Traditionally, BMW only gives the CSL badge to a limited number of very special models, and they do it once every couple of decades. Now, tuning firm TJ Fahrzeugdesign decided, rather brazenly, to use the badge for their latest creation, which is based on a BMW 118d.

That might seem like a big leap calling a 118d a CSL, but you don’t know yet what’s under its bonnet. TJ’s BMW 1M CSL is an insane machine featuring the 5.0 liter V10 engine of the previous generation M5. And as if that wasn’t crazy enough, they’ve tuned it to 555 horsepower from the original 507.

It must have been a helluva job squeezing that massive motor into the 1-Series’ engine bay, but they’ve managed, and even hooked it up to a 7-speed SMG transmission. BMW 1M CSL can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about four seconds, and can reach a top speed of 300+ km/h.

Now, such extreme treatments usually suffer from catastrophic unreliability, but then the 1M CSL is not built to take on endurance test. It’s just a flight of fancy. We really like what they’ve done to the exterior though. The car features flared arches, and a 1M-inspired body kit, plus fat 19-inch rims and a cool grey paint job. It’s an inspiration for 1er owner.

Other bits and bobs fitted to the BMW 1M CSL to make it work include M3 suspension with KW Clubsport coilovers, X6M brakes, and a bespoke stainless steel exhaust system.

Via Bimmertoday