THE 3.0 CSL*

The version of inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which was further developed exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL, mobilises a maximum output of 412 kW (560 hp). Thus, the model features the most powerful straight-six engine ever used in a road-legal BMW M automobile. The power unit possesses the same technological roots as the power unit of the current DTM winning car. The 3.0-litre power unit offers spontaneous high revving thanks to the typical M high-revving concept and comprises, among other things, an extremely rigid crankcase in a sleeveless closed-deck design, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head core featuring 3D printing technology. The cooling system and oil supply are also designed for highly dynamic driving situations.

To reduce weight in the body and chassis areas, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used to an exceptionally high extent in addition to the minimal use of insulating material. The BMW 3.0 CSL features CFRP components on virtually all bodywork sections. In addition to the roof, bonnet and boot lid, the front and rear aprons are made entirely of carbon. The front and rear side panel attachments, the side sills, the rear diffuser, the rear wing and rear spoiler are also made of the high-tech material. All carbon components are manufactured in small series, mostly by hand and exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL. Another highlight in terms of weight reduction: The titanium rear silencer is around 4.3 kilograms lighter than a conventional component.

Both the base colour and the M stripes, known in technical jargon as livery, are applied largely by hand, involving an extremely high level of time and effort. A total of 22 individual parts are painted in a process specially designed for the BMW 3.0 CSL. Particular attention is paid to a highly precise arrangement of the areas of the body surfaces and livery stripes finished in visible carbon. In general, most of the exterior in Alpine white uni comprises carbon components, which are hand-painted by specialists. The high-quality material is only visible in the lettering on the roof, on the rear wing, the sills and the lower parts of the bumpers. For this purpose, these areas must be exposed during the painting process. In order to precisely position the livery stripes in the BMW M GmbH colours, the painters use masking by means of laser projection as well as customised contour films.

Also, in the interior of the BMW 3.0 CSL the broad use of carbon and other lightweight construction measures emphasise the puristic sports car characteristics. Instead of additional seats, the rear offers a storage compartment with two integrated helmet compartments. CFRP trim in the door panels and reduced acoustic insulation also contribute to the extremely sporty flair. The driver and front passenger sit in M Carbon full bucket seats, which convey a highly emotional and inimitable racing feeling every kilometre of the way. The diagonal connections between the seat surface and the backrest are reminiscent of the construction principle of the lightweight seats featured in the historic model. Seat height and inclination can be adjusted exclusively via a three-stage screw linkage in a workshop. The longitudinal position can be varied manually using a lever at the front edge of the seat. In addition, the M Carbon full bucket seats offer removable headrest inserts.

As the reincarnation of a legendary sports car both for the racetrack and the road, the BMW 3.0 CSL possesses all the characteristics of a puristic car. It embodies the joy of classic driving and an awareness of the traditional roots of BMW M GmbH in a uniquely exclusive form. Its eponymous role model is considered the first automobile to carry the DNA for maximum driving pleasure and passion, an unmistakeable feature of BMW M automobiles to this very day. 1972, in the founding year of the former BMW Motorsport GmbH, now BMW M GmbH, the BMW 3.0 CSL was developed for use in touring car competitions, where it became the most successful racing car of its era.