Seeking CSL knowledge.

[Rutkowski]

Originally Posted by _Nathan_

Got to be miles easier to get in to a CS that to buy a new ECU, get it coded, new steering rack new DSC module (extra pin I believe?), new steering wheel panel, all the labour, CSL brakes already on it.

Got to be a much, much easier and cheaper starting point, also retain value better, if for example you spend money upgrading the ECU to a later one you may as well burn that money as far as getting anything back come resale.

all 2004 onwards M3s have CSL ECU.

DSC is the same from 2003 onwards on all M3s too.

Steering rack is a 3 hour labour plus £900 for parts.

Coding - 1 hour jobbie.

Brakes - who wants stock brakes anyway?

2003 facelift is still £10000 cheaper than a CS one....

[_Nathan_]

By your own admission 2003 wouldn't have the right ECU.

How much is the difference between a 2004 and a early CS? Remember that you'll see back a percentage of the difference come sale time where as you'll see back around zero percent on new steering racks and ECUs. DSC still requires a wire running to pin 28 switching to earth and the steering wheel requires effort on that part too, along with replacement with a suede one, all these little parts and a few hours here and there add up and don't add any value to the car.

16995 before haggling gets you in to a leggy CS from a dealer, find me a 2003 facelift M3 with the same miles on it (88k) for 6995 from a dealer and I'll buy it, from what I can see the difference is far less, and you'd have a car worth more than buying the old one and modifying it?

[///Max]

Originally Posted by Rutkowski

Max - why bother with an expensve M3 CS 2005 / 2006 for? Just change the steering rack and reflash the ECU with CSL ECU / SMG ECU software.

The DSC / M track mode software / retrofit is very easy but use M3 CS algorithm. CSL one is tuned for lighter, stiffer car - the software is different. The ABS software is different and no good to a standard M3.... unless of course -unless you'e going to totally replicate every single thing... but it makes no sense tbh.

If you're interested - i have researched this subject very, very well and don't mind sharing the knowledge.

First off - what will you use the car for? Track days? Mixture of track days / road? or you just fancy having a CSL?

I have decided to install all the best CSL bits but leave the toys and comforts. I'm even wondering if i should put back my standard M3 seats but re - trim them so the top looks like the seats from an M6. I drive so little and when i do - it's a road.... but i do like this sprty car feeling the Recar seats give you..... i'm still undecided.

I have Recaros but was thinking of Recaro Sportster CS (the BMW Performance ones)

I'll dig some diagrams for you. I've got all the original E46 M3 options bought and ready to install too. Also little things like 5000K xenons, illuminated door sills, Alpine iPod connections, JL sound upgrade, blutooth and so on and on. Loads of other things in short.

My M3 has close to 115,000 miles so I was planning on selling it in the future anyways, so I might as well get an M3 CS. Plus my car is not SMG.

Ok, so as far as software, if Im understanding correctly, I will need:
SMG software
DSC software
M Track mode software
Alpha N software
CSL software on the ECU
Correct me if Im wrong or am missing something.

Im always interested in learning anything about the CSL.

More than likely it will just be on the road, but you never know, I may take it to the track.

I say keep the Recaros, unless it gets really cold then put in the standard ones to use the heated seats.

I just looked up those Recaro Sportster CS seats on the web, very nice.

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by _Nathan_

Got to be miles easier to get in to a CS that to buy a new ECU, get it coded, new steering rack new DSC module (extra pin I believe?), new steering wheel panel, all the labour, CSL brakes already on it.

Got to be a much, much easier and cheaper starting point, also retain value better, if for example you spend money upgrading the ECU to a later one you may as well burn that money as far as getting anything back come resale.

You and I think alike my friend. Plus my car is not a SMG and that is a must on this project. Im also thinking like Rutkowski where I would like it to have some comfort options like nav/ heated seats/ HK/ rear sunshade/ headlamp washers/ and PDC (which comes with the SMG option here in the states). That way if I want to change the car back to normal, I would not be stuck with a plain M3. Also, it is much easier to remove some of these options like the nav and rear sunshade rather than installing them later.

[cantfind1]

What's this about a DSC reflash on a standard M3?

What does it do? Is the DSC different on the CSL/CS/M3?

Not that I drive with it on anyway!

Cheers

[_Nathan_]

M Track mode.

CSL ABS is different too - guess the thresholds are higher to allow for cup tyres?

[cntrvrsy]

What's the usual emissions test procedure for the CSL owners? As it's looking now, the Alpha-N conversion required to run a CSL box will not pass OBDII emissions testing in the states. Some states and even some counties within a state have different mandates but if you're car is required to be tested through the OBD port, it won't pass. I hope a way around that is found because that's the only real thing holding me back from converting to the CSL airbox .

[_Nathan_]

Emissions in UK is just probe into exhaust (or the exhaust of another car altogether if your MOT station is so inclined).

[Rutkowski]

All in all Nathan - I've calculated that CSL steering rack incl. labour to fit, M track mode (which you could well do yourself) steering wheel in alcantara, M3 CS - DSC and ABS reflash (due to quicker steering ratio) + MSS54HP ECU, all comes down to £2200 max.

2003 E46 M3 can be found for around £11'000.00 and if costs is an issue then surely the extra monies could be spent to buy second hand APs, CSL bootlid, rear difuser and maybe a slightly damaged front bumper.

Turning standard M3 into a CSL is quite expensive and costs add up bloody quick!!

Most of the things i bought for my M3 are second hand (in a vey good condition... but the CSL bumper!! ) and my modifications now costs more than whole of the car is worth..... which reminds me, i still haven't done the cracking rear subframe nor the recall on SMG relay module....

[_Nathan_]

Agree to disagree then buddy, I don't think you could do all the work for that including labour and even if you could that is a couple of grand you'll never see back and more hassle.

My car is probably worth less than I've spent in mods too :D

[Bounce]

Originally Posted by _Nathan_

Emissions in UK is just probe into exhaust (or the exhaust of another car altogether if your MOT station is so inclined).