2003 BMW M3 CSL E46

Being sold on behalf of a client, the vendor put the M3 CSL through BMW Heathrow’s workshop to ensure that his good name wouldn’t be sullied by acting as an intermediary for a dodgy car; the main dealer workshop drew up an incredibly small list of work that needed doing, which proves the car is anything but dodgy. The vendor then arranged to have this carried out by a trusted garage. 

As a result, the car is fighting fit and ready to be passed on to its lucky new owner. With only 61,000 recorded miles and an almost unblemished interior and exterior, this is a rare opportunity to get your hands on one of the best M3 CSLs we’ve seen in a very long time.

Finished in Silver Grey Metallic, the coachwork is very clean following a recent professional polish and detail, which has left it looking amazing. The panel fit and consistent gaps are a reassuring sign, as is the 

condition of the body panels; we struggled to find any significant blemishes other than some minor stonechips and we’d encourage potential bidders to view the car for themselves; we are confident that they will be delighted with the car’s condition in a market that is almost saturated with over-described and under-par examples. 

The car retains its original bodykit plus all the original CSL badging on the rear and side vents as well as the two sill plates.

It also wears it original alloy wheels, which are in good condition. They are shod with matching Michelin Pilot SuperSport tyres all of which have at least 6mm of tread; regular readers will know by now that we firmly believe that matching tyres are possibly the best indicator that the car has been maintained properly and so we are pleased to see that this high-performance BMW is wearing the correct rubber.

The original equipment suede steering wheel and fibreglass front seats are in fabulous condition, and a plaque on the centre console confirms that this is one of only 422 examples of the CSL ever officially imported into the UK.

The twin rear seats, door trims, carpets, headlining, and dashboard are equally clean, and leave nothing for the new owner to rectify. Everything works as it should and the winning bidder will be able to drive the car long and hard in complete confidence.

In fact, the only flaws we could find was slight scuffing to the soft plastic trim near the rear seat belt clips on the centre rear armrest and on the back of the front seats. That these are the only flaws is a vindication of the car’s inherent build quality as well as the care with which it has been used over the years.

An aftermarket Bluetooth receiver has been fitted neatly inside the ashtray. It is invisible when the door is closed, maintaining a factory standard appearance. The vehicle is also fitted with a SmarTrack Protector+ Thatcham-approved security tracking device, complete with a certificate to prove it for your insurance company.

The boot is as clean as the rest of the interior and contains the first aid kit and warning triangle.

The underbonnet area is very clean, which is yet another indicator of a careful and caring past owners, as is the presence of the original BMW build sticker. As you can see and hear on the video, the engine starts on the button and revs cleanly. It also sounds wonderful, but then you knew that, didn’t you?

The vendor tells us that the car drives very well indeed and that he doesn’t know of any faults following its inspection at BMW Heathrow (a copy of the inspection report is shown here). The only problems they could identify were two loose brake hoses, a dodgy seal on the nearside door, and a loose exhaust joint. A near-four-figure bill saw the work completed at the vendor’s local, and much-trusted, garage.

That that was the extent of the work they could identify - and we all know how diligent the BMW main dealer network can be when they’re looking for work to do - is remarkable and a stunning vindication of the care and maintenance that has gone into the car over the years. Most importantly, the subframe issues that plague the model do not appear to have affected this example.

The online MOT history shows nothing of concern whatsoever and confirms the car’s low mileage.

The car will be supplied with the original owner’s handbook and wallet, a fully stamped service history book, a thick sheaf of invoices and bills (many of which are from the BMW dealer network and specialist garages), and a number of expired MOT certificates.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to the very highest standard.

Prices of the CSL have softened recently, which means that the best M3 BMW has ever built is now more affordable than it has been for many years. That’s not to say that this CSL is going to be cheap, because they continue to attract a hefty premium over the CS Coupe (please see our current listing for just such a car) but that premium should be maintained if and when you come to sell it later on.

We think this gorgeous example will sell for between £38,000 and £46,000, which might be a lot of money but it is nowhere near the price they were fetching a year ago.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen in Hayes, Middlesex; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend:  Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.