BMW E46 M3 CSL review with 0-60mph test!

[@MatWatsonCars]

Should I buy an E46 M3 and convert it to CSL Spec VOTE by liking my appropriate comment below... BTW Check if your car was damaged with a 10% discount with Car Vertical here: www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?a=watson&b=38b26e3a&voucher=watson Or just head to Car Vertical at a later date and use the Watson10 discount code!

[@MatWatsonCars]

LIKE to VOTE: YES

[@MatWatsonCars]

LIKE to VOTE: NO

[@Techwow2008]

Yes

[@Magg78]

Dew it! 😎

[@meladgul]

He always says, “ oH sHoUlD I bUy tHiS cAr?” Yet when the majority says yes, he never actually purchases the car. Shame

[@MikeRT4]

As a CSL nerd (and owner), I would just like to point out the following: 1. Top speed is actually limited to 161mph (indicated 167mph) (as tested by Autocar). I can verify this (GPS). 2. CSL = Coupe Sort Leichtbau (which translates as Coupe Sport Lightweight construction) they only bastardised the name to Competion recently with the new G82 version... 3. All E46 M3s have an alluminium bonnet (it's not unique to the CSL) 4. The 110kg quote is the worse case scenario (comparing the heaviest (a fully optioned CSL) to a base model E46 M3). The difference to a zero optioned CSL to a high specced M3 can be in excess of 150kg. 5. The CSL weight needs to be clarified, it is only the zero option cars that are 1385kg and this weight is measured without a driver and with jsut 10 litres of fuel. A fully optioned car (air-con being the heaviest option) is 1420kg (with the same 10 litres of fuel). 6. If you chose to opt the original Cup tyres, BMW actually made you sign a disclaimer that you understood that the tyres didn't work in standing water nor sub 10°C temperatures. If you decided that you didn't want these, the car then came with Michelin Pilot Super Sports and these came fitted to the standard 19" Style 67 wheels as per the normal M3 (if you look up the VIN of the cars, you can actually see then if the original customer signed the disclaimer or opted for these as it will have in the build sheet "option 792 Style 67 double spoke wheels". 7. The entire front bumper is actually carbon fibre and is eyewateringly expensive.... 8. The arches are no more pronounced than a standard M3 (the bodyshell is standard M3 in fact), with the ONLY thing unique to the CSL is that the inner rear arches are rolled to allow clearance of the wider 265/30 rear tyres. 9. The seats are actually based on the Recaro SPGs (with lower sides to allow the use of normal seatbelts and no harness holes in the headrest section). 10. The sport button as well as making the throttle travel shorter, also opens the intake flap earlier (6000 rpm off, 3200rpm on). 11. The boot can also open via the remote on the key fob :p ! A strong 7/10 for accuracy - must try harder ;)

[@Richjtj]

Love it

[@LA63003]

Most impressive !👍

[@atehoekstra6776]

Amazing

[@louisdoliveira5420]

Thanx for putting him in his place a bit.

[@ruthraeshwarkannan867]

Bro created the damn car😂

[@BurtSampson]

"Hydraulic steering is the automotive equivalent of unprotected sex, because you just feel so much!" That's one of the all time great automotive quotes.

[@cavemanvi]

matt looks green in this video .... just age gracefully matt jfc

[@jj-fk9ez]

@@cavemanvi he looks fine bruh, stay mad that he will always be more successful than you. you will amount to nothing in life.

[@shaka2010]

@@jj-fk9ez Calm down, it's not like you're worth anything either.

[@jj-fk9ez]

@@shaka2010 its cute how you act like you are worth the air you breathe in.

[@shaka2010]

@@jj-fk9ez You're jus a waste of resources that we, people, actually need.

[@ihaveacoolhat1]

This era of cars was just gold. There was this, the 996 GT3 and Turbo, The Evos and Imprezas. Just amazing.

[@gamer507progamer7]

This thing is actually faster than a standard m2 and m4 on the nurburgring. That's very impressive

[@johndc2998]

@@bm_wuratli6883 the entire track. Faster lap time.

[@rulvra3072]

@@bm_wuratli6883 7 mins and 50 seconds on the entire Nordschleife. The driver at the time (Hans-Joachim Stuck) even stated he wasn't pushing it to the maximum limit. Imagine what it would achieve with someone like Schumacher or Hakkinen at the wheel

[@rulvra3072]

@@bm_wuratli6883 I wish. I'll pay money to see somebody like Schumacher floor that car around the Nordschleife

[@davidlarkey690]

One if the biggest technological advances since that lap time is tyre compounds. Always underrated, id love to see how quick it went with some decent tyres fitted

[@Supcharged]

As fast as the contemporary 911 GT3 (which also has more power). Nuts

[@Terihan]

Is it just me or is the color grading really off?

[@ahyaan2552]

Yeah Mat looks yellow, someone really messed up the colour. But normally the colour grading is really good.

[@dombower]

Massively off!

[@le_7401]

Yeah, Mat Simpson in the house

[@AhmedShili]

It’s always off, but this time it’s way too off 😂

[@defnotatroll]

It's like they put a filter to try and make Mat's blue shirt pop, but it fucked with the yellows/greens

[@stickboie1]

I’ve never liked the exhaust sound but the induction noise is glorious.

[@Jack-qn4vt]

Yeah it's a bit tinny hey

[@g.g4816]

Sound is best thing

[@digi051669]

Most change to titanium exhaust like Dixis or gruppeM. Mine has Dixis and it sounds epic. Also the suspension is changed to 3 way kw as well as upgraded braking system AP

[@Decrepit_biker]

Agreed, it sounds like the baffle in the exhaust was lose!! The E36 M3 sound's better.... but the E46 is better in every way!!

[@gam88a]

@@Decrepit_biker agreed! The S54 tinny exhaust note is it’s character, but not for me, and why I bought an earlier M Coupe (z3) with the S50 rather than a later one with the S54…..now when I’ve finished the CSL build of it, it will have the proper intake and exhaust notes 👍🏼

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Clarkson's review on the Isle of Man was legendary.

[@marksuave25]

I remember Jeremy Clarkson doing a review of that car on The Isle of Man. Crazy! Lovely car, one of the best sounding 6 cylinder engines ever.

[@macbitz]

Absolutely want you to 'CSL' a regular E46 M3 (I happen to think it's the best looking M3 as well).

[@eltiko2670]

110%%%%% plz do this Mat!!🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@fabricioavil]

I have a Z4M, which has S54 as well, I replaced intake and exhaust, love it!

[@johndc2998]

Clownshoe or vert? Either way 👌nice man

[@imperatormouse2735]

I had a Z4M and regret that I sold it. Keep the little Fred Flinstones car.

[@chucks_garage987]

Definitely the best M car! Please do more reviews of older performance cars like these. Much more interesting than the new cars.

[@joshuad1716]

Great job explaining how the SMG really perfectly captures what the essence of this car is. I LOVE the SMG in the e46 m3, to me it provides a very raw and visceral experience that the manual can’t.

[@thokozanimbambo50]

Well put!

[@waty0usay1]

Not just the best M car, the best BMW ever made.

[@berkperformance]

Mate, you are my alltime 'replacement' for JC. Wonderful job you're doing, seriously. For the first time I saw real emotion @ 11:07. Simply lovely

[@bernardlloyd2000]

Definitely hyped up by your "budget" E46 CSL!!! 🤩 Plus you won't feel bad upgrading the OEM brakes (as opposed to modifying a stock CSL) Carbon intake, exterior upgrades, perhaps a cheaky new exhaust system

[@ronhudson3730]

I owned two 3-series from this era and although nowhere near this level of performance, they were truly superb. BMW should dust off the body-panel moulds/die’s (?) and produce a 2020’s version. Perhaps also an electric-model? Looked beautiful - and drove even more so. I loved them. What a fool to let them go.

[@mbanck]

Great idea (I own a E46 convertible), but you'd never get them crash tested and approved today - there's a reason why modern (production, not concept) cars don't look as sleek anymore and it's not because designers got worse or bored :-/

[@TVCHLORD]

Same I had a 325i and it was fun to drive (when it worked)

[@sandangcobo2154]

You can never go wrong with BMW

[@Ducky22]

Hi Mat, I would recommend that you should buy a normal e46 and put mods on it as my dad did the exact same and its the best thing ever

[@m.x.refrigxolani8365]

This is one car which made me fall in love with the bmw, the e46 model. Eysh, gone are the days.

[@AutoAbsolute]

Such a lovely car, design is magnificent. BM at their peak me thinks. Cheers Matt

[@shoakbarrkambarov5175]

Lets get the job done matt the idea itself with building an e46 csl is incredible…Can’t wait for you to buy one!

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, This M3 is just magnificent. Love the way it looks. For most BMW fans, the E46 M3 CSL is the crown jewel in the brand's performance car history. Not only was it one of the best looking cars BMW ever made but, it was potentially the most thrilling to drive till this date...

[@12345678939218]

É verdade. É uma maquina perfeita 🙂

[@nilomaiab]

e46 é muito show , tenho uma M3 que da pena de dirigir todo dia .. dai peguei uma 330i pro dia a dia . seria lindo se a bmw imitasse a volkswagen com a e46 do itamar em 2024 🤣

[@Liam-vh8bz]

Seems like BMW fired all their mid-2000 car designers, what a shame

[@riaanbresler2888]

I have had the privilege to be a passenger in one and agree with you 100 fold ! E46 chassis was just superb and that CSL was and to a certain degree still is the prince of the castle of the BMW stable.

[@hamzah7012]

AN ABSOLUTE BEAST.....was waiting for an amazing and detailed review of the E46 CSL and finally here it is!

[@woodyunderwood2828]

I have a 2004 330ci Imolarot ZHP. One owner. 50,000 miles, perfect condition. Picked up in Germany. Your M3 w/o the insurance payments. Love it!!

[@carlosbonilla1637]

I guess I’m even more inclined on keeping my e46 M3 now… love these cars

[@12345678939218]

My favorite M ever. I agree with you Mat, even before see this video. Its great.

[@usman1alam]

best M car BMW have ever made!! I'm glad i've got my own E46 M3 even though it's not a CSL

[@tkendirli]

I've sold BMW's for more than 7 years and this car was and still is the ultimate state of the art of BMW's engineering. Not by just it's agility and speed but the handling and feeling of it. Period.

[@dombower]

0:48 Matt is green gold. Who the heck did the colour correction for this?

[@EmreGhost]

The way you giggle, laugh and smile when driving shows itself, no other comment is needed actually.

[@craigwilson6350]

You didn't need to convince me... I've always thought it was the best M car ... its on my lottery winning list, as well as escort/Sierra cosworths

[@theodorehamakiotis4837]

it would be so perfect to see a budget csl on that channel, on of the best ideas ever

[@nathanbethell4005]

Had one as a daily driver between 2006 and 2009....still my most favourite car I've ever had!

[@th3orist]

the automatic gearbox did not bother you?

[@nathanbethell4005]

@@th3orist the auto box was dreadful in almost every situation, but tbf it worked when you were fully on it and added to the event. If I were to drive it back to back with my current pdk car it would no doubt feel even worse.

[@skhumbzomncwabe5323]

This things makes heavenly engine noise and that rear window feature is really cool.

[@Brozay401]

Love the video Matt. The CSL is my favourite car of all time. (The SMG gearbox could do with a software update though as it would make it alot smoother on upshifts). The car to do your build on is the E46 M3 CS, as from stock its already closer to the CSL but ALOT cheaper.

[@dougie8010]

Modulate the throttle when shifting an SMG car. Like riding a sportsbike and shifting without the clutch.

[@Brozay401]

@@dougie8010 every time.you modulate you loose time time and momentum. I know you do in a full manual but hats offset by the satisfaction if changing gears which you don't get with an SMG. Modulating is just the best way to deal with a bad situation

[@dougie8010]

@@Brozay401 I disagree, only due to what I have personally experienced. Last time I changed gears whilst doing a wheelie on my cbr600rr, for both smoothness and mechanical sympathy, I lightened the throttle ever so minutely. Same with driving my e61 M5, I always lighten the throttpe ever so gently for the split second I shift. MUCH smoother. Instead of trying to make a gearbox fit ones desired narrative. One should either choose the correct gearbox in the beginning or learn to use the given gearbox in the correct fashion. Same with manuals. I see folks wrenching them around like they have an inferiority complex and need to show who is the boss.

[@dougie8010]

@@Brozay401 go pull a wheelie on a sportsbike and do a flat change, undesirable.

[@Brozay401]

@@dougie8010 I don't ride bikes but I've had 3 E60 bmw's and the gearbox was terrible in all of them. Each to his own but mine is definitely a smooth changing gearbox or manual

[@NemanjaSmiljkovic]

5:13 CSL actually means 'coupe, sports and lightweight' not competition

[@Account1746]

Car manufacturers need to make a run of old school designs with modern tech and engine

[@tylercouture216]

I never wanted something so badly in my life 2000s cars are the perfect sweet spot to have that done

[@samcourt6228]

That noise…..it’s epic. You’d never get bored of that. The E46 is a very pretty car too.

[@Rocinante_1980]

I used to have a leather steering wheel and I had an alcantara put on it. The only difference that it made was, I didn’t burn my hands like the leather one did. When the car was left in the sun for a long time. And the speed. I’m sorry to say Matte, made absolutely no difference 🤣

[@ronan7812]

Yep. Alcantara is great. Cool in summer and "warm" in winter.

[@DenisTheRealMenace]

its a joke

[@herlandermorais4743]

Best car in the world! I wouldn't take any other car in place of E46 M3 CSL. Thanks Mat for the video.

[@joelwehrli8628]

I'd love to see your personal interpretation of an E46 M3 CSL

[@gam88a]

Good review of what makes the CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau) special. The CSL is my inspiration for my M Coupe (Z3) build. Hopefully close to 100kg saved with the various CF parts I have to go on. The E46 M3 is a design classic for me and never tire of seeing one.

[@krev3dk0]

Good idea to build a budget M3 CSL! Go ahead

[@jerrygys2]

For the first time, the engine sound roars so hard and it sounds so good that whatever Mat is saying is no longer relevant :D

[@Nord_Mann]

A friend of mine has one. Beastly🤩

[@cameronlotter1392]

Ew. Bmw shit. Gonna blow up

[@jamesrichards5601]

@RZR 🔈 probably not, quite a few people own them, surprisingly.

[@joseespinosa998]

Yes! Its the Best. Wonderful review Mat!

[@ThrottleBody]

The best bmw ever made. The best looking too. The best sounding too. The end.

[@Euphorica]

Its ugly

[@ThrottleBody]

@@Euphorica and you’re blind 🤫

[@Euphorica]

@@ThrottleBody i have taste(and better than perfect vision ;) )

[@ThrottleBody]

@@Euphorica 🤣 you’re the kind of person who thinks g82 m4 CSLs are pretty.

[@footvantage06]

The most beautiful 3 series ever. I just want the base model of that 3 series.

[@praveshramsoonder4455]

E92 V8 M DCT now that's a Car, driven many and I'm in luv 😍😍😍

[@thokozanimbambo50]

I completely agree with your facts!, Converting this to a manual or any other modification would ruin this classic.

[@ca9968]

I`ll never forget the first time I saw and heard one of these majestic beasts for the first time... An Opel Owners Club vs VW Owners Club high speed day at a banked oval track called Gerotek in Pretoria, South Africa in 2003. There had been a few E46 M3`s doing runs and as always it was cool to watch, then a CSL pulled onto the start line, gave it some revs and then launched, i`ve still never heard a more beautiful and tortured sounding wail/scream come from an engine at full tilt...I still stop and drool like an idiot when I see a CSL in the metal...

[@carstenkristensen9563]

It's not only the best M3 ever, it's also the best looking M3 ever

[@grahamsalmons2027]

I had the original E46 M3 and as a daily I was a bit underwhelmed. You have to rev out to get the power from the engine, and on a daily commute it’s a bit demanding, it wants to be driven. It doesn’t ‘feel’ as fast as it is. I think a toy or collectible the CSL is cool and has its own unique character for sure, something that’s hard to find these days. IMHO as a mere mortal (rather than wealthy collector) there are better choices.

[@magnustan841]

Was it a case of expectations not being met? Cause this gen of M3 in general is a hero for so many car lovers.

[@munzirrafik7753]

so true . same to my e92 m3 . really have to rev out to get the power . very low torque

[@grahamsalmons2027]

@@magnustan841 Yes possibly. I’d had a Porsche Boxster S and this has a terrific engine, torquey and grunty at the low end with interesting washing machine sounds, strong in the mid-range with a rasp and proper yowly at the top end. The M3 just sounded flat and mechanical, and unsatisfyingly raspy in the mid-range, almost as if someone had turned the bass down. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not comparing a Boxster S and an M3. They are quite different. I’m just saying after all the fan boy hype about the M3, I expected it to be a similar experience to the Boxster S, for which the general marketplace love seemed to be met by the actual car. I only had the M3 for a year. By a bizarre set of circumstances BMW had to buy it back from me (they’d forgotten to do the 1,200 mile service ergo the car wasn’t warrantied but had been sold to me as a warrantied approved used). Seeing as they gave me more or less what I paid for it, ironically it was one of the best cars I’ve ever had - financially.

[@Brozay401]

Super-charger👌🏾

[@GoldenCroc]

No offence but what did you think 100hp extra out of the same capacity would entail? Of course it takes its toll on the low end power in comparison..

[@coastalrider1155]

I could watch e46 videos all day lol sounds brilliant

[@johndc2998]

The gauge / button to control the transmission shift you mentioned, also controls throttle response.

[@malthusg1115]

You don't need to convince me Mat. This is clearly the best thing M division has created. Stunning car. Definitely a lottery win car for me.

[@sleepeatdrive7619]

The way he feels driving the CSL, is the way I feel about driving my S2000!

[@MikeRT4]

The S2000 is also a very special car (and I have a CSL as well) :).

[@g.w.7893]

No one asked.

[@wbi007]

The thing about the downshifts is that the CSL has revmatching from the factory. The normal m3 did not and it makes a big diffrence on the SMG. Its often why people say the smg feels slugish.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

The E46 is BMW at their very best. I think since the E range of cars BMW has never really been the same; they started cost cutting and the styling gradually got worse until we’ve ended up with some of the abominations in their current line up. As a BMW fan and owner it’s enough to break your heart. Still, worldwide at least, they’re supposedly selling more cars than ever, so what’s bad for our eyeballs seeming is good for the company’s bottom line. Edit: and yes Matt, do your take on the CSL.

[@NetshadeX]

The absolute pinnacle of what BMW has put on roads in the entire history of their existence. That is the E46 M3. You can drive that machine 50 years from now and still look cool.

[@sbomorse]

16:35 "launch the shit out of this car" Didn't use launch control or brake boost it....

[@chamaldealwis9]

It’s NA u dont need to brake boost it

[@MikeRT4]

He did explain why he wasn't going to do that though.....

[@RPacheco808]

So nice to hear the SMG get some love. The people that complain about it have never lived with one. If it was so terrible then why did the top-tier e46 M3 CSL use it and not a stick? I tested a stick and SMG when I was in the market for an M3. Got the SMG and haven't regretted my choice after 8 years.

[@Lburt07]

Can we get a car collection tour and an update on all your cars?

[@Gkoulidis]

DUDE!!!! COME ON!!!!!!I love turbo engines but there is something magical about big naturally aspirated engines that can't be replicated!

[@bradmartland5723]

I'd have it just below the V10 M5 cause of the engine alone

[@imthelastone]

I drove one once ....it was magnificent and thrilling and certainly the best driving BMW I have ever experienced

[@aldomandovani]

Matt has gone really out of the automatic closet these days

[@Mr.Waffullz]

The CSL and NSX Type R are just the chefs kiss for me

[@vindevhunta4905]

amen...it's a keeper...this an the m5 cs are the two best things from bmw

[@gerrysweeney3296]

You should take a look at the Z4M as it has the same diff,rack and engine but it’s smaller and lighter

[@timothyduncan6903]

Z4M Coupe Ring time was 8:12. It's smaller and slightly lighter, but the chassis, balance, and Weight distribution make all the difference.

[@samcourt6228]

The manual conversion is an interesting one….a certain Mr Catchpole was very complementary about it as was a chap I’d spoken to who had done it to his, although there are others who love it and it’s really part of the experience.

[@Carmafixcars]

One of the nicest things about the smg tranny is how it engages gear when you unlock the car from outside. It's as if the car wakes up and tells you ok, lets get it done.

[@ikelaiho]

This was my favourite car in the old Granturismo game on PlayStation. The car felt so special. Please do it. CSL an M3

[@atakanatalay2940]

A legend! Hail to the king.

[@aanpermana]

The video played and I immediately thought of Clarkson's review of this car on Top Gear, many years ago.

[@derfuchs3408]

The first Tester who is knowing how to drive SMG! and is able to complain it 🎉❤

[@bmwe30godzilla10]

I love this so much, It's not about old it's gold Dann

[@juanpablocastanoval2180]

Awesome car! You have been wanting it for a while. Do it!

[@BoxingWave]

This M3 CSL is my dream BMW and the CLK63 Black Series is my dream Merc

[@JustinOnCars]

Duuuuude!!!!!!!! You are killing me with this car, this is my absolute favourite car since I was like 10 hahaha I am 32 now LOL I also want to get one of these soon just a normal e46 M3 though CSL is way out of my budget

[@selldivision]

Ditch the jaundice filter. Look like it was filmed in colour sepia. Otherwise a awesome video. Amazing how time changes perception.

[@James-semaJ]

As a kid I always hated that exhaust noise. There was 3 that I can remember in my village. But as an adult, seeing them on track, nothing handles like them. Mad car.

[@philangezwizondo2719]

My best M3 ever I love it so much and good choice Matt!!👏👏👏

[@digi051669]

Matt hits the key points on the CSL. Can just change to pf pads to improve the braking if you don't want bbk. She is still in the stable, but contemplating switch to a 458 for future appreciation

[@bratanemanoil]

Love how Mat’s skin tone makes him look like Commander Data 🤣

[@pc0736]

Great idea Matt, you definitely should as it’ll make for very informative content.

[@GeorgeSmith-kv1ki]

Best M3 ever for sure, induction sound only beaten by McLaren F1 and GT4 RS. The car is much more than the sum of the parts, I love mine.

[@gregs8685]

The C in CSL stands for coupe, not competition. Just like the original e9 3.0 CSL: Coupe Sport Lightweight. I do think the C in the current CS nomenclature now stand for competition, which is sort of ridiculous for a 4000 lb M5 which owners will never use on the track.

[@legambaz]

Can't agree more this is the best M Beemer ever. This car is awesome in so many ways. It's also the prettiest. A true driving experience for REAL car lovers.

[@Mani00786]

Mat's tan matches the orange lights in the gauge cluster of this m3

[@kip8790]

I think it’s the best performance car BMW have ever made. Just the right balance of motorsport to usability. I had a z4m coupe which had the last iteration of the s54 and if I ever have enough money I’ll get another. That has many of the csl parts on it also.

[@stefanudrea44]

Definitely should get either one of these or a regular M3 E46... Or any other M car really

[@yungfly321]

Love the raspy sound of the e46 m3 exhaust bmw needs to bring it back

[@alosh2491]

The GOAT! 🐐 perfection this car is

[@Gshekela]

BMW M3 E46 is my favorite Car!

[@DameAndThatGame]

smiling ear to ear, this car. this car gives me goosbumbs.

[@Leos-World]

I don't need to be convinced. I already have one.... and I love it! 😀

[@antoineday3346]

Yes please Mat!!! We want a budget build M3 CSL