Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content
2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

Car Of The Day: 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL

The BMW 3.0 CSL was developed with the intention of combining the best of five decades of racing expertise from BMW M GmbH in an automobile with a highly emotional aura.

2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

All facets of its character – dynamic exterior elegance, a classic sportscar cockpit, intelligent lightweight construction, a straight six-cylinder engine, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive – are based on the traditional principles of a BMW M automobile. These elements complement each other and combine with the latest technology to create the ultimate top performer in the style of the brand that has been successful for 50 years.

2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

The BMW 3.0 CSL is produced in a strictly limited edition. To mark the anniversary, exactly 50 consecutively numbered units of the special model were made. Right from the start, this gives the BMW 3.0 CSL the status of a rarity that will find its place in the vehicle collections of particularly loyal and enthusiastic fans of the BMW M brand.

2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

The 3.0 CSL shares the same 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six with the production BMW M4, but tuned to deliver 560 horsepower. It was the most powerful straight-six engine produced by BMW at the time of its launch, reminiscent of the 206-horsepower unit in the 1973 ‘Batmobile,’ which held the same distinction. Unlike the M4, the 3.0 CSL is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Loic Kernen ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s