The BMW 3.0 CSL was a Euro-spec 3.0 CS with aluminum bodywork to shed some weight for better on-track performance, with the CSL variant about 440 pounds (200 kg) less than the standard 3.0 CS. The BMW 3.0 CSL was the series' most potent street model starting in 1973.
The engine of the 3.0 CSL received still another, larger displacement boost in 1973, increasing to 3,153 cc (192.4 cu in) by extending the stroke to 84 mm (3.3 in).
The 3-liter twin-carburetor straight-six M30 engine that powered the BMW 3.0 CSL at first was eventually swapped out for a fuel-injected engine and, for the final model, a 3.2-liter version with 206 HP and 215 lb-ft of torque.
A slightly modified 3.0-liter twin turbocharged inline-six from the M4 CSL is housed under the hood of the BMW 3.0 CSL.
A maximum output of 412 kW (560 hp) is mobilized by the inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which was further developed particularly for the BMW 3.0 CSL. The BMW 3.0 CSL can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds and has a peak speed of 136 mph.
In 1971, the BMW 3.0 CSL made its debut as a homologation-only model for the European Touring Car Championship. Unlike other BMW designations where the "L" stands for lang (long), the "L" in the name stands for leicht (light). The vehicle was intended to be a lighter variant of the 3.0 CS standard model.
Due to its unusual aerodynamic bodywork created by BMW's Chief Design Officer, Paul Bracq, the 3.0 CSL is also known as the "Batmobile".
