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    Jan 31, 2008 9:20:40 AM

    RichJ
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    RichJ
    Loc: London, England
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    Registered on: Sep 16, 2004

    Used CSL...

    I'm looking to swap my car out at the moment and as much as I would like a 997 cant really justify the expense as my car is very rarely used... Mainly a toy used a few times a month..

    I'm interested in the M3 CSL and am hoping to get a drive in one this weekend. Can anyone give any advice on the car, what to look out for etc. Also what are the running costs like... One of the great things about my 987 is its cost me very little to run over the last 3 years..

    So far Ive dug out my old buying guide from EVO and had a scout on the net but anything else would be appreciated, especially any comments from past or current owners...

    Jan 31, 2008 9:55:25 AM

    Alex18_996CC Offline
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    Alex18_996CC
    Loc: Madrid , Spain
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    Registered on: Jun 13, 2004
    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    All I can say is that you are doing a good move, the CSL, is an amazing racing car, and now there are some good offers in the market...

    I love those racing seats, all the alcantara and carbon fiber, but the best thing is the typical bmw racing sound, + it is a 4 seats...

    I'd say its a good move, after driving a 987S for some years, if you dont like the test-drive, just continue with probably the best balanced sportscar money can buy!!

    Jan 31, 2008 10:11:38 AM

    GaussM
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    Gauss
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    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    Jan 31, 2008 11:01:04 AM

    RichJ
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    RichJ
    Loc: London, England
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    Reply to: GaussM

    Re: Used CSL...

    Its a very good looking car as well... The basic E46 M3 is a good looking car but the subtle additions to the CSL and the stunning alloys make it look great. Especially in gray.

    One concern I had was that there seems to be a fair amount of topic on the setup of the car... Apparently the factory settings with cup tires gave tons of grip but also a knife edge between traction and spin.. Its reckomended to change the set-up slightly to account for the tyres.. Anyone have experience of this?

    Jan 31, 2008 3:18:43 PM

    Alex18_996CC Offline
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    Alex18_996CC
    Loc: Madrid , Spain
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    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    Just in case you didnt heard about it;

    www.m3post.com

    I think that's probably the best bmw board, apart of m5board.com

    Feb 1, 2008 12:49:37 AM

    Woolfe
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    Woolfe
    Loc: Western Australia
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    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    This is a very good site and should answer all your questions

    Feb 1, 2008 8:46:23 AM

    RichJ
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    RichJ
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    Reply to: Woolfe

    Re: Used CSL...

    Nice work woolfe... first item on the forum... CSL Buying guide!

    Cracking.

    Will let you know how I get on. Although also going to try a Cayman this weekend... but at the moe the CSL is more appealing

    Feb 1, 2008 10:13:32 AM

    easy_rider911
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    easy_rider911
    Loc: London , United Kingdom
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    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    AUM seems to like the CSL very much. You might like to PM him to see what he thinks

    Feb 1, 2008 11:35:15 AM

    SteveD
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    SteveD
    Loc: UK, M3 CSL/X6 35d/TT , United Kingdom
    Posts: 247, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 18, 2003
    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    Rich, I wrote the buying guide in EVO (it's my CSL you would have seen in the magazine, and the subsequent Greatest M-Cars feature we produced last autumn). I then hosted it over on Mtorque.co.uk, which is where the majority of UK CSL owners reside. I can either answer your questions, or you could ask the hundreds of other owners who regularly post.

    Feb 1, 2008 5:49:42 PM

    RichJ
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    RichJ
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    Reply to: SteveD

    Re: Used CSL...

    Thans Steve, thats very very kind of you indeed...

    To start dont have that many q's... Wil have later but reckon I can dig them out from the various forums...

    First, will I be able to fit? I'm 6,4" fit in the boxster no probs but a lot of cars still give me trouble...

    Next, will it try to kill me with the cup tyres? Would I need to have a second set of rims with "proper" tyres on?

    Cheers

    Feb 2, 2008 6:22:00 AM

    AUM
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    Reply to: easy_rider911

    Re: Used CSL...

    Quote:
    easy_rider911 said:
    AUM seems to like the CSL very much. You might like to PM him to see what he thinks



    If you don't need the back seats I recommend a 996 or 997 GT3 as the best track and everyday car. The steering feel is great and with just a little tweaking the cars are ready to race.

    If you need back seats the CSL is the only RWD car that delivers similar track performance (maybe faster in the hands of most drivers as the intrinsic balance makes for very stable and confidence inspiring cornering). But the full-force sensory delight of the GT3 is difficult to trump.

    Feb 2, 2008 10:31:53 AM

    RichJ
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    RichJ
    Loc: London, England
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    Registered on: Sep 16, 2004
    Reply to: AUM

    Re: Used CSL...

    I have thought long and hard about a GT3, check my sig!!.. but I cant stretch to a 997 GT3 and whilst I can probably stretch to a 996 GT3 mkII I'm a little concerned about the lack of electronics to save my a$$ if make a mistake... The PSM has saved me a few times in the boxster... If the PSM was not there would I have cought it.. who knows, just glad it was there.. the GT3 doesnt have that and worries me a little... Sound like a big girl now ha ha!!!

    Feb 2, 2008 12:56:58 PM

    SteveD
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    SteveD
    Loc: UK, M3 CSL/X6 35d/TT , United Kingdom
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    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    Quote:
    RichJ said:
    Thans Steve, thats very very kind of you indeed...

    To start dont have that many q's... Wil have later but reckon I can dig them out from the various forums...

    First, will I be able to fit? I'm 6,4" fit in the boxster no probs but a lot of cars still give me trouble...

    Next, will it try to kill me with the cup tyres? Would I need to have a second set of rims with "proper" tyres on?

    Cheers



    Rich, I am 6ft 1 and have no problems, the seat is much lower than a normal M3's seat, you can also lower the seat by removing some of the spacers where it attaches to the frame.

    As far as Cup tyres, they are brilliant... but they're the most expensive shoes that the CSL can wear (around Pounds1000 a set) and they can last less than 5000 miles on the road. I've worn through a complete set in just one track-day, so you'll understand why most people either buy a second set of rims (which we can obtain for less than Pounds1000 +VAT) or fit the best compromise road tyres. Nothing quite feels like Cup tyres though, although most people choose the Michelin PS2 as a good road compromise.

    Driving on Cup tyres is like a fairground ride, lots of grip when warm, although slippery as an eel when cold (rather like a race tyre). Cup tyres grip well in the wet, provided the temp is not too cold, but will aquaplane if on standing water. Having said that, I once drove back from Spa in the rain and it was awesome, still much faster than anything else on the road.

    When you look at a CSL, bear in mind that there are at least half a dozen 'important' recalls that should have been undertaken, also that it needs to be maintained by a dealer who knows CSLs. There are items that wear, such as the rear trailing arm bushes (which allow a little passive rear steering) and if they are worn without being replaced then the car will feel very unstable. The difference is chalk-and-cheese between a good and bad CSL. It's all easily fixed, and BMW UK normally replace them under warranty (or good-will). There is also a replacement bush that can be fitted by specialists that will last longer.

    If you see a CSL and the owner knows very little about it, then be careful, these are cars that need owners who do more than check under the bonnet. They're ultra reliable, more so than many other sports cars (including my 911s), but preventative care is important as does a little technical knowledge.

    There are two specialist CSL companies; Simpson's motorsport and Thorney Motorsport, both of whom have solid experience of servicing and improving dozens of CSLs. I can also speak very highly of the BMW Dealer, Murketts of Huntingdon who have probably serviced more UK CSLs than any other franchised dealer.

    Feb 2, 2008 3:51:53 PM

    RichJ
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    RichJ
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    Reply to: SteveD

    Re: Used CSL...

    Thanks for that Steve, very helpfull.

    Now the search begins!

    Feb 2, 2008 6:22:56 PM

    MarkdsvM
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    Markdsv
    Loc: Schevening , Netherlands
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    Registered on: Dec 24, 2007
    Reply to: RichJ

    Re: Used CSL...

    It's probably mentioned before but I would avoid CSL's which has been on the track the majority of there life. Just quiz the owner, often they will be honest about track time (not many miles is another sign)

    Feb 2, 2008 6:53:02 PM

    SteveD
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    SteveD
    Loc: UK, M3 CSL/X6 35d/TT , United Kingdom
    Posts: 247, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 18, 2003
    Reply to: MarkdsvM

    Re: Used CSL...

    Quote:
    Markdsv said:
    It's probably mentioned before but I would avoid CSL's which has been on the track the majority of there life. Just quiz the owner, often they will be honest about track time (not many miles is another sign)



    I would disagree. Someone who has tracked the car will have identified any issues early, which would not materialise so clearly on the road. There is nothing wrong with using a track car on the track, that's what they were designed for. The engine is strong, any brake wear will be obvious as will tyre wear.

    To be honest, there's most likely to be more damage caused on the road, by driving the engine too hard when its cold, only using it for short journeys, suspension damage from hitting kerbs etc.

    Don't worry about a CSL that's been tracked. That's what they were designed for.

    Feb 3, 2008 4:42:54 PM

    MarkdsvM
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    Markdsv
    Loc: Schevening , Netherlands
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    Reply to: SteveD

    Re: Used CSL...

    If I had to choose between a car what has been on the track or a car what has been used on the road, it will be an obvious decision . I drive my car on the track 150% harder than I ever will be able to do on the road . Choice is yours
     
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