BMW E46 M3 - Legend Eternal
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
home
E46 M3 Coupe and Convertible Forum General E46 M3 Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-30-2020, 01:03 PM   #1
AndrewC1989
Brigadier General
AndrewC1989's Avatar
United_States
10904
Rep
4,537
Posts

Drives: 2015 328d xDrive
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: NoVA

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
E46 M3 CSL Converted To Manual | Driven by Carfection

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
Appreciate 6
      03-31-2020, 02:08 PM   #2
nachob
Brigadier General
United_States
2307
Rep
4,341
Posts

Drives: 2004 330i ZHP, 2022 Cayman T
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California

iTrader: (5)

The perfect BMW in my humble opinion. Always loved the CSL as the best of breed except for the gearbox choice and I applaud them for doing it. This was a worthwhile modification and great to see.
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2020, 02:10 PM   #3
Eddien123
Colonel
United_States
1849
Rep
2,553
Posts

Drives: F30 335 6MT
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Would've definitely been easier to just convert a regular M3 to a CSL BUT... awesome nonetheless
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2020, 02:17 PM   #4
Briskstan
Enlisted Member
Briskstan's Avatar
United_States
47
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: 2006 M3 ZCP, 2013 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Would've definitely been easier to just convert a regular M3 to a CSL BUT... awesome nonetheless
My thoughts exactly! Still a legend though
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2020, 03:05 PM   #5
antzcrashing
Brigadier General
antzcrashing's Avatar
United_States
1875
Rep
3,200
Posts

Drives: 2018 BMW 440i GC
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Eastern MA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by nachob View Post
The perfect BMW in my humble opinion. Always loved the CSL as the best of breed except for the gearbox choice and I applaud them for doing it. This was a worthwhile modification and great to see.
Remind me, was the CSL having SMG or DCT?
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2020, 03:12 PM   #6
19x
Banned
19x's Avatar
United_States
460
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

iTrader: (1)

The e46 M3 CSL was often praised as the best BMW. And while I always liked the concept, the SMG-only config was a complete bust. So much so that I'd always pick a standard E46 M3 over it.

That was until manual swaps became more common. It finally makes sense to own a CSL.
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2020, 04:52 PM   #7
Sedan_Clan
Law Enforcer
Sedan_Clan's Avatar
Brazil
24810
Rep
22,222
Posts

Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ..in your rearview!!!

iTrader: (26)

Love this! NOW it's the most perfect E46 M3. It should've been offered with three pedals to begin with.
Appreciate 1
nachob2307.00
      03-31-2020, 04:54 PM   #8
Sedan_Clan
Law Enforcer
Sedan_Clan's Avatar
Brazil
24810
Rep
22,222
Posts

Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ..in your rearview!!!

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by antzcrashing View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by nachob View Post
The perfect BMW in my humble opinion. Always loved the CSL as the best of breed except for the gearbox choice and I applaud them for doing it. This was a worthwhile modification and great to see.
Remind me, was the CSL having SMG or DCT?
SMG II.
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2020, 05:12 PM   #9
antzcrashing
Brigadier General
antzcrashing's Avatar
United_States
1875
Rep
3,200
Posts

Drives: 2018 BMW 440i GC
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Eastern MA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by antzcrashing View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by nachob View Post
The perfect BMW in my humble opinion. Always loved the CSL as the best of breed except for the gearbox choice and I applaud them for doing it. This was a worthwhile modification and great to see.
Remind me, was the CSL having SMG or DCT?
SMG II.
Ahh, I can see the need for drivetrain swap then
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2020, 05:14 PM   #10
Sedan_Clan
Law Enforcer
Sedan_Clan's Avatar
Brazil
24810
Rep
22,222
Posts

Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ..in your rearview!!!

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by antzcrashing View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by antzcrashing View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by nachob View Post
The perfect BMW in my humble opinion. Always loved the CSL as the best of breed except for the gearbox choice and I applaud them for doing it. This was a worthwhile modification and great to see.
Remind me, was the CSL having SMG or DCT?
SMG II.
Ahh, I can see the need for drivetrain swap then
Even if it were DCT, manual lovers would feel the need for a drivetrain swap. The CSL not being offered with a manual was the biggest turn off for me and many other enthusiasts.
Appreciate 3
      03-31-2020, 09:43 PM   #11
nachob
Brigadier General
United_States
2307
Rep
4,341
Posts

Drives: 2004 330i ZHP, 2022 Cayman T
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by antzcrashing View Post
Remind me, was the CSL having SMG or DCT?
It was SMG... and did not age gracefully unlike the car that is still "the ONE" for me. Especially like this. This wasn't really a "mod" it was a "correction" in my humble opinion. Like when Ferraris for VWs got hideous US bumpers in the 70s and 80s. I don't consider that mod, but more of a correction.
Appreciate 2
Sedan_Clan24809.50
      04-01-2020, 01:29 AM   #12
chris719
Major General
7272
Rep
7,252
Posts

Drives: '08 M Roadster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Would've definitely been easier to just convert a regular M3 to a CSL BUT... awesome nonetheless
Are you sure about that? I don't know if I agree. The SMG to MT swap has been done before on E46 M3s. It shouldn't be too hard since the SMG gearbox is basically the same.


Seems like it would be hard to source all the genuine CSL parts and quite expensive as well.
Appreciate 4
      04-01-2020, 02:20 AM   #13
performance_outlaw
New Member
performance_outlaw's Avatar
Poland
12
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 3x E46M3, F32 435i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Poland

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 435i  [0.00]
2002 E46 M3  [0.00]
2003 E46 M3  [0.00]
2005 E46 M3 Competi ...  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Would've definitely been easier to just convert a regular M3 to a CSL BUT... awesome nonetheless
Are you sure about that? I don't know if I agree. The SMG to MT swap has been done before on E46 M3s. It shouldn't be too hard since the SMG gearbox is basically the same.


Seems like it would be hard to source all the genuine CSL parts and quite expensive as well.
I agree with you. SMG II to manual, is not expensive - as you can sell SMG pump and parts, it requires low mechanical skills, diy vids and pages are everywhere, tranny stays the same you just mill.

Now converting regular to CSL - interior is hard to find, swapping cfrp roof dosen't seem like an easy task, suspension, brakes, diff, steering, wheels... oh yes if you own competition model you may take brakes and steering from the list 😂
__________________
2002 M3 Carbon/Imola
2003 M3 Black/Black
2005 M3 Competition Interlagos/Cinnamon slicktop
2015 435i MPPK, MPE and Mdiff Alpine White/Coral
Appreciate 2
FreeDarko217.00
slovad85.50
      04-01-2020, 08:38 AM   #14
Eddien123
Colonel
United_States
1849
Rep
2,553
Posts

Drives: F30 335 6MT
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Would've definitely been easier to just convert a regular M3 to a CSL BUT... awesome nonetheless
Are you sure about that? I don't know if I agree. The SMG to MT swap has been done before on E46 M3s. It shouldn't be too hard since the SMG gearbox is basically the same.


Seems like it would be hard to source all the genuine CSL parts and quite expensive as well.
I just meant weight reduction and a few exterior parts. Of course sourcing genuine parts would make it far more expensive and difficult
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2020, 09:16 AM   #15
SYT_Shadow
///M Powered for Life
SYT_Shadow's Avatar
11421
Rep
10,294
Posts

Drives: E90M/E92M/M4GTS/M4GT4/X5M
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Greenwich, CT

iTrader: (2)

Very cool.

Timing didn't work out but I planned to buy a CSL in Spain and keep it there as my summer car to eventually bring to the US. And it would have been manual-swapped for sure
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2020, 10:11 AM   #16
Obioban
Emperor
Obioban's Avatar
1611
Rep
2,753
Posts

Drives: M3, M3, M5, M5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Chester, PA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW M5  [0.00]
2017 BMW i3  [0.00]
2005 BMW M3 Coupe  [0.00]
2001 BMW M5  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Would've definitely been easier to just convert a regular M3 to a CSL BUT... awesome nonetheless
Spoken like someone who has absolutely no idea what they're talking about.
__________________

2005 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Wagon, 2001 M5 Sedan, 2008 M5 6MT Sedan, 2012 128i M sport

Last edited by Obioban; 04-01-2020 at 12:24 PM..
Appreciate 1
AndrewC198910903.50
      04-01-2020, 10:19 AM   #17
Eddien123
Colonel
United_States
1849
Rep
2,553
Posts

Drives: F30 335 6MT
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Obioban View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Would've definitely been easier to just convert a regular M3 to a CSL BUT... awesome nonetheless
Spoken like someone who have absolutely no idea what they're talking about.
Has* but yeah you're probably right I really wasn't too into the bmw scene around the spawn of the E46. In America we never got it so in my case, yeah it would be easier to just shave weight off of a standard e46 m3
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2020, 12:21 PM   #18
ParkNuts
First Lieutenant
99
Rep
370
Posts

Drives: 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Has* but yeah you're probably right I really wasn't too into the bmw scene around the spawn of the E46. In America we never got it so in my case, yeah it would be easier to just shave weight off of a standard e46 m3
Ok, but you said *convert* which has now been changed to shave weight. Ginormous difference.
Appreciate 1
AndrewC198910903.50
      04-01-2020, 12:28 PM   #19
Obioban
Emperor
Obioban's Avatar
1611
Rep
2,753
Posts

Drives: M3, M3, M5, M5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Chester, PA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW M5  [0.00]
2017 BMW i3  [0.00]
2005 BMW M3 Coupe  [0.00]
2001 BMW M5  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Has* but yeah you're probably right I really wasn't too into the bmw scene around the spawn of the E46. In America we never got it so in my case, yeah it would be easier to just shave weight off of a standard e46 m3
SMG ---> conversion takes around 10 hours of work and ~$1000 in parts, most of which you can recoup by selling your SMG pump.

Making an M3 CSL weight, with CSL mindset (read: 50:50 weight distro and not ruining the car by gutting it or putting an obnoxious zero weight "muffler" on it) is tens of thousands of dollars worth of parts and dozens of hours of work. Beyond that, "convert" (which is what you actually said) would take that cost to more than a new M3, and some parts are NLA these days.

Said as someone with a ~CSL weight/mindset (a little lighter but not 50:50) e46 M3, that's converted a couple e46 M3s from SMG to 6mt.
__________________

2005 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Wagon, 2001 M5 Sedan, 2008 M5 6MT Sedan, 2012 128i M sport
Appreciate 2
Eddien1231849.00
AndrewC198910903.50
      04-01-2020, 12:34 PM   #20
Eddien123
Colonel
United_States
1849
Rep
2,553
Posts

Drives: F30 335 6MT
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ParkNuts View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Has* but yeah you're probably right I really wasn't too into the bmw scene around the spawn of the E46. In America we never got it so in my case, yeah it would be easier to just shave weight off of a standard e46 m3
Ok, but you said *convert* which has now been changed to shave weight. Ginormous difference.
Alright are you bored? Like relax dude haha
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2020, 12:40 PM   #21
ParkNuts
First Lieutenant
99
Rep
370
Posts

Drives: 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddien123 View Post
Alright are you bored? Like relax dude haha
You were bored enough to be grammar police
Appreciate 1
AndrewC198910903.50
      04-02-2020, 09:43 AM   #22
eljay
Colonel
1423
Rep
2,116
Posts

Drives: ///M + E91
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NS

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GodfatherNiko View Post
Oof, who the hell needs two kidneys anyway?
The only place you need them is between the headlights!

Loving this conversion and the story.
Makes me want to run out and buy that bootlid and front bumper somewhere.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:53 AM.




e46m3
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST