2003 BMW (E46) M3 CSL

Exterior
Interior
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Mileage
94,086
Transmission
Semi-Automatic
Drive
RHD
Colour
GREY
Engine Size
3246 cc
Location
London, UK
VIN
WBSBL96020JC98276
Buyer's Premium
6% of the winning bid or offer inc. VAT. Minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000.

SB's Take

  • This BMW M3 CSL is a celebrated modern classic and performance icon, offered with a very attractive reserve price
  • One of just 422 right-hand-drive CSLs delivered to the UK
  • Re-shelled in 2010 using a Thorney Motorsport chassis following an on-track incident. This CSL remains HPI clear
  • Recent Simpson Motorsport track-focused enhancements totalling nearly £9,000
With just 422 right-hand-drive CSLs delivered to the UK, this 2003 BMW (E46) M3 CSL represents the pinnacle of BMW’s driver-focused engineering. SB is thrilled to be offering this example on the platform. Already revered for its precision and balance, this CSL has been elevated into a serious track-day weapon through considered, high-quality upgrades. Finished back to its original Silver Grey Metallic, it retains the signature carbon-fibre roof, lightweight construction, and that glorious naturally aspirated S54 straight-six, mated to the SMG II transmission with CSL-specific mapping. Over the past few years, nearly £15,000 has been invested by the current owner to enhance performance and reliability under hard use. The most recent work - totalling nearly £9,000 at Simpson Motorsport - ensures the car is in peak mechanical health and track-ready. Additions include a roll cage, fuel surge tank, and Recaro race bucket seats, while the rear seats have been deleted in the name of weight reduction and safety. These are subtle yet meaningful upgrades, executed to a professional standard and carefully aligned with the CSL’s original ethos of weight reduction and driver engagement. With 94,086 miles, this CSL has been properly driven and diligently maintained, offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a truly usable, track-capable CSL that celebrates the analogue BMW M experience in its purest form. We would like to highlight that this CSL was involved in an on-track incident in 2010, which was subsequently and professionally repaired by Simpson Motorsport using a Thorney Motorsport chassis. The car remains HPI clear. As always, the seller is available to answer any questions via the comments section below. Buyers are encouraged to bid with complete confidence.

Key Equipment

  • 3.2-litre S54 inline-six engine with CSL-specific intake and mapping (360 bhp)
  • SMG II automated manual transmission with CSL shift programming
  • Silver-grey metallic paint
  • Lightweight 19-inch Genuine CSL alloy wheels purchased brand new in 2016
  • Toyo Proxes Sport tyres on all four corners
  • Recaro front racing bucket seats
  • Intrax 1k2 coil over suspension
  • Rear-seat delete
  • Fuel surge tank
  • Carbon-fibre airbox
  • Lightweight carbon-fibre roof panel
  • Reduced sound insulation and thinner glass
  • M Track Mode (MTM) integrated into DSC system
  • CSL-specific suspension geometry and stiffer spring rates
  • Quickened steering ratio
  • Upgraded brake system with floating rotors
  • Carbon-fibre rear diffuser
  • Supersprint resonated cat back exhaust
  • Front toe-eye cut out
  • CSL-specific lightweight bootlid with integrated lip spoiler
  • BMW Motorsport 3.91 diff upgrade
  • CSL instrument cluster and software
  • CSL Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel
  • Lightweight halogen headlights
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Electric mirrors and windows

Condition

  • As with all items listed on Shooting Brake, buyers are encouraged to examine closely all photos contained within the photo gallery
  • The Silver-grey metallic paintwork presents itself in excellent condition
  • The interior presents in excellent condition
  • The Recarro bucket seats are in very good condition
  • Shod in Toyo Proxes Sport on all four corners, the tyres show plenty of tread
  • All switches and dials work as they should with no lights illuminated at start up or during operation

Service History

  • Re-shelled in 2010 by Simpson Motorsport using a Thorney Motorsport cup car chassis following an on-track incident, this example remains HPI clear
  • The most recent MOT was carried out in February of this year and passed at the first time of asking with an Advisory pointing to the rear seat delete
  • MOT history shows that this CSL has never failed a test with only four minor Advisories since 2007
  • Buyers are advised to look at the photos which showcase work and services carried out over the last few years
  • The following is a detailed summary of the work carried out by Simpson Motorsport, in Nov 2023:
  • Full vehicle strip-down for paint preparation: removal of glass, trim, lights, and interior
  • Roll cage area cleaned, prepped, and repaired with new welded floor sections and cage supports
  • Rear battery tray area repaired and strengthened
  • Reassembly of all exterior and interior components post-paint, including doors, trims, carpets, dash, and lighting
  • New front windscreen, trims, and fittings installed
  • Dampers stripped, cleaned, re-greased, and re-pressurised; one front damper body replaced
  • Full geometry setup including ride height, camber, toe, and corner weighting
  • New front brake pressure sensor and replacement of corroded front brake hard lines with full ABS bleed
  • Engine service: oil, filter, spark plugs, valve clearances checked and adjusted (1 inlet + 4 exhaust shims replaced)
  • Oil leaks rectified (chain tensioner, sump plug, PAS reservoir)
  • New radiator installed with coolant flush and pressure test
  • Fuel surge tank system inspected and components reinstalled after interior refit
  • New Recaro seat covers fitted
  • fitted with new wheel studs and nuts
  • Brake system refreshed with Motul RBF 660 performance fluid
  • Steering wheel retrimmed

Summary

A rare chance to acquire one of the UK’s most engaging modern classics with amazing upgrades. Sorted for both road and track, don't miss out on this veritable icon. Buyers should bid with complete confidence.

Finally, all cars on Shooting Brake are run through a 3rd party online vehicle checker, MotorSpecs (note, this does not include a mileage history check). This particular vehicle throws up no insurance claims for damage or theft and has no outstanding finance owing. Nonetheless, we strongly encourage all bidders to undertake their own due diligence prior to placing any bid. It is entirely reasonable for any classic or enthusiast vehicle to have undergone cosmetic repairs that could otherwise go undetected from the provided photos or by any in-person inspection. Unless the seller explicitly states otherwise, assume that any vehicle or item listed may have undergone bodywork or paintwork at some point. Additionally, photographs may not accurately represent the vehicle’s true overall condition. It is the bidder’s responsibility to verify the condition, and any past repairs - including bodywork or paintwork - before placing a bid or making a purchase. If you have any questions or queries, please use the Comments section to firstly ask the Seller directly before placing any bids. Shooting Brake tries to portray the item listed as accurately as possible through detailed questions asked to the seller but would like to remind users that all vehicles are sold as seen and, as per all goods purchased at auction, there is a No Return policy. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
Exterior Photos
Interior Photos
Mechanical & Docs
Watch
Mileage
94,086
Transmission
Semi-Automatic
Drive
RHD
Colour
GREY
Engine Size
3246 cc
Location
London, UK
VIN
WBSBL96020JC98276
Sold
£43,749
Buyer's Premium
6% of the winning bid or offer inc. VAT. Minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000.
Sold
£43,749