2023 BMW 3.0 CSL

Offered for sale is this 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL, with a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine, running 560 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, with only 34 kilometers (about 21 miles) covered.

The 2023 3.0 CSL is BMW’s signal to the world that its remarkable history is still important - to them, and the fans of the brand worldwide. BMW has had its in-house competition wing, M Motorsport, dedicated to competition and enthusiast-oriented street cars for over 50 years. To celebrate the 50th year (50 Jahre) anniversary of the division’s inception, they resurrected this nameplate for the proper celebration special. By limiting the 50th anniversary model to just 50 examples, this is an exclusive tribute, built using the knowledge the M division has when making some of the best drivers cars in the world. 

The inspiration for this car was the original 3.0 CSL from 1972. Built to compete in the European Touring Car Championship, BMW built 1,265 street legal homologation examples of the car. Based on the 3.0 CS, the L stood for lightweight, and accurately described the detail differences from the model it was based on. The unit body itself was built from thinner steel than the regular version, used aluminum for the doors, hood and trunk, and then Perspex for the side windows. These early CSLs remain some of the most desirable BMWs on the market, both because of their looks and exclusivity.

The 2023 version of the CSL adheres to the build philosophy of the iconic original. While using the current 4-series BMW M4 chassis as a basis, the 3.0 CSL is a hand-built variation with many bespoke components. The roof, hood and trunk lid, as well as the front and rear aprons, are all made entirely of carbon. The front and rear side panel attachments, side sills, rear diffuser, rear wing and rear spoiler, are also made of the high-tech material. All carbon components are handmade exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL. 

Power comes from the company’s proven 3.0-liter turbo engine, but strengthened for higher performance. Critical differences include an extremely rigid crankcase in a sleeveless closed-deck design, a forged lightweight crankshaft, and a cylinder head core designed using 3D printing technology. Extensive upgrades in both the oiling and cooling systems help keep the engine safe in high-speed driving, and to help reduce weight, the engine breathes through a titanium rear exhaust weighing around nine pounds (four kilograms) lighter than a conventional stainless steel setup. 

The suspension used in the BMW 3.0 CSL is a double-joint spring strut front axle, with a five-link rear axle in M-specific design. An Adaptive M suspension utilizes electronically-controlled shock absorbers, and the steering is through the M Servotronic electromechanical steering, with variable ratios dependent on speed and driver setting. 

On the exterior, the finish is mostly hand-applied, with the classic motorports color striping and livery with great details, including the carbon weave of the body panels visible through some striping sections and through the lettering on the rear spoiler.

The interior carries the exterior theme with real carbon trim, and full carbon sport bucket seats with Alcantara trim.

This 3.0 CSL is new, and is ready for delivery with only 34 kilometers (about 21 miles) on the odometer. This is a rare opportunity to obtain a handmade version of the BMW M division’s best present to itself on its 50th anniversary, both as a collectors’ item and as a focussed drivers’ car.