The standard M3 E46s sounded raspy, the CSL is on another level. Loved hearing them being revved back in the 2000's when they were new, the only car to sound like that.
The only car that still sounds like that. All modern M3/M4/M2 sound muffled or farty no thanks to the turbos and the exhaust. Shame really as the mechanical rasp is forever gone.
E46 M3 was the best car BMW have ever made: simply superb in all respects. The CSL just gave it another edge. I am very jealous of a neighbour who has an almost identical one to the one you drove, sitting on Pilot Cup 2's
What a great video well done Joe... Every time I get in my E46 M3 it makes me smile, the look the sound and the rawness of the E46 makes it such a intoxicating experience, and something I never become tired of, I even go the long way home to get a longer drive in it.. I would love have a drive of the CSL to compare how much better it is... if anyone is even considering buying a E46 M3/CS/CSL Then go and drive one and I promise you will not be disappointed, they are going up In value all the time.. don’t miss out on a already modern classic.. They don’t make cars like this anymore... and never will make them again..
Agreeing with that I drive e46 m3 smg in gold (no pheonix yellow really just everyone says love your gold car lol. Smg gearbox Automatic or paddle shift or change manually. What more do you want .fabulous car every man should drive one of these car before you leave this earth . Amazing
Miah Yeah it was well worth it. I’ve owned many cars, and this is the only one that always puts a smile on my face. I only drive it once per week. I get lots of compliments, and people looking. I have the spacers, and it gives a wide stance. Looks amazing. I also have the borla exhaust. Sounds amazing. I will say when looking for one try to stay low miles, and inspect the subframe. Maintenance records.
My first car crush too (E46). Took Euro-delivery (I'm from Maryland) of M240x in May 2017 after ordering in January of that year. Your BMW Welt video, and the others tortured and soothed me for months before going. Traveled through Salzburg, Innsbruck, Interlaken, Lyon, and finally Paris. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm, you will be forever part of one of the most marvelous experiences of my life.
Thats what BMW should build in their M cars. NA engines, light, raw. If they want to have something for everyone they could make the "normal" Ms with the twin turbo stuff and the CS/GTS with NA engines. Just like porsche do. Carreras with turbos but GT cars with NA engines.
That's what everyone always says but these didn't actually sell that fast despite the limited run. They were 58k new and the base m3 was 39k. In the used market they were going for as little as 25k in 2008 because the reality of this car is that the gear box is woeful at anything other than 90% attack plus..They went a step further with the e92 gts and they were slated for that car. There is a lot of hero worship but I remember these cars when they were new and everyone said it wasn't worth 911 money. Similarly with the nsx , people foam at the mouth talking about them but they were considered way over priced. Short run light weight cars with bespoke parts are really expensive, the standard cars without mod cons and practicality wont sell, what should BMW do?
It's so nice to see reviews of legendary cars by a dude who is not rich af, wearing a stupid cap and sunglasses all time and living in california You are so humble man and the titles are not "OMG it finally happened" with red arrows on the thumb nail I stumbled across your channel watching the Ford Focus RS review Really enjoy your vids, keep it up
Haha well said mate 😂 Thank you, I try to be as "normal" as possible, I appreciate what RUclips has allowed me to get access to and genuinely love sharing my experiences with everyone else. Have a nice weekend! Joe
Had a drive of my Dads CSL before he sold it. Think I had only had my licence a few months. You can imagine the smile on my face! Would love one in the garage as a Sunday - Funday car!
Sport button gives you unbelievable throttle respons. I was blown away back in the day. The E46 M3 was my first M car at age 26. 14 years ago now, time flies...Still miss it so much. I now have M2 and the throttle respons is miles off compared to this beast! Bloody turbo’s. 😩
Similar story for me. Purchased mine 12yrs ago, at age 23, and never looked back, not once. Love the response with sport mode, won't roll more than an inch without it. Mine is manual in carbon black on imola red. CSL wheels, CSL front bumper, Brembo GT bbk, Eisenmann exhaust, and a few AC Schnitzer bits. Will without a doubt be fitting a CSL airbox to it at some point ($$$). Joe said it best, "intoxicating"
OMG! If I could I would give 10 thumbs up. Thanks to Joe's talent, the passion and the excitement is on both sides of the screen. The M3 CSL is a great car, maybe one of the greatest, and many videos were made about it. But this one is the best I've ever seen, period. Listen to that soundtrack! How could you ever like an electrical car knowing a petrol engine can sound like that? If I understood correctly, more video on the CSL to come. Please, please, please. The extended version, the Director's cut, the unedited... are welcome. Favorite M car: M635 csi. It sounds as good as the CSL, maybe even better.
I can listen to that sound on repeat all day. What a sought after machine and cheer's Joe for making this video, it's not everyday in present times that we come across a newly recorded CSL review.
actually the 330i has a tighter steering rack, first thing i noticed when switching to M3, it drives good, but just a notch worse than 330i thats the only downside, everything else is a step up
SMG gearbox seriously underrated, gone are the days of ridiculous costs for dealer only repairs. Now the CSL software and “mapping” can be added to any SMG equipped car and once you get the hang of it I honestly find it a pleasure to drive, it’s plenty quick enough changing when your pushing on. It is a manual without a clutch pedal though don’t be fooled, the auto mode is a token gesture and one I have only ever used once in a year of owning my E46 M3 coupe
Great video Joe. I haven’t driven my E46 M3 for over 18 months it’s sat on the drive looking very sorry for itself! This has motivated me to get it fixed and drive it again!
I think if it had a manual gearbox, it could be one of the greatest cars to have ever been made. The sound is just incredible. It sounds so mechanical. No stupid fake noises, just true mechanic straight six NOISE!!
Possibly 1 of the best videos you have made, a lot of history about the car as well , fantastic job and the fact you had the car for only a few hours is more impressive.
The greatest, most visceral and exciting car I’ve ever owned 😍 and the happiest 7 years of my motoring life so far 🤩 and mine sat on the original CSL specific Cup 1s 😎 Watching your video brings back some epic memories and makes me want another. Great to see BMW GB press office CSL still put through its paces 👍🏼🤘🏼💪🏼
A really outstanding review & amazing capturing of that engine sound. Stops me in my tracks & I just swoon every time I see an E46 M3 in any guise, especially as CSL.
Bought one a good few years back for 26k...sold it in desperate times for 18k...have felt sick ever since! Fantastic car, not that quick by todays standards but the handling/balance is amazing.
Brings back memories of when I owned one of these in 2005-6, complete with xenons, AC and radio! Used it as my daily driver. SMG was fine once you got used to it. Steering wheel replaced for a new alacantara one under warranty. Car in the video sounds like the air box isn’t actually opening fully; there used to be an issue where the switch controlling the intake flap would fail. Had mine replaced a few months in to ownership and it’s a whole different noise! Great car!
981 GT4 and E46 M3 owner (US) , I wish I could have the chance of driving a CSL, it has to be very special when is regarded as the best M car and close to a GT4 driving experience.
I think it's hard for those who haven't driven the E46 M3 to appreciate how good it really is, even by today's standards. I can only imagine how good the CSL must be. BTW, I've had my 05 for almost 4 years and I still get excited every time I drive it, which is actually pretty often.
Love the video. This generation was fantastic. I'm on the hunt for a 330i. Used to take my dad's out for a blast when I was about 18 and it was a beautiful thing to drive. Engine was superb and a real beauty to look at. M3 isn't close up my budget but what a thing!
SMG is built for those who already mastered manual shifting (heel-toe, etc) on track. It allows the driver to not think of clutch timing or the amount of blipping when focused. If you prefer daily driving fun, Id recommend manual. But for serious time attack, SMG is just amazing. It literary drops clutch like a boss and shifts faster than 99.9% of hardcore manual drivers. 2005 M3 SMGII owner here. I think Wangan Midnight's comic book explains the SMG's purpose the best. Seriously, put your foot all the way down and upshift it...you will quite literary hit your head to the seat.
Owned a standard E46 M3 in 2009 for a couple of years, with SMG2 box. To this day, still the best car I have ever driven. Simply awesome and will get myself another one soon, before they get silly money.
Only ever seen one of these and it was black, absolute beauty. The owner was shocked I even knew what it was, he opened his door and that’s how I noticed, dream car.
Amazing car and video Joe! I was fortunate enough to grow up with a CSL as a kid as my dad ran one as his daily for quite a number of years. Bought it new in 2004. I only wish he still had it now. Would love to know where his has ended up. Reg shows as SORN since 2013 so thankfully it seems it is still alive 😊
I owned a CSL when they first came out for about two years!... always remember that induction noise!.. got a m2 with the N55 engine now love the noise in that too, both different sounds though...
Mate of mine owned one in 2005, it was the lightest spec bar a single cd radio. We pulled up in the Ring car park on the hottest day of the year and within a few moments an identical (but LHD) CSL pulled in right next to him. Identical car in every details except this one had air-con installed. Oh how we laughed 😂
The best car BMW has ever made without doubt, hard to believe it was possible to improve on the E46 M3 but they pulled it out of the bag! The noise of that intake is incredible!
When you re locate the smg pump It becomes virtually bulletproof * It’s originally mounted right above the motor witch creates the brushed motor to burn up on hot laps
The induction noise is magnificent. I don't think I've heard induction noise like that on a six before. Reminds me of an old carbureted high performance inline-4 or E30 M3 DTM.
People who diss the SMG2 have either never driven one or are clueless drivers. The more time you spend with one the better you get at exploiting it. At full chat an E46 M3 SMG is fantastic
The Joe Achilles drinking game - every time Joe says what a machine/what a car you have to take a shot! Serious note, awesome vid and it’s amazing how well these have aged given others of its era haven’t done nearly as well
Great video Joe and so glad you love the CSL. I've got a CSL video in my channel (mine is black) alas with no engine sounds but I'll put another one up. You've got to get one.
When a video gets you in the right mood from the first few seconds... Good job Joe! How about doing the forgotten fun old BMW's (like E36's) or a 5 series (non-M)?
I remember this coming out and loved it at the time. Given where cars have headed in the 18 years since, I wish I’d realised just how special this was...and is....
Good Pal of mine has had one from Brand New. I’d say it’s been garaged, only coming out to play the odd Sunday - for the last 15 years. He’s a good driver, raced fiesta challenge & the Clio Cup series following the Touring Cars around the country. He’s a cracking lad as well I’m pleased for him, it’s a little nest egg, the best ones are touching £100k
I had a standard E46 M3 manual with 18" wheels. I bought it with 2k miles on the clock.When I sold it 5 years later it had done 122K and apart from incompetent service from Wood of Bournemouth it was pretty faultless.
Having to film this in a few hours must have been a bit stressful. Video turned out great in the end. Didn’t know BMW removed three boot lid mechanism to save weight. That was such a special era for BMW. Absolutely adore the E46.
I've been driving an M54 engined BMW for over 20 years (E46, E39) and now also have an E60 530i and hands down, these are the most amazing road cars I've ever driven Only criticism is, there little grunt below 4000 rpm but above that, oh boy does the car go and the exhaust note too (I have straight pipe exhaust) The E46 is the best by far though, light, nimble and quick and excellent cornering ability and the best exhaust note too
Best video yet, best real world csl review I’ve seen, didn’t realise they made it in black ! 100k subs coming soon and well deserved, 1M subs before the end of the decade and then maybe you can own all the M-legends
I owned a E46 Coupe 2.0d ..one of my favorite cars as an owner. Looked and drove great. Relativey quick (remapped) and could get 700 miles out of a tank!what I wanted was an E46 M3 - what I dreamt of was a CS/CSL..
I have a "regular" e46 M3 with a regular six speed manual gearbox and it may be the best all around car, ever. Well... it's a close tie to my S2000, but still... AMAZING car that makes me smile every time I drive it.
I always dreamed of owning the CSL - I was in love with that car. Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear did a bit on it at the Isle of Man and I was hooked. The sound is soooo good! Now I am hunting for an M2 like your Competition or a 2018. There is no BMW that checks off all the marks for me now... the M2 is the closest. Just need an exhaust and the unpopular sunroof (must have for me). I caught the vid where you replaced your exhaust 👍
Hope you enjoy the video guys, thanks for all your support as always! Whats your favourite M car of all time?
Joe Achilles my favourite has got to be a e60 m5.
Smiling right here with you! The E46! The best looking coupe / cabriolet BMW ever designed
Mazda
That blokes M3 touring you had on...
Defo the m3 csl, the 3246cc straight six is actually amazing😮
The E46 has to be the best looking coupe/saloon this is ever been released… It seems to be ageless
I loved my E46 325 ci Sport
@@chrisosborn8397 I got a 330ci love it
love the e46 (have 3), but for some reson love the look of the E92 more
Chris Osborn brilliant engine. I had a e39 touring m sport with same engine , used to sing its heart out when high up in the Rev range
E46 330ci m sport convertible owner, and love it 👊🏻 with some subtle mods....
After seeing the new M4, I came here just to wash my eyes
Bro 😂😂
The m8 is even worse. It is absolutely boring and forgettable.
@@ciaranc7460 I dont know, I think the new M8 is pretty sexy.
And your hears!
At least it hasn't got a 4 cylinder like the C63 🤭😂
My opinion is
This is the most handsome M3 ever built.
Chris Bangle was a co-designer.
Its not opinion, its a fact
The e36 is handsome. This is way more feminine
I have to agree, sometimes I feel like I prefer the E92 M3, but than I realize if I could get E46 with S65, I would take it over the other one.
This and 190 EVO (II) are most handsome sedans ever made, my opinion
E46 M3 and E39 M5 are the high point for BMW I’m afraid! ohh and the E38 for being the best looking 7 series!
The standard M3 E46s sounded raspy, the CSL is on another level. Loved hearing them being revved back in the 2000's when they were new, the only car to sound like that.
Good job you can get carbon airboxes (or even the eventuri) fitted to the standard car now. Gives you some of that roar!
@@lordgibbness have a miltek exhaust on mine with race cats the sound is unbelievable! Less raspy more metallic roar!
@@daveputtock1329 yeah I've got supersprint non res midpipe, and sport muffler on mine. Deeper tone than stock.
You could get them up to 370 plus by DMS.
The only car that still sounds like that. All modern M3/M4/M2 sound muffled or farty no thanks to the turbos and the exhaust. Shame really as the mechanical rasp is forever gone.
I was 16 when this came out and still is a dream car. Even just the normal m3 e46 or any era is a dream car for me. 👍🏼
e46 timeless on the inside and outside. simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
E46 M3 was the best car BMW have ever made: simply superb in all respects. The CSL just gave it another edge. I am very jealous of a neighbour who has an almost identical one to the one you drove, sitting on Pilot Cup 2's
What a great video well done Joe... Every time I get in my E46 M3 it makes me smile, the look the sound and the rawness of the E46 makes it such a intoxicating experience, and something I never become tired of, I even go the long way home to get a longer drive in it.. I would love have a drive of the CSL to compare how much better it is... if anyone is even considering buying a E46 M3/CS/CSL Then go and drive one and I promise you will not be disappointed, they are going up In value all the time.. don’t miss out on a already modern classic.. They don’t make cars like this anymore... and never will make them again..
The ultimate BMW Ever made!
Finally a review by someone who actually gets SMG! Thank you Joe enjoyed that one!
Agreeing with that I drive e46 m3 smg in gold (no pheonix yellow really just everyone says love your gold car lol. Smg gearbox Automatic or paddle shift or change manually. What more do you want .fabulous car every man should drive one of these car before you leave this earth . Amazing
BMW E46! M Sports, M3’s, CLS’s the best looking. Beemers period🔥
I still want an E46 M3.. let alone a CSL 😂😂
Kal Heer
I got one about 7 months ago. After so many years of wanting one.
@@gloglo1275 Was it worth it? I'm considering purchasing one early next year. Anything in particular to look out for when buying?
Miah
Yeah it was well worth it. I’ve owned many cars, and this is the only one that always puts a smile on my face. I only drive it once per week. I get lots of compliments, and people looking. I have the spacers, and it gives a wide stance. Looks amazing. I also have the borla exhaust. Sounds amazing. I will say when looking for one try to stay low miles, and inspect the subframe. Maintenance records.
Glo Glo post videos on it if it’s true!
Absolutely go for it 😎👍
My first car crush too (E46). Took Euro-delivery (I'm from Maryland) of M240x in May 2017 after ordering in January of that year. Your BMW Welt video, and the others tortured and soothed me for months before going. Traveled through Salzburg, Innsbruck, Interlaken, Lyon, and finally Paris. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm, you will be forever part of one of the most marvelous experiences of my life.
Ahh man this is lovely to hear thank you ❤️ Means a lot reading things like this 🙏
What a car. It has an almost timeless look to it.
Thats what BMW should build in their M cars. NA engines, light, raw. If they want to have something for everyone they could make the "normal" Ms with the twin turbo stuff and the CS/GTS with NA engines. Just like porsche do. Carreras with turbos but GT cars with NA engines.
That's what everyone always says but these didn't actually sell that fast despite the limited run. They were 58k new and the base m3 was 39k. In the used market they were going for as little as 25k in 2008 because the reality of this car is that the gear box is woeful at anything other than 90% attack plus..They went a step further with the e92 gts and they were slated for that car. There is a lot of hero worship but I remember these cars when they were new and everyone said it wasn't worth 911 money. Similarly with the nsx , people foam at the mouth talking about them but they were considered way over priced. Short run light weight cars with bespoke parts are really expensive, the standard cars without mod cons and practicality wont sell, what should BMW do?
Sadly not something worth of consideration from a sales perspective from BMW
@@dagnut They are certainly worth a lot more than 25k now!
I totally agree.
@@joebloggs4191 Dont I know it, I was very close to buying one.
Still beautiful even all these years later after production.
Great video mate! I dont think i've ever clicked on one of your videos so quickly - as like you, this car is one of my absolute dream cars!
Thanks brother, hope you're well man 👊❤️
It's so nice to see reviews of legendary cars by a dude who is not rich af, wearing a stupid cap and sunglasses all time and living in california
You are so humble man and the titles are not "OMG it finally happened" with red arrows on the thumb nail
I stumbled across your channel watching the Ford Focus RS review
Really enjoy your vids, keep it up
Haha well said mate 😂 Thank you, I try to be as "normal" as possible, I appreciate what RUclips has allowed me to get access to and genuinely love sharing my experiences with everyone else. Have a nice weekend! Joe
You just made my Day. Absolutely Amazing Sound... Goosebumps from the moment you started the Engine. Brilliant!!!
This is my hero too--too bad we never got the CSL in the United States. There are only 2 here under questionable circumstances. I want one!
As far as I know 2 here in Brazil too.
Some CSL UK owners already have converted to a 6 speed manual and mated to a custom diff. its amazing.
Had a drive of my Dads CSL before he sold it. Think I had only had my licence a few months. You can imagine the smile on my face! Would love one in the garage as a Sunday - Funday car!
Sport button gives you unbelievable throttle respons. I was blown away back in the day. The E46
M3 was my first M car at age 26. 14 years ago now, time flies...Still miss it so much. I now have M2 and the throttle respons is miles off compared to this beast! Bloody turbo’s. 😩
Similar story for me. Purchased mine 12yrs ago, at age 23, and never looked back, not once. Love the response with sport mode, won't roll more than an inch without it. Mine is manual in carbon black on imola red. CSL wheels, CSL front bumper, Brembo GT bbk, Eisenmann exhaust, and a few AC Schnitzer bits. Will without a doubt be fitting a CSL airbox to it at some point ($$$). Joe said it best, "intoxicating"
This car still looks EPIC
This was BMW's pinnacle, no question.
That’s a “proper” CSL with the halogen headlights 👌🏻
If your doing weight saving then do it properly.
OMG! If I could I would give 10 thumbs up.
Thanks to Joe's talent, the passion and the excitement is on both sides of the screen.
The M3 CSL is a great car, maybe one of the greatest, and many videos were made about it. But this one is the best I've ever seen, period.
Listen to that soundtrack! How could you ever like an electrical car knowing a petrol engine can sound like that?
If I understood correctly, more video on the CSL to come. Please, please, please. The extended version, the Director's cut, the unedited... are welcome.
Favorite M car: M635 csi. It sounds as good as the CSL, maybe even better.
The sound is the dogs nadges 👍❤️
I can listen to that sound on repeat all day. What a sought after machine and cheer's Joe for making this video, it's not everyday in present times that we come across a newly recorded CSL review.
"That's more than me at Christmas time" 😂👌👌.
First time i saw a film, where everything is said about the CSL. The description of the gearbox and the fascination while driving is spot on.
Thank you, glad you liked it!
Loved my 330ci so can only imagine what the M3 is like to drive
actually the 330i has a tighter steering rack, first thing i noticed when switching to M3, it drives good, but just a notch worse than 330i thats the only downside, everything else is a step up
@@Dofazi atleast it's faster to 330ci. But is 5,3 to 60 still considered fast these days...
Urosb82 4.5 seconds
@@renderyours510 They are probs talking about the 330
Brings back memories of my dads e46 m3 in gun metal grey. Such a great car. Have only ever seen a handful of csl’s on the road
SMG gearbox seriously underrated, gone are the days of ridiculous costs for dealer only repairs. Now the CSL software and “mapping” can be added to any SMG equipped car and once you get the hang of it I honestly find it a pleasure to drive, it’s plenty quick enough changing when your pushing on. It is a manual without a clutch pedal though don’t be fooled, the auto mode is a token gesture and one I have only ever used once in a year of owning my E46 M3 coupe
That six cyclinder engine the sound never gets old.
Great video Joe. I haven’t driven my E46 M3 for over 18 months it’s sat on the drive looking very sorry for itself! This has motivated me to get it fixed and drive it again!
The looks, the sound! Just watching this review made me grin, you lucky bastard! You are at your best behind the wheel of a BM’.
Top job!
My ultimate dream car 🥺
I think if it had a manual gearbox, it could be one of the greatest cars to have ever been made. The sound is just incredible. It sounds so mechanical. No stupid fake noises, just true mechanic straight six NOISE!!
Possibly 1 of the best videos you have made, a lot of history about the car as well , fantastic job and the fact you had the car for only a few hours is more impressive.
The greatest, most visceral and exciting car I’ve ever owned 😍 and the happiest 7 years of my motoring life so far 🤩 and mine sat on the original CSL specific Cup 1s 😎 Watching your video brings back some epic memories and makes me want another. Great to see BMW GB press office CSL still put through its paces 👍🏼🤘🏼💪🏼
Awesome video. Amazing car. As you pulled away that inline 6 sound brought back childhood memories. This is BMW.
A really outstanding review & amazing capturing of that engine sound. Stops me in my tracks & I just swoon every time I see an E46 M3 in any guise, especially as CSL.
Bought one a good few years back for 26k...sold it in desperate times for 18k...have felt sick ever since! Fantastic car, not that quick by todays standards but the handling/balance is amazing.
This is like concord it will never be surpassed its perfect!
Brings back memories of when I owned one of these in 2005-6, complete with xenons, AC and radio! Used it as my daily driver. SMG was fine once you got used to it. Steering wheel replaced for a new alacantara one under warranty. Car in the video sounds like the air box isn’t actually opening fully; there used to be an issue where the switch controlling the intake flap would fail. Had mine replaced a few months in to ownership and it’s a whole different noise! Great car!
981 GT4 and E46 M3 owner (US) , I wish I could have the chance of driving a CSL, it has to be very special when is regarded as the best M car and close to a GT4 driving experience.
I think it's hard for those who haven't driven the E46 M3 to appreciate how good it really is, even by today's standards. I can only imagine how good the CSL must be.
BTW, I've had my 05 for almost 4 years and I still get excited every time I drive it, which is actually pretty often.
I love the M3 E46 so much and I want one so bad. You don't need more than this. Love Love Love! Great video Joe!
I’ve got work tomorrow . I’m supposed to be in bed but I had to watch this video . THUMBS UP !
Love the video. This generation was fantastic. I'm on the hunt for a 330i. Used to take my dad's out for a blast when I was about 18 and it was a beautiful thing to drive. Engine was superb and a real beauty to look at. M3 isn't close up my budget but what a thing!
SMG is built for those who already mastered manual shifting (heel-toe, etc) on track. It allows the driver to not think of clutch timing or the amount of blipping when focused. If you prefer daily driving fun, Id recommend manual. But for serious time attack, SMG is just amazing. It literary drops clutch like a boss and shifts faster than 99.9% of hardcore manual drivers. 2005 M3 SMGII owner here. I think Wangan Midnight's comic book explains the SMG's purpose the best. Seriously, put your foot all the way down and upshift it...you will quite literary hit your head to the seat.
dream car! the golden age of motoring. what a great video mate! absolutely loved it and I know I'll watch it over and over and over again
Owned a standard E46 M3 in 2009 for a couple of years, with SMG2 box. To this day, still the best car I have ever driven. Simply awesome and will get myself another one soon, before they get silly money.
Only ever seen one of these and it was black, absolute beauty. The owner was shocked I even knew what it was, he opened his door and that’s how I noticed, dream car.
Amazing car and video Joe! I was fortunate enough to grow up with a CSL as a kid as my dad ran one as his daily for quite a number of years. Bought it new in 2004. I only wish he still had it now. Would love to know where his has ended up. Reg shows as SORN since 2013 so thankfully it seems it is still alive 😊
I don't care about the future M cars because the best M car has already been made. M3 CSL
Absolutely brilliant. Still our favourite M car produced. That sound! That rawness! Unmatched.
I owned a CSL when they first came out for about two years!... always remember that induction noise!.. got a m2 with the N55 engine now love the noise in that too, both different sounds though...
You have great taste in cars!
wow you are cool
Great audio, Clear Explanation, and such wonderful car and sound. Amazing video mate
This car is why BMW and especially M will always be the one
Mate of mine owned one in 2005, it was the lightest spec bar a single cd radio. We pulled up in the Ring car park on the hottest day of the year and within a few moments an identical (but LHD) CSL pulled in right next to him. Identical car in every details except this one had air-con installed. Oh how we laughed 😂
ITBs just sounds so much better when it isn't muted by a plastic intake, carbon intake just lets the sound out through so well
Peak BMW. I would take this anyway over anything BMW currently makes.
The best car BMW has ever made without doubt, hard to believe it was possible to improve on the E46 M3 but they pulled it out of the bag! The noise of that intake is incredible!
One of the few cars I regret selling. Damn, it was good. And that induction noise...
When you re locate the smg pump
It becomes virtually bulletproof
* It’s originally mounted right above the motor witch creates the brushed motor to burn up on hot laps
The induction noise is magnificent. I don't think I've heard induction noise like that on a six before. Reminds me of an old carbureted high performance inline-4 or E30 M3 DTM.
People who diss the SMG2 have either never driven one or are clueless drivers. The more time you spend with one the better you get at exploiting it. At full chat an E46 M3 SMG is fantastic
Totally agree mate 👌
I had an e46 m3, blue with black csl wheels and grilles etc, carbon intake and full stainless exhaust from front to back, one word... glorious
The Joe Achilles drinking game - every time Joe says what a machine/what a car you have to take a shot!
Serious note, awesome vid and it’s amazing how well these have aged given others of its era haven’t done nearly as well
What a car the sound is intoxicating, trouble is you want to drive full on just for the soundtrack.
Great car. My favorite M car of all time.
Dom: whats the retail on one of these?
Joe: more than you can afford pal m3 csl
😂😂😂😂
My buddy has a Imola Red E46 M3 with the manual gearbox here in LA. It’s like driving a time machine😎
Great video Joe and so glad you love the CSL. I've got a CSL video in my channel (mine is black) alas with no engine sounds but I'll put another one up. You've got to get one.
When a video gets you in the right mood from the first few seconds... Good job Joe! How about doing the forgotten fun old BMW's (like E36's) or a 5 series (non-M)?
I remember this coming out and loved it at the time. Given where cars have headed in the 18 years since, I wish I’d realised just how special this was...and is....
Best looking M3 ever made.
Good Pal of mine has had one from Brand New.
I’d say it’s been garaged, only coming out to play the odd Sunday - for the last 15 years.
He’s a good driver, raced fiesta challenge & the Clio Cup series following the Touring Cars around the country. He’s a cracking lad as well I’m pleased for him, it’s a little nest egg, the best ones are touching £100k
For me, it’s in my top 5 cars of all time
I had a standard E46 M3 manual with 18" wheels. I bought it with 2k miles on the clock.When I sold it 5 years later it had done 122K and apart from incompetent service from Wood of Bournemouth it was pretty faultless.
Great video on a brilliant car . When BMW made cars with nice grills!!
Having to film this in a few hours must have been a bit stressful. Video turned out great in the end. Didn’t know BMW removed three boot lid mechanism to save weight. That was such a special era for BMW. Absolutely adore the E46.
The best looking M3. Beautiful!
Almost at 100k subscribers! You deserve it!
Joe went old(ish) skool 👍
Exhaust note is perfect. No popping nonsense.
I've been driving an M54 engined BMW for over 20 years (E46, E39) and now also have an E60 530i and hands down, these are the most amazing road cars I've ever driven
Only criticism is, there little grunt below 4000 rpm but above that, oh boy does the car go and the exhaust note too (I have straight pipe exhaust)
The E46 is the best by far though, light, nimble and quick and excellent cornering ability and the best exhaust note too
The best looking, best sounding M3 of all...!
Best video yet, best real world csl review I’ve seen, didn’t realise they made it in black ! 100k subs coming soon and well deserved, 1M subs before the end of the decade and then maybe you can own all the M-legends
I owned a E46 Coupe 2.0d ..one of my favorite cars as an owner. Looked and drove great. Relativey quick (remapped) and could get 700 miles out of a tank!what I wanted was an E46 M3 - what I dreamt of was a CS/CSL..
Yes joe!! What a sound that thing makes 😍😍 one of these alongside my M4CS could really be garage perfection!
I have a "regular" e46 M3 with a regular six speed manual gearbox and it may be the best all around car, ever. Well... it's a close tie to my S2000, but still... AMAZING car that makes me smile every time I drive it.
I always dreamed of owning the CSL - I was in love with that car.
Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear did a bit on it at the Isle of Man and I was hooked. The sound is soooo good!
Now I am hunting for an M2 like your Competition or a 2018. There is no BMW that checks off all the marks for me now... the M2 is the closest. Just need an exhaust and the unpopular sunroof (must have for me). I caught the vid where you replaced your exhaust 👍
E46 still remains one of the best ever in the car world... I've enjoyed the 2003 ZHP for a while but I would love this model... OH YEA!!!!!!
First time I heard one was at Mallory park and that sound was intoxicating. Came close to buying one once. Wish I had
I own a manual carbon black E46 M3,owned for 12 years,thought about selling often,glad i have kept.My other car is a DCT M2C!
Bravo Joe! This car is simply mouth watering and appreciate you sharing the joy of driving a masterpiece! Spectacular review mate!
I love my CSL to bits. Thanks for making the video.