BMW E46 M3 CSL: The M3 Masterpieces Ep.3 | Carfection 4K

[@LipePaiga]

This is not only the pinnacle of e46 generation. This is the pinnacle of all M3s produced. State of the art.

[@fredriksvard2603]

Lipe Paiga The pinnacle of cars imo. Tracked a few exotics and nothing compares to the CSL.

[@rhatala27]

GTR

[@brakesforsnakes757]

Sadly BMW will never produce a car that is even 50% as good as the E46 M3 CSL.

[@TheBlackHandElite]

except for the gearbox you mean

[@Jasongy827]

Lipe Paiga totally agree, I like the regular m3. I didn’t know bmw release special kind like the gtr and csl what are the difference?

[@Gr0t0tter]

One of the greatest cars to ever roll out of a BMW factory... it's alive in your hands, and the noise it makes is simply biblical.

[@Orcawhale1]

Ye, the ones with manuals. SMG is pretty shit to use nowadays.

[@Gr0t0tter]

Granted, SMG II is a dog for daily driving, but can genuinely be quite entertaining on the CSL software when beating the piss out of it... You don't drive a CSL to go on a civilized dawdle down to the local store - you do it to experience a road legal track car - and in that setting, one can forgive SMG II its many shortcomings.

[@Orcawhale1]

@@Gr0t0tter Except you can just get a "normal" E46 M3, and add most of the csl mods or similar mods, then you got the best of both worlds, not to mention you arn't worrying about the value, due to it not being a special edition.

[@Gr0t0tter]

Of course you can... but doing it right, puts you within striking distance of actual CSL pricing - especially when you factor in the interior bits. By the same token, you could manual-convert a CSL as well. I'm just saying that a CSL driven in anger, makes the SMG II gearbox seem less of a stinker, than it is doing the daily grind in a vanilla M3.

[@LipePaiga]

Can’t say any better. Perfect words.

[@raees7789]

I could watch this video all day. Certainly one of the best-aged cars

[@Heinz1g]

Yeah, I've kind of forgotten how beautiful this thing really is. Thank god this video reminded me.

[@nazsumadi3055]

The Wheels on this generation!!! Soo good

[@CarswithB]

I agree

[@j.3854]

BBS, yo.

[@Gaaaaaaaaaaad]

Best BMW ever made , timeless design and sound , just like the V10 M5

[@bberllam]

That engine was GARBAGE

[@apostolou.2577]

@@bberllam yeah sure, one of the most efficient engines ever made is garbage.

[@bberllam]

Those e46 m3 engines are bullet proof , the v10 m engine is VERY VERY unreliable, where used m5 10 year laters are going for under 10 000 usd but the e39m5 is going for 30 to 50 grand ? Wonder why that is . The e60 is garbage from bottom to top .

[@apostolou.2577]

@@bberllam i was talking about e46

[@marcellukacic5221]

@@bberllam E46 M3 engine isn't bulletproof at all. It has less problems than the E60 M5, though. M cars need proper maintenance and care in general. If you treat them well and service them regurarly, they can be pretty reliable machines. M engines are always more complex than standard BMW engines. BTW E60 M5 V10 won an award as being the best engine in the world in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, so it isn't garbage at all.

[@Youtubedotcomma]

Watch in 240p for that 1998 experience

[@Zuxeh]

haha !

[@tobywilliams7803]

Yeah I’m fine actually thanks lol

[@dln.sweeney]

This car came out in 04 tho

[@RK1FX]

@@dln.sweeney make it 360p then

[@dln.sweeney]

@HeavyDutyTraining Touché.

[@longtailgt]

One of the greatest sounding engines ever made in one of the best looking cars ever made. Some people wonder why the E46 is so hyped up. Well, here is your answer.

[@calebsonger4630]

BlackWind Because 1300 of these were made? I personally cannot see myself getting anything past e36 era. Feel like the exhaust is just too raspy for my taste. Some of them sound like damn F1 cars though haha.

[@Dave.S.TT600]

er...No, Dude... not at all one of the best. Sounds good... sure

[@Eren-da-Jaeger]

@@calebsonger4630 most sound of that model of car comes directly from the induction of the engine not exhaust. plus i think you could be one person in whole world who does not like sound of F1 engine. honda jazz fan much ?

[@calebsonger4630]

PKS I’m saying when they do sound like an F1 car, it’s sweet. But a lot of them sound like raspy tin cans.

[@stefanfreestylez]

@@Dave.S.TT600 check out the set up i had on mine. I have a few videos of it up. Def one of the best sounds out there.

[@gonzalo4307]

I still watch Jeremy Clarkson's review of the CSL every now and then, brilliant car

[@Dan23_7]

Gonzalo I know a lad who owned that very car after it was featured

[@Skyl3r07]

Me too lol

[@timfagan816]

I do too, it's a good watch! They sound so much better with the carbon fibre intake! Go type it into KZbin such a boss sound!

[@muigaulwurf]

The e46 M3 is the most elegant of all M3s, not only the CSL. It's just such a stunning beauty!

[@jonathanmoga5188]

Its ugly

[@repeatrepeatrepeat]

@@jonathanmoga5188 y r u geh?

[@muigaulwurf]

Jon M thank you for your sophisticated and well versed opinion

[@jonathanmoga5188]

@@muigaulwurf I dont like being pedantic. I got straight to it.

[@so1idify]

It truly is ugly, the e30 m3 is so much better looking especially mtech2

[@MaxSpeedMike]

Back when a sports car was actually about driving instead of insane tech and driver assistance packages

[@Dave.S.TT600]

it's a GT car, surely?

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@Dave.S.TT600 Coupe, manual, rear wheel drive, great performance, I'd say it's a sports car

[@davissilvestrs1996]

@@Dave.S.TT600 it's a sports car.

[@LivingLifeSlower]

Back when this was produced it was considered blunt and heavy.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@LivingLifeSlower 3400 lbs is on the heavier side for sure

[@Ageratos01]

Hearing that engine roar gave me goosebumps.. anyone else?

[@thomaskmathew6025]

Those rain drops gliding along the window pane is quite a lovely sight to see and understand the thrust this car produces... WOW !

[@PepegaPig]

nothing to do with HP and everything to the glass coating...

[@TheDiecastFanatic]

@@PepegaPig it seems like all of the cars went through a detailer just before this video was shut. They all bead everywhere..

[@735337707]

Glass wax or sealant.

[@Lucarocks92]

The legend that is the E46 M3 CSL

[@alf279]

The E36 and E46, and not only the 'M' cars, are the best BMWs ever made for me. Simply great to drive, they offer exactly what BMW's slogan is: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Without the limitations of today's laws and emission requirements. They are honest cars. I love both, I always did. I currently drive a E36 328i convertible with some minor mods (bigger brakes, M50 manifold, slightly altered M3 E46 exhaust system, tweaked suspension, rigidity improvements) and it's an absolute joy, even though the 36 'Vert is not the most rigid chassis. It's even better than I thought it would be before owning one.

[@h.l.4587]

Thank you for this great video, yes the M3 CSL is a legend. 2003 when I saw the first CSL in a BMW show room I fell in love. 2012 I bought one and I still love this car. For me it's a very emotional car and the sound is just amazing.

[@agmos01]

It's amazing how well the E46 has aged...

[@brianjackson7499]

Just an absolutely sublime car and the last of the true ‘driving’ cars. I really miss my Manual E46 M3 and my current M140i isn’t a patch on it. That sound is truly epic when one winds up them 6 cylinders.

[@andeleputo89]

You so called “purists” need to stop discrediting the e92. Yeah its a big boat of a car, but that one of a kind naturally aspirated v8 pushes the car like nothing

[@brianjackson7499]

BIG J The V8 is a masterpiece as well as you say but I couldn’t live with the rear end looks of it.

[@PureDriveTV]

BIG J I see you’re talking to me😂 For me the E46 is the best of all worlds. Pure feeling, connection with the car, speed, balans, safety features. Every M3 before the E46 feels too slow (although the difference with the E36 is quite small) and in every M3 after the E46 you feel less connected with the car. Atleast, that’s how I feel it. The E92 is a beautiful car and that V8 is great! It’s actually 15kg lighter than the E46 engine.🙈 But E46 wins it all for me.💪

[@Sirdiggar]

@brian jackson I owned a 2004 E46 normal M3, the amount of money I spent on to keep the thing running and not breaking down was ridiculous, I mistakenly bought the SMG version, which broke not once but TWICE. All high performance E46 models rear sub frame is also flawed, they crack, they ALL do. Had to pay to get that reinforced, not to mention oil leaks and other petty stuff. It was an enjoyable car when it worked, but definitely not a masterpiece and I certainly wouldn't buy another one.

[@PureDriveTV]

Sirdiggar Well.. Everything is “breakable”. I believe you had those problems because of the previous owner(s). If you treat this car very well from new, it’s good. Not perfect, but good. Yes, subframe is a known issue. I have a 2001 manual. I’ve bought it with 52.000km about one and a half year ago. Perfect history and I’ve driven it for about 20.000km’s now. It doesn’t use ANY oil, not a drip. The car drives and feels like new and the subframe is (still🤞) perfect. So it just depends on how it’s been used since new.

[@anotae]

Timeless, priceless and speechless. Definitely one icon in automobile history.

[@meteormedia7021]

A masterpiece that didn't give a damn. I just love how this car (as opposed by modern M3s) was just a sports saloon which didn't try to cater to casual motoring journalists but actually to track-day drivers and gentleman racers who will drive their sports car hard.

[@juandavidsa1]

Best sounding m3 so far! That rasp at top end is glorious!

[@basithph8958]

Really love the M3 E46 along with E30 and E36

[@kjb8321]

I simply cannot put into words how much I want one of these - they have aged incredibly well and just seem the perfect antonym to the modern batch of performance coupès

[@jameskingston]

I love these things!

[@mohammedosmankhan1837]

Everything bmw made in the past 20 years combined can't hold a candle to this car's looks. Simply timeless.

[@aaaaachew]

I know for many, the E30 M is the pinnacle of the M series but for me, this is it. As always, great vid, Henry.

[@DjentleVoicesInMe]

“If you just look at the engine, it’ll kill you” - Jeremy Clarkson

[@breaker19rmr]

I've had my E46 M3 since picking it up in Germany in the summer of 2004 and will never sell it.

[@marcusFZ6]

I can still remember the day my mate turned up in his CSL, what a sight for the eyes out my kitchen window. Did the look around, had a coffee and THEN we went of a drive, OMG. The induction noise was just amazing and so was everything else about the car. He did a the normal upgrades to brakes and small tweeks to the suspension. Kept for a while and then sold it for a 911 Turbo as nothing else in his eyes was a step up. Kept that for only a short time, too much hassle and went back to another CSL.

[@Volvo8Fifty4Life]

I find this Carfection video to be the crispiest car reviews ever. Very high quality content plus the E46 M3 adds that bit more of a "cool" factor.

[@mverbaan3381]

Another great review of one of the greatest M3's! Thanks for that Carfectionists!

[@shehryar1091]

That M3 CSL, NFS Most Wanted, PC, My cousins and I, 2007. What a time that was♡♡

[@oktanskioktan9372]

In NFS MW there was no M3CSL, the E46 in this game was M3 GTR. :)

[@samcourt6228]

What a fabulous car; Henry’s face says it all. That noise is glorious.

[@greigsanderson]

German technology at it's very best. Superb.

[@Lucas-ck1po]

1:15 That sound. For some reason, that intake sound is the first thing that comes to head when i think of european sports cars. The rest is just an afterthought, this is the essential stuff.

[@22Epic]

Like Jeremy Clarkson would say, the CSL is the only car where the intake make more noise than the exhaust.

[@waynephilbert]

One the best cars to experience driving. That induction sound had me squealing like a 5 yr old. The kids loved it too.

[@turnbull321]

this car has a guaranteed place in my dream collection

[@NikoNeko.]

It is true the S54 can trace its roots back to S50... but for those interested the only things that are the same on these two engines are: gasket for the oil pan, tensioner of poly V-belt, and the rear crankshaft cover plate. The rest is ALL NEW. Beautiful film guys. Great job mister Catchpole. Next time please make it 1 hour long pls :D

[@parky2310]

Achingly special and pretty! - But enough about Henry - The E46 M3 CSL is special beyond words!

[@sharonjoseph410]

The slide shots are super smooth. Cheers to the team!

[@rare6499]

The E46 is design perfection. BMW high point.

[@marccharon5845]

My '06 silver-gray 6-speed ZHP thanks you.

[@DriversSide]

The E46 is the best all around generation of M3 in my opinion. I have one that I make videos with on my channel and it’s an absolute joy! I have the 6 spd manual however. I would be curious for you to do a comparison of the CSL with the SMG II vs a regular E46 M3 with the original SMG gearbox!

[@0ANTH3MAN]

Regular E46 M3s have the SMG II as well, only difference is a software flash. Euro E36 M3s had the original SMG I. With the right software tweaks the SMG can be really incredible, the upshifts are insane and it can skip gears unlike a DCT which can be really handy in certain situations

[@DriversSide]

Dan Sutherland oh interesting! I didn’t know the smg system was that old

[@ryana5861]

Love this series. Also feel honored to have sat in and touched one of the 2 remaining e46 m3 GTR's in person. BMW car club of America had a e30 m3 gathering at their NA HQ and a GTR was sitting inside for everyone to enjoy

[@JoeAchilles1]

Love love love this series! Epic work once again HC

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

Such a joy to hear that engine screaming. Electrifying!

[@XXwikkiXX]

As a normal SMG E46 M3 owner, I love driving my car the way its meant to be driven. Did all the maintenance upgrades and this car is just fabulous. I hope to buy a real CSL from france or other LHD countries and import to the US some day. For now I shall enjoy the normal one!

[@161BMW]

Watching this at 4:15am. This is one of my favourite BMWs.

[@snakerb]

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I think the E46 is the best looking of all M3

[@pervertt]

Without a doubt. The proportions of the car, especially in coupe form, are close on perfect. Newer BMWs will not age as well as the E46.

[@johnpearson492]

It's definitely in the eye of the beholder. I'm a much bigger fan of the e36, personally the e46 looks like a bar of soap to me. The sharp lines and understated aggressive look of the e36 just looks amazing.

[@Strongpoint100]

I think the back looks very bland compared to the others...

[@darrenlomax1283]

Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder.

[@baberkhan1472]

This is not a car, it is a dream of a generation. NFSMW2

[@LukaszRox]

Dream car, complete package of driver's car.

[@aaa84gt]

Wish it had a six speed though... It would be a $200.000 car by now...

[@ca9968]

The US never got any but South Africa did... I`ll never forget the first time I saw one in the metal...and got to see it line up on a banked oval track in Pretoria West called Gerotek... Opel Owners Club vs VW Owners Club high speed challenge back in 2002/2003, there had been some seriously fast cars hitting the track that day (George Ananaganos and his Opel SuperBoss Turbo doing 266kmph and setting a record that would stand for over 10 years)...there had been a few E46 M3`s doing runs that day and as always they were a crowd favorite, then what possibly could have been the first E46 M3 CSL in in private hands in South Africa pulled onto the line, revved up with launch control on and let her loose when the light went green...i`ll never forget the howl that was unleashed and the damn near perfect launch that followed...the driver didn`t beat the 266kmph record but he did hit the 250kmph that the car was limited to...he even had tape over the number plates due to BMW South Africa cancelling any warranty on their cars that were taken on track for events like this... To this day i`d still much rather have one of these over a new M3...an absolute banshee at full tilt, so damn entertaining to watch!

[@discoverlight]

Man thanks for coming up with such a great idea of this series. 😮 didn’t think would enjoy it so much.

[@ITSMYOPINIONNOTYOURSDOYO-bi5sr]

Carfection is On par with my two other favourite car channels( Petrolicious, Living Life Fast, Hoovies Garage.... now that’s an eclectic choice but I love them all for different reasons) but this is by far my favourite motoring Journalist!

[@archishmandeka]

To me....the best and most beautiful bmw ever made. I want this in my life..

[@rayhanathalla]

I'm here after the new M4 CSL vids, mainly because of THE SOUND THIS CSL MADE.

[@cbcsmithers]

Harry is giddy over the sound of this one... understandably so! Love this video

[@owenlee9474]

This is my favourite M3

[@kirkkwamme7953]

Great stuff. This is for sure, my favourite M3. The E46 is the one I've been waiting for in this mini series. Still as beautiful as it was back then, perhaps more so now, with the angular aero driven lines dominant today. This thing had soul.

[@davidcripps5268]

BMW have not made a bad M car and the e46 csl like the e30 m3 is sublime in every way ,its proportions look perfect from every angle, a true drivers car .

[@scanspeak00]

The best of all M3s? I think so.

[@Youtubedotcomma]

scanspeak00 what’s ya fav M car ever tho?!

[@Youtubedotcomma]

Subi_fan more cylinders can only be a good thing! 👍🏼

[@drazenbudis7881]

Right after E30 M3 that is

[@rj6110]

Even with the SMG?

[@zachd6011]

The m3 GTR is the best Beamer of all time

[@skrypka]

True, 2 second greatest sounding M3 after E92. Perhaps best prior modern day M3 overall.

[@THECONDOR98]

I think the e46 sounds better than the e92. The s65 is an amazing engine but the s54 was so revolutionary and you can't beat that induction

[@stefanfreestylez]

Had both i think the e46 sounded better.

[@skrypka]

@@stefanfreestylez Agree, E92 stock exhaust is really big disappointment. But good thing is it is very easy to upgrade it with some aftermarket solution. And then not a single M3 has a chance of any generation :) Speaking of E46 exhaust sound, there is really nothing much you can do, it always sounds good as any inline6 does.

[@pharaongaming8617]

in my opinion the e36 sounds better

[@stefanfreestylez]

@@skrypka i had both with upgraded exhuasts. The e46 according to my ears and everyone else that heard them, was better. I have videos on my youtube. E46 would get confused for an exotic car. But e92 still sounded unreal.

[@ilandman4evr]

BMW E46 M3 CSL in a manual would be a master piece to be hold. Epic series

[@Perfectionvalet]

Absolutely love the CSL. Thanks to a very generous client I’ve done 100’s of miles in one on road and track. The gearbox loves to be driven hard as does the chassis. Amazing car.

[@mubblemann]

A simply beautiful design. I own a black E46 330ci and think that's stunning. This is turned up to 11!

[@TheDinkster08]

Mubble Mann blue 330Ci owner here. I’m absolutely in love with mine 🤩

[@irfankucingthe2nd]

E46 325ci here, wanted to buy a 330ci bcs I couldn’t afford an M3, but all the 330cis in the market were faulty so I had to choose the next step down :( Great car, but I wish I had just a little bit more $$$ to get the E46 M3... maybe next year!! But in terms of design, it’s been months but every time I look at the car parked in the driveway/carpark/sideroad as I’m about to drive it, I always think “nice” and feel really happy that I have this car. People say that when you buy material things, the happiness only lasts for a moment when you buy the thing. For me, I still feel that happiness every single time I walk to my car.

[@dexietyy7922]

Best generation of bmw ever made there will never be anything like it I’m so glad to own one

[@161BMW]

Should do a video on E46 M3 CS with BMW Manual Gearbox Completely original OEM Mint example

[@discoverlight]

Definitely the E46 it’s my fav M5, was madly waiting for this episode.

[@chawenhalo0089]

E46 CS was a good in between: It had the CSL's faster rack, same style wheels (the CSL are much lighter) and the chassis was pointier too than the standard E46 M3. And you get a manual gearbox as standard. CSL brakes were also fitted to the ill forgotten Z4M Coupe.

[@augustuspatrone6790]

CS was not a go between. It was 10% better than the standard car. CSL is 90% better than the standard car.

[@AstonMartinDBS749]

It looks so ridiculously beautiful

[@cpaaretrofit]

Best M3 ever.

[@THECONDOR98]

Im so happy they made this series

[@guillermosanchez2783]

I love the M3 E30, the E46 (manual transmission) and then the E36 in that order. Those were times! when BMW was building "𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑚 𝑓𝑎ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑛."

[@niklaudk2012]

E46 is my favourite ever M3, I know it's not the best but I can't resist with manual gearbox.... Love it

[@johnv4866]

Great video. Henry is absolutely one of the very best at what he does.

[@JacK-yr8ri]

This is the one I have been waiting for

[@mohammedjunad2311]

Regular E46 M3 in manual, Karbonius CSL air box, big brake kit (Budget option = Braided lines, EBC pads and slotted rotors), (optional) light weight flywheel and upgraded clutch. You now have one of the best driving, best sounding and arguably best looking cars ever made for under $18k.

[@Josef8080]

Simply the ultimate road machine ....

[@mso008]

was this a reliable bemmer? still my favourite bmw evee

[@klasseact6663]

The E46 Is my favorite M3 and I like it in Laguna Seca Blue with 3 petals of course!

[@Dbobber]

My first dream car before I could drive. That top gear episode Clarkson did was amazing

[@evan9536]

I have an e46 325ci, the M3 of this generation is my dream car. Although mine lacks the same power, you feel everything when driving it. There’s simply no better driving experience from any car.

[@johndeerman2105]

As always, wonderfully done. Thank you.

[@RafidW9]

simply the greatest car of all time. not even exaggerating.

[@marshallemmett3313]

My favorite looking M3. Such a stunner.

[@markdance574]

The best car show on KZbin 👍

[@AndySmallbone]

A guy I worked with years ago had one. I went out with him on a track day and not only was it massively rapid it felt like it rain on rails and stopped on a dime, amazing car! Was funny when he tried to be flash at brands hatch and smashed it into the barrier.. I still have the video of that little off 😂😂

[@grimmiekazuma2979]

That's one happy and suprise m3

[@HarryJ10]

My favourite car and my favourite motoring journalist, what a great

[@digi051669]

KW V3, Dixis exhaust and I'm still in heaven with my CSL. Although she doesn't go out much nowadays. Although my R35 GTR, Huracan are way quicker, the CSL just makes you feel so alive. A prized stallion indeed. Great video. Gearbox is great as long you have a properly functioning SMG2 box with renewed gearbox springs. Many smg cars slur because of this and calibration

[@tonyyang4469]

Hard to pick a favorite. They're all differently amazing

[@getoutofthetimetrap5435]

The amount of weight savings and performance that went into the production of this M3 was admirable and as close to a track car for the street as the original S14 , limiting its production didn’t hurt either , but that design .....arrrgh ! Some claim it’s beautiful , it always reminded me of my girls Honda Civic of that time .

[@b577960]

I have a titanium silver E46 M3 manual. Its a car I love and hate at the same time. You cant drive the thing unless in sports mode. It's a dog around town and getting off the line normally, it is left behind in traffic. To get it going it needs revs and then all hell breaks loose and yes it goes like stink then. Its all or nothing with this thing. Its ride is harsh (I need a kidney belt) especially on 19" rims. BUT- then get it on an open smooth road it transforms into an absolute sheer driving explosive experience. The engine sound is superlative. It reacts as if it is alive, it offers so much feedback it shoves you in the back and it just winds out. I have the after market exhaust and air intake. Do I love it ? yes and no. I have a mint 1989 BMW E24 635CSI M package shadowline model. Its no where near as quick as the M3 but the 635csi I truly love.

[@ReaversRespite]

As you alluded to, the wildest change in performance cars has been increasingly grippy rubber. My 2003 Nissan 350Z (All-Motor build) felt like a drift hero with the performance rubber of it's day, struggling to keep grip with huge 275 tires in the rear. These days I'm running a turbo sports car with more power on 255s. I have to abuse the car to get sideways -- the level of traction is obscene!

[@1061shrink1061]

The CSL did come with rubbish brakes.. nice to see this owner has paid attention to giving this car the braking performance it needs for track work. Still one of BMW's very best cars and an era where they were really on top form. The E39 M5 of the same generation and design language is also one of my favourite all time cars.

[@mrhakz330]

Probably the best M3 ever made 😍

[@jamesr8897]

Really good series 👍🏻

[@microchrist6122]

Love this series

[@dylondylondylondylondylon5]

The GOAT. BMW at it's peak.

[@Leeholtom2911]

Amazing car and awesome vid! Love my E46 M3

[@VehicleVillains]

This is a superb video and an amazing car! Still do wish the CSL came with a manual option! And I'm sure I'll make the same comment about the e92 M3 GTS video that I hope will air soon! :D Great series on the M3 legends! Thank you!

[@Cuberider]

This is hands down the best BMW to ever exist.