BMW M235i vs BMW M3 CSL on track

[@lobniklukas]

BMW M3 E46 - 11 years old and still one of the most beautiful BMW's ever built.

[@kz1000ps]

It's only a handful of cars from any given period that really make you say "wow" every time they go by, and as soon as I would see the E46 M3 with those bulging wheel wells I'd know I was in the presence of something special.

[@RUNDMC-555]

***** yeah its nuremberg lap time is faster than the m 4

[@musicisfree91]

***** Even the non M E46's still hold up visually. I've had an '04 330i ZHP sedan for about five years now and I love it as much now as when I first bought it. BMW really made something special with the E46.

[@musicisfree91]

***** Even the non M E46's still hold up visually. I've had an '04 330i ZHP sedan for about five years now and I love it as much now as when I first bought it. BMW really made something special with the E46.

[@cockshield]

musicisfree91 The sight of an e46, e39 and e38 together is pure car porn!

[@SevCars]

E46 M3 CSL. Most beautiful BMW ever built period

[@susanparker3699]

The E30 M3 with the wide hips is pretty smokin' though.

[@danielpattman7383]

the z4 is still better

[@AyushGupta-jo3gy]

James, u still follow auto car? btw the prank was really funny!!!

[@susanparker3699]

The E86 Z4 ///M Coupe smokes big time. Especially in Alpine White with Imola Red Interior. I prefer the carbon leather trim over the wood (yuck). What a divine beast.

[@susanparker3699]

And it's 'Bimmers'. 'Beemers' are motorcycles.

[@CoopersSpecC]

You can't get a dual clutch for the 235i, it's a ZF 8 auto box.

[@troop73oo]

It is not a Twin Turbo engine, its a 'TwinPower Turbo' it uses TwinScroll technology.

[@JoeBlo2]

CSL > M4 at the Nurburgring by two seconds. Says it all.

[@sodazman]

+JoeBlo2 2 secs on a 20km track is nothing. The CSL is a much better car though imo.

[@srbishkrst]

m3 csl is really 2 sec faster than a m4 at the nurburgring? From where you habe this information? Thank you

[@srbishkrst]

m3 csl is really 2 sec faster than a m4 at the nurburgring? From where you habe this information? Thank you

[@srbishkrst]

m3 csl is really 2 sec faster than a m4 at the nurburgring? From where you habe this information? Thank you

[@srbishkrst]

the m3 csl is really 2 sec faster than a m4? unbelieveble! Fron where you have this information? thank you very much if you response me! :-)

[@PlayerNineteen]

I literally just came to see the CSL and left.

[@adrianp.3182]

+PlayerNineteen that engine is just brutal!

[@PlayerNineteen]

+Drezdan Can't beat an old school NA M engine.

[@adrianp.3182]

+PlayerNineteen True , I have driven an E60 M5 and it sounds like it's going to rip you apart , it's amazing!

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

3:08

[@gianhet]

Funny, I found the front of the M235i to be quite beautiful, but next to the E46, it just feels cartoonish and a bit too much. The E46 is really a great car :D

[@mariyuso]

My thoughts exactly. The E46's design is timeless, and that noise... Oh god.

[@gianhet]

mariyuso My brother used to have a "regular" E46 M3, I really loved that car :D

[@dln.sweeney]

My next car, I swear. I can't stop thinking about them.

[@v_alexiadis]

The E46 is probably the best M3 ever. The CSL is simply a masterpiece! My goodness that noise!

[@seimolddickhead5552]

e46 looks so much better

[@Steve_Jaz]

you wish

[@hspd8607]

Much better

[@seansurfn2]

i dont think so. drove an m3 then tested an m235i i like the m235i a lot

[@tonymouawad5207]

@@seansurfn2 yeah bro ur right👍 nothing compare with series_2❤ someday i will buy one... an F22 (M.235)✊

[@craigj1969]

that M3 has one of the best sounding engines ever! so much induction noise

[@cwx8]

6 sweet, sweet ITBs and a beautiful CF intake.

[@bole989]

jagerx could not have said it better haha

[@TheBlackdragon936]

I want that air box and trunk, plus the steering rack :)

[@p1fly]

TheBlackdragon936 me too

[@647killa]

That CSL though !! I'm a proud owner of an '02 Phoenix Yellow BMW M3 6MT. Its is really one of the most communicative and balanced car I've ever owned/driven. Can't find a replacement for her yet and its been nothing but 4 years of joy. Grocery getter to track wrecker !! I'm so glad though that BMW is back to doing what they do best, and that's creating benchmarks and the the ultimate driving machines. That M235 is a stunning winner for BMW and a great way to reach out to its roots again !!. Welcome back BMW, that M235 is calling all drivers !!

[@jamescutter8760]

Totally agree :)

[@kr0pp]

And it's amazing that you can get M235i so cheap vs the current and past M-cars. It is also truly a car you can drive everyday and take to the track on weekends. I was really sceptical about M-performance lineup of vehicles at first, thinking it would be just a marketing gimmick. But it does indeed seem like M-perf cars fulfill their role of being the best of both worlds - performance/fun/track driving and everyday usability.

[@CJM44.41]

kr0pp It's arguably even better than the "full fat" batch of current M cars..

[@Augustus222]

One little mistake in the video. The M235i doesn't come with a dual clutch gearbox as an option but an 8-speed automatic. Too bad the CSL only came with the SMG.

[@juhsztn]

and it’s not twin turbo either

[@jonzxcv]

"The BMW M3 remains the only car ever to have earned more titles than the venerable Porsche 911 in Motorsport, and also is the most successful touring, and grand touring car ever to have participated in racing. The BMW M3, especially the E46 M3, has been regarded as the "Best, all-around car to ever have been made"."

[@REALSlutHunter]

+jonzxcv Correction ! The E30 M3 earned more titles then any BMW, and more as all BMW M Cars together. Over 1500 Titles !

[@nunomarques11]

+REALSlutHunter Yes but as a road car, E46 M3 will eat it alive performance wise and safety wise! He did mention "Best all-around car"

[@nunomarques11]

+REALSlutHunter Yes but as a road car, E46 M3 will eat it alive performance wise and safety wise! He did mention "Best all-around car"

[@nunomarques11]

+REALSlutHunter Yes but as a road car, E46 M3 will eat it alive performance wise and safety wise! He did mention "Best all-around car"

[@Vral92]

+jonzxcv what you think about the 1m coupe?

[@Kaipeternicolas]

M3 CSL... I remember driving that car on the Hockenheim Circuit. It was such an amazing machine.

[@jamescutter8760]

An M3 that's 11 years old still beating modern cars! Nough said

[@YemiTO]

That Noise!!! Omg, what a car!

[@cwx8]

Surely you are referring to the M3 and not the "active sound" powered M235i

[@sheharyarirfan]

jagerx N55 doesn't sound bad in any way at all. Go live with a car with that engine for a while and you'll know what i'm talking about. Countless people have complimented the sound of my 335i (including girls) and no one ever has said its bad.

[@cwx8]

Sheharyar Irfan Yes it does. I had a 135i for one year and sold it because it was absolutely boring. So quiet. And that was the N54 which was considered less refined and more raw than the N55.

[@sheharyarirfan]

I guess more refinement was needed to the sound then. How can you possibly not like this watch?v=laZccsBm4uQ

[@cwx8]

Sheharyar Irfan That vid is really enhanced, and you're talking about a full exhaust system. Exhaust noise is still only half the equation. Ever tried downshifting in your 335i? It makes absolutely no sound when not under load. Try doing the same in an E46 M3. It's engaging and visceral. Induction noise is nonexistent in the N55. But hey.. fuel economy, right?

[@smsuperman1219]

That m3 looks way better than the new 2014 models. They all look swollen and rounder. Nothing looks sharp. Like fluffy cars. At this rate their future cars will look like vw beetle. Bmw needs to fire their exterior designer. 1 series looks better. 2 series same car but ugly design. 3 series still looks great though. The only one unchanged.

[@derbigpr500]

Are you blind? You say E46 looks good because the F30's are swollen, round and not sharp? Go take a look at both cars....most lines on the F30 are sharp, most lines on the E46 are round. F30 has a much sharper design, and much better proportions. Some people should just keep their opinions to themselves when it comes to design, because F30 is a better design in every possible way, and way more beautiful than E46 from any angle...that is in the eyes of people who are not blinded by nostalgia and hate towards anything that's new.

[@eamh2002]

derbigpr500 Eww brainwash smells all the way here :D Truth is e46 looks alot better. Design that breaks down in the long run isnt better either.

[@smsuperman1219]

derbigpr500 M135i looks sportier, more tough, and athletic. It's like when you start lifting weights. Get muscular, get girls attention. They think "I look this good because I work out and got bigger, more defined muscles. I should workout even more and the bigger my muscles get the more attractive I become." It backfires when they get too big they look fat swollen and now have harder time getting girls. Overdoing anything and not balancing things out sometimes leads to failure. M235i is an over bloated car and it doesn't matter how much lines you put on it, it won't cover up the car's shape. M135i better looking than m235i. Period

[@kraenk12]

derbigpr500 People who say the F30 looks better than the epic and timeless E46, one of the best BMW designs ever, really need to get some glasses. hell....and I don't wanna see the girls you get with your new muscles. mind over matter haha

[@eamh2002]

Agreed, new designs are like cancer that converts your vision :D The newest m5 looks the best of new bmw's but the other models have a damn ugly front grille in every model.

[@GripEnemy.]

BMW are making better and better cars. But that legendary e46 m3 CSL is beyond anyting else. I would take that car in a heartbeat over any other BMW!

[@Mrcloc]

Except an E60 M5 :)

[@GripEnemy.]

The V0 in the E60 is beyond anything else, however that car is littered with problems, despite that its one of my favouire cars.

[@TurboBMRProjectLove]

Mrcloc bmw made that car way too heavy. its like 4,000lbs

[@GripEnemy.]

Nelson Vargas 1855KG to be precise. That's not bad seen as though it comfortably sits 5 people, has luxuries and can go over 200mph non restricted!

[@TurboBMRProjectLove]

an m5 shouldn't be close to that weight. m5 should weigh no more than 3400 lbs. i mean come on, the car is 100k US. BMW shouldn't be skimping out on exotic materials like carbon fiber to bring the lbs down. With the introduction of the i3 and i8 i'm sure BMW will make lighter M cars and the new m3 / m4 shows that.

[@rare6499]

E46 still looks perfect

[@ankoudryashov]

SHOW ME WHERE CAN I GET AN M3 CSL FOR 35k!!!

[@Patr1ck2332]

It's called inflation over time

[@Nutty-sd6nl]

Patrick Tomlinson no it isn't, it's appreciation

[@tgdhsuk3589]

exactly its 75k

[@marinojaki867]

Min 50 k...

[@elazotacunaos4752]

Now more like nearly 100K

[@iantownsend5480]

The E46 M3 was Bmw at its very best

[@oooining]

Yes, I thought the M235i and the M2's inline-sixes sounded good until I watched this.... Man, does that inline-6 in that M3 CSL sounds amazing.... My balls tingle just by listening to that brilliant inline-6.....

[@RobbieKhan]

That's the benefit of that air intake the CSL uses. You can get very very close to CSL induction noise on the normal E46 M3 by upgrading the stock airbox to a carbon one like the Evolve Eventuri, or GSR CSL style airbox, or pay the full whack and install a genuine CSL airbox. A small boost in engine response is had and the noise, the noise is just unreal, especialy 3000-4500rpm where it barks like the CSL. I have various videos up for anyone interested!

[@naughtysuperior]

+Robbie Khan good to know... Do u have any vids 9n ur channel?

[@RobbieKhan]

+NaughtySuperior Quite a few, take a look of you have time!

[@weed46]

The CSL probably had the 10 year old tires aswell, you can see the the CSL is not griping as much and all that oversteer is the proof. Even the regular M3 has loads of traction, the CSL should have even more. I reckon the CSL is more than a second faster than the M235i

[@lipslide101]

I love how he casually drifts while explaining everything

[@fadliarfi1591]

M3 CSL for god sake.... a living legend

[@carfanatix7191]

+Fadli Arfi azzh0le

[@RusserzGaming]

twin turbo ? isnt it a single twin-scroll turbo ?

[@bagster60]

Yeah it is.

[@thiccboi1726]

yeah twin turbo was the n54, m235i has the n55

[@pauldodds8312]

Your right its is a single turbo.. i cant believe auto express got that massive detail wrong

[@pauldodds8312]

@@thiccboi1726 none of them are twin turbo.. unless you look at the dirty diesels

[@RandomVideosFirst]

NOT TWIN TURBO MY MAN, SINGLE TURBO!

[@RandomVideosFirst]

***** Single turbo!

[@RandomVideosFirst]

***** So a single turbo , as i stated lol I'm out

[@oneaburns]

To be fair, they call it a twinpower turbo to signify it has two scrolls in one housing. Now, is that the same as a two turbos? No. But it's better than having one traditional turbo and in some ways even better than two standard turbos (less turbo lag, fewer mechanicals, etc.)

[@mrdragancelan]

Not even a minute into the video and he says "twin turbo" twice. You can imagine my disappointment. I was happy to see your comment. I'm glad I'm not the only who can differentiate between an N54 and N55 engine.

[@m5pilot397]

Double F Gamer BMW's marketing is confusing. Lots of folks mis-speak about the "Twin-Power" BMWs. It's BMW's fault, and I'm not sure they care.

[@marcthemarc5102]

The E46 is still the most beautiful and most pure BMW :)

[@ravenstylea2]

He does great reviews! I love how he explains the cars and how different they are dynamically from one another. Awesome.

[@gabo12e30]

You should do a comparison between the new M2 and the e46 M3. Thanks.

[@crossphaded]

Long live the E46! Still the best of both digital and analog worlds before electric steering and prodigious curb weights took over. Its a shame they didn't offer a 6MT in the CSL, but its still will go down as one of the greatest M cars ever. Yes, the N55 powered BMWs with software tune can smoke the E46 M3, but overall handling dynamics and that sweet S54 motor make it a better sports car package IMO. Awesome track battle!

[@cristiandemirel1918]

It's quite sad that BMW will never build another car like the CSL!

[@lorenzomaillard3650]

The M3 GTS was a kind of CSL for the e92 M3 :)

[@jamescutter8760]

Hopefully they will do something with the M4 but it won't be the same as the mighty CSL :)

[@cristiandemirel1918]

Lorenzo Maillard Yes, well said: "a kind of CSL"! The M3 GTS had character and an amazing engine, but felt more like a publicity stunt, than a car engineer's dream, in my opinion! For my taste, there are only three real driver's cars: the M3 CSL, the CLK 63 AMG and the 911 GT3 RS 4.0! Of course, everyone of us would like to drive a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, a Pagani or a Bugatti etc., but those cars are more for showing off, their engineering principle being more "drive by wire", than "drive by feel"! Of course, every car can be enjoyed and my list could be bigger, but those three, i think, are at the top of their game!

[@JimmyChannel2]

James Cutter Unfortunately not from what I heard in BMW Blog. The current snobby boss at ///M thinks that there's no reason to do so because the F80/F82 are already at least 80kg lighter than the previous models. Still, its much heavier than the E46 CSL so I think they ought to do a CSL edition. And make the engine rev to at least 8200rpm.

[@lorenzomaillard3650]

Yeah you're right about the GTS, not mentioning the price they were asking for when it came out! I agree for the GT3 RS 4.0 and the CLK 63. I also want to ad that these kind of cars, a bit stripped out (roll cage, less equipements), dynamically improved and more track focused should be the entry level price and not the other way around ;) I'm a bit too optimistic here...

[@MarkCalica]

The M235i is not available with a DCT, but a very good ZF 8 speed auto that can shift as fast as a dual clutch... no clue why this tester said it was available with a DCT...

[@MrBusunglueck]

Mark Speed6 you can get a race version for 24 hour races without road legalness. even that has got an 8speed zf, so i doubt you can get a dct. hes just wrong.

[@soundseeker6323]

I don't think BMW will ever better the E46 CSL for looks, noise or handling. As the driver said, modern cars are always getting heavier and more loaded up with tech that takes control away from the driver. The M235 is great car against its modern competitors, but the CSL is just magical. Although it's probably a bit hard and spartan to use as an every day car, I'd still take it over the 235.

[@Benbidmead]

Got to get the chance to ride in the 235i while my dad took this for a test drive, felt absolutely incredible on the B roads. The engine sounds epic, I don't think you can really appreciate how awesome it feels until you're in it.

[@KRBY555]

He was right about appreciating classic. Back to this video again years later. Where is this dude. He can wheel hard.

[@crepu33]

This guy is one of the best (if not the best) presenters among all car channels on youtube. Want more of his reviews and/or track battles please

[@pmartocc]

maybe you missed the mistakes in the video... simple details that a car enthusiast should absolutely know .. for instance .. the M235 is NOT a twin turbo but a single scroll turbo and is NOT offered with a dual clutch but a ZF 8speed tranny. This guy is reading a script or something .. no way someone misses those things and is a BMW enthusiast.

[@crepu33]

Phil Anthony zf 8-speed IS a dual clutch tranny, but I honestly don't know if engine is twin turbo or not. Anyway mistakes are for humans. Giving so much feedback to viewers while driving the hell out of a car is not easy. I enjoy his commentary and driving skills a lot. Still think he is one of the best out there... but that's just me ;)

[@MrBiohazard878]

crepu33 No it's not.

[@anotherone10]

crepu33 Phil Anthony The M235i has the N55 engine which uses a single, twin scroll turbo. The older BMW turbo inline 6, called the N54, had a twin turbo setup. And the ZF 8-Speed box it uses is a regular torque converter automatic, not a dual clutch.

[@crepu33]

irfuel anotherone10 MrBiohazard878 Phil Anthony ZF 7-speed is dual clutch, but not this 8-speed... you are all correct :) But this does not change my view about the presenter himself

[@lonersanonymous]

M235i for the daily grind. M3 CSL for the weekends.

[@toly78]

I am happy to own E46 M3 6-speed Coupe in Imola Red and I can tell you that even 7 years since I got it, this car still delivers big pleasure and excitement every time I sit behind the wheel. For many years after E46 M3, BMW has struggled to produce something more exciting and more appreciated for the hard core fans, but to my opinion without success

[@gboy888]

Great comparison video! Been waiting to see how the e46 holds up to the new generation.

[@alvindiaz8088]

He f*cked up by getting the E46 with an SMG.. I love that car though!

[@FRonTLinES10064]

The CSL only comes in SMG. That's the part that kinda sucks.

[@dln.sweeney]

FRonTLinES10064 At least the CSL's SMG is apparently a bit better, on a track at least. I've never driven one but I understand that the software tweaks helped that transmission considerably.

[@cameronmilne3590]

FRonTLinES10064 However it is was a manual it would already be a £80k car. The SMG is a blessing in disguise to a certain extent.

[@Diebaas407]

The induction noise on that CSL is just fantastic! Want to listen to that everyday all day!

[@SpaceXForce]

I love those shift lights on tach, and also looks surprisingly modern for its time

[@Richard-jo2lr]

I am an m235i owner and very happy with everything it comes with in the fact that this car is no pure M car no, doubt the CSL is a special car but reviewers to keep comparing the m235i with pure M performance means bmw did something right with the m235i

[@dailyforman]

m3 CSL will keep its value much much better its not even comparable..

[@aram442]

Im amazed by the looks of that M3 such a old car to be cool and modern looking to this day

[@AtlisWerks]

"modern cars tend to be heavier" - no they don't - CSL is lighter because BMW did everything to make it lighter... ;)

[@niall300zx]

the csl is a particularly light car yes, but modern cars do tend to be heavier. thats a fact. take and e30 3 series compared to a e90 , compare an old ford escort to a new focus. even teh new range rover with so much plastic in it is 400kg heavier than the original. modern cars are bigger and heavier.

[@_chipchip]

uhhhh, yes they do. That's well documented.

[@AtlisWerks]

Similarly sized cars weigh almost the same as they did it the past. Not all of them, but M235i does.

[@niall300zx]

but thats part of the point Marian, each generation of cars are getting bigger as well as heavier. e30 m3 - 1165kg e36 m3 - 1460kg e46- m3 1570kg e90m3 - 1605kg. i didnt bother listing all the other measurements, but as you can expect, the newer cars are larger

[@lemonpaper]

Marian Cihoň The reason why is greater safety requirements. The newer cars tend to be heavier.

[@jrmb242]

M235i is not an M car, it's not even a 3 series car. Considering it has new "Comfort/IT" technologies E46 lacks, and uncomparably lower "total cost of ownership" (especially mileage, but in Germany also insurance + taxes) I think it's quite amazing it achieved the same lap time as E46 M3, yet alone M3 CSL. For the same price I'd pick the the new M235i over now aged E46 M3 (including CSL version) anytime. In fact I'd pick it over E46 M3 even if that one would be brand new too, because it is simply cheaper to maintain and more suitable for today's "normal usage". And I say it as someone who considers E46 M3 the most beautiful BMW ever.

[@massiveglove2960]

I would pick the M235i too - but it wouldn't be cheaper to own. Depreciation is the biggest cost to consider

[@TerminatorTX11]

I would take the E46 M3 in a hearbeat, an absolutely masterpiece of a machine ! //M Power!

[@adammoonface]

Watching in 2024 and M3 CSL's are £90-£130k 🤣🤣

[@joeweaver5712]

Owen is a great reviewer and driver - really enjoy his videos. Shame no-one else at Auto Express comes close to this guy.

[@JimmyChannel2]

I thought the most extreme E46 M3 was the rare GTR with a V8 engine.

[@grimm6jack]

Very few of those exist... I think it's less than 10 worldwide.

[@jamescutter8760]

Liked the vid before I even watched it. Knew it was going to be a good one. The best thing is I saw a CSL yesterday and walked around it. Just love it! :D

[@PegasusVDK]

The old BMWs were unsurpassed cars in design and in the emotions they could give ⭐

[@rtorbs]

Fast forward to 2020 and that 35k CSL is 50 to 100k

[@iantownsend5480]

With all that said it looks far better than even the normal E46 m3 cost £60,000 new had 360 hp & what an noise sounds amazing

[@Halfmoon67]

I love this guy, very clever comments, sharp driving skills. Excellent video, thanks for posting it!

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

Two errors: the 2 series doesn't have a twin turbo, it's a single turbo with two scrolls. And, it's not offered with a twin clutch auto, it's a ZF torque converter.

[@doublevanoz]

CSL all day f that lil turbo shit

[@thesrt8dodge]

E46 M3 is still one of my fav Beemers ever, and one of the best looking BMW.

[@appelpower1]

I'd still have an M5 from around 2000 (that's the E39 model, right?)

[@nikb6528]

where we meet again! I was just looking around for some M3 videos and came across this one! Which do you prefer? I'd have to go with the all hail CSL ;)

[@appelpower1]

Nik Brudar Oh, hello there! I'd have the CSL, though frankly, if given the choice, I'd have neither. For that sort of money, I'd have an Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

[@nikb6528]

appelpower1 V8 Vantage is a luxurious choice of a businessman, however, me being a teenager and trying to enjoy my life fully, I would have gone with the CSL if money served me well .. :)

[@appelpower1]

Nik Brudar I drove a V8 Vantage once (on a racetrack, as an arrangement for teenagers without driving licenses), and while I wasn't allowed to go past 60 kph (I still did, without any complaint from the instructor), I kind of fell in love with the car. It's been one of my favourite cars ever since.

[@nikb6528]

appelpower1 you drove that thing?! I envy you!

[@steventhoseby]

Great test but just 2 points I need to mention. Firstly, the M235i is a single turbo not a bi turbo, it was the 1M that had the bi turbo motor. Secondly, its not available with a dual clutch transmission but rather with the fantastic ZF 8 speed.

[@nikb6528]

Great video and where's this reviewer nowadays? He did a great job! I love the CSL a bit more than the 235i, but the M2, coming out in March, will be a whole other weapon!

[@johnDe5tr0yer]

Almost 5 years later, CSLs have a price tag of €80k, it is unbeliveable how expensive did they become. Regular E46 M3 are still going for 1/4 of that price and if anyone wanted E46 M3, it's now or never.

[@pascutia]

You cant compare a m3 csl which was a SPECIAL edition of the m3 to the m235i.The m235i isnt even a full m product.

[@lilbighassan]

I'd love to know what tyres it was running through this test. I know the CSL comes with semi slick tyres as standard, if it was running those tyres through this, the CSL would be at a massive advantage.

[@joebutlersnr7017]

Wow ! I didn't expect the 235 to beat the m3 , but to equal the m3 time is amazing , the m3 looks and sounds better but turbo's are easily tuned and with suspension and brake setup the 235 could beat the m3.

[@Nike427]

E46 M3 CSL NOW 90K+ Car, M235i can be had for about 15k

[@stelongy1]

Csl has half a tank of fuel and Cup tyres (semi slicks) whilst M235i has full tank of fuel and pilot super sport tyres (road tyres) Well done M235i!

[@terrytong9251]

Just wandering if the M3 csl has subframe cracking issues like everyone says. I had a BMW 3 series and it's subframe did crack significantly. Big common issue? Thanks everyone.

[@idokwatcher2062]

Yes they do. Nobody likes to talk about it because it ruins the image of the "perfect" car, and brings down the price of their "investment".

[@Trialshoppl]

This presenter is incredible. It's very difficult to talk while driving quickly let alone to form and convey such thoughts as 5:31 while driving a fast car on it's limit.

[@peterburian8374]

Yes, BMW calls it "twin turbo" but there is only a single turbo with two scrolls. Twin scroll turbo chargers split the exhaust into two channels, This maximizes the efficiency of the turbocharger.

[@davidhayes4814]

So the heavier, less powerful modern car is as fast as the older classic. I reckon that the M235i has a result there!

[@ellomirza]

The fastest thing in this video is that guy's mouth. Jeezus H Cristos, yakety yakety yak.

[@m3lowiesvlog715]

M235i is a good daily.

[@FEGTTTSDH]

The old SMG have that feel "stop and go" you feel the gear changes

[@alextruswell5879]

Watching this now 8 years on - 34k for a CSL haha now there’re 80k and up. Mad to see how much they’ve appreciated and a 235i can be picked up for as little as 14k

[@ErnestDziadekGruz]

How on earth the CSL got the same time as 235i?? E46 M3 CSL is faster around the nurburgring than even the newest M4! (M3 CSL 7:50, M4 7:52)

[@Raf_man]

Much longer track so the differences are more obvious. I'm sure if the track was longer the CSL would come out on top. It also has a lot to do with the driver.

[@ZxRx7]

probably CSL has old tires fitted.

[@bmw.pi314]

Will AutoExpress compare the E46 against the M2!? 😃

[@Gr8mate13]

why it cant beat a M235i the M2 will cane it, M2 Competition more so and the M2 CS even more, E46 is a bygone era.

[@tepeke88]

Owen rocks! Common man u gotta give us the porsche 918 vs maclaren p1, epic!!!!!

[@AceITH007]

I have a. Z4M coupe, and it feels great to own a future classic naturally aspirated straight 6. Love that csl though.

[@christopherledesma4504]

The E46 M3 one of my favorite cars. Hardly ever see this cars on the road now days.

[@Pogost1ck]

Some really nice videos from you lately! Thanks for that, really enjoy it!

[@amirjon]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the M235i doesn't have a dual clutch transmission. I drove one today and loved it.

[@bigscore]

I agree... the new models look "softer" than the previous model. They look more luxury than sporty.

[@TheLogicprouser]

Great video and comparison but please learn your stuff about the cars first. The M235i is a single turbo (twinscroll) and does not come with dual clutch option- it's a single clutch 8-spd zf auto box.

[@xamsun887e]

2021 - The e46 has aged very well i find this sexy af still

[@BIGpoppaKEGdog]

BMW M3 CSL cost around 100k in Australia, we really get the short end of the straw with European cars over here. Our Japanese car scene makes up for it though.

[@sentinelyt10]

He most definitely enjoyed the M3 CSL more (as expected). You could tell by his body language and overall demeanor in the M3 vs in the M235i.

[@Skyl3r07]

E46 M3 CSL.......wow what a masterpiece

[@pcasso87]

Great video guys, please make an E92 M3 vs M4 comparo when possible. Keep up the good work.

[@skylinegtr7931]

M3 Csl is much better

[@_J.P._]

Just a fun fact: BMW had a E46 M3 sedan and touring ready to be made but decided to keep it exclusive and thus created the M3 as a coupe only :) if you google the sedan and touring you will find real life photos of both. They do exist but only within the walls of BMW central in Germany.

[@rafaelmourafernandes]

The CSL is a masterpiece.

[@SONOFAZOMBIE2025]

At the risk of offending the fanboys, i think the Benz C32 of the day, would belt both of these - street and track.

[@Rozgreez562]

It's a Single Twin Scroll Turbo. Mimics 1 large and 1 small Turbo working together. Not Dual Clutch in Automatic. It's a ZF 8 speed with torque converter and locking plate. M2 has Dual Clutch.

[@jason21jburg]

That's a much loved csl, under 30k miles on a 11 year old car. That's a rare beast.

[@michaelcaffin6782]

Even down to the CSL alloys - some of the best I’ve seen on a BMW

[@yungfinstaaa7474]

I think BMW should release some more exclusive E46 M3 models for sale, the sales would just rack up for BMW! I would be one of them!

[@rdvideoclips]

I don't normally comment, but excellent video guys!

[@BlackLac24]

The m235i is not a twin turbo as stated. It is a twin scroll single turbo.