There are special BMWs and then there is the 3.0 CSL. It builds on an already sound foundation, the M4 CSL, and swaps the automatic transmission for a six-speed manual. An improved S58 engine is also used with an additional 10 hp, giving a total output of 553 hp. This makes it the most powerful in-line six-cylinder for the road in the company’s history. At the same time the most powerful three-pedal BMW ever built.
But even before you take a look at the data sheet, you’ll notice that the 3.0 CSL attracts attention for completely different reasons. Its retro bodywork embodies the spirit of the stunning E9-era Batmobile. It’s fair to say that BMW has managed to revive the character of its legendary racing car from the 1970s.
Although BMW produced a few right-hand drive examples, these fresh night shots from Japan show a left-hand drive car. It belongs to none other than Bob Suzuki, owner of Studie AG and long-time partner of BMW Motorsport. Like the other 49 cars, it is painted in Alpine White and is applied by hand in up to eight individual coats.
Some have criticized BMW for charging an alleged unconfirmed €750,000 for the 3.0 CSL, but the company had its reasons. First, there’s the rarity factor: there are only 50 cars. Secondly, Munich has never built a six-cylinder road car with this much power before, and in typical BMW style, that power is sent to the rear axle via a manual transmission. Third, and arguably most important, the complicated, labor-intensive manufacturing process drove production costs far beyond those of a regular M4 CSL.
Each car went through eight assembly cycles at eight production stations, a lengthy process that spanned ten days. Workers performed much of the work by hand, a practice that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s automated manufacturing environment. The carbon fiber reinforced plastic components inside were also made by hand. BMW commissioned a dedicated team of 30 specialists to assemble each vehicle.
BMW transported the 3.0 CSL to an external factory in Moosthenning and then sent it back to the Dingolfing factory for final testing and delivery. All of these additional steps resulted in significant cost increases, which is why other highly customized models such as the Speedtop and Skytop command significant premiums over the donor M8.
BMW had no problems selling these high-priced specials and this should encourage further small series projects. At the beginning of the year we learned that another limited edition model was coming to market. Better yet, it will be an M car, so there are exciting times ahead.
[Photos: @studieag]
