Year: 1974
Engine type: Reihe
Cylinders: 6
Displacement: 3,498 ccm
Power output: 316 kW / 430 hp at 8,500 rpm
Top speed: 270 km/h
Drivers: Hans-Joachim Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Toine Hezemans

1972 witnesses the beginning of a new era at BMW: BMW Motorsport GmbH is founded and rapid success is the goal. However, the fact that the BMW 3.0 CSL developed as the first racing car would dominate the touring car championships for years exceeded all expectations. To achieve this, Jochen Neerpasch, head of the newly founded team of specialists, brings a group of racing drivers to BMW who play a decisive role in making M the fastest letter in the world. The works cars with their characteristic stripe design and large spoilers shape the image of the touring car scene. Factory and private teams win numerous national and international races. Until 1979, no one can get past the BMW 3.0 CSL.

“CSL” stands for “Coupe Sport Lightweight”– and the developers take the L in the abbreviation literally. Almost every component of the BMW 3.0 CSL is weighed, measured and, if possible, replaced by a lighter one. The doors, the boot lid and the bonnet are made of aluminium, the lightest material used in vehicle construction some 50 years ago. Metal components are also optimised for weight: the roof, the partition to the luggage compartment, the wheel arches and the front and rear side panels are now made of thin sheet metal and the rear and side windows made of Plexiglass.