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.