The BMW 3.0 CSL is a lightweight version of the E9 coupé, developed to meet racing requirements for the European Touring Car Championship. Only 1,265 cars were built, and to reduce weight BMW used thinner steel along with aluminum doors, hood, and trunk lid. This particular CSL has undergone an extensive restoration, completed in 2022. The interior is simple but functional, while the engine and mechanicals have been upgraded with a 3.8-liter engine producing 345 hp and a five-speed gearbox.

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Exterior: This BMW E9 3.0 CSL is painted in the iconic and highly desirable Golf Yellow, a color that really makes the car stand out and provides great contrast to the CSL striping. In my opinion, while you can have a CSI in more subtle and elegant colors, a CSL should wear a bold color like this almost neon green. This particular CSL is in exceptional condition, having undergone a proper restoration that was completed in 2022. What makes the CSL different from a typical BMW E9 is hinted at in the name—L stands for lightweight. The car was factory-equipped with a thinner body and aluminum doors and trunk lid. It also had fender flares, and the European models featured plastic bumpers or no bumpers at all, as opposed to the 500 UK cars, which came with standard chrome bumpers. The hood latch was also ditched and replaced with hood cotters. The body of this example is in excellent condition, no corrosion. All exterior chrome trim and lights are in excellent condition. The car sits on original Alpina 14-inch wheels with new Michelin XWX tires.

Engine and Mechanics: This is where this BMW E9 3.0 CSL differs slightly from the original. The original 3.0-liter engine has been swapped for a 3.5-liter, which has been further tuned with a different crankshaft to increase displacement to 3.8 liters. The engine is fitted with headers, resulting in an output of 345 hp. In addition to the power, the car delivers an incredible exhaust and induction noise from the open air filters. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox and short shifter, making for very tight and precise shifts. The fifth gear allows for comfortable cruising at highway speeds with moderate RPM. The engine was fully rebuilt in 2012 and has not been driven extensively since. Alongside the engine rebuild, the car was dynoed to provide exact power figures. All bushings have been replaced and upgraded, resulting in handling that feels as good as new.