Homologation Specials: 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL

In this episode of Homologation Specials, Alain de Cadenet spends an afternoon with BMW’s supremely beautiful bid for touring car supremacy in the 1970s, the 3.0 CSL. Conceived by a group of brilliant minds at Alpina and BMW Motorsport, the CSL more than measured up its task in the European Touring Car Championship, winning the manufacturers’ title in 1973, ’75, ’76, ’77, ’78, and ’79. Proving its endurance chops for good measure, it also won its class at Le Mans in 1973, and overall at the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring and the 1976 Daytona 24 Hours.
“Dominant” is an understatement of the car’s abilities on the race track, but the road-going versions of the CSL are revered by enthusiasts for their own merits. By starting with the pretty looking, but also pretty big and heavy E9 platform, BMW’s then newly formed racing department-BMW Motorsport, conceived by Bob Lutz and Jochen Neerpasch-had the task of removing as much weight as possible from the big coupe while keeping the car street legal. Using Alpina’s earlier work on E9-based racing cars in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, Neerpasch’s team of engineers and designers replaced the steel hood, trunk, and doors with aluminum, thinned the windshield and traded the rest of the greenhouse for Perspex, got rid of the carpets, ditched the chrome bumpers for fiberglass, and among other dieting techniques they even thinned the carpets and headliner.
Later iterations of the CSL added back some creature comforts, swapped carbs for injection, and included an option for a wild aero kit that earned such equipped cars the “Batmobile” nickname. For this film, Alain is driving one of the more civilized city pack-equipped British market CSLs-while not the lightest nor the most radical of the bunch, there is no such thing as a boring example of this car. The CSL’s massive success on the track and in pop culture laid the foundation for what we now call BMW M, and to this day it is arguably the division’s greatest accomplishment.
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[@thor8640]

Thank you for having Alain de Cadenet back presenting yet another fantastic car.

[@paulvon2378]

Artwork you can drive.

[@mihir8701]

This BMW is enough to make a grown man cry. Looking at cars like this directly brings rolling stones songs in my head

[@ianross225]

I had one in 1983 and paid just £1,375 (I was earning £4,900 in context). I sold it for £2,700 in 1987. That’s enough to make me cry! Even at 62……

[@jeshkam]

@@ianross225 What year of manufacture?

[@ianross225]

@@jeshkam It was a 1973 car. I don’t recall the actual serial number but real L car. Lovely but very delicate and a terrible rot box. At only around 1,000 kg 200bhp was enough for fun and the rear easily pushed out with the LSD helping. I got it from an ex Boeing rep who was heading back to Canada. I still have the number 747 FLY which came with the car at extra cost.

[@JK-js2td]

Songs like "Cant Always Get What You Want" 🤣😂🤣😂

[@napoliansolo7865]

I had the pleasure of working at an independent BMW/Mercedes German car shop in the mid seventies. The 3.0 CSL was without a doubt my favorite car. I used to tell people that you could let your wife drive it during the week to her garden parties, shopping and the country club. It would be as docile as a kitten and make her look great in it. Then on the weekends you could take it out and rip around corners and mountain roads and it would roar like a tiger. Such a sweet car and so beautiful. An absolute pleasure to drive. The thing that impressed me the most was the green house effect of no blind spots. I had a 65 1/2 Ford Mustang GT fastback and backing up and lane changes were challenging to say the least. So the openness of the 3.0 was fantastic. Love these cars.

[@Mr7E38]

A classic BMW and Portugal, there’s nothing more to be said.

[@JMARCO-ty2ow]

And the gentleman Monsieur de Cadenet. Classic!

[@jorgetex2712]

N304 Mondim de Basto e Porto!

[@MattUK36]

Portugal? Would have been better in Spain, anytime 👌😉

[@MoroccanAnwar]

@@MattUK36 Both Beautiful, anywhere in the Mediterranean serves perfect backdrop for timeless classic cars

[@MattUK36]

@@MoroccanAnwar Portugal faces the Atlantic, not a single km of its coast is in the Mediterranean sea.

[@simmersonwheels7724]

de Cadenet is such a respected voice in motoring, gives this channel a level of class it deserves. As a modern BMW owner this car makes me think BMW has lost a bit of connection with the past choices that built the company.

[@rolandalfonso6954]

I hear you. But, the problem maybe marketing. You are the guy that owns one. You know. This: www.bmwusa.com/limited-edition-vehicles/m5-cs.html

[@unowen-nh9ov]

When in 8 decades have BMW repeated themselves? They haven't been expanding for 60 years by living in the past, as in cutting ICE in half in favor of 25 neu EV.

[@GeSchmidtt]

In the summer of 1970 in Albuquerque, New Mexico I saw a 3.0 CSI at a car show. I was 17 years old. I thought this was one of the most beautifully crafted machines I had ever seen. I had genuine lust in my heart for one of these. Nice to see Alain enjoy it and put it through its paces.

[@jeshkam]

IMO the most beautiful BMW ever made.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

yes

[@jensuweintat8204]

Seconded - except maybe the 507 but that one too much out of reach for most people:-)

[@991.2gt3]

@@jensuweintat8204 to me, the 507 is not really “bmw” like, the e9 is this video most bmw you can get, beautiful, focused, and engaging.

[@davidevans4089]

I have been of that opinion for forty years after a friend had one of these in the early eighties.

[@achintyaaatreya]

Alain De Cadenet, a guy who loves cars and in his hands a lovely 3.0CSL on an evening. Just a fantastic film.

[@alpineambition5606]

Love the brief departure from the usual winding roads and intoxicating exhaust notes, running a few errands and having a coffee break to admire the lines from a distance is a weekend ritual for many of us, great stuff!

[@tuckercampbell36]

This is one of my dream cars I have always loved it and I am so grateful for petrolicious to show it in such great production

[@telegraphkid]

Normally complain that the owner of the car no longer features, in this case the presenter wa excellent and a pleasure to listen to

[@TinLeadHammer]

I appreciate him talking in well-formed sentences while driving, not reading from a script, although he may have rehearsed it.

[@glenjo0]

Alan is quite special. Besides being an all around good guy, he is a Le Mans racer of repute, and his Victory By Design series on the classic race cars is just brilliant.

[@TinLeadHammer]

@@glenjo0 I watched Victory by Design a while ago, did not pay attention who was the presenter though. Thanks!

[@Aube]

I'm befuddled that this channel doesn't have more subs. The production is great!

[@shadeyvictoria3423]

Hello there!

[@allensaunders449]

I think this is an older vid. Put on channel. They do have quality vids when they make there own. For a car channel they have a good amount of subscribers

[@cedb7115]

Alain is the man, such a class act and an amazing story teller!

[@glenjo0]

Alain de Cadenet! THANK YOU!

[@uweheinrich6784]

Truly one of the pure German old time classics.....As seven year old boy in Germany, I was simply stunned by its beauty. The only other cars who were able to equal this was the 911, the Mercedes SL and the Italian Iso Grifo. All very tough choices for a small boy.

[@m10_c50]

It's as if this car told its life to this gentleman, and this gentleman added some special effects to take us away and make us travel in time .. !!!! this man is fantastic .

[@wfigueroa1]

So funny last night I was looking into this BMW model, to see how much they were selling. Well I think after seeing this lovely video the value is going up......again :)

[@idraulinodevasconcelos4374]

Lovely car and lovely scenery(Portugal),thank you.😊

[@paulschmitzberger9205]

Where is he driving?

[@BrunoSantos-jw3er]

@@paulschmitzberger9205 it's called Serra da Estrela, it´s the biggest mountain in Portugal, it has awesome roads around it.

[@jorgetex2712]

@@BrunoSantos-jw3er não Sr. N304 Mondim de Basto e Porto...

[@BaruKz]

An absolute masterclass, Portugal gives that extra flare.

[@ofirs5830]

Was wondering where it's filmed. Thanks.

[@PsyentifiqueLtd]

I really like this channel, so elegant and no fake emotion thumbnails very professional

[@nebojsaterzic01]

True! ✌️

[@Beanpapac15]

Alain really nails these videos, I hope we see more of him in future

[@deliawolfe]

Alain de Cadenet and I share little history other than our long standing love for these marvelous BMW cars and our septuagenarian status.

[@RobertLidstroem]

Rest in peace Alain De Cadenet!

[@jameseli5782]

ICON MACHINE Alain de Cadenet is an excellent presenter and racing legend! I love this series!

[@nickprice3605]

Both car and man have aged remarkably well. Lovely film 👍

[@baronvonteuchter1412]

Fantastic film, beautifully made. Nice car too 😂👍

[@AllSpeed]

great video, cool to see Alain on the channel, Victory by Design was one of my favorite car shows.

[@VitorSilva-ms6lo]

Beautiful car in a beautiful place. Congratulation.

[@JDSFLA]

I was a child when these were introduced, and I still recall pouring over the photos and specifications in some auto magazine imagining what it would be like to own one. Lucky you.

[@mjvdr]

Wow! Top notch film! Keep up the great work

[@therpmfreek7383]

I absolutely love these cars and the regular 3.0CS as well. They exude a timeless elegance combined with just the right aggression. I have fond memories of their beautiful ride too. Stunning video presented expertly. Top notch again, Mr. de Cadenet.

[@niosanfrancisco]

Love Alain. What a legend.

[@CloudyCub285]

This host is an enthusiast to the core and I love it

[@KIRO666300]

Really emotional videos, where you get the feeling of the era those cars were born and the joy they brought to their drivers. And the cinematography is just gorgeous, a real joy for the senses, thank you !

[@Dannydrinkbottom]

What a magnificent machine. BMW hands down have the most beautiful vintage cars.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Jaguar.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

A timeless classic. Just gorgeous.

[@piedro132]

What a car, beautiful lines and terrific engine.

[@chriskelleher349]

This beautiful BMW remains fresh to the eye , doesn't it .

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Alfa GTV & Iso Rivolta had similar look & BMW 3200 CS before them.

[@moham1287]

This was wonderfully shot with a great car and the perfect host for it, thanks

[@hasantopcu2213]

An unbelievable piece of art, both the car and the video :)

[@Dctrue76]

What a wonderful video of a wonderful car by a wonderful presenter! I hope you didn’t forget your bag though…

[@SeeWorldKevin]

To me, the most beautiful car ever made.

[@comeausautomotiveradioshow]

This is awesome, Alain never ceases to impress with these videos, great detail of the car and its history, and the mechanicals as well, An automotive icon being reviewed and praised by a Automotive historian icon you can not ask anything better than that

[@algernonwolfwhistle6351]

Superb. The quintessential BMW.

[@madsdekker305]

I really enjoyed watching this. It has something calming but still interesting. Good work and thumbs up for the presenter.

[@makanimike]

"great coffee. great car. great camera"

[@stevenswm9844]

That signature Red Dot gave it away! 📷 Good eye! 😊

[@daniel635biturbo]

Great watch also 😊

[@nebojsaterzic01]

✌️

[@loki7641]

great Man !

[@bryandickerson5365]

To have access to a car like this on roads like that with that kind of weather once in one’s life……total bucket list material!

[@420Ard]

Fantastic! I'm subbing! Have been watching for years, but by now all content is so great that I'm not only watching items featuring Italian cars. 👍

[@scottpierce2122]

Most excellent video film. I enjoy Alain de Cadenet presenting any car! He has the smooth tasteful and expert presentation unlike any other!! Please more with the one and only Alain!!

[@dinispaulino7512]

I see that Portugal is the designated filming location now! The 2.3-16v, the E30 M3, and now the 3.0 CSL... good choice, I'd say.

[@cameronstewart6193]

Wow, an absolute stunner of a BMW, and beautifully shot and presented.

[@navegantestelar]

Foz is such a beautiful place to film this pearl of car. Congratulations to everybody involved in the production of this film.

[@jimbeam4736]

Wonderful video, it even feels like another time and the presenter is fantastic in conveying an authentic feel.

[@mikemarcotte5962]

Yes! More Alain de Cadenet please!

[@russian4159]

Alain is a legend! Thank you for the amazing video! Beautiful video. Love that engine sound. One of the most beautiful periods of BMW.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

It was from this 6 cyl. face-lifted Neue Klasse 2000 CS (itself evolution of 4 cyl. 1500 sedan) that BMW hired Mercedes designer Paul Bracq for original 1970's 1 sausage 3 sizes 3/5/6/7. Compared to most "competition", BMW have only had "beautiful periods", what looks good on the market today?

[@stephenhenion8304]

Hey, It's great to see Alan do what he does Best!!! 🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸

[@alecjahn]

Excellent choice of everything. Great host.

[@OswaldoMartinezAviles]

Good to see the great Alain de Cadenet... one of the best car presenters I'v ever seen.

[@assassinrif]

One car... One legend... One story...

[@nickenderson4421]

My dream car!

[@CryptoHouse]

Thank you Alain, great video.

[@cam8569]

My all-time favourite BMW (followed by the M1 & 507), presented by a great host. Lovely

[@cut--]

My favorite car period.. well right behind the 1972 911 RS

[@GeSchmidtt]

Don't forget the Z8.

[@cam8569]

@@GeSchmidtt You're right - Just saw one last week :)

[@nadersoli815]

Hi Alain, first video of yours that I've seen. Simply elegant and first class. I mean the video, but the car, as well. I've subscribed now. I can't wait to watch more. You're performance is unparalleled. Thank you, Sir.

[@lowbaritonewwj]

Dig around and look for "Victory by Design" that he hosted. Ferrari, Alfa, Jaguar, etc.

[@nvafaded]

GREAT COFFEE, GREAT CAR, GREAT WEATHER

[@Autoficionado]

Great video as always

[@g-man2719]

3.0 CSL always gets a like, even before watching the video

[@yungnietzsche2302]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@VivekM1]

What is with the Audio? Either the original audio recorded was horrible or the editor did a horrible job. Such a beautiful car and the audio lets it down.

[@bruceschneider4928]

If you've never driven one, you really ought to. Alan mentioned that everything works as it should, but in addition to that, when you slip behind the wheel, you realize that that car was designed BY drivers FOR drivers. Everything is where it should be, and within easy reach. And it shifts and drives beautifully. Although not quite as good looking, the 4-door version known in the U.S. as the Bavaria, drives as wonderfully, and you can pick one up in good shape for next to nothing compared to the coupe.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Refused mint Bavaria because it was auto. Got home & came to my senses, of course it was gone already, FOOL! Had to spend twice as much on CS when I finally could locate 1, BMW were RARE in the day, apparently now they're just UGLY, per more trolls than will ever own 1.

[@853massey]

Stunning car.

[@Smilyface509]

Beautiful Video 🤗

[@Trap1Dog]

I wish I'd kept mine as well! I had loads of fun with it. In the 90's I drove it to Le Mans in a small convoy of classic cars to watch the 24 hours and regularly enjoyed giving it some welly round Donnington on the BMW track days. I have very few regrets in my life but selling the CSL back in 1996 is one of them. Not only was it a CSL, it was the ex Sean Connery CSL. I think I got about 3 grand for it. Ouch! 😢

[@frankvellake2077]

Alain is the best and so are the videos...keep it up...please.

[@yigithan3713]

very quality content, as per usual...

[@Vale-qw6ii]

A good quality video for a masterpiece!

[@vespasandengines]

Beautiful film

[@juanseigne3456]

Absolutly gorgeus!!!

[@yakub3962]

This is guy is so classy!

[@stevey-nwas1230]

Great cars and going up in value !!!👏

[@Robt772000]

My parents had a couple when I was a kid. Really miss it. Also in silver.

[@120NUB]

One of my favourite cars, great video! One thing though, you forgot your camera bag on the bench where you were having a coffee

[@Forestid]

Picture is Beautiful

[@armandrashid4520]

The speaking sounds like it's in a box? I love this channel and the episodes you bring us, warming to the new format.

[@shahrokhabedi3476]

The rear view of this car is really amazing

[@andresguerin7162]

Love the car, cant swallow the metallic overfenders

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Optional.

[@murat_off7599]

The Legend ❤❤❤

[@SeeWorldKevin]

2:32 , great shot and look at the visibility out of the car.

[@geemanbmw]

My all time favorite BMW the one that gave me the life long fever bug.

[@justinwaite26]

Alain de cadenet can make a Lada sound appealing...the guy is a legend.

[@miamimo70]

Alain De Cadenet

[@WheresTheAnyKey1]

"Great Coffee, Great Car, Great Weather" ... my wish for everyone

[@alexandervanwyk7669]

The BMW that forever evaded me.

[@painwithgain8510]

By far my on of favourite car

[@leewatkeys9065]

Beautiful car 👍🏻

[@repairitdontreplaceit]

iconic location car and camera :)

[@Speedgear]

Lindo, tanto o carro como a paisagem do Norte de Portugal

[@mattpowe]

glorious!

[@GabrielHenrique-yy9zb]

Eu estou vendo esta obra prima!

[@shadeyvictoria3423]

Hi there!

[@KamleshModhwadia]

Sad to hear one of the greats has passed

[@italsounds001]

Alain is a great presenter, and this is one of my favourite BMWs, but know that this video is not new, it’s from Oct 2019 as part of the member series, I hope petrolicious can sort themselves out and make some new content, but they are surviving on old member only content for now,.

[@NickForest999]

The minute they brought in subscribing fees for viewing content beyond their taster videos they lost a lot of followers. They’ve been usurped by others making free content and yet thriving on monetisation…Petrolicious were deluded if they thought enough people would pay for content. I fear the competition has left them floundering and mortally wounded.

[@scalewarmachines]

Not economical for a ‘traditional’ broadcasting outfit like this to make such beautiful films this way sadly. You Tube works better for small scale production and there are some great channels doing very good content for less (but not as pretty cinematographically admittedly). I dread to think of production costs on this. I filmed with Alain back in the day. Nice guy and an interesting person for sure. He loved making films for the “Billies” as he jokingly used to call us general population! Proper old-school aristo, but lovely fellow.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Petrolicious IS old cars!