CSL stands for “Coupe Sport Lightweight”, a moniker first given to the legendary race winning BMW 3.0 CSL. First appearing in 1972, the 3.0CSL homologation special model was very successful in racing, especially in the European Touring Car Championship. The first BMW M3 CSL appeared in 2003 and wowed enthusiasts all around the world with its use of racing technologies applied to a street car. The M3 CSL is just an honest, straightforward performance BMW. The CSL managed to combine many of the most identifiable traits of a BMW of the period into a single package: naturally aspirated 3.2L inline-6, light weight materials, and hardcore near-slick tires wrapped around 19 inch wheels.
This model wasn't on my "must to have" list and when it happened by chance to appear on a local selling thread, it was already a very rare item. The M3 CSL belongs to AutoArt's Performance range and is available only in two colors, Sapphire Black Metallic and Steel Grey Metallic. The entire model body is made of metal, including the bumpers and the model results to be heavier by AutoArt’s standards. It also feels solid mainly because of it’s weight. The general exterior look is very good: the right stance, the paint job is flawless, bright with visible metal
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flakes adding realism to the model, as the paint is supposed to be metallic. On the kidney-grille the chrome looks perfect and all the air vents included in the rear spoiler and also on the bonnet are covered with real mesh. A nice detail is the visible cooling fan, through the front grill and the dedicated front splitters covered with a pattern that reminds the carbon fiber from the real car. Both BMW badges are replicated exemplary and developed as single pieces. The lights are perfectly done, without fixing stubs, except the lateral side indicators which are painted on and since the rear lights are LEDs on the 1:1 car, you can see little glue blobs to replicate the LED bulbs on the model. On this model the plates including the name and model of the car were replaced with real ones, a better choice if we must think to the real factor of the model car.
Looking on the rear side, the model seems to be high, but this look is given by the high rear bumpers, mounted in the same way as the original parts on the real car. The CSL badges replicated by stickers and the carbon made roof looking true to the original, remind us that we don't have an ordinary M3 in front of us. The same qualitative chrome effect covers the final pipes of the exhaust and are beautiful surrounded by the carbon made diffuser.
The CSL wheels are more than famous from now and don't disappoint on the model, because are made very well, with detailed studs and the car's logo placed in the middle. Are wearing low profiled tires with accurate treading of the Michelin Pilot Cup and feel very rubbery in the same time. Good job for the braking system as usual from Autoart, the discs are dimpled and covered by a metallic coat to give the best real effect. |
Going into the cockpit the level of details and finishing is much better than newer AutoArt’s models. This car belongs to the race track and on the scaled model this thing could not be omitted: the „CSL”badge together with two chequered flags are presented on the door entry. On the seats and the steering wheel they applied a texture which reminds the Alcantara from the real things and the effect is fabulous.
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I can't observe the steering wheel, very good detailed and in scale, the shift gear finished to look close to its 1:1 counter part and the carbon fiber panel on the central console and on the doors panels. On the dashboard we have fairly detailed knobs and buttons, the gear box paddles behind the steering wheel are visible, too and the indicators are close to the real and visible. All the interior is carpeted and for every seat a rubber seat belt featuring metallic photo etched buckles was provided. I must admit that the manufacturer did a great job here.
The rear lid is opening on huge "dog legs" hinges and can't stay in the position, but is enough to observe the entire carpeted space behind it. For the front bonnet they kept the same hinges, a little bit over sized, but they manage to keep it open this time. The engine bay looks decent, we have some separate pieces, an enormous air filter made of texture plastic to replicate the carbon fiber, few rigid hoses and some recipients. It's not great detailed or finished, reminding some of well made budget models, but comparing to the real car and taking in consideration the overall details I can be permissive this time.
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BMW M3 CSL is a good model and shows us a better product with greater involvement from the manufacturer. The exterior manages to surprise correct the shape and details from the real car, the model looks excellent when is exposed, the materials are qualitative and the additional metallic parts accentuates this effect. It comes with a great made interior and all of these put together compensate the poor aspect of the engine bay. This model is highly recommended not only for the BMW’s fans, but for the sporting sedans lovers, too and represents definitely a model that worth to be placed in a collection and more than that, you'll have the occasion to display a rare model in your cabinet.
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