Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3.0 CSL E9 - Best BMW M cars

Known as 'The Batmobile' the BMW 3.0 CSL was a proper homologation special for the road

OK, so the 3.0 CSL was never formally known as an M Car, but it was the Motorsport division that campaigned and developed the legendary ‘Batmobile’ version of the regular 3.0 CS coupe. The ‘L’ in CSL stands for ‘leicht’, and the CSL road-car went on a strict racing diet with a thin steel body, aluminium doors, boot and bonnet, a distinct lack of interior trim and Perspex windows.

The result was a car you could drive on the road, but in race trim won the European Touring Car Championship four years on the trot. The final version in 1973 had huge wings and an airdam, and the car has been known as the ‘Batmobile’ ever since.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Production: 1,265 (1971-1975)
Engine: 3.0/3.2-litre, six-cylinder
BHP: 197-203bhp
0-60: 7.4 seconds
Max speed: 138mph

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
BMW is killing carbon fibre to build its lightweight M cars from plants
Sustainable BMW carbon fibre replacement roof

BMW is killing carbon fibre to build its lightweight M cars from plants

Developed in collaboration a Swedish clean-tech firm, natural fibres are said to be just as strong and lightweight as carbon alternatives, plus more s…
News
19 Jun 2025
New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for
BMW Concept Speedtop - front

New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for

Couldn’t get on the shortlist for the BMW Skytop? Here’s the hard-top version – but only 70 will be made
News
23 May 2025
Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time
BMW Skytop - front 3/4

Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time

Only 50 examples of the elegant V8-powered two-seater will be made, each costing approximately £500,000, and they’ve all been sold
News
16 May 2025

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025