[Redd]

I doubt you will get high values for this CSL simply because it's no longer a CSL without the SMG tranny. Remember collectors assign value to how original the car is. Doesn't matter if its faster/better with a stick. It didn't come from factory that way, therefore it isn't a real CSL and isn't worth what other CSLs will fetch.

[KevinM]

Absolutely fantastic. Not that we in the US can obtain a E46 CSL, but every time I read about the car, I so much wish it was offered with a manual transmission. Yes, I have driven the E46 M3 with an SMG quite a bit (it was my loaner when my car was in for service at my indy for a while). Additionally, my Z4M coupe has the S54 engine with a MT (the only transmission offered) and it is a fantastic combination.

Although I am not planning on trading my M2C for he M2CS, I'm very glad M is offering this car with a manual transmission. Save the manuals.

[Psychotic Mouse]

The SMG is the same a a manual gearbox except that it has electronics/hydraulics controlling the clutch and gear changes.

I think it adds value to make it manual, but it’s wouldn’t be that hard to just covert it back to Auto if you wanted to.

[Darth One]

So Autocar makes their own video to answer the question that Drivetribe poses, but refuses to answer, in their own earlier video

This thread will probably devolve into yet another SMG vs manual argument, but I would agree with the premise of the video. Can't imagine another M car worth having over this one.

It would be funny to own one just to utterly confuse the so called purists. Am I supposed to be upset at this car because he ruined the originality? Or should I be happy because save the manuals??

[123Britt]

Originally Posted by Darth One

So Autocar makes their own video to answer the question that Drivetribe poses, but refuses to answer, in their own earlier video

This thread will probably devolve into yet another SMG vs manual argument, but I would agree with the premise of the video. Can't imagine another M car worth having over this one.

It would be funny to own one just to utterly confuse the so called purists. Am I supposed to be upset at this car because he ruined the originality? Or should I be happy because save the manuals??

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by Mrgunfun

No they are not, they are awesome on the track, you have no idea

I guess your opinion, which is in the minority, is fact? You have no idea what my history is with SMG. It may work for you. Congrats.

[brad850csi]

It isn’t like there is only 10 CSLs in the world - there are enough out there to allow people to make them their own quite happily without compromising the entire fleet of CSLs out there. At the very least I think it is cool that people are doing it to offer a bit more variety out there.

It’s a bit like F81 M3 conversions. Sure it doesn’t make it a real M3 and won’t appeal to everyone but if the individual wants to do it to suit what they want - all power to them.

And just to piss everyone off - I’d put an S65 4.4 in it hooked up to a 6MT if I was building a CSL with a reasonable budget.

[Dr.Sommer]

Brilliant idea for next project - E92 M3 GTS 4,4l DCT out, 6MT in...

[Rupes]

Originally Posted by Redd

I doubt you will get high values for this CSL simply because it's no longer a CSL without the SMG tranny. Remember collectors assign value to how original the car is. Doesn't matter if its faster/better with a stick. It didn't come from factory that way, therefore it isn't a real CSL and isn't worth what other CSLs will fetch.

I'm excited the owner, David, didn't give two shits about what others/collectors/resale values had to say about his car, and made it the way he liked it. So I would say it does matter if it's faster/better since he's the one that gets to drive it.

I personally would pay more for this "modification" to the original if it was well done.

[adc]

Apparently Ferrari F430 conversions from the F1 transmission (single clutch just like the SMG) to manual are becoming very popular, and are actually increasing the value of the car.

If I were lucky enough to own a CSL, I would do the conversion to manual, and never ever sell it. I would literally drive it into the ground, or pass it along to my son when I die.

Too bad the stupid US bureaucracy won’t allow me to import one. I’d do it today.

[adc]

Originally Posted by Dr.Sommer

Brilliant idea for next project - E92 M3 GTS 4,4l DCT out, 6MT in...

They are way too costly to purchase (limited numbers made), and the conversion is harder to do since the DCT is a totally different transmission.

The SMG conversion in the CSL keeps the actual transmission, and simply removes the pump/actuators and adds the clutch pedal and shifter mechanism.

But I bet it would make an amazing car...

[123sub]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Not that we in the US can obtain a E46 CSL

2028

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by 123sub

2028

I'll start saving.

[last1left]

WOW!! M3 CSL 6MT a dream car would own it over any other M car produced.

[slackworth]

I absolutely loved the CSL in its standard form - SMG gearbox was a bit ropey so in a manual it would be insane!

[Moflow]

Originally Posted by Psychotic Mouse

The SMG is the same a a manual gearbox except that it has electronics/hydraulics controlling the clutch and gear changes.

I think it adds value to make it manual, but it’s wouldn’t be that hard to just covert it back to Auto if you wanted to.

This. People talking about how its a transmission swap are misinformed. The transmission is still the same, just the clutch and shifting mechanisms are changed. I can't imagine this will diminish the value of the car at all.

[jaysone90]

E46 suffered from many things.

[Mrgunfun]

Originally Posted by Haywood

I guess your opinion, which is in the minority, is fact? You have no idea what my history is with SMG. It may work for you. Congrats.

It's really case by case in terms of reliability.
Did you have the SMG car from new? I am asking because most people never learn how to use SMGs "correctly".
Therefore when the cars are passed down to the next owner, they break down and owners complain about.
I am a 2nd owner and never had an issue with the SMG so far,
people are actually shocked by how smooth it is when they ride in my car. I know how to make it not "jerky".
Performance-wise, they are awesome. That was my point.

[Obioban]

[TPS65]

Great idea to do the swap. There'll always be arguments for and against both transmissions, I personally love it.

At the end of the day great to see someone actually enjoying it as it was designed to be.

[lnwlf7]

Originally Posted by Haywood

I guess you haven't driven an e46 with a SMG. They are shit.

From petrolheads point of view I agree that the transmission isn't ideal.
Anyhow here in switzerland it would be very hard to sell a modified CSL.
Further the most people buy the cars to be garage queens and not to really drive the cars.

[Alx007]

Originally Posted by lnwlf7

From petrolheads point of view I agree that the transmission isn't ideal.
Anyhow here in switzerland it would be very hard to sell a modified CSL.
Further the most people buy the cars to be garage queens and not to really drive the cars.

Interesting point.

I am in Switzerland and the most difficult part is finding someone willing to do it.

My trusted mechanic knows how to do it, but he doesn't want to modify a CSL.