BMW Shelves Plans for E92 M3 CSL

by Clinton Deacon
August 27, 2008 6:00 PM
Filed Under: BMW, German, Rumours

We are sorry to have to bring you the gut-wrenching news that has surfaced today. M Division boss Luwig Willisch has confirmed that the pure performance orientated E92 BMW M3 CSL will NOT make it to production. BMW believes that there will be insufficient demand for the model and will instead focus its efforts of the M Division on the M versions of the X5 and X6.

The lighter and more performance orientated CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) was expected to drop in weight by up to 100kg due to the use of much lighter materials for its components and rumours also stated a power rating of 450bhp-470bhp could have been achieved.

The news follows previous confirmations that the premium automaker will not create a rival to the Audi R8 or a production version of the M1 Homage concept, yet they still promote the the slogan “Ultimate driving machine”. Perhaps "Money Making Machine" would suit them better?

Please note the image shown is the previous generation E46 M3 CSL

Source: car
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Comments

So sad. Where is BMW going lately? Someone needs to smack some heads there.

by johnnyg | August 27, 2008 6:23 PM
Agreed. Who would want to but an X6 or X5 M over an M3 CSL??

by MattGogi | August 27, 2008 8:24 PM
Are you sure there is a market for M X5 and M X6? Who drives fast SUVs? Bring back the M CSL please!

by The_woo_factor | August 28, 2008 1:40 PM
this photo above is one of the greatest cars ever :)

by Pentium | August 28, 2008 11:21 PM
I was considering trading my Z for an E46 M3, but I just can't now...the BMW badge can simply no longer be trusted. I propose a slogan change...from "BMW...the ultimate driving machine" to "BMW cars for status-hungry people" or even "BMW...the death of a legend"

by NISMO | August 27, 2008 6:24 PM
I know your nickname might be misleading and your comment might seem biased at first, but damn it you're right! I had BMW second in my preferences after Porsche but lately, I find things less and less attractive about new Bimmers. Of course, a lot of azzholes in my country think BMW is going the right way so I guess they are the new target audience...

by ShinyG | August 27, 2008 7:42 PM
LONG LIVE AUDI!!

by sub39h | August 27, 2008 6:28 PM
audi suck compared to BMW. BMWs look better neway and are better.

by notay | August 27, 2008 7:46 PM
LONG LIVE AUDI!

by The_woo_factor | August 28, 2008 1:39 PM
oh wow... fire Luwig now hahaha oh jebus

by carcrazy1234 | August 27, 2008 6:29 PM
Not to worry, BMW purists, I'm sure they'll have an MX6 CSL on the market in just a few short years. **sigh** I still have my white 95' E36 LW in my garage safe and sound, where the Ultimate SUV Machine makers can't get at it.

by MAB | August 27, 2008 6:54 PM
Are you sure you wouldn't like some IDrive installed in that thing...or perhaps some more green technologies?? lol

by NISMO | August 27, 2008 9:21 PM
LOL. iDrive makes kittens cry.

by MAB | August 27, 2008 10:41 PM
WHAT THE HELL? WHAT KIND OF BULLSH*T IS THIS, in a couple of years BMW M division will be where AMG was 10 years ago, it seems they are going backwards!!

by mc959 | August 27, 2008 7:00 PM
I completely agree with you sub39h =)

by car.fan | August 27, 2008 7:24 PM
This is really bad news... maybe Audi's RS5 will finally be able to beat the M3 afterall??

by MattGogi | August 27, 2008 8:22 PM
LONG LIVE AUTO UNION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bye bye BM trouble you! Chris Bangle on their design team was the worst mistake they ever made.

by nurchus | August 27, 2008 8:25 PM
I can't wait to see what Joe_Limon has to say about his most loved brand...which I see as total crap.

by Sharpie | August 27, 2008 8:37 PM
honestly, I wasn't really excited about the csl, the m series was good enough for me. But thanks for thinking of me haha.

by joe_limon | August 27, 2008 11:16 PM
This doesnt surprise me, as BMW do not release a CSL version for every 3-series platform.

You people cry as if the current M3 is not the dominating 3 door german family performance coupe! When Audi release their RS5 it will be better than the M3, but only after the 4 years of current M3's being in showrooms. Thats Audi's game.

The day BMW closes its M division, then scream and shout. Until then there is still only one ultimate driving machine. I can now imagine I will get slated for this.

by TSLi | August 27, 2008 9:10 PM
BMW is more sissy than ever and it`s obvious that they won`t change it for long time...Audi introduces more and more S and RS versions, and Merc AMG are very numerous and now they have Black Series ivasion and many supercar plans... BMW is going to change VW place...that means Money Making Not Interesting Cars :P

by swifthead | August 27, 2008 9:50 PM
Think about it from their perspective for a minute, then talk.

by Xenicide | August 27, 2008 10:05 PM
And watch now as the CLK63 AMG Black rolls over the M division sales, then backs up and rolls over them again. Idiots! This was their one chance to slap the smirk off Merc's podgy face. All I kept thinking was when the CSL comes out it's going to take this little toy (the Black) to the cleaners. The same goes for the M1 and the R8 - with a Biturbo V8, the M1 would whup the admittedly cool Audi. But thanks BMW, way to stuff my confidence in you. You can have your stupid X6 back.

by motorjedi | August 27, 2008 10:45 PM
I hate my 2007 328i. Worst damn lease I have ever done. Definitely not getting another 3, 5, SUV series again. The 1 series, 7 series, and Z4M (Coupe) are the only series I would ever look into again. Until Chris Bangle gets kicked out, I doubt I will ever leave those series from BMW's inventory.

by nurchus | August 27, 2008 11:34 PM
true for me bmw died since 2006 i own a 01 e39 m5 to remember the good times of BMW man they were such amazing machines, great engine, excellent driving, sexy and discreat exterior. now the may have good engines but, cheap lexus desing and useless technology, man look at the new 7 series i will never buy one. ill take a older 7 series or other car rather than the new bmw

by motorsport13 | August 28, 2008 2:04 AM
I share your sentiments... it gets harder and harder to defend BMW everyday... guess I should go kiss my four-ring cousin's big toe or something now...

by Decypha | August 27, 2008 11:32 PM
Are they still making that BMW supercar thingum? that's where my last hope lies... BMW has till 2012 to "go out" with a bang before the new EU legislation sets in...

by Decypha | August 27, 2008 11:34 PM
BMW is a business, if it is not profitable, why should they enter into it??? just to please a few guys or have a beating game with the trashy Audi. Afterall Audi is th one trying to copy BMW all the time. The reason why Audi can make cars like RS5, RS6, RS this and that is because essentially they are nothing but VW's and we all know that they VW's are cheap. Only idiots would fall for them. I say that because they share parts, even all the RS share parts like the R8 and RS4 engine, what's the use of that? so they make 1 engine and fit it to all RS models and label it as performance, yet the handling is so rubbish, especially when you push it a bit. All BMWs have a unique character and that's why it takes money and time to develop, not some generic rubbish from VW that's 4 wheel drive and call it a sports car...and don;t come with this thing about faster in th wet, who cares... BMW is the true sports car with perfect balance and handling and that's all that matters.

by GPKH | August 27, 2008 11:47 PM
You are living in a naive world, if you think BMW are the best cars. Wake up to yourself!

by The_woo_factor | August 28, 2008 1:36 PM
That's funny, BMWs started handling more like lorries than anything, when in comparison with Audi's performance in all seasons. BMW does handle better in dry and warm conditions, but that's it. Their 4WD versions are complete and total utter crap. Their cars are getting heavier and heavier with worthless "luxuries" just to inflate the car's price. Need I remind you of the 2002 7 series and all their problems with their software? BMWs are complete "rubbish" as you put it. They are the Dodge or Chevy of Germany except with better build quality.

As far as Audi is concerned, even back when they were Auto Union, they've always done great work with their cars and possibly the most highly engineered and advanced cars in the affordable mass market arena. They are still kings of 4WD. They have made it their art. When you start bashing Audi in praise for BMW, and don't even bother considering or respecting Audi with important safety features as better performance in the wet, then your argument just gets that much more shallow.

BMWs were once "The Ultimate Driving Machine." Not anymore. They are comfortable, they are definitely safer as the years passed, but not ultimate driving machines. BMW in their past, up until 2005, have built damn fine machines. But when they let Chris Bangle) take over their designs, and then made stupid decisions as bagging their CSL line, they are drifting away from their concept. Even when I had my Z4 M. That car was a BLAST to drive, until I took it to a local track to practice on my driving and get the "speed" out of me. The car felt heavy, understeered a lot, and just was not the ultimate driving machine BMW says they are. It was just complete crap once it was put on the track.

But in fairness, I will say the 1 series are definitely a step in the right direction. Those are great machines and very well designed and engineered. I am even looking at purchasing one when this lease is up. I had the fortune of driving a track-mate's 1 series around (no modifications, completely stock 135i) on the track and it handled beautifully. Surprisingly better than my Z4 M. Do I think BMW will follow what they did with the 1 series on their other cars? I doubt it. But there is always hope.

Again, Audi is going to win this easily if BMW keeps going backwards and producing piles of dung and lorries called the new M3. It is very sad when my 328i handles corners better than the new M3.

by nurchus | August 28, 2008 12:49 AM
dude you been driving only bimmers. the few of them that you even like are designed by bangle. ( the z4 and the 1 ). youve told me earlier and now that you tracktested most of the bimmers but i really doubt your driving skills when i see pro drivers praising the m3. your statements contradict themselves. and also what exactly are audi going to WIN? ive been in 4 continets so far in my life and ive only seen more bimmers and mercs on the road. and dont tell me those ppl are idiots. seriously you should just get an audi and take it easy :-). peace

by michelin901 | August 28, 2008 10:46 AM
You know what Michelin, you're right. Perhaps I will get an Audi when this lease is up. Their cars have only been getting better and better, while BMW is just going backwards, save for the 1 series.

That new M3, and I have said this time and time again, is total utter crap. If your "pro" drivers are praising the car, I wonder how much they are getting paid. All I have heard is regret on purchasing the car for 70K when the car feels like it should be worth closer to 40.

But yeah man, you are right, lemme get an Audi. I really fancy that RS4. Not the new one coming out, but the older one, perhaps a 2005.

by nurchus | August 28, 2008 3:00 PM
Lol, I think a lot of you posters should go work for BMW and tell them what they are doing wrong. Perhaps you could tell the Quandt family they should sell themselves to VW and share almost every piece of hardware and software to companies like Seat and Skoda...

BMW and Honda are the only car manufacturers without a nice BIG parent company throwing money at whatever project they choose. If some of you would think with a little more BUSINESS before you post, you may understand BMW's actions.

Some people here really need to learn how to drive if they constantly require an unbalanced 4x4 system to stop them from having an accident. Pitiful.

by TSLi | August 28, 2008 2:23 AM
To be honest most posts on here are just annoyed BMW fans that won't get the chance to brag about a new M3 CSL beating other performance cars times around the Nurburgring or outperforming them in car tests/shootouts. Thats what its all about , a "M3 CSL ripped up the CLK63 AMG on da Nurburgring" affair. Not one on here would dare dream of buying one because of its track bred nature so i understand BMW in their decision to can it.

by BOOGIE_WOOGIE | August 28, 2008 3:00 AM
JEEZ BMW M DEVISION STOP BEING W*NKERS!!! WE DONT WANT BLOODY X6 AND X5's! WE WANT AN M3 CSL!!! GOD

by BabyMilo | August 28, 2008 3:05 AM
You posters are lame as hell, you all complain about this csl yet none of you little boys would even have the cash to buy one. goofs

by plasma_cluster | August 28, 2008 4:30 AM
so what you dont care?? and do you have the money??

by BabyMilo | August 28, 2008 8:01 AM
WorldCarFANS. FANS. If there was one place for people to whine incessantly about things they can't own but still love, it'd be here. It's all part of the game. Maybe BMW will read this thread, maybe they won't. Maybe we'll convince them to put the CSL into production after all. Maybe their current feedback of owner surveys isn't the right determinant of whether or not to build a supercar. Maybe it should be WCF. Either which way, I think the last CSL was the pinnacle of BMW's sporting tech that could be put on a road car. That sold pretty well didn't it? It was bloody expensive too, but it still did. The economics wouldn't be that hard. I'd love to see an E92 iteration. Maybe it is too early to ask for one. We'll come back when they're done making the new 5 series. But God, would I love to see the M division put AMG in their place.

by motorjedi | August 28, 2008 10:14 AM
BMW has no halo / image car now.

there was no competitors to the Carrera GT/Enzo/SLR a few years back. nothing in the GT2 / Gallardo / F430 / R8 / etc etc range.

no kids put up a BMW poster in their bedroom anymore. no kids grow up dreaming of a BMW.

they are going to suffer in the next generation of car buyers.

sorry for the previous efforts of the M division.

by M! | August 28, 2008 6:42 AM
The M3 has been in the market for less than a year in the US. They dont need to launch the CSL. The cars they have in the market at the moment are the best anyway. In terms of BMW's perfect balance of luxury and performance that is. Mercedes is pure luxury. Audi also has a nice balance but BMW's are more fun to drive.

All the critics are simple people who drive their Volks or Toyota's. Whatever they say mean nothing because they probably have never driven a BMW in their life. They might have. and they are just taking their jelousy out on this website. I dont know. Just feel sorry for them.

There is most probably something in the works for a M version of the 7-series and since there are many prototypes running about. The CSL is probably in the bottom of their to do list. A new Z model is in the works. A new 5 series. 2 new M versions of the X range. Once those are out of the way. and once the Audi RS5 time creeps closer. The CSL will emerge.

All critics. Please go find another website if you have nothing useful to say.

by darzav | August 28, 2008 9:27 AM
Oh crap!!! What stupid news this is, BMW you are behaving like b1tch..iezz now.

by Wisp | August 28, 2008 9:50 AM
The hypocrites on this site amazes me. Knowing that the CSL was made only @ the expert fans request... and with about 100 cars(that practically had no warranty) build that none of them actually participated in an actual known race(even if it was supposed to jump @ the 911's throat) ... this decision seems to me the best decision ever made on that matter. So, for you all ignorant "wannabe fans": don't fell so disappointed about BMW and stop bit!@$ing about it and please...return to your "Status Satisfied People" cars and your "Legend" manufacturers.

by XXXi | August 28, 2008 11:42 AM
I used to love the old bmws, especially the E92 BMW M3 CSL and all the old Ms. I have to say, this love was shattered by Mr Bangle. What a shame! I believe BMW desperately need a halo car! Now watch Audi as they scream past BMW to claim top spot!

by The_woo_factor | August 28, 2008 1:31 PM
M division for X5 and X6!? Come on BMW????? What the heck are you doing?

by The_woo_factor | August 28, 2008 1:32 PM
Ah-Men to that!

by joshg_5 | August 28, 2008 9:34 PM
lol whatch they build a track rocket out of the xm6

by BavarianMS | August 29, 2008 12:24 AM
I think VW group found the formula, very smart purchasing Bentley and Lamborghini. They would never have the interior quality they have today without bentley, never have the R8 without lambo. And ontop of that they have porsche to back them up with R&D. They are unbeatable lately. All their styling is on point, some of the best engines out there, amazing, what more do you want?

by radmeister | August 29, 2008 12:45 AM
style? sex appeal? something that looks good? But I agree with all your other points, VW are good cars, they just lack good looks.

by Joe_Limon | August 29, 2008 6:34 PM
they are so f.cked up..

by norther | August 29, 2008 7:16 PM
LONG LIVE AUDI THE GRIM REAPER FOR BMW!!!

by audinick | August 31, 2008 2:31 AM
I agree some heads at BMW must be smacked but you know who else needs a slapping? Bloddy BMW X6 drivers. Them X6's are pointless, ugly and of no use to no person on this planet. BMW were pushing it with the X6 and I think they should just focus on either a new BMW M3 CSL or work on getting a R8 rival out by 2010

by Kieranieo | September 2, 2008 1:36 AM
Soryy this was supposed to be a reply to Jonnyg's comment

by Kieranieo | September 2, 2008 1:38 AM

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