BMW M3 CSL Deserted for Ten Years in a London Garage Is a Mysterious Mess

The M3 CSL represented the ultimate production variant of the E46, the ultimate M3 powered by a naturally aspirated inline-six. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of BMWs by some, the CSL enhanced the E46 M3 by shedding 243 pounds and utilizing a retuned suspension to fully exploit the weight reduction. It featured 19-inch wheels, bucket seats, a rapid-shifting six-speed automated manual gearbox, and to crown it all, a dash of additional horsepower. With only 1,383 units produced, they occasionally fetch over $100,000 in today’s market.

Nevertheless, none of these factors—neither the driving experience of the car nor its monetary value—have prevented an owner from allowing their BMW to deteriorate.

Pictures of the vehicle began circulating on social media in August, initially shared by Instagram user @Mildlyinterestingcarsoflondon. The CSL displays visible signs of neglect, with scratches on the paint, driver-side mirror, and front wheel, as well as the rear fender hanging loose from an impact. The tires are deflated, and clamps are visible on both driver-side wheels. This automobile has evidently remained immobile for an extended period.

The individual who posted the images provided an explanation, reportedly obtained from a friend of the owner. Allegedly, the BMW was purchased in August 2004 by a businessman who drove the car 37 miles to a private parking garage and simply… abandoned it there. It was never examined, never maintained.

Last month was when the vehicle started gaining popularity online, and during that time, three more inconsistencies in the odometer readings surfaced in the history report. Initially dropping to 37 miles, then rising to 38, and eventually reaching 100 as per the details from the National Mileage Register. These discrepancies are likely based on information provided by individuals who came across the social media post, given that E46 odometers cannot be read when the ignition is off.

However, this situation introduces another layer of confusion to a narrative that only seems to get murkier with each revelation. According to a professionally acquired vehicle history report, the car supposedly covered tens of thousands of miles, with purported confirmation from BMW’s service network backing this claim. Yet, the condition of the CSL’s tires suggests they are nearly pristine originals, it has not been registered for 17 years, and by 2010, it was likely already in its current location. There are indications that the car may have been stationary there since 2005, possibly for up to five years, as per an informant stating the vehicle was initially parked there in 2005.

If I could connect with the owner, it would simplify untangling this mystery, but my nearest link was individuals using the same private garage where the BMW is housed. One source described it as an intensely secure facility, another linked to @_drivecollective, verified having access to the CSL, and shared insights alongside others, providing a rough sketch of the owner’s potential situation.

Various sources, claiming to be acquaintances of the owner, mentioned that they maintain an apartment nearby but spend most of their time abroad. They are characterized as reclusive individuals who avoid attention regarding the car, rejecting multiple purchase offers and previous media inquiries. There was a rumored connection to an equally neglected low-mileage 1M coupe parked alongside the CSL for a while, which supposedly belonged to another individual (and is said to have been sold).

Why the individual retains ownership of a sought-after high-performance car they do not drive, cannot start, and could potentially sell for a profit remains a perplexing enigma. One of my sources doubts that the CSL is being held as an investment, describing any profit from a resale as insignificant compared to the individual’s overall wealth.

Despite the conflicting information, the fundamental narrative—or something akin to it—appears credible. All indications point to the CSL having remained stationary since at least 2010, possibly even as far back as 2005. The accuracy of the 37-mile reading remains speculative, and issues with the historical reports raise doubts about the mileage as a whole.

It seems to be a scenario reminiscent of those observed in affluent locales like Dubai, where individuals possess vast wealth, rendering a rare and valuable car like the CSL insignificant and mere dust collector. The attention drawn to the CSL might even be considered bothersome, given that the owner presumably has the means to restore it with minimal effort.

Possibly, sentimental reasons sway them to hold on. Or perhaps, there are complexities with the odometer that complicate the registration process. Whatever the case, it’s reasonable to classify this M3 as abandoned. It is futile to criticize the owner; no amount of keyboard activism will alter their behavior. Sadly, this uncared-for CSL is likely destined to deteriorate further until its eventual removal—whether that be as scrap or for potential restoration lies solely within the owner’s discretion, should they choose to act.

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