Encounter with the legendary M3 CSL with manual conversion

Although not a Porsche this time, I had the opportunity to drive a BMW M3 CSL and would like to review it.
It's not just M3 CSL, either.
Only about 150 units of the 2003 E46 M3 CSL have been imported to Japan.Very rare car converted to manual transmissionIt is.

For me, BMW is a manufacturer to which I have a special attachment.
I once drove an E36 318is and was shocked at how well it drove.
The car handles so nimbly and is so stable that it is hard to believe it is an 1800cc NA engine.
I still cannot forget the high-speed stability that was refined beyond comparison with the domestic cars I was experiencing at the time, and the acceleration extension at high speeds that was unbelievable for a mere 140ps.
I remember being astonished to see how much difference there was between domestic cars and Japanese cars.
Since then, the manufacturer BMW and its philosophy ofThe Joy of Running ThroughI continue to be fascinated by the

Among such BMWs, the M3 is a special one.
It is a high-performance model that reigns supreme in the 3 Series, and with an eye toward circuit driving, it is truly a "wolf in sheep's clothing.
The M3 is more than just a high-performance car; it is the crystallization of BMW's passion for motorsports and its technological prowess.

The M3 CSL we test drove this time was even more special.
CSL stands for "Coupe Sport Lightweight," meaning that the model is specialized for weight reduction and improved athletic performance.
Various weight reduction technologies, such as a carbon roof and CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) body parts, have been introduced,110 kg lighter than the standard M3The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

And this unit was an even rarer manual conversion.
Originally, the M3 CSL was equipped with a SMG (sequential manual transmission), but this car had it converted to a manual transmission.
Moreover, the conversion was remarkably natural,Shift feel is also comfortable and complete, just like a stock manual car.It was.
The owner's deep love for BMW and passion for the M3 CSL must have created this special car.

The roar of the 3.2L straight-six engine: two faces: Normal and Sport mode

As you settle into the cockpit, the tachometer ticking 8,000 rpm to the red zone catches your eye.
This alone tells us that this is a special engine for the M3.
And at the heart of the car is a 3.2L inline 6-cylinder DOHC engine.
This S54B32HP engine delivers maximum output of 360 ps/7900 rpm and maximum torque of 37.7 kgm/4900 rpm,113ps per literIt boasts an astonishingly high output of

Surface treatment of operating parts inside the engine reduces internal friction, and a high-intake carbon intake is used.

The start of the run was so normal as to be disconcerting.
The 3.2L straight-six engine was unbelievably calm, and at low speeds it seemed not much different from the 320i and other models.
It is like an athlete walking down the street in everyday clothes, with plenty of room to spare.
However, theAfter 4000 rpm, the impression changes drastically.
The driver is transformed into a different person, and the intense torque and sensual sound take the driver to another dimension.
It is an overwhelming performance, like the moment when an athlete shows his or her true potential on the playing field.

BMW's straight-six engine, known as the "Silky Six," lives up to its name with its smoothness and exhilarating feel as it blows smoothly up to high rpm.
as ifFeels like you are revving a small displacement engineYet, the power and torque produced by the 3.2L displacement are overwhelming.
The engine sound that builds as the driver presses down on the accelerator pedal is beautiful and powerful, like the sound of an orchestra playing.

What is even more surprising is that the normal mode and the sport mode change the character of the car as if they were different cars.
In normal mode, the engine characteristics are gentle and easy to handle for city driving.
But the moment you switch to sport mode, it's as if a beast has awakened,Sharp response from low rpm rangeThe power of the engine is transmitted directly to the right foot that steps on the accelerator pedal.
It is like a Jekyll and Hyde duality.

Incidentally, the blipping when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear is a little unsatisfactory in Normal mode, and I wondered if it was anything like this. In Sport mode, however, the engine blips sharply, doubling the fun of shifting gears. This is what the M3 engine is all about.
This duality and the overwhelming smoothness of the rotation is one of the M3's most attractive features.

Carbon door lining

Sensual sound and nimble handling: similarities with the 996 GT3

The engine is not the only attraction of the M3 CSL.
Handling performance is also very high, and its lightness is especially noteworthy.
Carbon roof and CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) body parts, etc,The nimble footwork realized by thorough weight reduction is truly a "joy to run through.It is the embodiment of It is light and graceful, as if dancing on the road surface.

On winding roads, the car is like a fish out of water, darting through corners with a light touch.
The feeling was that I had ridden before.The 996 GT3It is very similar to the "M", retaining the analog feeling, but with high performance, just like theCars with a "human touch"I felt it was a good idea.
It is the kind of car that responds honestly to the driver's operation without relying too much on electronic control.

Its high braking performance allows the driver to dive into corners with confidence.
It provides firm braking power, allowing the driver to approach corners with confidence.
However, unlike the gutsy feeling of a Porsche, it is somewhat milder.
This may be a matter of taste.

And let us not forget its sensual engine sound.
The high-pitched sound typical of BMW is not a vulgar blast, but a beautiful sound that directly conveys the heartbeat of the engine.
It was like a precision-tuned instrument, with a clear tone, never bombastic,The sound quality is really excellent.
The higher the rpms, the more powerful the sound, and the more uplifting it is for the driver.
The powerful sound, like that of a racing car, envelops the whole body.

Thoughts on M3

The M3 CSL is definitely a great car.

The CSL is a very special M3, and its rarity and performance are attractive.
However, because of its nimbleness, there may be situations in which daily driving is nerve-wracking.
For example, the driver may feel the unevenness of the road surface directly, and may tire easily when driving long distances.

If I were to choose an E46 M3, a little milder,I thought it might be enough to choose a regular M3.
Of course.The overwhelming performance of the CSL and the pleasure of owning it will be exceptional.
However, for me, it also seemed that M3 would be sufficient for a more casual, everyday enjoyment.
This is probably due to my own driving style, which emphasizes comfort and practicality as well as sports car performance.

Nevertheless, the M3 CSL with manual transmission that we tested this time was truly one-of-a-kind, and its driving experience remains vivid in my memory.
It was a car that embodied BMW's "joy of driving" and was truly worthy of being called a masterpiece.
This car will surely continue to be loved by many BMW fans.