The BMW 3.0 CSL Was Among The Best Performance Cars
BMW tried and tested with different models to rise above the troubling situations after World War II. Initially, the E9 range with the competition cars during the late 60s was their attempt to success but it was the BMW 3.0 CSL that hit the mark. It was a performance-oriented coupe that was available for both the road and the track and people loved the idea.
Published January 29, 2024
The automotive industry was not at its strongest in the years following the Second World War and BMW was one of the brands that were having it difficult in the market. There might have been an outside influence that restricted the brand from operating at its maximum potential. The idea behind the 3.0 CSL was to offer a car for the people that would impress them with the performance but would not burn a hole in their pocket.
There were some early editions from the E9 range that offered C and CS models but it was the 3.0 CSL that allowed BMW to earn the desired profit. The affordability of the vehicle ensured a large number of sales while the performance kept the customers happy. Participating in and winning the races was a big deal at that time but having a race car that is allowed to be driven on the streets was a different kind of pleasure.
Why is the model so special?
The biggest aspect of the BMW 3.0 CSL being special was its design and performance. CSL stands for Competition Sport Lightweight which simply means it is a sportier edition ready for the challenge and at the same time, it is lighter than its previous iterations.
The total production of the E9 range was 30,546 but the 3.0 CSL only had 1,265 units manufactured from 1972 to 1975 which is way less than the initial models. However, the specific model still managed to revive the brand from the uncertainties of its time and successfully put the brand name on the global map again.
What does it offer in terms of performance?
The BMW 3.0 CSL originally had the 3.0L Straight-6 engine from its predecessor which offered a power output of 180 hp. However, the engine was slightly improved involving a 3.2L one that increased the output to 203 horsepower. The maximum torque was also at 211 lb.-ft allowing a quick transmission through the 4-speed manual transmission.
However, it was not just the engine or the gearbox that made the “Homologation special” so special. The 3.0 CSL came with aluminum doors and a bonnet alongside the thinner steel used for the body. The window was also made in Perspex instead of glass and the overall modification achieved a much lighter body weight making the BMW quicker.
There were also some examples that were not so light-weight as the importer from the UK wanted the car with a soundproof cabin, electric windows, and the stock bumpers from the E9 range. The most famous version of the 3.0 CSL coupe was probably the Batmobile introduced in 1973 which was actually a body kit but its overall presence coupled with the performance earned the nickname.
What are the races and wins associated with the CSL?
The BMW 3.0 CSL was built aiming for the European Touring Car Championship where it competed in the group 2 form. The first victory came as a Drivers title in 1973 and though the production was complete by 1975, the cars were regular in the Championship for several more years. In fact, the CSL won back-to-back five times from 1975 to 1979.
The European Touring was not the only glory the 3.0 CSL has as it also competed in the Group 5 Special Production guise of the 1976 World Championship for Makes winning three rounds. Group 4 in the FIA was a tougher one for BMW where it had to face off with several big guns but it did manage some success. In the German Touring Car Grand Prix in 1973, the 3.0 CSL took both the first and second places. The IMSA GT Championship in 1975 was another success for BMW with the same car.
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