The Frankfurt Motor Show of 2001 heralded the unveiling of a concept car that generated great interest among BMW fans: the M3 CSL. The use of those iconic three letters—standing for Coupe Sport Leichtbau, or “Coupé Sport Lightweight”— confirmed that the company was considering an even more performance-orientated version of its highly respected E46-generation M3 coupé.

Such was the excitement caused by the early concept, BMW’s vision became a glorious reality two years after its reveal. A limited run of M3 CSLs began production at the company’s Regensburg factory in June 2003, continuing until December. The recipe was straightforward, but the results thrilling: the use of materials such as carbon fibre and glass-reinforced plastic, and the removal of any equipment deemed unnecessary, resulted in the CSL weighing a remarkable 110 kilograms less than the standard M3. Combined with the upgraded 360 horsepower straight-six engine, exhilarating performance was guaranteed.

This example is equipped with the six-speed automated manual gearbox that was standard at launch, and is finished in Silver Grey Metallic—one of only two colours available—with an Amaretta and Reflex interior. The BMW was delivered new to the United Kingdom in right-hand-drive configuration, and was acquired by the consigning owner in May 2005. At the time of cataloguing the odometer reads just 37,606 miles, although it has been lightly used in recent years—as verified by its accompanying MoT paperwork—with just over 250 miles driven in five years. The M3 CSL is further complemented by documentation noting its most recent service completed in May 2022 by Barons Bedford, the authorised BMW workshop. The BMW is also offered for sale with its owner’s manual and service book.

Nearly 20 years after its launch, the M3 CSL’s status as one of BMW’s greatest ever M Cars is secure, and this constitutes a superb opportunity to acquire a rare low-owner example.