SMG

[jim76]

Hi, can anyone tell me if there is a difference between a "normal" E46 M3 SMG gearbox and the CSL's gearbox, and if so what it is? I have heard there is a slight difference in software but sure some of you guys will be able to clarify this. Thanks in advance. Jim.

[Mark CSL]

Hi Jim Did you get the csl ?
As far as i know they are the same it is only the software that is differant,
and they cant put csl software on the m3.

If you want more info i can speak to my m8 he is a M technition at BMW.

[jim76]

Hi Mark. I never bought the CSL. I couldn't make my mind up what to do about it as I had another couple of cars running around in my head, decisions decisions eh!! I have been looking at them again recently though. I ended up buying an X5 on Xmas eve, then sold it on 20th January!!! Couldn't live with it, I need something quick again for the track days. An X5 just isn't the same coming out of the hairpin at Knockhill, lol. I have booked to go to Spa in May, then we are driving across to The Nurburgring for a couple of days there after Spa, so I need to pick something up for that week. A friend of mine, Chris, the guy that goes to Knockhill with the Silver/Grey CSL, he took me round Spa in that last year, it was the best laps I have ever had in a car, it was pushing GT3's round the track and passing most other things! He is a very good driver, and has traded that car for a GT3, so I'm looking forward to a hurl round Spa in that this year!! I was thinking about buying a cheaper E46 M3 and turning it into a dedicated track toy, but I was curious about the SMG aspect, hence the question. I don't know if the normal M3 'blips' the throttle on down changes or not like the CSL does? I am thinking about giving the SMG a go, I've always been old fashioned about this, but the fact that most performance cars are now coming out the factory with this type of gearbox has to go for something.

[Mark CSL]

Chris had my old CSL. I know he sold it but i did not know he was geting a gt3.

The e46 M3 does do the blip on the down shift but it is not as loud, as the CSL. Also they are not as quick round Knockhill as the CSL is but i am sure you will have fun.

Me and gary are at knockhill this sunday if you want a run in my CSL ?

[jim76]

I would have came up for a run on Sunday, but I am back in the Middle East working just now. 31 degrees here today!! Heard it's baltic there!!! I never realised that was your old car Chris had! But I don't think he was aware we knew each other for him to mention it. Chris can drive a car!!! What he could do with that CSL really was fantastic, I would confidently say he was the quickest driver to ever take me round Spa, and I have been round it dozens and dozens of times!! I reckon if I get a standard car and bin the interior and carpets etc I could get the weight down to CSL level, obviously it would still have a higher centre of gravity, but would be comparable. Remap, air box, exhaust, a good set of coil overs, decent pads and fluid and some sticky tyres and I don't reckon there would be much difference from the CSL. I used to enjoy the E36 when I did the track days in that, but when I bought the first E46 (the Phoenix Yellow one) the difference was amazing. I thought about building on an E36 M3, but it would cost a fortune doing engine work etc. so on the lookout for a cheap E46. There are a few about now. Are you still thinking about selling your car? A guy I work with is hankering for a Black CSL. He has been talking for a while though, so he may just be full of bull!! He has been driving Mondeos for years and all of a sudden he mentions CSL's!!!What are you going for next?

[Mark CSL]

I am keeping my CSL for now having too much fun in it