Excellent idea James I’ve always stood by the e46 as being the best and the Csl the ultimate version of this. The manual swap is actually really not too difficult as the gearbox itself is the same box and the pedal box is available for this platform everything is available and ready
Although I'm totally sold on manual shifting - especially for sports cars, IMO on such a cult-status car it's better to leave it and keep it as close to the original as possible.
Valentin Pavlov forget cult following. Do what will make you happy. Afterall you bought the car not to get approval from purists but to have an exhilarating drive. Do you!
@@sbscottw it's not ''awful'', it needs maintainance as with any other automatic transmission. Anyway the 6-speed manual is much better, I don't argue on that, my point was that in such a car keeping it most original possible is a must.
CSL owner here. For the track, which the CSL was designed for, SMG II was the right choice. If you want to take granny to the bakery every morning then a manual would probably make more sense. At the end of the day it's completely up to you to convert or not.
If values go truly mental in the future then you can just put the SMG back in - see people converting old M3 Evo track cars back to road spec for example. So I wouldn’t worry about it. Cars are to be driven and enjoyed. Late 90s early 00s is a sweet spot for analogue feeling cars that have excellent dynamics... more like this please! 993 RS....?
Problem is the software update after the conversion to manual . Is a bit of a hit and miss affair .. unless you install computer box of standard e46 manual m3
@@r129r16pfl Changing the box to a manual would absolutely hurt the resale value. It's a collectors car and collectors (for the most part) want their cars to be as they came from the factory.
Sacrilege? Definitely not. Putting a manual in a CSL would make that car so much better. You'd be building the car that the fans always wanted BMW to build! It's always nice to look back at the cars we loved as youth! Fantastic way to start to new year! Great video lad! Cheers mate!
In my opinion, the cars built in the 90s and (early) 00s are the best cars ever made. The cars from that era are aesthetically pleasing and have a timeless vibe. Designs were simple and not unnecessary complicated. The electronics weren't interfering with the pureness of the driving experience and every car had some sort of rough edge to them. Modern day cars are too perfect overall, too easy to drive, and can be too extreme in a way. Cars such as the Mercedes-Benz W124 500E, W211 E55 AMG, W204 C63 AMG, BMW E46 M3 (CSL), MINI R53 Cooper S (GP), Volvo 850 (T-5)R and Peugeot 205 GTI are some of the first cars that come to mind when looking back at that era. All these cars offer a distinct and pure driving experience in their own way, and definitely have their flaws - maybe that's what made them this good. Anyway, creating the ultimate E46 by swapping the SMG for a manual seems like the perfect project for this year!
Absolutely, I drive a 99 miata and it's one of the joys in my life. Just hop in, slam the door and engage the clutch. I can feel every leaf on the road, the wind in my hair, life is just good in a 90's shitbox.
I check my notifications and see MrJWW standing next to my all-time favourite M Car?? I dont think ive ever clicked on a video so fast. Happy New Year sir!
Absolutely agree! I enjoy engine sound but it seems the manufacturers have a bias toward exhaust as of late. The M2 Competition falls into this category. The M3 CSL was not sold in North America and likely a great deal of red tape to get one. I’d swap the tranny for a manual one too.
HNY James. Would love for this type of content to continue at least once a month. I love your usual supercar content but every now and then I want to see something I can afford in this life time.
I think you should drive a Alfa Romeo SZ, a Aston Martin DB7 GT, a Ferrari 355 Berlinetta, A Lamborghini Diablo, A Porsche 993 GT2, a Mercedes 190 E 2,5 16V Evo II, BMW M3 E30, Lancia Delta Integrale, Ford Escort Cosworth, Dodge Viper, Lotus Esprit V8. Probably some others as well but these were the ones i could think of right now. Finally a good video again.
Make is a Viper ACR in there and toss in a 71 Chevelle SS and you have a nice eclectic mix. And maybe just for fun a new Shelby GT350 as I think he would like that flat plane crank engine.
When I saw the title on your channel, I was nervous if you would "get" the CSL but I was gladly surprised to see that you're actually a proper BMW Fanboy and "got" it. I love mine, despite the SMG. One other car from my collection which you should consider to cover is E36 M3 GT. One of only 356 made and the ancestor of the CSL with first Carbon used M car. Let me know if you would like to drive mine. Would be happy to help. Keep up the amazing work.
Driven34 abi bir sene sonra burada senin yorumunu görmek beni hem çok sevindirdi hem de çok şaşırttı. Çünkü geçenki canlı yayında smg’nin cesilin karakterine daha uygun olduğunu söylemiştin ve bu beni senin çok uzun zamandır takipçin olan biri olarak çok şaşırtmıştı. Umarım kafanın bir ucunda hala manuele geçme düşüncesi vardır abi çünkü trde bu işi yapabilecek biri varsa bence sensin. inşallah bir sonraki cars on sundays’te senle tanışma şerefine nail olurum. Kusura bakma abi uzun oldu ama umarım görür ve okursun. Takipçilerin olarak seni çok seviyoruz
Didn’t know you were a BMW man, respect it,🤙🏼 I love my E93 M3. I feel like theses older M3s with naturally aspirated engines are gonna hold their value or eventually go up once they hit that 20yr mark
There’s something special when you wake up and the first thing to see is that MRJWW just uploaded a new video featuring your favorite car. GOALS. 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼
In Brazil, people will buy an E46 M3 with SMG. Wait for it to break in some expensive way (Salmon relay aside), then simply convert it to manual using OEM parts. Nowadays, there are some shops here that will convert SMG to manual quite easily (not cheap, but fair cost).
It would be great for you to revisit some more modern classics, so many cars out there with character. My suggestions would be TVR 4.5 Cerbera, TVR Sagaris, Lotus Evora 430, BMW E34 M5 (3.8 version), Alpina B6 3.5S (what the E30 M3 should have been), manual BMW 850 CSI, BMW E36 M3 GT (the green one), BMW E60 V10 M5 (that'd make a nice manual conversion, the USA got one), Audi B5 RS4, Audi B7 RS4, Audi R8 GT (another manual conversion target), Honda NSX R, Mercedes CLK DTM AMG, C63 AMG Black Series - I could go on, but you get the idea. Yes please MORE of this type of content and NO to mobile phone reviews.
A few ideas for you: 1. E39 M5: Perhaps even more visceral, certainly more muscle car-esque, than the E46 M3. That V8 is absolutely stunning. 2. Honda S2k: Few cars can rev to 9000 and still be relatively reliable. This is arguably one of the finest mass-market sports cars to ever come out of Japan 3. Honda NSX: Needs little introduction. 4. Ford GT: A proper 'merican supercar from back in the day. Pure as hell, with loads of 'quirks and features' (shoutout Doug DeMuro) to boot 5. Carrera GT: A lot of collectors have really been singing this car's praises lately. I don't disagree; what's not to love about a mid-engined V10 Porsche that puts the love of god in even the best drivers? As for the manual conversion, absolutely go for it! I drive an E46 M3 manual and adore it. I wouldn't get the standard shifter though - they're a bit 'rubbery', for lack of a better term. Lots of aftermarket ones available that'll do this car far more justice.
Supercars Hunter - My pal has a genuine CSL and my M3 looks as good, sounds as good and is just as quick. May not be a CSL but the smile is just as big and I change gear and heel & toe my own shifts. CSL badge gives bragging rights but I’m not too fussed.
Run a Z3 rack in mine, which is 2.5 turns, or a purple tag rack in 3 turns. An easy modification and no negative effect on DSC. Personally I just don't see the point of knocking £k's off the value of a genuine CSL when a regular M3 can do the same job with some well known modifications.
Body-kitted 316-shed csl has engine mods plus parts you can’t get without csl vin and ownership and to get some of the parts like csl air box and to make it work right plus the software you looking into the thousands so losing might not be worth it.
For anyone who hasn't been in a CSL, this video does the sound absolutely no justice at all, the sound goes right through you and I think the air box is an essential upgrade to every s54🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Watch out for e46 M3 rear subframe cracks. Easy to deal with but get it done. I know the SMG II gearbox is not brilliant but it is part of the CSL package, if you do convert it please keep the SMG running gear in a sealed crate to return it to original when you’re done with it.
The sound itself isn't just from the carbon fibre airbox, these N/A M engines also have individual throttle bodies, which creates an incredible induction sound that's normally blocked by the plastic intake PS. Convert a CSL to manual or a manual M3 to CSL, either way works
Great first video of the year and yes please find some old classics and document them for us.... my first car was a mk2 golf, would be amazing if you could find a mint example.....
PROPERLY well done, James. You're genuinely at your best when doing segments like these. It doesn't need to be a super/hyper car either, as evidenced by this effort. Without reading the comments below for redundancy I'd nominate the following handful of examples that would be entertaining for you to run through the Cotswolds and make a video with: The Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II / the Ford Escort RS Cosworth / the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta / the 2006 John Cooper Works MINI GP (Gen 1) / the 993 911 Porsche 4S / the 964 Porsche Carrera (narrow body). I'd explain why for each, but this post is long enough already!
James, there is a way to keep the OEM smg gearbox on a m3 csl and delete the automated clutch by installing a CAE shifter on top of the smg box and installing a clutch pedal.
Its a bit more complex than that though, the core gearbox is the same manual/SMG, so you are dropping the automated clutch and installing the manual pedal/releases, etc, *but* it also requires work to modify/machine the bellhousing for manual gear selection. Thats a tough thing to get done accurately and few even specialists are keen to do it, check out Lang Racing in the US they have had good success … will make for a pretty perfect CSL IMO ;)
Craig Morgan yes, the bellhousing needs to be swapped or machined. People that have only done the self centering shifter report that it isn't the same and feels sloppy compared to a properly done conversion.
As first videos of the year go, this one is a gem. A car I love, a genre of cars I love (fast with 4 seats) and the perfect balance of talking and engine melody. Loved it! More old-school fun road cars please James 😎
...and that's why i am loathed to get rid of my E46, it's a wonderful car to drive. My girl has a brand new BMW 3 series that is a lovely machine with all its tech but I still love flying around the back roads of Lincolnshire in my old one that gives a great driving expereince! Happy New Year everyone!
Thanks for the great video on a great car. It would be great to see more like this (relatively recent classics). I'm a fan of this era of M cars and agree this would be a fantastic manual car. If you love it and are happy funding it, I would do it! Happy New Year JWW. Enjoy 2019.
Owned mine for 11 years love it so much bought another one that's caged with ap racing brakes and intrax ik2 full supersprint exhaust system and recaros with full harnesses now that's a beast.
It would be sacrilege. The CSL was the fastest iteration of the E46 M3 because of SMG. You wouldn't get that famous 7:50 Nurburgring lap time with a manual. I noticed you didn't take traction control off, you have to do that to get the "S6" shifting mode + sports mode on. It's proper quick!
DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!! And after you're done with the manual conversion of the csl, go for a manual conversion of the 360 CS. Those 2 would pretty much be my dream garage.
You’d be better off making a CSL type car out of a standard manual E46 than making a manual car out of a CSL. You’ll spend less money, and be left with a good car that someone will want to buy off you afterwards. You’d be doing well to give a manual swapped CSL away, the market for these wants originality. Would also get more of a video series out of building a CSL type car from a manual, as you’d have more things to change compared to just a gearbox swap.
@@guvernator23 I am sure the value will drop a lot. As an example, you can find one CSL being sold in Germany right now, which was RHD car swapped to LHD with only and solely original parts. And it's price is 25% lower (regarding to higher selling car).
@@johnDe5tr0yer So what? James has the money to do it, and it is a cool project. Nothing would ever get done, if value of things was always the main thing.
@@guvernator23 I provided a reaction to your statement that the price will not drop much. The price will drop a lot percentually. If it costs 20 units or 2 million units, it does not matter. I did not imply that James does not have money. Also I did not imply he should not do it. I am not here to argue with you, either. Trying to rectify such modification on CSL under false premise that the price will "not drop that much" is simply not right and not correct. You should have written a comment with other attitude/insinuation. I basically read your comment with this premise in mind: "he should do it no matter the cost or price devaluation, because it will be HIS car and for him, it will be unique and special". Only responded have I to a part which simply is incorrect.
Love the e46 CSL, but it should have always been a manual. If you want a truly awesome project a BMW M5 E61 touring manual would be ‘next level’... I think it would be the only one in the world and a manual mated to that glorious V10 in the form of a wagon would be something truly unique and wonderful.
This video shouts out to me, Chris Harris, and that's something you should be proud of. The same level of information, the same personal touches, the pure petrol head ethos. Your video breaks / cut scenes are the same, if not better quality, You could easily slot into a role on Top Gear and the world would love you. I think you are truly testing the water with us here for true car journalism content on your channel, and it's a big YES from me.
Interesting additional direction for the channel. I must confess, the endless array of cars I'll never afford on the channel, whilst cool to watch, was getting a bit samey in some ways. A real driver's driver investigation of cars that deserve more attention than they've had would be really interesting.
Big E46 fan. I had the 320 with the 2.2 Straight six and it was one of the most comfortable cars to drive fast or slow. The arm rest was at the perfect height as well lol. If you ever wanted to drive my old Boxster S you are more than welcome. Sound different to other bosxters as I've had a custom exhaust fabricated, so pure 3.2 Flat six from 4k revs is amazing!
Nice video - and I agree that there isn't enough footage on RUclips about these cars and invariably due to it's rarity, it leads to some inaccuracies being given over as facts ;). Firstly, the seats are adjustable for rake, but you have to take them apart to do so. They are loosely based on the Recaro SPG (but without the harness mounts in the back or sides) and therefore have the same side mount system (hidden by the plastic panels), so you can adjust the rake to one of three different positions if you're prepared to get your hands dirty, but it requires the seats being removed from the car to do so ;). With regard to the lazy gear box, I noticed in the video that you didn't have the traction control disabled. To access the fastest shift mode (S6), you can only do this by turning the traction off, which like an old 90's video game, gives you access to a hidden menu on the dash, where you can only then access the fastest shift speed (80 milliseconds). It's still no DCT, but the aggressiveness of the gearchange makes you fear for the subframe / diff LOL. The reason for the gearbox was not a design fad, but purely to go as fast as possible around the Nordschleife. The remit was sub 8 minutes and a manual gearbox would not have achieved that, so SMG with it's considerably faster gear changes than a manual was the only option to achieve this goal (which it did with a 7.50, which is still fast by today's standards and took BMW years to beat with a comparable four seater car). The steering feel is also tyre dependent and as the car's chassis was designed around the stiffer sidewalls of the original full-fat Cup tyre, fitting tyres of a lower spec reduces the feel (especially at speed). The power is actually 360PS (355bhp) and like the normal M3's 343PS (338bhp) is often misquoted ;). The weight saving is invariably more than 110kg, as that is the minimum difference for a zero optioned M3 against a zero optioned CSL , where most M3s are actually around 1570kg with the usual options, and a normal CSL weighs just over 1400kg, with only the "unicorn" (zero option) cars weighing the stated 1385kg, where only 7 of the 422 UK cars got specced to that low level. My own car is 1398kg, but fully optioned up, that required the Supersprint LWR system which removes 15kg and adds even more noise (104dB static noise test LOL). The CSL is more than the sum of it's parts and was faster than any of it's contemporaries of the day. The 360CS allegedly had 60PS more power and less weight, but was slower around the 'Ring by some 5 seconds (with the exact same driver). I will never sell mine.....
I know it’s not easy to get a ride in either of these, which is probably why content is so minimal... But 993 GT2 + Toyota 2000gt (the twin cam variation) Godspeed buddy✌️
CSL is incredible car and engine, almost F1 like sounds, stunning induction noise. It was most powerful naturally aspirated 3.2 straight-six engine at that time. Standard M3 was no where near CSL. Sublime!
Define word "fan", since you can be a fan, but never owned or even driven any M car, other thing are you a fan of F1 and seen many generations of it, since videos does not do justice. I have driven straight piped CSL for many years and it sounded a lot like old era V12, specially automatic. Same as E60 M5 had a specific high revving tone reminding of a specific F1 era and F1 in general. In the end, straight piped sounded a lot like F1, when talking F1 in general, of course not exactly as it does not rev over even 10K rpm. It is a comparison to somewhat similar sound, just like some 5 cylinder engines sound a lot like V10. I remember there used to be a lot of videos and comparisons of brutally loud straight piped CSL's, maybe they are still up.
@@TheChazas ive had an assortmet of bmws, incl m3s. Nothing related to f1 Sorry. Some specific exh set up, load point and rpm for a split second might resemble a tone...still not f1. Not even close.
Of course I love super/hypercar content, but nice from you to share your words about a car we could buy!!! I am clearly a 'audi guy' but I have a lot of respect for this BMW... I agree about the gearbox btw I would love to hear about the first rs/quattro audis + what happened with the 'tuned' S1? Ps: sorry if my english isn't that good/clear I speack french (belgium)
This channel just got even greater, that car is a thing of beauty! Love that you have such a vast variety of cars on the channel, keeps things from getting stale. Looking forward to future videos!
Strip it out further, make it manual and convert it to a track only, track day car then take it round Brands Hatch. That car is perfect for that circuit! Oh and in answer to your last question, a classic Aston Martin, possibly Zagato if you can get your hands on one!
yesssss man! thanks for doing this video!! That's the kind of car we wanna see. If you have the opportinity to bring them to your channel, then do it!!! New cars make me cry! After 70 years developping the internal combustion engine, now they want to shut it down, can't belive! Long life to the older cars!
Owned a csl for 8 years (typically 3 years max for me so defo a special car). When CSLs first came out, BMW couldn’t get rid of them. You could pick up nearly new for £40k (list c£60k) - nuts how things have changed and most are now probably garage queens Good knowledge - couple of points - don’t think there was ever a sat nav option (zenons, aircon, cd, rain sensor wipers are most of the options you could spec them with) - the seat incline can be changed - three settings but u need a spanner 🔧 -turn traction control off and it unlocks a faster smg change speed Great review 👍
Suggestion for future review - lancer vi Tommy makinen edition. This was an awesome car too and also a classic these days. The 4 wheel drive was just immense and point to point probably one of the fastest cars at the time. Would just eat up B roads - nothing could really touch it !
At my MINI & BMW dealer today in Cahir in Ireland and the owner of the business has his own CSL in the showroom. A fabulous car !! Great video James, really liking the new series of videos 👍
Definitely seeing a bit more love and reviews of older cars without all the electronic assistance. The e46 m3 was on the cusp of that change. Great car!
Great idea James, there was no RUclips back then so we've never seen reviews of these kinda cars besides one or two programmes , your onto a winner of an idea
Great review. Suggestions: BMW E34 M5 3.8; BMW E28 M5; Mercedes 190e Cosworth 2.5 16v; Volvo 850 T5R or 850R wagon; Audi Quattro RS4 Avant B5 twin turbo; 2004 Audi RS6 Avant; Mercedes W124 Hammer 6.0 Estate (if you can find one); 2006 Dodge Viper RT10 and or RT10 coupe (the first gen); Jaguar XJR6 4.0 supercharged; Porsche 997 GT3RS 4.0 manual (what and engine)...
I love the pure mechanical engine sound of that CSL, no fake nonsense played through the speakers. I like your idea of video series exploring these cars from not that distant past which are now becoming the true classics. I’d love to see a video comparison of your current GT3 with 996 GT3 for example, to explore how it has evolved over the years, if the driving experience is better in the latest car or not really. Btw all the best in 2019 and I look forward to new awesome videos 👍
Do it! 80k+ miles means its not a collectible so there is no reason to "keep it stock" for resell purposes. The actual Gearbox for the SMG and the Manual is actually the same so the conversation is not as difficult as most people think. Quite a few shops in the States do that kind of conversion and I think there's even a youtube video on how to DIY it. Other iconic cars that "Set the tone" for every modern cars we have? hmm... To me, things that defined "modern" cars in terms of performance and feel are: 1) turbocharge direct injected engine, 2) Double clutch gearbox, and 3) electric steering. I believe VWs were the first to incorporate all 3 in their cars...
"Is the way forward backwards?" what a brilliant question James, I believe cars had more soul back in the day!!
BMW 1M... Perfection! Not too technically advanced but had all the things u really neededn
Bmw already has a car like this. The M1
Lasted longer too
Excellent idea James I’ve always stood by the e46 as being the best and the Csl the ultimate version of this. The manual swap is actually really not too difficult as the gearbox itself is the same box and the pedal box is available for this platform everything is available and ready
Although I'm totally sold on manual shifting - especially for sports cars, IMO on such a cult-status car it's better to leave it and keep it as close to the original as possible.
Valentin Pavlov forget cult following. Do what will make you happy. Afterall you bought the car not to get approval from purists but to have an exhilarating drive. Do you!
Lanre Oladejo Not a matter of cult following, but respect for the original configuration of the car.
@@bumpyroad3251 Valentin, have you driven or owned an E46 M3 SMG? If you have, then you know this transmission is simply awful.
@@sbscottw it's not ''awful'', it needs maintainance as with any other automatic transmission. Anyway the 6-speed manual is much better, I don't argue on that, my point was that in such a car keeping it most original possible is a must.
This is so unexpected, please do more of this! Loved it
Please review older cars... So much more character than these modern computers on wheels!
@Dancing Bear you didnt understand his comment?
The sound of this car is so magnificent!
Got love a i-6
mighty
How about stop replying on every video
CSL owner here. For the track, which the CSL was designed for, SMG II was the right choice. If you want to take granny to the bakery every morning then a manual would probably make more sense. At the end of the day it's completely up to you to convert or not.
You just became a bigger legend! This car is insane...
If values go truly mental in the future then you can just put the SMG back in - see people converting old M3 Evo track cars back to road spec for example. So I wouldn’t worry about it. Cars are to be driven and enjoyed. Late 90s early 00s is a sweet spot for analogue feeling cars that have excellent dynamics... more like this please! 993 RS....?
Problem is the software update after the conversion to manual . Is a bit of a hit and miss affair .. unless you install computer box of standard e46 manual m3
@@MJarthur95 Now that would be sacrilege.
I know a guy with air-cooled 911 RSs and he loves his 993 RS more than any 911
Totally worth it, + add 4:10 diff ratio, this mod will not hurt the resale value, because SMG gearbox it the weakest link in this car.
@@r129r16pfl Changing the box to a manual would absolutely hurt the resale value. It's a collectors car and collectors (for the most part) want their cars to be as they came from the factory.
Sacrilege? Definitely not. Putting a manual in a CSL would make that car so much better. You'd be building the car that the fans always wanted BMW to build! It's always nice to look back at the cars we loved as youth! Fantastic way to start to new year! Great video lad! Cheers mate!
In my opinion, the cars built in the 90s and (early) 00s are the best cars ever made. The cars from that era are aesthetically pleasing and have a timeless vibe. Designs were simple and not unnecessary complicated. The electronics weren't interfering with the pureness of the driving experience and every car had some sort of rough edge to them. Modern day cars are too perfect overall, too easy to drive, and can be too extreme in a way. Cars such as the Mercedes-Benz W124 500E, W211 E55 AMG, W204 C63 AMG, BMW E46 M3 (CSL), MINI R53 Cooper S (GP), Volvo 850 (T-5)R and Peugeot 205 GTI are some of the first cars that come to mind when looking back at that era. All these cars offer a distinct and pure driving experience in their own way, and definitely have their flaws - maybe that's what made them this good.
Anyway, creating the ultimate E46 by swapping the SMG for a manual seems like the perfect project for this year!
Absolutely, I drive a 99 miata and it's one of the joys in my life. Just hop in, slam the door and engage the clutch. I can feel every leaf on the road, the wind in my hair, life is just good in a 90's shitbox.
You are exactly right! They were also reliable enough and their build quality was just as good too!
Oh my god, so excited for you to drive a car like this instead of the exotics
100% agreed :-)
This cost a lot more than you think tho
vr- 46 this. Much more interesting.
@@aarondavis2256
It doesn't cost 'Superb car' money though,
At least it's a value that is attainable by the more common man ;-)
NORTHWEST RC CLUB I recently saw one for sale in my country(Taiwan). It cost around 200k USD. probably 100k in the US?? Maybe
I check my notifications and see MrJWW standing next to my all-time favourite M Car?? I dont think ive ever clicked on a video so fast. Happy New Year sir!
Do it! Manual CSL! 😎
You know a car is good when it has more intake sound than exhaust sound! CSL is such a legend!
Absolutely agree! I enjoy engine sound but it seems the manufacturers have a bias toward exhaust as of late.
The M2 Competition falls into this category.
The M3 CSL was not sold in North America and likely a great deal of red tape to get one. I’d swap the tranny for a manual one too.
James... DO IT!!!
Needs to be 3.5 liters then it would be the ideal specification.
Totally worth it, + add 4:10 diff ratio, this mod will not hurt the resale value, because SMG gearbox it the weakest link in this car.
@@r129r16pfl Also the rear sub frame is a big weakness that needs repair and strengthening.
HNY James. Would love for this type of content to continue at least once a month. I love your usual supercar content but every now and then I want to see something I can afford in this life time.
I think you should drive a Alfa Romeo SZ, a Aston Martin DB7 GT, a Ferrari 355 Berlinetta, A Lamborghini Diablo, A Porsche 993 GT2, a Mercedes 190 E 2,5 16V Evo II, BMW M3 E30, Lancia Delta Integrale, Ford Escort Cosworth, Dodge Viper, Lotus Esprit V8.
Probably some others as well but these were the ones i could think of right now.
Finally a good video again.
Yes!!
Now that's a list full of Golden content right there! :-)
Make is a Viper ACR in there and toss in a 71 Chevelle SS and you have a nice eclectic mix. And maybe just for fun a new Shelby GT350 as I think he would like that flat plane crank engine.
I think you should shut your face
Maybe add a Audi Sport Quattro and a BMW M1 those where milestones too
When I saw the title on your channel, I was nervous if you would "get" the CSL but I was gladly surprised to see that you're actually a proper BMW Fanboy and "got" it. I love mine, despite the SMG. One other car from my collection which you should consider to cover is E36 M3 GT. One of only 356 made and the ancestor of the CSL with first Carbon used M car. Let me know if you would like to drive mine. Would be happy to help. Keep up the amazing work.
Driven34 abi bir sene sonra burada senin yorumunu görmek beni hem çok sevindirdi hem de çok şaşırttı. Çünkü geçenki canlı yayında smg’nin cesilin karakterine daha uygun olduğunu söylemiştin ve bu beni senin çok uzun zamandır takipçin olan biri olarak çok şaşırtmıştı. Umarım kafanın bir ucunda hala manuele geçme düşüncesi vardır abi çünkü trde bu işi yapabilecek biri varsa bence sensin. inşallah bir sonraki cars on sundays’te senle tanışma şerefine nail olurum. Kusura bakma abi uzun oldu ama umarım görür ve okursun. Takipçilerin olarak seni çok seviyoruz
I love this car... lol
Me too! But that bloody gearbox 😂🙈
... Nooooot
Seen Through Glass Still your only video I had to dislike lol
@@Lukii210 Same, great car the E46, shit video
Your video is less convincing...
Didn’t know you were a BMW man, respect it,🤙🏼 I love my E93 M3. I feel like theses older M3s with naturally aspirated engines are gonna hold their value or eventually go up once they hit that 20yr mark
There’s something special when you wake up and the first thing to see is that MRJWW just uploaded a new video featuring your favorite car. GOALS. 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼
- AMG Hammer
- Escort Cosworth
- Lotus Carlton
- Toyota Supra MKIV
- Audi RS2
- Wiesmann GT MF5
Love your videos!
/Sweden
Seeing that it has been modified already, doing a manual swop won't hurt the value too much. It would make it a more pleasurable drive though!
In Brazil, people will buy an E46 M3 with SMG. Wait for it to break in some expensive way (Salmon relay aside), then simply convert it to manual using OEM parts. Nowadays, there are some shops here that will convert SMG to manual quite easily (not cheap, but fair cost).
It would be great for you to revisit some more modern classics, so many cars out there with character. My suggestions would be TVR 4.5 Cerbera, TVR Sagaris, Lotus Evora 430, BMW E34 M5 (3.8 version), Alpina B6 3.5S (what the E30 M3 should have been), manual BMW 850 CSI, BMW E36 M3 GT (the green one), BMW E60 V10 M5 (that'd make a nice manual conversion, the USA got one), Audi B5 RS4, Audi B7 RS4, Audi R8 GT (another manual conversion target), Honda NSX R, Mercedes CLK DTM AMG, C63 AMG Black Series - I could go on, but you get the idea. Yes please MORE of this type of content and NO to mobile phone reviews.
A few ideas for you:
1. E39 M5: Perhaps even more visceral, certainly more muscle car-esque, than the E46 M3. That V8 is absolutely stunning.
2. Honda S2k: Few cars can rev to 9000 and still be relatively reliable. This is arguably one of the finest mass-market sports cars to ever come out of Japan
3. Honda NSX: Needs little introduction.
4. Ford GT: A proper 'merican supercar from back in the day. Pure as hell, with loads of 'quirks and features' (shoutout Doug DeMuro) to boot
5. Carrera GT: A lot of collectors have really been singing this car's praises lately. I don't disagree; what's not to love about a mid-engined V10 Porsche that puts the love of god in even the best drivers?
As for the manual conversion, absolutely go for it! I drive an E46 M3 manual and adore it. I wouldn't get the standard shifter though - they're a bit 'rubbery', for lack of a better term. Lots of aftermarket ones available that'll do this car far more justice.
Ferreri f430 manual is the next review video
City's of CARS 15 yep, with capristo exhaust
City's of CARS 15 GREAT SHOUT
Owned a CSL for 4 years. Sold last year and moved onto a manual 987.2 Boxster Spyder. No regrets and another quirky unsung hero of a car.
Just take some weight out of a regular manual M3 and add a CSL airbox, 4: 10 final drive and better brakes. Job done!
Body-kitted 316-shed still not a csl!
Supercars Hunter - My pal has a genuine CSL and my M3 looks as good, sounds as good and is just as quick. May not be a CSL but the smile is just as big and I change gear and heel & toe my own shifts. CSL badge gives bragging rights but I’m not too fussed.
Maheer Ahmed yah there is more difference than people think
Run a Z3 rack in mine, which is 2.5 turns, or a purple tag rack in 3 turns. An easy modification and no negative effect on DSC. Personally I just don't see the point of knocking £k's off the value of a genuine CSL when a regular M3 can do the same job with some well known modifications.
Body-kitted 316-shed csl has engine mods plus parts you can’t get without csl vin and ownership and to get some of the parts like csl air box and to make it work right plus the software you looking into the thousands so losing might not be worth it.
For anyone who hasn't been in a CSL, this video does the sound absolutely no justice at all, the sound goes right through you and I think the air box is an essential upgrade to every s54🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Watch out for e46 M3 rear subframe cracks. Easy to deal with but get it done. I know the SMG II gearbox is not brilliant but it is part of the CSL package, if you do convert it please keep the SMG running gear in a sealed crate to return it to original when you’re done with it.
Honda S2000 - Naturally aspirated, 9000 rpm redline with a manual gearbox and 50:50 weight distribution.
Johnson Pang ...... Honda... aka zero character.
J P very snappy rear end and deathly lift off over steer
The sound itself isn't just from the carbon fibre airbox, these N/A M engines also have individual throttle bodies, which creates an incredible induction sound that's normally blocked by the plastic intake
PS. Convert a CSL to manual or a manual M3 to CSL, either way works
I got my E85 Z4M in Nov, same running gear as the CSL but with a 6 speed manual and my god it's been an experience!
Honda NSX, Nissan R34 GTR and M3 CSL
Better go for the R33. They did it all with the R34.
Kees Sonnema what do you mean?
@@oscardominguez1680 The Skyline R33 is a great but underrated car. The R32 and R34 are very popular, but would love to see a R33 review.
Still to this day one of my favorite BMWs. I wish we got the CSL in the US--few have done conversions but nothing like the original.
Great first video of the year and yes please find some old classics and document them for us.... my first car was a mk2 golf, would be amazing if you could find a mint example.....
Why the hell this channel hasn’t got 1m+ is beyond me???,I’ve been here since day 1 and it just gets better and better.....keep it up James
Rod bearings and sub frame, things to keep in mind
PROPERLY well done, James. You're genuinely at your best when doing segments like these. It doesn't need to be a super/hyper car either, as evidenced by this effort. Without reading the comments below for redundancy I'd nominate the following handful of examples that would be entertaining for you to run through the Cotswolds and make a video with: The Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II / the Ford Escort RS Cosworth / the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta / the 2006 John Cooper Works MINI GP (Gen 1) / the 993 911 Porsche 4S / the 964 Porsche Carrera (narrow body). I'd explain why for each, but this post is long enough already!
James, there is a way to keep the OEM smg gearbox on a m3 csl and delete the automated clutch by installing a CAE shifter on top of the smg box and installing a clutch pedal.
This sounds interesting! Thanks for the info 👍🏻
Its a bit more complex than that though, the core gearbox is the same manual/SMG, so you are dropping the automated clutch and installing the manual pedal/releases, etc, *but* it also requires work to modify/machine the bellhousing for manual gear selection. Thats a tough thing to get done accurately and few even specialists are keen to do it, check out Lang Racing in the US they have had good success … will make for a pretty perfect CSL IMO ;)
Craig Morgan yes, the bellhousing needs to be swapped or machined. People that have only done the self centering shifter report that it isn't the same and feels sloppy compared to a properly done conversion.
As first videos of the year go, this one is a gem. A car I love, a genre of cars I love (fast with 4 seats) and the perfect balance of talking and engine melody. Loved it! More old-school fun road cars please James 😎
...and that's why i am loathed to get rid of my E46, it's a wonderful car to drive. My girl has a brand new BMW 3 series that is a lovely machine with all its tech but I still love flying around the back roads of Lincolnshire in my old one that gives a great driving expereince! Happy New Year everyone!
I’m more of an Audi fan these days but this M3 is classic BMW at its best. Great car.
Escort RS cosworth, Audi quattro, lancia delta integrale. Sabbe 99 turbo.
Great group of cars u dont see munch on
What a fabulous change of scene, more of this please, so many options you could keep this series going for a while
Merc 190E Evo II. Best car Mercedes-Benz ever made! You need to get your hands on one of those!
Now this is what I call a proper road worthy car and driver focused at its finest... Doesn't get better than this.. Do it James...
Thanks for the great video on a great car. It would be great to see more like this (relatively recent classics). I'm a fan of this era of M cars and agree this would be a fantastic manual car. If you love it and are happy funding it, I would do it!
Happy New Year JWW. Enjoy 2019.
Owned mine for 11 years love it so much bought another one that's caged with ap racing brakes and intrax ik2 full supersprint exhaust system and recaros with full harnesses now that's a beast.
It would be sacrilege. The CSL was the fastest iteration of the E46 M3 because of SMG. You wouldn't get that famous 7:50 Nurburgring lap time with a manual. I noticed you didn't take traction control off, you have to do that to get the "S6" shifting mode + sports mode on. It's proper quick!
Interesting...that's the same time as my fk2 CTR
DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!! And after you're done with the manual conversion of the csl, go for a manual conversion of the 360 CS. Those 2 would pretty much be my dream garage.
You’d be better off making a CSL type car out of a standard manual E46 than making a manual car out of a CSL. You’ll spend less money, and be left with a good car that someone will want to buy off you afterwards. You’d be doing well to give a manual swapped CSL away, the market for these wants originality.
Would also get more of a video series out of building a CSL type car from a manual, as you’d have more things to change compared to just a gearbox swap.
Agreed 100%
Has been done many times, this is a much more unique project. The value will not drop much, if all done with original BMW parts.
@@guvernator23 I am sure the value will drop a lot. As an example, you can find one CSL being sold in Germany right now, which was RHD car swapped to LHD with only and solely original parts. And it's price is 25% lower (regarding to higher selling car).
@@johnDe5tr0yer So what? James has the money to do it, and it is a cool project. Nothing would ever get done, if value of things was always the main thing.
@@guvernator23 I provided a reaction to your statement that the price will not drop much. The price will drop a lot percentually. If it costs 20 units or 2 million units, it does not matter. I did not imply that James does not have money. Also I did not imply he should not do it. I am not here to argue with you, either.
Trying to rectify such modification on CSL under false premise that the price will "not drop that much" is simply not right and not correct. You should have written a comment with other attitude/insinuation. I basically read your comment with this premise in mind: "he should do it no matter the cost or price devaluation, because it will be HIS car and for him, it will be unique and special". Only responded have I to a part which simply is incorrect.
Love the e46 CSL, but it should have always been a manual. If you want a truly awesome project a BMW M5 E61 touring manual would be ‘next level’... I think it would be the only one in the world and a manual mated to that glorious V10 in the form of a wagon would be something truly unique and wonderful.
That M3 is for sure a cool car...
This video shouts out to me, Chris Harris, and that's something you should be proud of. The same level of information, the same personal touches, the pure petrol head ethos. Your video breaks / cut scenes are the same, if not better quality,
You could easily slot into a role on Top Gear and the world would love you. I think you are truly testing the water with us here for true car journalism content on your channel, and it's a big YES from me.
Simon Watts I totally agree! He’s brilliant at these type of reviews - you can tell he’s a true petrol head 👌🏾
I have a 2007 BMW M3 4.0lt V8 manual which your more than welcome to look and have a play in.
Project M3CSL...do it do it do it!! Awesome vid as always man!!
Legit one of my dream cars
Alfa Romeo and Lancia are two brands this channel needs more of!!!!
Make it a series! E30 M3, Lancia Delta Integrale, GT3 RS 4.0 pls
Interesting additional direction for the channel. I must confess, the endless array of cars I'll never afford on the channel, whilst cool to watch, was getting a bit samey in some ways. A real driver's driver investigation of cars that deserve more attention than they've had would be really interesting.
Ferrari 550 Barchetta and the 456 seem like they'd fit this channel well
Big E46 fan. I had the 320 with the 2.2 Straight six and it was one of the most comfortable cars to drive fast or slow. The arm rest was at the perfect height as well lol. If you ever wanted to drive my old Boxster S you are more than welcome. Sound different to other bosxters as I've had a custom exhaust fabricated, so pure 3.2 Flat six from 4k revs is amazing!
Nice video - and I agree that there isn't enough footage on RUclips about these cars and invariably due to it's rarity, it leads to some inaccuracies being given over as facts ;). Firstly, the seats are adjustable for rake, but you have to take them apart to do so. They are loosely based on the Recaro SPG (but without the harness mounts in the back or sides) and therefore have the same side mount system (hidden by the plastic panels), so you can adjust the rake to one of three different positions if you're prepared to get your hands dirty, but it requires the seats being removed from the car to do so ;).
With regard to the lazy gear box, I noticed in the video that you didn't have the traction control disabled. To access the fastest shift mode (S6), you can only do this by turning the traction off, which like an old 90's video game, gives you access to a hidden menu on the dash, where you can only then access the fastest shift speed (80 milliseconds). It's still no DCT, but the aggressiveness of the gearchange makes you fear for the subframe / diff LOL. The reason for the gearbox was not a design fad, but purely to go as fast as possible around the Nordschleife. The remit was sub 8 minutes and a manual gearbox would not have achieved that, so SMG with it's considerably faster gear changes than a manual was the only option to achieve this goal (which it did with a 7.50, which is still fast by today's standards and took BMW years to beat with a comparable four seater car).
The steering feel is also tyre dependent and as the car's chassis was designed around the stiffer sidewalls of the original full-fat Cup tyre, fitting tyres of a lower spec reduces the feel (especially at speed).
The power is actually 360PS (355bhp) and like the normal M3's 343PS (338bhp) is often misquoted ;). The weight saving is invariably more than 110kg, as that is the minimum difference for a zero optioned M3 against a zero optioned CSL , where most M3s are actually around 1570kg with the usual options, and a normal CSL weighs just over 1400kg, with only the "unicorn" (zero option) cars weighing the stated 1385kg, where only 7 of the 422 UK cars got specced to that low level.
My own car is 1398kg, but fully optioned up, that required the Supersprint LWR system which removes 15kg and adds even more noise (104dB static noise test LOL).
The CSL is more than the sum of it's parts and was faster than any of it's contemporaries of the day. The 360CS allegedly had 60PS more power and less weight, but was slower around the 'Ring by some 5 seconds (with the exact same driver). I will never sell mine.....
I know it’s not easy to get a ride in either of these, which is probably why content is so minimal...
But 993 GT2
+
Toyota 2000gt (the twin cam variation)
Godspeed buddy✌️
daamn was not expecting my fav car 💗
CLIO V6 mid engined, crazy styling, absolute beauty of a hot hatch! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
CSL is incredible car and engine, almost F1 like sounds, stunning induction noise. It was most powerful naturally aspirated 3.2 straight-six engine at that time. Standard M3 was no where near CSL. Sublime!
F1? Lol
Yes F1, but this video does not showcase it.
@@TheChazas im a huge fan of this car and many other bmws. There is literally nothing f1 about the s54.
Define word "fan", since you can be a fan, but never owned or even driven any M car, other thing are you a fan of F1 and seen many generations of it, since videos does not do justice. I have driven straight piped CSL for many years and it sounded a lot like old era V12, specially automatic. Same as E60 M5 had a specific high revving tone reminding of a specific F1 era and F1 in general. In the end, straight piped sounded a lot like F1, when talking F1 in general, of course not exactly as it does not rev over even 10K rpm. It is a comparison to somewhat similar sound, just like some 5 cylinder engines sound a lot like V10.
I remember there used to be a lot of videos and comparisons of brutally loud straight piped CSL's, maybe they are still up.
@@TheChazas ive had an assortmet of bmws, incl m3s. Nothing related to f1
Sorry.
Some specific exh set up, load point and rpm for a split second might resemble a tone...still not f1. Not even close.
More great content. Old school cool classics, Please more of this James.
Of course I love super/hypercar content, but nice from you to share your words about a car we could buy!!! I am clearly a 'audi guy' but I have a lot of respect for this BMW... I agree about the gearbox btw
I would love to hear about the first rs/quattro audis + what happened with the 'tuned' S1?
Ps: sorry if my english isn't that good/clear I speack french (belgium)
This channel just got even greater, that car is a thing of beauty! Love that you have such a vast variety of cars on the channel, keeps things from getting stale. Looking forward to future videos!
And also if you can put your hands on a Renault clio v6, you won't regret it ahah
Anyway, happy new year to you James and everyone reading this!
Please drive a mk5 Golf R32 or the mk4 R32. The VAG community is huge and they will love if you drive those cars, specially the mk5
Buy a CARRERA GT in 2019...!
Yawn
Strip it out further, make it manual and convert it to a track only, track day car then take it round Brands Hatch. That car is perfect for that circuit! Oh and in answer to your last question, a classic Aston Martin, possibly Zagato if you can get your hands on one!
Oh, you've changed the colour of your channel logo from blue to black right??
yesssss man! thanks for doing this video!! That's the kind of car we wanna see. If you have the opportinity to bring them to your channel, then do it!!! New cars make me cry! After 70 years developping the internal combustion engine, now they want to shut it down, can't belive! Long life to the older cars!
22b impreza.
Special, special car. The E46 really is the peak of the 3 series speaking as an owner of every other generation. Great vid sir!
HAPPY NEW YEAR CAR LOVERS ❤️
I think physically, the e92 was automotive perfection. Those rod bearings though
Can’t wait for that 25yr law to get CSL M3s in America
Owned a csl for 8 years (typically 3 years max for me so defo a special car). When CSLs first came out, BMW couldn’t get rid of them. You could pick up nearly new for £40k (list c£60k) - nuts how things have changed and most are now probably garage queens
Good knowledge - couple of points
- don’t think there was ever a sat nav option (zenons, aircon, cd, rain sensor wipers are most of the options you could spec them with)
- the seat incline can be changed - three settings but u need a spanner 🔧
-turn traction control off and it unlocks a faster smg change speed
Great review 👍
Suggestion for future review - lancer vi Tommy makinen edition. This was an awesome car too and also a classic these days. The 4 wheel drive was just immense and point to point probably one of the fastest cars at the time. Would just eat up B roads - nothing could really touch it !
What a car
At my MINI & BMW dealer today in Cahir in Ireland and the owner of the business has his own CSL in the showroom. A fabulous car !!
Great video James, really liking the new series of videos 👍
It's nice to see you still enjoying such cars even after owning Ferraris and McLarens. You, really, are a proper car guy.
As wonderful as supercars are, this is the thing most of us RUclipsrs want to see. Keep it up JWW.
i have owned my e46 325ci for 3 years now ! and i love it dearly ! a CSL must be amaaaaazing!
I never usually write comments but this has got to be one of the best car reviews I've seen and I've seen a few... ive just subscribed
Definitely seeing a bit more love and reviews of older cars without all the electronic assistance. The e46 m3 was on the cusp of that change. Great car!
The CSL is one of the best looking cars from BMW ever made imo. Great content, more on this please.
Totally agree with you, feel new cars have lots the feel, really like where this is headed.
Great idea James, there was no RUclips back then so we've never seen reviews of these kinda cars besides one or two programmes , your onto a winner of an idea
Great review. Suggestions: BMW E34 M5 3.8; BMW E28 M5; Mercedes 190e Cosworth 2.5 16v; Volvo 850 T5R or 850R wagon; Audi Quattro RS4 Avant B5 twin turbo; 2004 Audi RS6 Avant; Mercedes W124 Hammer 6.0 Estate (if you can find one); 2006 Dodge Viper RT10 and or RT10 coupe (the first gen); Jaguar XJR6 4.0 supercharged; Porsche 997 GT3RS 4.0 manual (what and engine)...
Mr. JWW just had to buy the most rare variety of the M3’s!!! Props to him!
I love the pure mechanical engine sound of that CSL, no fake nonsense played through the speakers. I like your idea of video series exploring these cars from not that distant past which are now becoming the true classics. I’d love to see a video comparison of your current GT3 with 996 GT3 for example, to explore how it has evolved over the years, if the driving experience is better in the latest car or not really. Btw all the best in 2019 and I look forward to new awesome videos 👍
NSX-R NA1, NSX-R NA2, R32 Skyline, Nismo 400R, Integra DC2, Civic Mugen RR, Civic Type-R EK9, Evo 6.5 TME, Impreza 22B, Lexus IS-F, Golf R32 MK4, Passat R36, 996 GT2, 993 Carerra RS, 964 Carerra RS, AE86, R34 V-Spec Nur, 599 HGTE Manual, 288 GTO, Diablo VT Roaster, 240Z, 993 GT2, S2000 Type-S, C55 AMG, SL73 AMG, C43 AMG, AMG Hammer, TVR Sargaris, RS4 B5, S5 4.2 Manual, R8 V8 Manual, RS4 B7 4.2 Manual, M5 E39, M5 E60 Touring, M3 CRT E90, 850 CSI, 1M, XJ220, EB110, DBS Manual
Do it! 80k+ miles means its not a collectible so there is no reason to "keep it stock" for resell purposes. The actual Gearbox for the SMG and the Manual is actually the same so the conversation is not as difficult as most people think. Quite a few shops in the States do that kind of conversion and I think there's even a youtube video on how to DIY it.
Other iconic cars that "Set the tone" for every modern cars we have? hmm... To me, things that defined "modern" cars in terms of performance and feel are: 1) turbocharge direct injected engine, 2) Double clutch gearbox, and 3) electric steering. I believe VWs were the first to incorporate all 3 in their cars...
Great content. I like the approach into reviewing cars that haven’t received a lot of attention that deserve it.