46 M3 CSL is most notably distinguished from the standard E46 M3 by its various lightweight components. The largest of these is the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (GFP) roof panel, which weighs over 13 pounds less than its conventional steel counterpart. The front bumper support is also constructed of GFP, as is the uniquely-shaped front airdam with its single intake on the left-hand side. At the rear, the lower rear valance panel is made of GFP, while the reshaped trunk lid is made of SMC (sheet molding compound). Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is used for the rear bumper supports and this material is also "sandwiched" with thermoplastics and foam to create the trunk floor and rear bulkhead. As a final weight-saving measure, the rear window glass is extra thin. BMW claimed that the M3 CSL weighed 3,054 pounds, or roughly 10 percent less than the normal model.

The E46 M3 CSL is powered by a modified version of the usual 3,246-cc S54 inline-six that lacks a conventional mass airflow meter. Instead, the air draw is determined directly by the DME for quicker calculations. There is also a more efficient air intake system made largely of GFP and routed through larger manifolds to the circular opening in the front airdam. Further changes include modified camshafts and exhaust valves, plus a lightweight exhaust system constructed of thinner steel. The CSL-spec engine is rated at 360 hp (DIN) at 7,900 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.

The M3 CSL is equipped exclusively with the SMG II transmission featuring a special launch control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration. This is mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and M Differential Lock. Finally, the DSC system of the M3 CSL can be switched to M Track Mode via the steering wheel-mounted button. This raises the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of wheelspin.

The suspension of the M3 CSL is based closely upon that of the standard E46 M3. However, it does incorporate a number of changes, including front coil springs that are shorter by one winding, different spring and shock rates (for both rebound and compression), plus larger anti-roll bars in the front (30.8 mm) and rear (22.5 mm). In addition, the normal aluminum front control arms (shared with the standard E46 M3) are joined by aluminum rear suspension links with stiffer ball bushings. Rounding out the chassis upgrades are a quicker steering rack (overall ratio: 14.5:1) and larger 13.7-inch cross-drilled front brake rotors. Finally, the M3 CSL rides on lightweight cross-spoke alloy wheels measuring 8.5x19-inches in front (0.5 inches wider than the normal M3) and 9.5x19-inches in the rear. These are shod with special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires sized 235/35ZR19 (front) and 265/30ZR19 (rear). (Conventional tires mounted to the 19-inch forged M Double Spoke II wheels from the standard E46 M3 were also offered as a no-cost alternative.)

In addition to the aforementioned lightweight body components and unique wheels, the exterior of the E46 M3 CSL is further distinguished by a special "CSL" insert in place of the usual "M3" model designation within the decorative intake grilles on either fender. In addition, there is an "M3 CSL" badge on the trunk lid. Exterior colors were limited to Silver Grey metallic (A08) and Black Sapphire metallic (475).

Though the interior of the M3 CSL retains the standard E46 M3 dashboard (with Titan Shadow trim), instruments and general controls, it differs significantly in most other areas. The minimal door panels are constructed of lightweight GFP and lack the usual side airbags. Likewise, the center console surrounding the parking brake is also made of GFP and contains the power mirror switch that normally resides on the driver-side door. The deeply-bolstered front seats (similar to those found in the M3 GTR) have GFP backings and are upholstered in a combination of Anthracite "Reflex" cloth and Amaretta (synthetic suede). The two special individually-shaped rear seats are also covered in the same materials. The Alcantara-wrapped M three-spoke steering wheel contains only the M Track Mode switch in place of the usual audio and cruise control buttons. The parking brake handle is similarly fashioned from Alcantara and both door sills contain unique trim plates.

In keeping with the lightweight, driver-focused manner of the M3 CSL, standard comforts were limited to just power windows, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, central locking and the on-board computer. The short list of extra-cost options included only an anti-theft alarm, green-tinted windshield stripe or climate comfort windshield, velour floor mats, bi-Xenon headlights with headlight washers (washers excluded on UK-spec examples), Park Distance Control, rain sensor with automatic headlight control, automatic climate control and various cassette/CD/mini-disc radios. There were also three no-cost options available: deletion of the rear "M3 CSL" badge, a "smokers package" that included an ashtray and cigarette lighter, plus the fitment of the forged M Double Spoke II alloy wheels with conventional tires from the standard M3 in place of the CSL's cross-spoke alloy wheels with Cup tires. One final factory option was the removal of the standard 155-mph top speed limiter.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Gatte

I think I agree with almost everything here except the naming. I still think that they will bring back the 'CSL' and not the 'CS'. It will create a lot of publicity and hooplah. Some of the people who've gone away from BMW might also get enticed back.
I don't think they'll make a 2 series GTS. The GTS will probably always be the most premium car and a cut above the top 2 series version (at least that's what BMW will try to make it look like).
In 6 months time, let's come back and check who was right.

[M2 CSL]

One thing I can say is that the more I drive around my, "base" M2, the more I enjoy it and the less desire I have for a more specialized version. It ticks virtually all boxes for me, so if I make a leap for some special version it will likely just be an ego or speculative thing in all honesty.

[moveswiftly]

Originally Posted by M2 CSL

One thing I can say is that the more I drive around my, "base" M2, the more I enjoy it and the less desire I have for a more specialized version. It ticks virtually all boxes for me, so if I make a leap for some special version it will likely just be an ego or speculative thing in all honesty.

It may tick all the boxes for you, but for some the N55, suspension and other cosmetics were a deal breaker on the M2.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by chesterfan1230

It may tick all the boxes for you, but for some the B58, suspension and other cosmetics were a deal breaker on the M2.

B58 ? Did you mean N55 ?

[M2 CSL]

Originally Posted by chesterfan1230

It may tick all the boxes for you, but for some the B58, suspension and other cosmetics were a deal breaker on the M2.

Well, if it's a B58, with adaptive suspension, and M mirrors I'll pay up to 3x base M2 prices easy.

[moveswiftly]

Originally Posted by M2 CSL

Well, if it's a B58, with adaptive suspension, and M mirrors I'll pay up to 3x base M2 prices easy.

I'm really only interested in an s55

[moveswiftly]

Originally Posted by Artemis

B58 ? Did you mean N55 ?

Sorry yes you're right. Anyways, to each his own but a M2 with the S55, possibly reduced weight, full M suspension is what I'm after.

[Nine Lives]

Originally Posted by M2 CSL

Well, if it's a B58, with adaptive suspension, and M mirrors I'll pay up to 3x base M2 prices easy.

Why ? Apart from the mirrors what you've described is the m240i with (M) suspension tweeks.The B58 has been designed to be cheaper to produce as it's a modular product.So a cheaper engine than the N55 at 3× base

I can see the comments now if the M2 uses the B58.

" It's just an overpriced m240i with a tune "

[CosmosMpower]

Originally Posted by M2 CSL

Well, if it's a B58, with adaptive suspension, and M mirrors I'll pay up to 3x base M2 prices easy.

You would pay 150k plus for a 340i engine, some mirrors and electronic shocks?!?

[M2 CSL]

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

You would pay 150k plus for a 340i engine, some mirrors and electronic shocks?!?

It was a bad joke people.

[filet.M2c]

Originally Posted by Nine Lives

Why ? Apart from the mirrors what you've described is the m240i with (M) suspension tweeks.The B58 has been designed to be cheaper to produce as it's a modular product.So a cheaper engine than the N55 at 3× base

I can see the comments now if the M2 uses the B58.

" It's just an overpriced m240i with a tune "

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

You would pay 150k plus for a 340i engine, some mirrors and electronic shocks?!?

Looks like you guys have a hard time identifying sarcasm

[Msmall143]

Originally Posted by Gatte

I completely agree with synergist. From the start, the M2 seems to have been made keeping in mind a younger buyer unlike the M4/M3. If the CSL is not gonna compete with a GT4 I really don't see how they can charge that type of price. Even if it keeps up with a GT4, I really think that it'll be priced a little under it. The hardcore GTS version could go upto 95K but not too much over the price of the GT4. They also need to be competitively priced with the Audis and Mercs out there.

I really don't want the GTS. I want a CSL very similar to what the original E46 CSL was. Only thing that I would want different from that model is a 6MT.

The M4 GTS (The fastest BMW ever and completely built for the track) got a lot of stick because the ford GT350R and Chevy ZL1 (Costing less than a third of the GTS) posted better times on motor trend on the track.
BMW will not be able to justify a huge price for the M2 CS/CSL/GTS if there are cars that are less than half the price that are better at doing what BMW intends the car to do.

they can charge what they want. as much grief as they may have gotten, they still sold every one and they sold them quickly. if i was bmw i would be thinking i left some meat on the bone. The people buying the GTS are more "bmw guys" than they are "car guys".

for the money of an m4 gts there ae better performing cars. brand loyalists are the ones buying them

[MMMBRAP]

LOL at this thread.

[medphysdave]

I'm on the waitlist, but the new Alfa Romeo is tugging at me.

[filet.M2c]

Originally Posted by Msmall143

they can charge what they want. as much grief as they may have gotten, they still sold every one and they sold them quickly. if i was bmw i would be thinking i left some meat on the bone. The people buying the GTS are more "bmw guys" than they are "car guys".

for the money of an m4 gts there ae better performing cars. brand loyalists are the ones buying them

This is a poor business model. The reason there are "BMW guys" is because of the past success of BMW M and those people's trust in the company. After multiple iterations of negatively reviewed cars at high costs with increased competition (ie. better performance for much less $$), BMW will no longer be able to fall back on their brand. They have to maintain they are a leader in performance or they will be irrelevant in the performance segment in the future.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by M2 CSL

Well, if it's a B58, with adaptive suspension, and M mirrors I'll pay up to 3x base M2 prices easy.

You had to go M4 GTS territory ...

[Nine Lives]

Originally Posted by Nine Lives

Why ? Apart from the mirrors what you've described is the m240i with (M) suspension tweeks.The B58 has been designed to be cheaper to produce as it's a modular product.So a cheaper engine than the N55 at 3× base

I can see the comments now if the M2 uses the B58.

" It's just an overpriced m240i with a tune "

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

You would pay 150k plus for a 340i engine, some mirrors and electronic shocks?!?

Originally Posted by synergist

Looks like you guys have a hard time identifying sarcasm

It's been a long week

[M-Pilot]

I'd be pretty upset if I put my name down for M2 CSL and didn't get selected. So not even gonna bother... I just hope BMW replaces N55 with B58 by the time my lease is up.

[RPM2-85]

Originally Posted by chesterfan1230

It may tick all the boxes for you, but for some the N55, suspension and other cosmetics were a deal breaker on the M2.

Never understood this. The car is much more analogue, not meant to be a GT cruiser car like the M4/3 with adaptive suspension ect. True to form, perfect balance M car.

My coworker has an M3 and I absolutely hate it, from day 1 before the M2 ever existed. It sounds horrible, is not balanced at all and its a handful on the street. Not too fun to drive. In an M2 with short wheelbase, it would absolutely be too much engine. Having driven mine for a while now, I see it.

The M2 as-is sounds wonderful, real musical out the back. It has plenty of torque for anything needed on the street. The N55 in the car is actually really trick, and bulletproof for track time. Not normal N55 at all. And the price for what you get is incredible.

Theres room to get the car to 390 crank HP that BMW could easily do for a facelift. I dont think this version M2 sees a B58. Maybe the next full update in 2020.

Will there be a S55 CS with a higher price tag? Sure, possibly. But it will not be a better street car overall IMHO.

[Dee Pee]

Originally Posted by RPM2-85

Will there be a S55 CS with a higher price tag? Sure, possibly. But it will not be a better street car overall IMHO.

Totally agree. It'll be more of a track car.
I'm still going to buy one if my allocation goes through though!