BMW M3 CSL with MANUAL GEARBOX review | BMW's greatest M car? | Autocar
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- Опубликовано: 8 янв 2020
- The BMW M3 CSL (the 2003 E46 3 Series, code-name fans) is widely regarded as one of the greatest BMW M cars, like, evs. We think so too, as you can see in our mega Autocar Heroes triple test (linked below) where we pitch it alongside an M2 Competition and an E30 M3.
But it was hampered by one thing: its SMG robotised manual gearbox.
Now, one engineer and a specialist from 'Everything M3s' in Banbury, UK, has sought to set things right, by making an M3 CSL SMG to manual conversion - and offering it for sale.
How does it change BMW's legendary, if flawed, gem?
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M3 csl and 360 challenge stradale, 2 cars that where crying out for manual gearboxes.
There is a blue 360 CS in the USA that has been converted to a manual
Agree 100%
I do agree
Daily M3 CSL + exotic 360 CS + manual gearbox = NSX
I dont see why buyer dont just buy them and swap them to manuals...
Finally, a dream combo! Wish BMW made this decision.
The E46 M3 GT-R with the V10 derived engine though. Only 10 ever made
@@alexlam24 the m3 gtr was a v8 not a v10.
@@shawnsta7779 why do you think I said derived
alexlam24 math is hard
@@veganchildsoldier9243 if I derive an equation is it the same anymore?
The execution of the swap is to be applauded. Looks fully oem
This guy is a hero for making the BMW M3 CSL truly manual 💪🔥
The gearstick throw must be insanely short cos every time he shifts towards him it looks like the stick is in neutral.
That particular short shift kit does make 4th look like it is in neutral. Other short shift kits position the gearshift pattern centered in the middle where this one is centered further up.
There are a lot of various OEM/aftermarket shifter bushings/linkages that can be used in the conversion. My (non CSL) E46 M3 has the conversion done, and F10 M5 parts were used. In neutral, the position of the lever is ever so slightly to the right. From the video, when he's in 1/3/5, it looks like the lever is positioned a little higher than usual.
R K exactly this, we’re planning to fix it, just requires getting the car back on the ramp and it’s definitely more of an aesthetic issue than it is a physical problem.
I was asking myself as to why he was in neutral ? LOL
Manual M3 CSL vs 1M Coupe :)
that would be a real battle
@@estewarrior1 1M gets it on price... for me..
@autocar please make this happen!!
Should be Z4mcouepe 2007
E46 M3 CSL
SMG ruined that car. If the M3 CSL came in a manual stock that would've been the best M car ever made... and now this particular is!
Wouldn't have made up for electric and subframe issue's that plagued the E46.
Best M car would be the E34 M5 or E36 M3 just modern enough to make your journey pleasent and simple enough to fix yourself without breaking the bank.
@@Orcawhale1 The E34 and E36 had their own problems.
@johnDomain Lol
Always had a soft spot for the z3 m coupe. I've been in one of these, it didn't feel that fast though. Did sound good.
@@RK-ed1em Yes, they do. But they arn't as critical or expensive.
So The best BMW is the one BMW didn't make. Fitting
BMW have never built their 'best car'... that is what is so frustrating about the company. M1 built by Lambo, M Z3/4 never delivered. The Greatest
engines that should have been in bespoke chassis.
@@slamtailsuspension1933 don't agree s54 probably one of the best produced engines done 220k on my Z4mcouepe and extremely happy no problems besides replaced clutch
Jose Jardim my buddy is looking to sell his black ‘06 with imola red & wood interior & 130Kmi this spring.
Slamtail Suspension m1 wasn’t built by lamb0 they. Were suppose to help but didn’t. Get your facts straight bruh. The car was designed by an Italian but that’s it.
You nailed it.they nickel and dimed and dimed and dimed and dimed ..me to death ..make one reliable 500 horse engine with a simple bullet proof tranny. Learn from Lexus and chevy.
imo, high reving NA engines deserve manual gearboxes, because one, you need to rev them out for speed, and you get immediate throttle response. A turbo engine gains lag every time you life off the accelerator for a shift, so an autobox would be more suitable.
E46 M3, still hitting the spot in 2020
Because poor people still exist in 2020
@@DuBstep115lol you might want to look at the current value of E46 CSL’s if you think it’s for poor people
Today I picked up modern classics magazine, with this very car in it .... 2 hours later this video drops ! RESULT 😂
it's been a good week, can't lie.
I would convert in a heart beat 👍
I will have children so I can sell them in order to buy this car. And i'll throw one of my kidneys in just in case
sorry I don't accept body parts or children but I could be tempted with the right amount of actual cash due to having my own small one on the way soon...
Amen nelson
Nem é tão caro kkkkk corolla novo ta mais caro brother
Nelson Ferreirinho 😂😂😂😂😂
I have a manual e36 M3 with an S54 and CSL airbox and tune 🤙 poor mans CSL but it is simply amazing 😄
This has to be the best, well everything really, bmw ever. Looks amazing, from the time their cars actually looked good, amazing engine, amazing to drive, sounds awesome, and with a proper gearbox.
Mines getting converted ASAP now
TheJoesmoe1987 get in touch with Darragh at Everything M
Well done that man! Awesome machine. Manual gearboxes will never die.
Mate your a legend. You made a great car perfect. Would have one of those all day.
Great video, great project. Congratulations the workshop and the owner. Thanks for you guys for sharing this amazing dream of piston heads like me...
Now to add a 4.1 diff and it really would be perfect and how M division wanted it out the factory
Ken Bennedy totally agreed! Watch this space
I might just do that.
@@Chappers158 wouldn't it make it too short-geared? Bit of a pain in daily use. 4000+rpm at 70mph...
@@richardharrold9736 I think you've miscalculated, in 6th it should be 3170rpm @ 70mph
@@Chappers158 I was just guessing, but don't they already pull ~3000rpm at 70?
My old man had the normal m3 but in this gun metal grey when I was young . Such a good car. I can still remember the sound of that straight six engine.
"SMG gearbox" ah yes, the sequential manual gearbox gearbox.
@RS2002 lighten up buddy. You're acting like it's past your bedtime.
by seeing this CSL , it always gave me goosebumps of lengendary BMW M3GTR
Note, you have to re:chip it as there is a built-in throttle hesitation during the SMG shift. So then it is just that little bit crisper through the gear change in manual form...check it out..
That's my new year made. 💙 One of most glorious cars ever made.
Great, LOVE IT! Every serious sports car should be available with a manual!
If I am seeing correct and that car is on 140k plus miles, gotta say its looking pretty fresh, notice how Autocar were very gentle on the car either out of respect of it not being a press car or in fear of a big bang, in fairness if these cars are maintained right and precaution measures done, boot floor, rod bearings, HGF they are pretty bullit proof and one of the best track cars still to this day and oh so capable. :)
yep almost 142k now and feeling fresh as ever. And yes, Matt was being careful because it's not a press fleet car and I was watching from the side of the road, certainly held back more than I do! It wasn't the driest of days though and it's on Cup 2s.
I remember i when i was 16 reading about this car in Car Magazine December 2003 PCOTY edition. I just adored it. Time hasn't changed that opinion.
Another brillaint one Matt!
Couldn't say why, but this car was/is one of my all time favorite looking cars. Proportions are just right.
I had the chance to try one many years ago... the SMG was not a problem because at the time, it was a great "novelty" ! But I can understand, today, with the improvment of auto gearbox (and cars becoming more and more like computer on wheels), that the owner wants to have a more "old school" feel ! It is really a natural modification.
amazing car, one of my all time favourites
The SMG aged the car. I wouldn't care about it losing value, the CSL needs a manual gearbox.
@Juden Arier my manual me was quicker than my friends smg one
I've converted my SMG to a True manual, and it's 10000 % worth it.
The best M car in my opinion ;-)
The M3 CSL is indeed great, but I think E92 M3 GTS 4.4 V8 is the best......the M5 E39 is bloody great too.
M3 GTR for me is the best and most iconic BMW car
@@Kelveron two great cars for sure. I love the E39 as well.
@@alexiscorreia4637 a brilliant beast absolutely!!! I think the more we look the more we realize how many great Ms there have been.
Well, THIS IS THE SWEETSPOT!
Congrats...
That induction sound 😍
I’ve had a lot of serious cars but I LOVED my CSL with the SMG . I’ve often wanted to go back and drive one to see how it stands up now . It’s in my top 3 drivers cars 16M Scuderia - M3CSL - 2014 Z 28
That's exactly what I'd do! And he's not the only hero: there is another one who fitted a manual on a 991.1 GT3 RS!
R8andGT3Fan amazing! is there any videofootage of this car? or an article or something?
A manual 991.1 GT3 RS is actually the 911R 😄
@@palan0004 Look for Rob Janev! There articles and a few videos on Instagram! 😍
@@juff0401 The R does not have the aero! The R was the solution for the gearbox! 😃😃
R8andGT3Fan Yeah, you’re right!
Brilliant job!
This Era of the M3 is a great cut off point, on where analog meets digital.
Great vehicle.
Pip pip cheerio David, you are now king of Camelot my good man, congratulations 🤘🏽🤘🏽 baddest fkin car on the island 👍🏽
I’ve done 2 manual conversions on E46 M3’s
It’s straightforward, even the wiring
If I were to do it again
I’d just buy a Locking Shifter, so the transmission does not need to be removed
Sehr schön!! Beautiful!!!
Perfection, but he forgot to mention how many pedals a manual has 🙃
140,000 mile, fair play!!
That’ll do pig that’ll do
thats nothing
An interesting experiment and review - thanks for sharing that. As an avid car enthusiast and owner of an identical twin CSL, I have a couple of things to add. Firstly the SMG and this car have the same gearbox, just this one is now three pedal and stick shift, to enable the changes. Secondly, the smg is not ‘agricultural’, hell it will shift in just 80 milliseconds if you wind it up. Yes it is harsh if you leave it to do all ‘itself’, however, and this point matters, once you have driven if for a while, you learn how to use it properly. Eg - I heal toe my SMG on every downshift. The factory computer does it if I don’t, sure, but if you own one and really know how to heal toe a manual, the smg loves it too, and it works much better than the computer doing it. I also do a tiny lift on upshift, as I would also never flat shift a manual, and voila, it is again, excellent.
My conclusion is the SMG change on the gearbox is a ton better than most reviewers seems to give it credit for.
My rationale for why, is simple.....they drive it for an hour or two and never learn how to actually drive it properly.......as an enthusiast, owner, successful racer of other cars etc, it’s much better than they seem to think. The e46 M3 CSL doesn’t need three pedals, you just need to learn how to drive it and not rely on the SMG computer....ie drive the SMG yourself.
Thank you!
Any E46 M3 with SMG can be converted to manual. It’s the same gearbox with some modifications to bring it back to manual. What a lovely car now. I think it will be worth more than standard CSL now.
Analog love. Is this a slice of heaven? Thanks for this in 2020 Autocar.
Like " Motown " , sometimes you can't deny the Beauty of older.
AWESOME! 👏🏼👏🏼
Please take note, Alpine. Please put a manual 'box in the A110.
I drive BMW FROM 1988 a 318IL E30 and a 320 cd e 46 from 2004...BMW for ever from ITALIA...
Francesca Fancelli stick with the old ones lad, the new ones have lost he magic at the moment :(
What a car, made even better with a manual. I still think the e46 is the sweetest spot, not just in m form, but as a whole....still look so sleek and modern today!
CSL E46 ❤️ alongside with the monstrous E92 M3 GTS . best m3's. Treasures of bmw
i am the biggest manual transmission fan, and as i bought an m3 e46 with SMG i said: i will convert it. BUT. After one year / 10000 km my mind changed. i really started to like the SMG an the new challenges it gave me. It is so much more involving and emotional to drive than any modern automatic or dkg, dsg or pdk. Because so have to do the right things to get it right. You have to think ahead of it. your foot has to be in the exact right position on the throttle, your timing must be right when downshifting. And for understanding me right, i do know how to heel and toe, i was racing 7 years an manual car with an ultra short gearbox and final drive ratio. I love to shift. But the SMG has some character, you only understand if you have a car like this, and you are willing to practice your shift action with it. if you just want to flipper it up and down, you are wrong.
Your comment is perfect. SMG is full of character and totally rewards you once you have learnt how to get the best from it. Well said.
I owner a E46 M3 track day car with CSL SMG tune, with launch control and M Dynamic mode coded. I also had a Carbon Fiber one piece lightweight driveshaft and had better race bushings all around, and something called Sprint Booster, even tho I had an Engine Ecu tune as well. I loved that car. Shift times were miles better then factory shift times and just made the car a joy in the streets or the track. I also had a Aluminum flywheel with the SMG tranny and it was even faster on shifts and even more aggressive, but it was way too much for the street so I put back the factory clutch and flywheel. I also had the same exact car but in Manual version, same color and similar suspension set up. Honestly I don’t see what the big fuss is about having a manual transmission. I guess when you don’t know how to work on the car yourself and don’t know how to improve something, manual would be better then just a stock SMG yes probably, but after I had dialed my SMG it was amazing fun. I liked it better then the new double clutch automatic, because when you down shift a SMG M3 it loads the front well and helps you turn in the corner really good, unlike a automatic transmission, because SMG has a regular Manual transmission with a regular clutch. I drove manual cars since I was a kid, I don’t miss them in heavy Los Angeles traffic at all. For the streets hands down a regular automatic is better and more relaxing, I don’t like the manual or SMG, but on the Track SMG is faster, so faster for me is always better. The only reason why so many people convert them to a manual is because they don’t want to spend money on the SMG pump to replace it after it goes bad. Cheaper to maintain. If I was to buy a E46 M3 again, I would total buy another SMG and fix it up the way I had my SMG. If you don’t own a E46 M3 or never did, please don’t respond and tell me you know manual is better then SMG. Remember to make the drivetrain lighter and SMG will be faster and more fun. Add a Sprint booster and SMG tune, to make the shifts firmer and faster. Get a Good Engine tune and the added Torque and horsepower will help.
Cracking idea
Who have done changes in DME software? What company? Are you using CSL DME whit changes in software?
You are absolutely right; with a manual transmission and clutch pedal, the driver is in complete control of the vehicle. In my opinion far too many of today's autophiles ogle over split second shifts and straight line speed. Control of a vehicle is much more than that. It's about rhythm and finesse with the driver as conductor as road conditions change to become challenging. Your points are well taken.
nice I wish they came like this from new manual is never as quick . but its about the driving experience also
Maybe the greatest ///M car combination ever! CSL + 6 MT = GOAT
you whould kind of hope they bring back the 1M and make a 1M CSL or a M2 CSL. the M2 CS is gona come soon tough.
@@rampage3337 CSL never made any sense. You could just mod the base M2 for 5-10k instead of paying insane 30k extra for bmw and they take away your radio and AC.
Just the best car on this spec!!
A dream car over there ❤
This is what driving is about: making life that little more difficult for yourself behind the wheel, so you can feel that much more alive when you nail a gearchange. It's you getting close to the limits of control over the mechanical symphony that separates you from a violent death.
Ein smg Getriebe hat auch seinen Reiz! Es ist außergewöhnlich!
Love it
The "Bitte ein Bit" Sticker got me laughing so hard.. 😂
Niels _S1000RR Those who know ;)
After 2 or 3 days, You've had enough bitburger.... But love it enough to drink it at the same place every year and miss it. Great video. I miss my 2 s54's
Manual improves every car IMO.
Even a lazy Kia SUV, even an S class, even a Tesla. For me at least, a manual is crucial to control over a vehicle.
not realy. sequential/paddle shifters are allot beter. you have the best controll when you have both hands on your wheel. trust me ones you get to the higher speeds where the car is twitchy you whant to be able to shift as fast and problem free as posible. sure stick is more fun on hill cruises or just fucking around but when it comes to actual raceing auto is the way to go.
@@rampage3337 if youre talking about racing a sequential with a clutch is best
Christopher O'Grady same here, thats why i bought an e38 with manual transmission
Unfortunately it already left me
Christopher O'Grady I used to think the same thing. In most cars I agree with what you said, but I wouldn’t say all cars.
I am a manual purist and have never bought anything but manual cars. It was the moment when I had the chance to rent a McLaren MP4 12-C and have full reign to do whatever I wanted with it for 24hrs, that I realized not all cars would be more engaging with a manual. The McLaren had a paddle shifted DCT, and after I got used to driving it, I realized how difficult that car would’ve been if it had a manual transmission. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself, but I just came away realizing that a car like a McLaren, which are very close to actual race cars, have DCT’s for a reason. They actually give the driver more connectivity than a manual would. In normal cars like what’s out on the road every day though, a manual transmission is always the better, more engaging option.
Ride Catch interesting perspective, thankyou, I’ve never driven such a powerful car so I’ve yet to understand, but I see where you’re coming from.
Ant recently did the manual conversion on a normal M3 on Wheeler Dealers, looked quite straightforward
Wonder what the cost of the conversion is, a few less sort after SMG standard e46 m3's could well end up being swapped to manual if the market value opens up further in future?
The raspy sound -- pure therapy!!!
Man that E30 still looks great!
Is there absolutely any different between converting a regular M3 and converting a CSL?
I must say now I’ve had all the latest software mods etc I absolutely love the SMG in my M3 and wouldn’t even entertain the idea of swapping it for a manual
Yes, best bmw ever made. Been fortunate to have experienced it, it's a physical experience like in a lotus in a bigger package with a 363hp 6.
People have been converting standard e46 M3’s to Manual from SMG and seeing a ~£10k lift in values. Would be interesting to see the short to long term impact of the CSL manual conversion if values follows suit
Nearly got run over by one of these,I hadn’t seen one yet and was looking out for them.I was crossing the road going into Wimbledon Wetherspoons and could hear something sounding awesome coming but couldn’t see it yet! Then it was on me came flying round the corner and I leapt for my life....picked myself up and thought well there’s my first csl.
At least you would have been killed by something nice! Mad props ensues 😎
this is a brilliant combination , BMW auto boxes have never been that good, i would only own a BMW manual gearbox nowadays , next to Porsche they make the best German manual gearboxes, thx you for this video
i have year 2000 328i, still looks pretty today
Definitely!
I was debating buying a 330Ci ZHP a while ago, but sadly it came equipped with the SMG gear box and to top it off suffered from some terrible rear end squeaking (Subframe on it's way out after a previous collision was my guess) I probably would have dealt with the rear end issues had it been a 6MT though.
What a noise - glorious !!
A while back I wanted an M3, not an M3CSL, just an M3, I went for a manual because on the forums they said go for a manual because the robotised box was so jerky, not a smooth change, I never regretted my choice, the car put a big grin on my face every time I drove it.
Perfect 👌
I see 140000 miles on the odo! Well done, it ain't no garage queen!
Walter Spiga no need to be. I like manual but when you swap the CSL the value is already ruined. It’s the truth ppl want original.
I have an E46 M3, and even after having 400whp STI’s, the M3 is by far a more enjoyable car to drive. Aside from a few of it’s issues such as rear subframe mounts, the car is fantastic. I lowered it on some Ohlins and did a big brake kit from Stoptech (4 pot / 2 pot), and at our local time attacks and race days (Montreal - iCar), i’ve never felt anything so planted and balanced.
When i was 15 i sat on the driver seat and i was so impressed with it. When i was 19, i bought a E36 and at my 20, i bought a 320Ci. Best car ever
Genius!!!
THIS is my dream car. 😍
Keep dreaming
Perfection.
2nd best version of a perfect M3 out there. 1st goes to any s50b32 swapped e30 M3.
Great and brave move to go manual in CSL, Does M track function still on or off as wish after manual conversion??
曾宗鴻 yes everything functions exactly as it should
why would you not do this if you have the money? The forum people can shut up
Now is Perfect 👍
What dreams are made of 👌
I loved my 128I , manual off coarse.
This is the real driver machine..👍
@RA
I want to know more about the prototype CSL ecu do you know about it or can get it
what a classy car! This is the car I lusted while growing up. Somehow the current crop of BMW cars don't seem this good :-/
Did the owner of that M3csl not appear on a Harry Garage video where he converted a 928 to manual shift?
Great upgrade to the best M car ever. Will only add immense value and appeal. In the next life I'll have one.
Now perfect with that box 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌