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The 3.0 CSL race cars were the first cars to be developed under the new BMW subsidiary, established in 1972 - BMW Motorsport GmbH. They were also the first to sport the newly designated official colors
of BMW Motorsport - red, blue and purple.
Based on the 3.0 CS coupe production car, the
"Batmobile" CSL ("L" is for "lightweight," referring to the aluminum doors and hood) began an assault on European touring car racing that would make it one of the
most successful production racers of all time. In fact, CSLs continued to win races into the late 1970s even though production ended in 1975 to make way for its successor, the 6 Series.
Throughout its span of development, the BMW six-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter unit in the production car, grew from 3.2 to 3.5 liters, increasing in horsepower from 340 to 430, thanks to the
development of a four-valve cylinder head.
The 3.0 CSL won 5 European Touring Car Championships between 1973 and 1979, as well as national championships in several countries.
In the U.S., BMW of North America campaigned a 3.5 CSL team in 1975 and enjoyed considerable success, winning IMSA races at Sebring, Laguna Seca, Riverside, Daytona and Talledega. Several drivers
were involved in the American success of the CSLs, including Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Allan Moffat, Dieter Quester and Benny Parsons.
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