German Car Forum

Well, I don't know. Maybe it is good for the 325i, maybe it makes it sportier...

Guys, here is your chance to make your voice heard. Show your disappointment and let them know you want a M3 CSL

Sign your name people:

We want a BMW M3 V8 CSL Petition

Hmmm, hugely contentious thread this.

Eni, even if I know zilch about marketing (actually I know a fair bit consider that I run and market an SAP Partnership) and even if a halo model like an M3 CSL does precious little to enhance the sporty image of BMW at a global scale it still does have a necessary place in the line up from a prestige point of view. Automotive afficionados love to appreciate a pinnacle model - a car placed on a pedestal showcasing the very best of what the brand has to offer from an ingenuity perspective.

For me, the E46 M3 CSL was such a car, as is the (for argument's sake) Audi R8. These are great cars that lend huge credibility to a brand, particularly from the enthusiasts' point of view. I will not dispute that BMW ED cars are more relevant and ultimately important on a global scale. I also appreciate that such an ED strategy coupled with class-leading performance for such "green" cars is the highest priority for automotive sustainability. All of this is paramount.

I'll be the first to say that, whilst I consider the CSL one of the greatest drives I've ever had, it was a failure as a commercial product. Outside of Europe the car was snapped up by wealthy individuals who had no other motivation to own the car beyond having the bragging rights to owning a "latest and greatest". Most of the CSL owners in SA traded in their cars and residuals fell through the floor in the first year-and-a-half. So much for a collector's item. From a commercial perspective, BMW does not need another CSL flop.

And yet, it's the CSL that gets us enthusiasts all misty-eyed. Enthusiasts like Andreas who own BMWs because of the admiration and pride of being associated with this supremely dynamic brand. A fine attribute of BMW is that it doesn't require one to be a stinking millionaire to partake in the driver's pleasure - sure, you can admire a CSL but that doesn't preclude you from enjoying the best driver's cars at the price.

My line to BMW is this: don't ignore the value of the enthusiast and the power of inspiration. Many many people that buy BMWs do so because they're car fans and recognise value and differentiation in the BMW product. And whilst BMW continues to tout its slogan as the ultimate driving machine, I darn well hope that I'll see models that will continue to inspire the enthusiast in me. Hopefully, one day I'll have the wherewithal to own a BMW - something that satisfies my performance, practicality and financial requirements. Right now that E92 M3 is a smidge out of reach!

But don't judge me just because I don't own a BMW. Yet.

No. Engagement in F1 is a long-term strategic decision.

F1 is a great lab for BMW to get the extensive know-how on:
- aerodynamics,
- lightweight tech,
- active chassis systems,
- engine management systems,
- engine tech,
- etc.

Of course the Zombi duo (Mosley & Ecclestone) are lately putting some bad spells on the technological progress. Yet some solutions have been given a green light: eg. KERS hybrid, turbo engines, etc.

And many F1 solutions is implemented in production vehicles. Frorm where do you thing some cooll active suspension, telematics, turbo-tech etc. know-how has come? From F1 R&D.

So ... in the end even 325i gets some know-how from F1 engagement.

Also no need to mention F1 engagement is still a very ggod prromotion for the brand.


*****

Nobody said CSL & supercar etc projects are dead. They are just put on ice ... until the right green tech is available to make a proper green & efficient sports car. And the engagement in F1 will definitely help to deliver such solutions sooner than in the case without F1 help.


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We all know why people buy BMW cars: because they drive exceptionally well, and brings joy to the driver. Even the 120i. And driving capability has nothing to do with M3 CSL.

Does Nissan Micra drives better & has better image due GTR? Not at all.

BMW sporty image has nothing to do with CSL. Or supercar.
Sporty core models (incl. trucks!), enhanced with M spin-offs are sufficient right now. And the engagement in Motorsport.

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BMW sporty image really does not depend on a single model. Definitely not.
And due eg. M3 CSL absence, supercar absence, Z4 M absence etc. the image won't be hurt at all. A crappy driving regular 3er or 5er: that would significantly hurt BMW sporty image! Since 3er & 5er represent 1/2 of all BMW sales.

Sporty & competent core models are much more important than the special sporty versions. Of course super-duper spin-offs can add some intangible value, but it's not a neccessity.

Also: the buyers who buy new 320i (or any other BMW) due M3 CSL are rare. Not many aficionados left.
And many buy BMW due BMW heritage & competence - which mirrors in core models. M1 is legendary. 30 years old, and still has an impact. Even M3 CSL is a 5 year old model. So, no harm done if there's no worthy successor for another 5 years. In the mean time Ms & tiis will do the job.

Be sure BMW brand won't turn into Prius.
But they're just adopting to the present & future situation.
And when the adaptation is fully executed BMW will still back to its roots: with new generation sporty cars.

*****

Right now they calculated CSL is not financially & marketing-wise project. So they put in on ice. Simple as that.

They need money for other - more profitable - projects.

Mind: no money, no good image.

Think of British brands before being acquired by foreign car makers ...

This is of course music to my ears. I think KERS will be the key in the next generation M-models.

To bad they had to announce the halt of all the good stuff at the same time (CSL, Z8, Z4M), that made the whole thing seem a bit rushed/desperate.

So there won´t be a replacement to the actual Z4 M?, No E89 Z4 M?.

From what we have learnt here there will be no M-version of the E89. But then again, we were told that the last time too...

I thought bmw were year on year selling more cars, and making class leading profits per vehicle sold, so how come they are in financial trouble? And what makes BMW think they can enhance their luxury image by building trucks? Luxury and trucks dont exactly come hand in hand!

Maybe porsche/VAG can buy BMW