Newb Question: What's CSL?

wyrm11 · 12-14-2005, 02:16 AM

Sorry for this totally newbie question but I'm just wondering what exactly CSL is and stands for.

Is it a tuner company that mods BMWs? Is it more like Alpina, Dinan or ACS (and further more, what exactly is the distinction between those brands as well)?

I've seen some real nice CSL rims on this site...is that the same CSL or a different CSL than the M3 CSL?

Just some clarification and any links where I can get more info would be much appreciated.

Dante · 12-14-2005, 02:45 AM

Hi,

CSL is a term created by BMW (or respectively the M Technik GmbH), firstly used on a lightweight basis of the legendary BMW 3.0 CS/CSI for the touring car championship in the early 70´s.

I think the 3.0 CSL was the first project of the M Technik GmbH, built in collaboration with Alpina.

CSL = coupé sport lightweight.

BMW/M Technik GmbH reused this term for their lightweight version of the e46 M3, wich had these special 19" wheels (built by BBS

), known as "CSL rims" in this forum.

wyrm11 · 12-14-2005, 02:48 AM

Thanks so much for the response.

So what you're saying is that the "CSL rims" should actually be called BBS rims? Is BBS a tuner company as well or do they just make rims?

Dante · 12-14-2005, 03:20 AM

BBS is a well known and highly recommended german producer of both OEM and aftermarket wheels. They are famous for their lightweight "mesh"- designs and multi-piece-racing wheels e.g. for Ferrari Formula 1.

They were founded in the early 70s too.

take a look: http://www.bbs.com/index.php?id=1&L=2

mjh93sa · 12-14-2005, 07:16 AM

The E46 M3CSL also had a carbon fibre roof and other mods to reduce the weight from a standard M3 by about 110kg (243lb), hence the CSL tag.

12-14-2005, 02:16 AM	#1
wyrm11 ///Man of Steel 30 Rep 1,243 Posts Drives: Monaco 335 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Newb Question: What's CSL? Sorry for this totally newbie question but I'm just wondering what exactly CSL is and stands for. Is it a tuner company that mods BMWs? Is it more like Alpina, Dinan or ACS (and further more, what exactly is the distinction between those brands as well)? I've seen some real nice CSL rims on this site...is that the same CSL or a different CSL than the M3 CSL? Just some clarification and any links where I can get more info would be much appreciated.
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12-14-2005, 02:45 AM	#2
Dante Enthusiast 468 Rep 1,791 Posts Drives: F87 M2 / F31 330d Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bavaria iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 E46 BMW M3 [0.00] 2017 F87 BMW M2 [10.00] 2013 F31 330d Touring [9.50] 2009 E89 Z4 Sdrive 30i [9.00] 1989 E30 320is 2-door [10.00] 1986 E28 M535i [9.00]	Hi, CSL is a term created by BMW (or respectively the M Technik GmbH), firstly used on a lightweight basis of the legendary BMW 3.0 CS/CSI for the touring car championship in the early 70´s. I think the 3.0 CSL was the first project of the M Technik GmbH, built in collaboration with Alpina. CSL = coupé sport lightweight. BMW/M Technik GmbH reused this term for their lightweight version of the e46 M3, wich had these special 19" wheels (built by BBS ), known as "CSL rims" in this forum.
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12-14-2005, 02:48 AM	#3
wyrm11 ///Man of Steel 30 Rep 1,243 Posts Drives: Monaco 335 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks so much for the response. So what you're saying is that the "CSL rims" should actually be called BBS rims? Is BBS a tuner company as well or do they just make rims?
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12-14-2005, 03:20 AM	#4
Dante Enthusiast 468 Rep 1,791 Posts Drives: F87 M2 / F31 330d Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bavaria iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 E46 BMW M3 [0.00] 2017 F87 BMW M2 [10.00] 2013 F31 330d Touring [9.50] 2009 E89 Z4 Sdrive 30i [9.00] 1989 E30 320is 2-door [10.00] 1986 E28 M535i [9.00]	BBS is a well known and highly recommended german producer of both OEM and aftermarket wheels. They are famous for their lightweight "mesh"- designs and multi-piece-racing wheels e.g. for Ferrari Formula 1. They were founded in the early 70s too. take a look: http://www.bbs.com/index.php?id=1&L=2
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12-14-2005, 07:16 AM	#5
mjh93sa Major General 147 Rep 5,080 Posts Drives: 530d Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Gloucestershire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW M135i [10.00] 2011 Mini Countryma ... [5.50]	The E46 M3CSL also had a carbon fibre roof and other mods to reduce the weight from a standard M3 by about 110kg (243lb), hence the CSL tag. __________________ Gone: Fiesta - Focus - E46 320dSE - E91 330dMSport - E82 135iMSport - R55 JCW Clubman - M135i Now: 530d
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