Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Law
Understand that I included the UK iteration of the E46 M3 ZCP (E46 M3 CS) because it is the source (albeit quasi-official) of the hierarchy going forward, where "CS" is one step below "CSL".
Yes, it was identical to the Competition Package in every way, but this was the beginning of the modern precedent for "CS" as sort of a "lesser" CSL/GTS.
I wrote this to help establish a logical connection to the origins of the nomenclature and how the hierarchies evolved and became established in the model range.
Context, my friend.
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Is it really?
It was only known as a "CS" by BMW UK marketing. IIRC, there was no CS labelling anywhere on the car. |
"Quasi-official" and "sans" the badge, all noted in the OP.
Let's not take the context away.
Here's the Official BMW Press Release for the UK market for the BMW M3 CS Coupé from 2005.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by BMW
April 25, 2005
The new BMW M3 CS Coupé
BMW is set to enrich its M car line-up with the launch of the M3 CS. Based on the multi-award winning M3 Coupé, the M3 CS, available to order now in the UK, adds key performance ingredients from 2003's exclusive M3 CSL. The result? An even more focused M3. And, at £43,555 on-the-road (a price premium of just £2,400 more than a BMW M3 Coupé), the CS will appeal to those M3 customers looking for that extra sparkle without compromising the exclusivity of M3 CSL ownership.
The M3 CS Coupé features performance-oriented CSL specification. It adds that car's 18-inch disc brakes, a more direct steering rack (14.5 ratio rather than the 15.4 of the M3) and M Track Mode, the steering wheel activated system that increases DSC thresholds.
Styling additions will also set the car apart from a 'standard' M3. These
include, 'M3 CSL Design' 19-inch light alloy wheels, steering wheel, hand brake lever and (optional) SMG gearstick clothed in Alcantara, exclusive 'Alu Tec' interior trim, and exclusive 'Interlagos Blue' paintwork (all M3 exterior colours are available).
All other technical and equipment specifications are as per the 'standard' M3 and the M3 CS is not being introduced as a limited edition. Whilst the M3 CS adds new desirability to an 'old' favourite, the new boys on the block, the M5 and M6, continue to make the news.
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Badge or no badge, the UK market E46 M3 CS is what set the precedent for the "CS" to be essentially a CSL-lite (or GTS-lite).
That is the reason for its inclusion in the article, nothing more, nothing less.