Own a M3 CSL - best grab those spare parts whilst you can

[M3_Power 636]

So there was a post from Europe that a guy ordering a replacement carbon roof for his CSL ended up getting sent a steel roof from the standard M3 - he queried his parts department and they came back from BMW Germany that CSL parts are no longer re-produced - which is no surprise really.

A lot of speculations as to what was going on and whether this was true ... so a couple of guys and myself have been doing a bit of digging.

And I've just got the official word back and it is true.

This year is the 10th year anniversary for the M3 CSL (if you can make it to Munich, there's a big birthday bash for the car) ... but it is also the year that bespoked CSL parts will no longer be made. In place will be the standard E46 M3 parts.

So order those spare parts if you can, because soon there won't be any and you will have no choice but to use standard M3 parts to keep the cars going.

Edited February 3, 2013 by M3_Power

[Michael. 2313]

Interesting, I would have thought there would be a BMW M 'Classic' division that would keep such stocks available...

Perhaps in time when there's demand a supply will emerge?

[M3_Power 636]

Interesting, I would have thought there would be a BMW M 'Classic' division that would keep such stocks available...

Perhaps in time when there's demand a supply will emerge?

It used to be that the parts were ordered and manufactured when certain volumes are met - hence the long wait for certain key parts. But the story is the parts are now listed as No Longer Available - meaning they will not be reproduced even if there is a volume order.

Even if it goes to Classics, it means that parts would be many times the $$ of what they cost originally ... either way, it's bad news for owners - as the supersession part numbers are now the standard E46 M3 part numbers.

[oldtimer 14]

Does the CF roof wear out ?

[M3_Power 636]

Does the CF roof wear out ?

It does actually.

It's an issue if it gets damaged or worn (such as vandalism, hail storm, unattended to stone chips where the resin starts to separate from the carbon fibre - very common on the front splitters) - it means you won't be able to replace it with a carbon roof that's such a signature part of the CSL.

[E30 325i Rag-Top 3001]

When did the produciton of the CSL finish? Regulations in most countries state that manufacturers must support a vehicle for a certain MINIMUM number of years after it ceases production, I know Aussie was 7 years and EU I think is 10.

Possibly the supply of an alternative part, ie the steel roof, can still be classed as supporting the vehicle? Usual practice is that an All Time Buy (ATB in the industry) is made on the supplier a year or so before the time is up, and once all those parts are sold, then the NLA flag goes on the part.

However, many parts suppliers still retain tooling etc. on specialist parts long after the ATB. It might be worth trying to track down the company that originally made the roofs (is the Carbon Tech company in the US that BMW have just bought up??) and see if they have any stock - or how many would need to be ordered to get them to run another batch.

Alternatively, there must be a CF company out there that would take a mould off an existing roof and produce some? Not an OE part but better than a steel roof? Lucikly there are still a few good craftsmen left in NZ that can make things out of no. 8 wire and some smarts for things like this.

[M3_Power 636]

Thanks Jon! I believe you are correct that in the EU it is 10 years (CSL is 10 years old exactly this year).

Surprised about what you say about good craftsman in NZ that make CF - I would have thought so too myself given the super yacht industry, but I am having a hell of a time trying to find anyone that can do this type of work, or remotely interested!!

Edited February 24, 2013 by M3_Power