The BMW 3 Series are German compact luxury cars produced by the automaker BMW AG since 1975. In 2011, the 6th generation of the model was released. The 3 Series is BMW's bestseller as it accounts for about a third of its sales. Every year, about 0.5 million copies of a 3-series auto are released from the manufacturer's plant. About 5 of them are sold in the North American market. There is also an M-version of the car - BMW M3, which is more powerful and sporty.
BMW N54B30 engine was used for BMW 3 Series vehicles. It was put on the high-end 335i configuration after 2007, replacing the 330i and its 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine (the model was positioned slightly lower than the BMW M3 with a 4-liter V8 engine). For 5 Series vehicles: Used on the mid-range BMW 535i since 2008, replacing the 3L 530i.
The BMW N53B30 engine is a version of the N53 series engine, produced in several modifications - the 2007 unit has a working volume of 2996 cc. cm, power 210 hp (with a torque of 270 Nm at 3500 rpm). In 2010, versions with a similar displacement, but with changed technical data, were launched into production: the less powerful N53B30 - 200 hp.
After the inline four N42B20, BMW began producing a motor with the N46 index, its two-liter modification was named N46B20. It is based on the N42B20 engine, and it seems that the new motor does not differ from the old one at all, but this is only at first glance. In the BMW N46B20 engine, the volume was increased to 2.0 L (1995 cc). Different versions of the engine have different power from 129 to 170 horsepower on average at 6000 rpm, the torque is also different and is 180 or 200 Nm at 3750 rpm.
The BMW N46 engine is a four-cylinder piston engine with two overhead camshafts, which replaced the N42 and has been in production since 2004. The N46 was produced alongside the N45 (which does not have a Valvetronic) and the N43 (which has direct injection). The BMW N46B18 1.8 L (1796 cc) engine produces 114 horsepower (85 kW) at 5500 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm.
In 2006, the N45 engine received a new modification - N45B20S with a displacement of 1997 cc. The updated inline 4-cylinder engine differs from its predecessor in terms of power - 126 kW (173 l / s). In addition to improving technical characteristics, the main technological improvement of the engine was undoubtedly the use of the innovative Valvetronic system, which significantly increases the efficiency of the entire engine as a whole.
A two-liter version of the M50 engine, produced since 1990, which took its place in 1990 with the 520i and a year later with the 320i. The cylinder diameter is 80 mm and the piston stroke is 66 mm. As a result, the engineers managed to get a power equal to 150 hp.
The BMW M44B19 engine is a 4-cylinder engine that replaced the M42 engine and was produced from 1996 to 2001 at the Steyr plant. This power unit has taken a leading position in the BMW four-cylinder engine program and compared to the M42, many design changes have been made on the M44, both in the engine itself, in the control system and in the exhaust system.
The BMW N43B20 engine is a four-cylinder in-line gasoline unit produced by BMW from 2007 to 2011. There are three versions of the N43 engine, which have gained popularity and recognition among motorists around the world. Unlike its predecessor, the N42 engine, the new BMW N43 engine features direct fuel injection and Valvetronic valve lift systems. The engine was produced in conjunction with such units as N45 and N46, but in terms of demand it surpassed its followers in this period of time. This engine has been designed to achieve an optimally high level of torque combined with efficiency and environmental friendliness - a combination that is not always easy to achieve.
This engine was created in 2000 based on the M52TUB28 engine and was first installed on the restyled versions of the BMW E46 and BMW E39. In addition to the M54B30, the range of new motors includes the M54B22, M54B25 and S54B32. As in the M52B28TU ICE, the cylinder block is made of aluminum alloy, but using cast iron liners. In 2004, BMW presented the world a new line of N52 engines, which smoothly began to replace the M54 line. In 2006, the M54B30 ICE completely left the production line. But in 2006, on the basis of the M54, one of the most successful BMW N54 turbocharged engines was created, which was massively installed on cars with the 35i index.
BMW N42B18 engines are in-line 4-cylinder engines with DOHC gas distribution system. The predecessor of this unit model was the M43 series engines. The main feature of the N42B18 is the two overhead camshafts and the innovative VANOS system. This technology made it possible to reduce fuel consumption, reduce pollution of exhaust gases. And Valvetronic technology contributes to the increase in power by optimizing the filling of the cylinders with the mixture.
The senior representative of the M52 series of motors is the BMW M52V28 engine, which has been installed since 1995 on the BMW model in the E36, E38, E39, E46 and Z3 bodies with the 28i index. The cylinder block of the engine supplied to the European market is made of aluminum, the cylinders are nikasil coated. They have the same diameter as the M52B25 engine, a crankshaft with an increased stroke, the cylinder head of this engine is from M50B25TU, and the injectors have a capacity of 250 cc. In 1998, a modification of the engine appeared, which received the M52B28TU index, which has cast-iron liners and double vanos, other camshafts, a DISA intake manifold and an electronic throttle. In 2000, the М52В28 engine began to be replaced with the М54В30 engine, and its production was completely stopped a year later.
Specifications 3 Series compact e46 2001 - 2005
Features 3 Series compact e36 1994 - 2000
Features of 3 Series Gran Turismo 2013 - hv
Specifications 3 Series touring f31 from 2012
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316i 6-speed automatic (136 hp) | 100(136)/4350 | 5.9 | 1470 |
| 316i 6-speed manual (136 hp) | 100(136)/4350 | 5.9 | 1450 |
| 320i (184 hp) | 135(184)/5000 | 6.4 | 1465 |
| 320i automatic transmission (184 hp) | 135(184)/5000 | 6.1 | 1485 |
| 320i xDrive 6-speed manual (184 hp) | 135(184)/5000-6250 | 6.8 | 1555 |
| 320i xDrive 8-automatic transmission (184 hp) | 135(184)/5000-6250 | 6.5 | 1575 |
| 328i 6-speed manual (245 hp) | 180(245)/5000-6000 | 6.8 | 1500 |
| 328i automatic transmission (245 hp) | 180(245)/5000-6000 | 6.5 | 1520 |
| 328i xDrive 6-speed manual (245 hp) | 180(245)/5000-6000 | 7.1 | 1590 |
| 328i xDrive 8-automatic transmission (245 hp) | 180(245)/5000-6000 | 6.9 | 1610 |
| 335i 6-speed manual (306 hp) | 225(306)/5800-6000 | 8.1 | 1575 |
| 335i 8-speed automatic (306 hp) | 225(306)/5800-6000 | 7.6 | 1585 |
| 335i xDrive 8-automatic transmission (306 hp) | 225(306)/5800-6000 | 7.9 | 1655 |
| 316d (116 hp) | 85(116)/4000 | 4.5 | 1475 |
| 316d automatic transmission (116 hp) | 85(116)/4000 | 4.6 | 1495 |
| 318d (143 hp) | 105(143)/4000 | 4.5 | 1475 |
| 318d automatic transmission (143 hp) | 105(143)/4000 | 4.5 | 1495 |
| 320d 6-speed manual (184 hp) | 137(184)/4000 | 4.7 | 1490 |
| 320d automatic transmission (184 hp) | 137(184)/4000 | 4.6 | 1500 |
| 320d EfficientDynamics Edition 6-speed manual (163 hp) | 120(163)/4000 | 4.3 | 1495 |
| 320d EfficientDynamics Edition 8-automatic transmission (163 hp) | 120(163)/4000 | 4.3 | 1510 |
| 320d xDrive 6-speed manual (184 hp) | 135(184)/4000 | 4.9 | 1575 |
| 320d xDrive 8-automatic transmission (184 hp) | 135(184)/4000 | 4.9 | 1585 |
| 325d 6-speed manual (218 hp) | 160(218)/4400 | 5.1 | 1540 |
| 330d 8-automatic transmission (258 hp) | 192(258)/4000 | 5.1 | 1605 |
| 330d xDrive 8-automatic transmission (258 hp) | 192(258)/4000 | 5.4 | 1675 |
Specifications 3 Series touring e91 from 2008
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320d | 171.5(230)/6500 | 11.8 | 1600 |
| 328i | 171.5(230)/6500 | 11.8 | 1600 |
| 330i | 171.5(230)/6500 | 11.8 | 1600 |
| 320d AT | (177)/4000 | 5.6 | 1505 |
| 320d MT | (177)/4000 | 4.9 | 1505 |
| 320i AT | (156)/6400 | 8 | 1459 |
| 320i MT | (156)/6400 | 8 | 1459 |
| 325i AT | (218)/6500 | 8.8 | 1490 |
| 325i MT | (218)/6500 | 8.8 | 1490 |
| 325xi AT | (218)/6500 | 9.5 | 1640 |
| 325xi MT | (218)/6500 | 9.5 | 1640 |
Specifications 3 Series touring e91 2005 - 2008
Specifications 3 Series touring e46 2001 - 2005
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 318d | 85(115)/4000 | 5.6 | 1480 |
| 320d | 110(150)/4000 | 5.7 | 1580 |
| 330d | 135(184)/4000 | 7 | 1690 |
| 316i | 85(115)/5500 | 7.3 | 1390 |
| 318i | 105(143)/6000 | 7.4 | 1485 |
| 325i | 141(192)/6000 | 9.8 | 1650 |
| 330i | 170(231)/5900 | 9.8 | 1670 |
Specifications 3 Series touring e46 1999 - 2001
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320d | 100(136)/4000 | 5.9 | 1460 |
| 330d | 135(184)/4000 | 7 | 1615 |
| 318i | 87(118)/5500 | 8.2 | 1365 |
| 320i | 110(150)/5900 | 9 | 1430 |
| 325i | 141(192)/6000 | 9.2 | 1460 |
| 328i | 142(193)/5500 | 9.3 | 1465 |
| 330i | 170(231)/5900 | 9.3 | 1500 |
Specifications 3 Series touring e30 1986 - 1993
Specifications 3 Series Convertible e93 from 2010
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320i AT | (156)/6400 | 8.2 | 1670 |
| 320i MT | (156)/6400 | 8.2 | 1670 |
| 325i AT | (218)/6500 | 8.9 | 1730 |
| 325i MT | (218)/6500 | 8.9 | 1730 |
| 335i AMT | (306)/5800 | 9.9 | 1825 |
| 335i AT | (306)/5800 | 9.9 | 1810 |
| 335i MT | (306)/5800 | 9.9 | 1810 |
Features 3 Series Convertible e93 2007 - 2010
Features 3 Series Convertible e46 2003 - 2007
Features 3 Series Convertible e46 2000 - 2003
Specifications 3 Series Convertible e36 1993 - 1999
Specifications 3 Series Convertible e30 1986 - 1993
Specifications 3 Series Coupe e92 from 2010
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320d | 135(184)/4000 | 4.7 | 1420 |
| 320d xDrive | 135(184)/4000 | 5.2 | 1515 |
| 325d | 150(204)/3750 | 5.7 | 1515 |
| 330d | 180(245)/4000 | 5.7 | 1525 |
| 330d xDrive | 180(245)/4000 | 6.5 | 1625 |
| 335d | 210(286)/4400 | 6.6 | 1570 |
| 318i | 105(143)/6000 | 6.3 | 1360 |
| 320i | 125(170)/6700 | 6.6 | 1360 |
| 325i | 160(218)/6100 | 7.2 | 1430 |
| 325i xDrive | 160(218)/6100 | 8.1 | 1530 |
| 330i | 200(272)/6700 | 7.4 | 1465 |
| 330i xDrive | 200(272)/6700 | 8.1 | 1530 |
| 335i | 225(306)/5800 | 8.4 | 1525 |
| 335i xDrive | 225(305)/5800 | 8.8 | 1605 |
| 320d AT | (177)/4000 | 4.8 | 1420 |
| 320d MT | (177)/4000 | 4.8 | 1420 |
| 320i AT | (156)/6400 | 7.9 | 1360 |
| 320i MT | (156)/6400 | 7.9 | 1360 |
| 325i AT | (218)/6500 | 8.4 | 1495 |
| 325i MT | (218)/6500 | 8.4 | 1495 |
| 325xi AT | (218)/6500 | 9 | 1605 |
| 325xi MT | (218)/6500 | 9 | 1605 |
| 335xi AT | (306)/5800 | 10.2 | 1710 |
| 335xi MT | (306)/5800 | 10.2 | 1710 |
Specifications 3 Series Coupé e92 2006 - 2010
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320d | 130(177)/4000 | 5.5 | 1405 |
| 330d | 170(231)/4000 | 6.1 | 1500 |
| 335d | 210(286)/4000 | 6.7 | 1545 |
| 320i | 125(170)/6700 | 6.3 | 1335 |
| 325i | 160(218)/6500 | 8.4 | 1395 |
| 330i | 200(272)/6650 | 7.2 | 1445 |
| 335i | 225(306)/5800 | 9.1 | 1500 |
Specifications 3 Series Coupé e46 2003 - 2006
Specifications 3 Series Coupe e46 1999 - 2003
Specifications 3 Series Coupe e36 1992 - 1998
Specifications 3 Series Coupé e30 1982 - 1992
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316 | 66(90)/5500 | 7.8 | 1010 |
| 316i | 75(102)/5800 | 8.6 | 1065 |
| 318i | 77(104)/5800 | 7.8 | 1000 |
| 318iS | 100(136)/6000 | 8.5 | 1200 |
| 320i | 92(125)/5800 | 9.9 | 1050 |
| 323i | 102(139)/5300 | 8.9 | 1173 |
| 325e | 89(122)/4850 | 8.4 | 1140 |
| 325i | 128(173)/5800 | 8.9 | 1176 |
Specifications 3 Series Coupe e21 1975 - 1983
Features 3 Series f30 from 2012
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316i (136 hp) | 100(136)/4350 | 1400 | |
| 320i | 135(181)/5000 | 5.9 | 1400 |
| 320i EfficientDynamics Edition | 125(170)/5000 | 5.2 | 1400 |
| 320i xDrive (184 hp) | 135(181)/5000 | 6.7 | 1470 |
| 320i xDrive automatic transmission (184 hp) | 135(181)/5000 | 6.4 | 1490 |
| 328i | 180(245)/5000-6500 | 6.4 | 1340 |
| 328i xDrive (245 hp) | 180(245)/5000-6500 | 6.7 | 1520 |
| 328i xDrive automatic transmission (245 hp) | 180(245)/5000-6500 | 6.7 | 1535 |
| 335i | 225(306)/5800-6000 | 7.9 | 1510 |
| 335i xDrive (306 hp) | 225(306)/5800-6000 | 8.1 | 1580 |
| 335i xDrive automatic transmission (306 hp) | 225(306)/5800-6000 | 7.6 | 1590 |
| 316d | 85(114)/4000 | 4.3 | 1410 |
| 318d | 105(141)/4000 | 4.4 | 1410 |
| 320d | 135(184)/4000 | 4.5 | 1415 |
| 320d EfficientDynamics | 120(163)/4000 | 4.1 | 1415 |
| 320d xDrive (184 hp) | 135(184)/4000 | 4.8 | 1510 |
| 320d xDrive automatic transmission (184 hp) | 135(184)/4000 | 4.7 | 1520 |
| 330d (258 hp) | 190(258)/4000 | 4.9 | 1540 |
| ActiveHybrid 3 | 225(306)/5800-6000 | 5.9 | 1655 |
Features 3 Series e90 from 2008
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 335d | 210(286)/4400 | 11.8 | 1735 |
| 335i | 225(306)/5800 | 11.8 | 1630 |
| 318i AT | (136)/5750 | 7.8 | 1465 |
| 318i MT | (136)/5750 | 7.4 | 1435 |
| 320d AT | (177)/4000 | 4.8 | 1520 |
| 320d MT | (177)/4000 | 4.8 | 1505 |
| 320i AT | (156)/6400 | 8 | 1465 |
| 320i MT | (156)/6400 | 7.9 | 1435 |
| 320xd AT | (177)/4000 | 5.4 | 1615 |
| 320xd MT | (177)/4000 | 5.4 | 1600 |
| 325i AT | (218)/6500 | 8.8 | 1535 |
| 325i MT | (218)/6500 | 8.7 | 1505 |
| 325xi AT | (218)/6500 | 9 | 1635 |
| 325xi MT | (218)/6500 | 9.3 | 1615 |
| 335xi AT | (306)/5800 | 10.4 | 1735 |
| 335xi MT | (306)/5800 | 9.7 | 1720 |
Specifications 3 Series e90 2005 - 2008
Specifications 3 Series e46 2002 - 2005
Specifications 3 Series e46 1998 - 2002
Specifications 3 Series sedan e36 1991 - 1998
Specifications 3 Series sedan e30 1982 - 1992
| Modification | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Consumption, l / 100 km | Weight (mass), kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 324d | 63(86)/4600 | 6.9 | 1195 |
| 324td | 85(116)/4800 | 7 | 1260 |
| 316i | 66(90)/5500 | 7.8 | 1030 |
| 318i | 77(105)/5800 | 7.8 | 1040 |
| 320i | 92(125)/5800 | 8.6 | 1080 |
| 325i | 125(170)/5800 | 8.9 | 1145 |
| 316 | 66(90)/5500 | 7.8 | 1030 |
| 323i | 110(150)/6000 | 8.9 | 1110 |
| 325e | 95(129)/4800 | 8.4 | 1140 |
Limited edition cars always attract true tech aficionados. Pride, superiority, satisfaction are experienced by the owners of cars stuffed with individual trim levels, and sometimes (if you take sports cars) and deprived of many of the options for the sake of speed and weight. Some of these cars become bestsellers at the time of production, some gain value over the years. As a rule, carmakers put a decent difference in price compared to more common versions, for example, the BMW M3 CSL which will be discussed, which has a factory body index E46 in 2003, cost $ 20,000 more than the mass model BMW M3 of the same year.
Of course, material value is not the main component of the BMW M3 CSL, in the first place is the feeling that a car opens up for its owner. Seemingly almost identical cars have completely different characters.
I first met CSL in 2005, when the BMW M Power club (m-power.ru) was being created, one of the club members bought a car for the first track days in Russia. At that time, communication with cars of the M series was limited, an avalanche-like experience with eMKs was acquired a little later after the formation of the auto club, but even then it was not difficult to understand how the BMW M3 CSL version was radically different from the more mass eMka.
INTERIOR
Getting into the M3 CSL salon, you understand how easy simplicity and minimalism are combined with expensive materials and technologies. Most of the options not required to generate adrenaline have been excluded from the car, so the dashboard has a minimum of control keys for various systems. Here you will not find air conditioning *, TVs, heated seats, or any other uselessness not required by a car for fun.
* - Optionally, some items could be installed at the factory when ordering a car. Although there are copies even without the simplest radio.
All interior elements except the dashboard are made of carbon fiber, in 2003 such widespread use of composite materials was a rarity not only for BMW, but also for the automotive industry in general. The previous limited edition BMW M3 GT in the body of the E36 also used carbon fiber trims, but it was only 4 elements, and here the entire center console, door trims, and the rear seat body, in general, everything that is not from Alcantara.
The controls for the car are also simple and very convenient. A thick steering wheel sheathed with a rare, large “hairy” Alcantara allows you to firmly hold the steering wheel of a car with a sharp temper, situations with slipping of hands are excluded here, but if you operate such a car without gloves, it will become greasy after a while and lose its quality and appearance. It may not be possible to alter such a steering wheel, since such a material is sold as "bald", that is, Alcantara with fine pile.
Since the multimedia systems are either excluded in this car, or are installed in the very minimum configuration, so there is only one “M” button on the steering wheel, everything else is removed as an excess.
The pilot's throne is comfortable, good lateral support for both the pelvis and hips and the back. The material on the seats was used in the same way as in the cabin, exclusively Alcantara, the back sweats less and is not as slippery as leather. This is almost a racing bucket, also with the function of dropping for passenger access to the rear seats, by the way, for experimental purposes, I drove behind a couple of times, to be honest, if you move dynamically enough, you can really crash on solid panels. Since the seats are not made in the usual way, they are in fact made of plastic and carbon fiber with carbon fiber adhesive pads. The seats still have a minus, the BMW for some reason ignored the central holes in the back for the belts, this is really a very big minus, of course there is a three-point belt in the car, but on the track it is like a dog's fifth leg, that's why everyone who drives on track either suffer with this, or change seats, violating the authenticity.
After turning the ignition key, the car is filled with a mixed sound, on the one hand it clearly makes it clear that there is a powerful engine under the hood, but at the same time you will not hear a powerful low bass, BMW has created an excellent symbiosis of a powerful growl and a piercing metallic formulaic voice of the car. Those who have heard the sound of the CSL model will never again confuse it with one other car, except that people who are not able to distinguish a car from a toaster. 🙂
Concept - this is how the CSL appeared before the public EXTERIOR
External differences in the body do not give out so many elements, the BMW M series has always adhered to the philosophy of a wolf in sheep's clothing. The bumpers are made of carbon fiber and painted in body color. The front bumper has a more muscular look, a large opening for engine air and carbon ailerons for extra downforce. The rear bumper is almost identical to the standard M3 E46, but in addition has a carbon fiber lower diffuser. All M3 CSL have a carbon fiber cover, it allows to lower the center of gravity, which undoubtedly has a positive effect on handling and reduce the total weight of the car, the difference between the lightweight version and the mass version is 110 kg. Of the external signs, the differences end, the original is also a lighter and thinner rear window that is not visible to the layman, and perhaps the small nameplate “CSL” in the decorative grille on the fender indicates that the car belongs to the legendary breed. Abreveatura CSL - stands for Coupe Sport Light in the 70s, cars prepared for road-ring races had such a marking, which brought BMW a huge number of victories in battles with other automakers. Journalists nicknamed them "Batmobiles" for the pronounced developed forms of body elements.
ENGINE
The M3 CSL engine with the same S54B32 marking as the usual M3, but there is a nuance, as they say. The engineers changed the intake system, moving away from the standard scheme with an air flow meter, so to speak, they applied racing technology. Externally, the engine can be distinguished by a large carbon intake manifold with a huge intake air inlet. Thanks to the manifold and other engine software, the car's power was raised from 343 hp. (for the European version) up to 360. Like the engine, the sequential gearbox also received a new firmware, on the CSL version it works much faster and harder.
SUSPENSION
And at the end of the description of the units, I would like to write about the suspension and braking system, it is these things that make a significant contribution to driving. The CSL version received its own suspension: shock absorbers with their own settings, different springs and thicker stabilizers. Like other BMW cars, this whole set was honed on the legendary Nürburgring track, where the factory copy traveled 22 km in just 7 minutes 50 seconds, completely in the factory version.
BRAKES
Brake system. For some reason, the plant's specialists did not install monoblock brakes on the car, but left the calipers with a floating caliper, increasing only the diameter of the brake discs and changing only the caliper bracket for them. Although it should be noted that the CSL's braking dynamics are not bad enough, the engineers selected the braking system well based on the total weight of the car.
SEMI-CLICK
And of course the tires, it is these hard workers who endure the wild overloads of the car, keeping the BMW M3 CSL hook on the road surface. The factory installed semi-slick tires from Michelin. The Pilot Sport Cup, the first generation of semi-slick models in those years, was popular with automakers to be fitted as original equipment from the factory to their powerful and limited editions. When buying a BMW M3 CSL from a dealer, brochures were handed out to customers that tire use is dangerous enough for an inexperienced driver on wet surfaces.
Several restrictions were imposed on the CSL model. In addition to warning about the danger of operating a car in the rain on "Kapah", all new cars also had an electronic collar with an underestimation of the maximum speed to 260 km / h. Only after the break-in regime and the client graduating from the BMW driving school (for customers in the UK, a one-day course cost £ 850), the limiter was removed at the service station, after which the car accelerated to 305 km / h. (Verified personally)
For about 8 years, a ban was imposed on components from the CSL version, spare parts for this car could be ordered only upon presentation of the vehicle's registration certificate, thereby the plant emphasized the exclusivity of the version and in every possible way prevented the installation of parts on cars without the coveted marking.
TEST DRIVE
It so happened that the first time my acquaintance with the CSL happened on the highway near Moscow in Myachkovo. Then we organized the first trackdays with the M Power club with lovers of the Lotus brand. Not so many people came to ride, as many are going today, but there was a sufficient choice of cars and then people were just beginning to share the nuances of their cars and test different cars of their interlocutors. Literally a couple of races were divided between sessions on the M3 E46 and similar versions of the CSL. Everything is fine with the non-limited version with indicators in stock, we can say that this model is already ready for the track days, especially at the initial piloting level. Suspension stiffness is sufficient, braking dynamics is sufficient despite the total weight of 1495 kg. The car easily dives into corners, demonstrating a slight neutral understeer, it is still relevant for track days and championships, but with significant improvements.
When leaving the M3 E46, I immediately drove my BMW M3 E36 in the next session, despite its lighter weight (by 100 kg), the factory car is not as good as other generations of M3. The E36 has a very sluggish soft suspension, thin anti-roll bars and absolutely disgusting track brakes. Then my car was not prepared as it is now, but I got rid of the gaps described above at that time. The regular session is over, it's time for the BMW M3 CSL. We got into the car and drove along the pitlane, stopped in anticipation of the green traffic light of the marshals. I was immediately able to assess the comfort of the seats and the pleasant sound of the engine at idle. True, sometimes a slight resonance was heard from the carbon panels, now they are very skillfully removed by the reinforcement worker of the Reysport company. The problem is of course a burning issue for a perfectionist, but already with a quarter of the gas, there is only one sound in the car, it is very correct and emotional.
And now the green light ... Let's go ...
We smoothly take off from the spot, intensively picking up speed before the first turn. We drive carefully until the tires are cold and the brakes are not warmed up. This is how the first circle goes. The last turn, the finish line and the foot pressed the pedal all the way. Turning entrance. It's a completely different car to go crazy, there is not even a hint of neutrality, it feels like the car always goes where you want, a different suspension, camber settings and weight - they gave this car a lot. Again, intense acceleration, a completely cosmic sound is emitted by the CSL at full throttle opening, a large-volume carbon intake manifold is to blame. This sound cannot be confused with anything. Wild powerful bass cuts the air both outside and inside the car, such a feeling is experienced by a person being in the cabin, as if he sees a shudder of air. I actually caught myself thinking that these were hallucinations, but the vibrations were repeated in unison with the pressing of the gas pedal. Again a bunch of slow turns after a straight line and the M3 willingly taxies into each of them. A small straight and a slow turn again. We approach the brakes and immediately start accelerating in the turn. There is no hint of skidding or plowing, (the front axle breaks out of the turn with an excess of speed), the car clearly moves along the trajectory written in the pilot's head, again the acceleration line and without gas release, smooth banking begins - a long radius turn with a slight slope of the canvas. We go at high revs with a pedal in the floor, there is no hint of a skid, the car grabbed onto the asphalt as if stuck, only a little bit of how rubber is chewed in a corner.
Tires run 100% at that time it was one of the best options. Benking continues, 150 meters straight, and then a slow hairpin. Wild acceleration after acceleration in the traction and on the right, racks with marks of how many meters before the turn, fractions of seconds 200 ... 150 ... 100 ... 50 ... A sharp turn of the steering wheel with constant acceleration, late entry, the left front wheel touched the inner curb with a late apex and again quickly depress the pedal. We shoot the CSL like a cannon from a slow and narrow hairpin, then again an easy reverse banking and the second part of the track called technical, it consists of a large number of slow bundles of turns. If you find the right path, and here BMW rushes to the cherished goal quickly enough. And now the last slow turn before the finish line, the car crosses the timing beam and we enter the cooling circle and enter the pits.
We leave the car a little exhausted and happy, both have a blissful smile. The car is very emotional, rather one of the most emotional in which I drove, and this is almost all that is presented in Moscow. This car definitely has a soul. A soul soaked in gasoline, ready to blaze at the first request of the owner. We will not stand for a long time at the car - the heady smell of tires, pads and clutch cannot leave indifferent any fan of fast cars on the planet, you can recognize this taste from a million even with your eyes closed.
I shake the crab, thank my friend for the test.
BMW M3 CSL in Russia
In Russia, unfortunately, there is a very limited number of these wonderful cars, as far as we know their number is only 7 cars. Six of them chose Reisport for their technical support. One seventh car has not been used for more than 10 years. Only a few cars were purchased from a dealer by new, non-official means, the rest came to Russia with mileage. The most common color of the CSL version is gray, but cars were also collected in black, one of which has also been a Reisport client for a long time. For the period of 2017, only one car remained in Russia, the statistics are nowhere more sad, all the rest left Russia in the period 2015-2016, like many rare cars and sports cars emigrated back to Europe. At the peak of the wild exchange rate difference, that time was like a gold rush.
EXAMPLE 1.
This is the first copy in the BMW M Power Russia club and also our first client CSL. 70,000 km of run, 60,000 of them on the track. The car lived on the Nurburgring for 3 years. In addition to maintenance, Reysport specialists installed a large number of components on this car that improve handling and braking dynamics, and we also eliminated a standard disease for M3 - a torn floor in the rear beam area. The vehicle was returned to the factory and sold in Europe.
EXAMPLE2.
An instance with the lowest mileage of up to 10,000 km, the car used to frequent amateur track days, now it is practically not used. This is the only car left in Russia. The flight carries out only routine maintenance on it.
EXAMPLE3.
This copy came to us for the first time with an installed compressor from the G-Power company, unfortunately the boost kit was not installed correctly and after a 900 km run the piston group crumbled into the engine sump due to the software and an incorrectly selected pulley. The motor operator of the Reysport company completely went over the engine and returned the engine completely to the factory version. The car has visited trackdays in Russia and Europe, so we also installed a helical suspension, adjustable levers and Brembo brakes on this CSL. After 4 years, the car was returned to the original equipment and sold to Europe.
EXAMPLE4.
The BMW M3 CSL with the Sverdlovsk license plates was in transit with us only a couple of times, we eliminated the reinforcement problems. The car has been surfing the roads of Europe for several years now.
EXAMPLE5.
There are not many TsSL painted black from the factory, but in Russia it was the only one. We carried out an extensive list of works on this car after his adventures in the city of Sochi. But unfortunately during the boom in sales, like many others, this CSL left for Europe. They even called us in Reysport from a car dealership and asked to confirm our marks in the service book about the passage of MOT.
EXAMPLE6.
This CSL visited us only once, also in transit from the Baltic states. The car is not assembled at the BMW plant, but at the Hartge company and has its own VIN applied with a drill. 🙂 The machine is, so to speak, with an extended configuration. As you can see already with a large monitor, a leather steering wheel instead of an Alcantara rim, an E60 M5 gear selector knob and Brembo brakes.
The concern was planning to build 1000 copies of the M3 CSL, but demand increased and production plans shifted to almost one and a half thousand. 500 vehicles were planned for sale in the UK, but only 422 right-hand drive vehicles reached their owners. In England, CSL sales began in August 2003 at a cost of £ 58,455, $ 20,000 more than a standard 2003 BMW M3. With the sale of the BMW M3 CSL, as stated above, a customer from England received a one-day driver's training course, which cost him 850 pounds.
Above is a photo of the interior of the M3 CSL Concept. More spartan equipment than the serial sample. We see the simplest heating control system, the interior trims are carbon fiber and instead of completely Alcantara, fabric inserts. The photo below also shows that there is a difference in the decorative engine cover and the carbon fiber intake.
BMW M3 CSL 2003 Gray
Number of M3 E46 cars built between 2000 and 2006
BMW M3 E46 coupe and convertible - 84344 units
BMW M3 CSL 2003-2004 - 1400 units
One of the unverified sites where most BMW M owners are registered says that 841 left-hand drive cars and 542 right-hand drive cars were produced, when the plate above lists 422 copies for the UK market. But I heard that English dealers, having secured orders from customers, knocked out additional quotas for right-hand drive cars from the factory.
Video from BMW M3 CSL:
Top Gear show about BMW M3 CSL E46 in Russian
/ E93). Only gasoline engines with a capacity of 197 hp and more were installed on the BMW M3.
BMW P65 Engine - V-8 engine available for the M3 GT2 E92, M3 GT2 Art Car E92 and M3 GT4 E92 racing coupes. The P65 engine is a 90º power unit with aluminum block and cylinder head (DOHC), water and air cooled, 4 valves per cylinder with chain drive, double-VANOS system, ECU 408 engine management system ...
The BMW S55 engine is a six-cylinder in-line high-revving turbocharged engine developed by BMW M GmbH for the new generation M3 F80 sedan, M4 F82 coupe and M4 F83 convertible. This powertrain is a replacement for the previous sporty S54 6-cylinder fitted to the M3 E46 and the S65 8-cylinder fitted under the hood of the M3 E90 / E92 / E93. BMW S55B30 engine The S55B30T0 engine is based on the N55, and 75% consists of parts of a less powerful ...
The BMW S65 engine is a V-8 naturally aspirated engine with two overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32 valves, which replaced the S54 six-cylinder engine and has been in production since 2007. The BMW S65 engine was installed only on the BMW M3 and has the same bore / stroke as the 10-cylinder S85, but unlike the S85, the VANOS system is pressure driven ...
The BMW P60 engine is a naturally aspirated V-8 piston engine with variable valve timing DOHC, with two camshafts in the cylinder head, with four valves per cylinder, an aluminum block and a dry sump. BMW P60B40 Engine A 345 hp electronically controlled fuel injection (EFI) engine was produced from 2001 to 2005 and was installed on the M3 GTR E46. Characteristics …
The BMW S54 engine is a more efficient and high-revving version of the engine, in contrast to the S52, which was installed on the BMW M3 in the back of the E46, including the Z3M and Z4M roadsters / coupes. The BMW S54 engine became the best engine in the International Powertrain Competition in 2001 in the category "from 3.0 to 4.0 liters", and every year until 2006 it was recognized as the best in this category. In 2001 ...
BMW M10 is the designation for the series of internal combustion engines (petrol engines) from BMW. It is a four-cylinder in-line engine with displacement from 1.5 to 2 liters and an overhead camshaft. The camshaft, which is driven by a single roller chain in the crosshead of the cylinder, is supported on the rocker arm by two V-valves. Another roller chain drives the pump.
The BMW M10 was first used in the new BMW class of 1961 and remained in production until 1988. The basic design principle with a cylinder spacing of 100 mm and a cast iron material as the engine block was adopted during the development of the 6-cylinder BMW M30, M10 served as the basis for the BMW S14.
During its long service, the engine has also been used in touring, rally and racing cars. With the M12 / 13/1 *, the engine reached its highest development in Formula 1 in the early 1980s.
Nomenclature
Beginning in 1963, BMW introduced new rules for naming car and engine designs. The cars were named Exx, and the engines - Mxx, and the letter of each was accompanied by a number that began with 01. This innovation was not applied to the first four-cylinder engines of the new class, since the original M113 engine was developed in the late 1950s, then received further development in the M115, which debuted in the BMW 1500 in 1961. The improved BMW 2000 engine was named M05 in 1965. The numbering did not follow systematics, but took place chronologically.
And since in the late 1970s this system reached numbers just below 100, it was decided to introduce a new classification from 1980.
A letter code is defined for each division: M (now also N) for BMW AG passenger cars, S for Motosport GmbH, A for motorcycles and W for marine vessels, etc. thus, motor and racing engines received the designation S, the next number based on the first digit of the base family. The S14 is based on the M10 and the S38 is based on the M30. BMW uses this system to this day. An asterisk (*) is often used to distinguish between 1963-1980 engines.
Engine options
The engine was developed by Alexander von Falkenhausen, who developed a 1.5-liter instead of the 1.3-liter engine and planned to increase it to two liters.
For the preparation of a combustible mixture in the original 1.5-liter engine with a capacity of 75-80 hp. one downdraft carburetor was used. This basic concept was followed by the 1.6L, 1.8L and 2L variants. The latter developed power up to 100 hp, equipped with two flat two-stroke gasifiers produced from 105 to 120 hp. The 2000/2002 tii / 520i models with mechanical injection reached 130 hp. Introduced in 1973, the 2002 turbocharged model had 170 hp.
In 1981, a model with a 1766 cm engine and K-Jetronic intake manifold injection was introduced for the BMW E28.
Time to talk about a true legend in the automotive industry, the BMW M3 E30. The car that won 1,500 official races. At the same time, more powerful cars with all-wheel drive competed with him in the class, but they lagged behind. The car is proof that the main thing in a car is not about horsepower, but about balance. It is the genes of this car that are found in modern BMW M-series.
The history of the car
The car was created to compete with the sedan from the Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 company. In 1985, BMW CEO Eberhard von Künheim decided to make a powerful version of the sedan that would suit urban roads. He turned to his best engineer Paul Roche for this purpose. Paul Roche created the Formula 1 unit that earned the BMW team the title of champion. This man was very fond of calculating camshafts, which is why his colleagues were jokingly called Paul-Kulachk.
The great engineer was inspired by the idea and set to work. At first, he planned to make the engine a 6-cylinder, but he quickly abandoned this idea, since the calculations revealed that the large crankshaft created a large number of vibrations. It was decided not to introduce anything conceptually new into the creation of the engine, so the engineer took the 6-cylinder engine head from the BMW M1 and transferred it to the 4-cylinder M3 block by shortening it. The redesigned head has become an ordinary cast iron cylinder block from the previous BMW series. It turned out that the new unit, which in the future became legendary, was assembled “from what was at hand”.
The unit was produced in just 14 days, which is why it got its name: S14... This motor could withstand loads of 10 thousand revolutions per minute without any problems. The cars were produced with and without a catalytic converter of exhaust gases. The device reduced CO2 emissions, which was an innovation at the time. The only drawback of the converter was a 5 horsepower reduction in engine power.
During the first tests of the engine, BMW faced a problem. The exhaust manifold of the car was so hot from the exhaust gases that it increased by 2.5 centimeters, from which the pipes flew off or burst. The problem was quickly resolved by upgrading the rubber connection elements.
The car began selling in 1986. In a year it was necessary to produce 5,000 of these cars, which gave them the right to participate in races. The sales department was very skeptical, since the M-series cost one and a half times more than the usual E30 with a 2.5-liter engine. However, the public loved the car very much.
Exterior BMW M3 e30
An unintelligent person, looking at him, will not see anything special. The car is very similar to an ordinary BMW E30, it differs outwardly in the following elements:
- Sports bumper;
- Lateral body extensions;
- Plastic spoiler;
- Higher trunk;
- Sports discs;
- Sports brake calipers.
In fact, this car does not have a single body part that is the same as the regular E30. The aerodynamic body kit was made not to reduce frontal air resistance, but to increase downforce. The boot lid is higher than in the regular E30. This is done in order to load the rear spoiler with a lot of air flow.
Externally, the car may appear square, but the aerodynamic coefficient is 0.35. For example, the same coefficient is in 1991. The weight of the car is only 1165 kg. Before this car, all M-series did not differ in any way from ordinary cars, so it was from this car that BMW began to make aerodynamic body kits on the M-series. As it turned out, this increased car sales by 30 percent.
Salon М3 е30
It feels like this car was developed not only by engineers and designers, but also by psychologists. Everything in the cabin is made in such a way as to provoke the driver to go faster. To understand this, you just need to get into this car. A sporty fit, seats with very powerful lateral support, a tachometer with a "red" zone at 8 thousand rpm, a sports steering wheel, sensors placed on the center panel and the geometry of the torpedo itself, turned towards the driver. All this suggests that the car was created not for passengers, but for the driver.
Even to this day, while in the cabin of this BMW, you feel comfort, silence and excellent build quality. While driving such a 30-year-old specimen in the cabin at speed, no extraneous noise is heard.
Motor and gearbox
| A type | Volume | Power | Torque | Overclocking | Maximum speed | Number of cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2.0 l | 192 h.p. | 210 H * m | 7.5 sec. | 227 km / h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.3 l | 195 h.p. | 230 H * m | 6.9 sec. | 230 km / h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.3 l | 200 h.p. | 230 H * m | 6.7 sec. | 235 km / h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.3 l | 215 h.p. | 230 H * m | 6.7 sec. | 241 km / h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.3 l | 220 h.p. | 245 H * m | 6.7 sec. | 243 km / h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.3 l | 238 h.p. | - | - | - | 4 |
The main advantage and heart of this car: motor S14B23... Only 4 cylinders in a cast iron block, no turbines and the presence of an individual throttle valve for each combustion chamber. The motor was created not for sales and target audience, but for racing competitions. It turns out that the manufacturer allowed people to buy a racing supercar for everyday driving.
BMW M3 e30 engine block was taken from motor M10, which was installed on 1000-horsepower Formula-1 cars. The motor was developed in a very short time: only 2 weeks.
Such an internal combustion engine developed 200 horsepower and accelerated the car to a hundred in just 6.7 seconds. Modern engines from such a volume “squeeze out” 170 horsepower, and BMW 30 years ago achieved a power of as much as 200 hp, taking into account the absence of turbocharging.
The only problem with the motor was the lack of hydraulic lifters. This led to the fact that every 70 thousand kilometers it was necessary to adjust the valves. Apart from this, the engine has no design flaws, and many still consider it one of the best engines in BMW history due to its excellent reliability with such a high boost.
The feeling from the motor is very contradictory. Firstly, you don't expect a quick acceleration from such a small volume, and secondly, the car slowly accelerates to 4,000 rpm, after which the BMW M3 e30 engine begins its life. At high revs, there is such a strong surge of power that the driver is pushed hard into the seat. When shifting gears, you expect that there will be another drop in power, but this does not happen. The bottom line is that BMW engineers specially selected such a gear ratio in the transmission that when shifting gears at 7,000 rpm, the engine switches to 5,000 rpm. It turns out that the car rapidly accelerates from second to sixth gear without power failures, which is necessary in races.
The drivetrain is designed so that the car can accelerate rapidly, but this has a negative impact on top speed. The transmissions are very short, so there is a lot of noise at high speed. The car feels much more confident in turns than on straight sections of the track.
BMW M3 e30 suspension
This is a living example of how a conventional suspension can be fine-tuned for perfect handling. The rear suspension was developed back in the 70s and is very simple. Consists of simple diagonal swing arms. Stands in front.
Having learned the composition of the suspension, it may seem that there is nothing unusual about it. Ordinary modern credit cars have a more complex chassis. But the essence of great handling lies in the fine tuning of this simple suspension and the downforce provided by the body.
The car responds very precisely to the slightest turn of the steering wheel. It is not difficult to start the car into drift, and it is easy to get it out of the controlled drift. This is helped by the electronic differential lock, which was pioneering in the 1980s.
If all sports cars are very tough and uncomfortable, the same cannot be said for the BMW M3 E30. BMW Motorsport has tuned the suspension in such a way that the car, with its excellent handling, is also comfortable. The response of the car on the unevenness of the road is more elastic than harsh. It was with this car that the essence of the BMW M-Series began: a mixture of comfort and sporty driving. This quality is the trump card of the series, because the very same Ferrari and Lamborghini, with their excellent driving characteristics, are very tough and uncomfortable cars.
Prices
The car is very rare, since a total of 16,202 of these were produced. On our roads it is almost impossible to see it. Abroad, in the west, the cheapest model with a range of 200 thousand kilometers costs 46 thousand dollars. The most expensive M3 e30 with a range of 10 thousand kilometers costs 200 thousand dollars. This is twice what it costs from the salon.
Why are these cars so expensive? The answer lies in the vehicle's long sporting history. This is not just a car made for the fast driving enthusiasts - it is a car designed for real racing. The car has an excellent motor life. For example, if the new M3 travels 100 thousand km without any problems, then the M3 E30 will travel three times more.
Conclusion
This car has been a favorite in motorsport for many years. More powerful four-wheel drive rivals could do nothing against him. Engineers have proven to the whole world that the main thing for winning races is not power, but the balance of the car. The current popularity of BMW is due to this model, because it was she who declared the manufacturer as a company that makes high-quality sports cars for everyday driving. The BMW M3 E30 is the car that gave rise to the fashion for urban sports sedans.
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