Discussion
Thierry, the number of owners doesn't make much difference for such a car. If you look at other comparable cars you will find that people buy them initially thinking they are just a top of the range model but then find they are rather more specialised and eventually sell it for something more comfy. It's typical with GT3 Porsches too.
I hate to pass comment on the price (it pains me to do so since I paid over £60k for mine) but there have been a few cars available for between £37-39k but it depends on condition and options. Ideally (for resale) you should choose a car that has Xenons, Air Con and a Radio. You should also make sure it has CSL alloys (and not the M3 Type 67M alloys) and is fitted with 265/30x19 and 235/35x19 tyres (not 255 and 225 width tyres).
Otherwise it might be worth checking on the history of the car. If you register on www.bm3w.co.uk you will find more than 1/3rd of all CSL owners are part of the forum, if it's been pre-owned then you may be able to find out who's car it was.
I hate to pass comment on the price (it pains me to do so since I paid over £60k for mine) but there have been a few cars available for between £37-39k but it depends on condition and options. Ideally (for resale) you should choose a car that has Xenons, Air Con and a Radio. You should also make sure it has CSL alloys (and not the M3 Type 67M alloys) and is fitted with 265/30x19 and 235/35x19 tyres (not 255 and 225 width tyres).
Otherwise it might be worth checking on the history of the car. If you register on www.bm3w.co.uk you will find more than 1/3rd of all CSL owners are part of the forum, if it's been pre-owned then you may be able to find out who's car it was.
thanks for the help dr! sorry to bring up the price again.the car comes with everything but the csl wheels which i wanted!ive asked if he can get them as i feel they make the car look so much better!he said it had just been serviced so at 9,000 miles i've got to think its been on the track,which is something i didnt want it to have done.if it has what sort of problems could i face abit later? i dont keep my cars that long and dont want to buy something that i have to pay out on later on!
Do you know what you are buying, the CSL is BMW's attempt at a GT3 IMO.
The wheels are desirable because they are lighter and have cup tyres, not simply because they "look nice" which obviously they do, I'd hope 100% of the cars see a track in their lives or it is a waste. If you aren't going to track it and want a car to look good or give you car park kudos do and get a normal M3 with all the toys and but the csl wheels on with normal tyres.
BMW warrenty is fine about track work, just make sure it has had wear and tear items replaced if needed, tyres and brakes in the main.
The wheels are desirable because they are lighter and have cup tyres, not simply because they "look nice" which obviously they do, I'd hope 100% of the cars see a track in their lives or it is a waste. If you aren't going to track it and want a car to look good or give you car park kudos do and get a normal M3 with all the toys and but the csl wheels on with normal tyres.
BMW warrenty is fine about track work, just make sure it has had wear and tear items replaced if needed, tyres and brakes in the main.
thierry henry said:
thanks for the help dr! sorry to bring up the price again.the car comes with everything but the csl wheels which i wanted!ive asked if he can get them as i feel they make the car look so much better!he said it had just been serviced so at 9,000 miles i've got to think its been on the track,which is something i didnt want it to have done.if it has what sort of problems could i face abit later? i dont keep my cars that long and dont want to buy something that i have to pay out on later on!
Thierry, there's no problems with tracking a CSL, it was built to do so and copes much better than a regular M3. If you have a search on BM3W you will find a checklist for things to be aware when buying a second-hand CSL. Whilst CSL wheels were a no-cost option when supplied new (with Cup tyres) it is generally accepted that a CSL is worth less if supplied without them. You should negotiate a discount as a consequence and if the dealer doesn't accept this then walk away (this was the reason why the last few dozen CSLs didn't sell well - because they had the wrong spec), some dealers will try and con you. I've arranged a 30% discount off the price of new CSL wheels so if you get a grand or more taken off the price you can obtain a set of CSL wheels yourself.
If it was 'due' a service at 9,000 miles then yes, it's probably been driven on track (mine reached it's first service at 7,500 miles, but other more sedentary (road based) drivers took until 12-14,000 miles). Just make sure you learn as much about it's history, there are no problem areas with the CSL as a consequence of being well used.
the reason i say i didnt want one that had been tracked was because the last time my 996 turbo needed a new clutch and all the brake discs and pads needed replacing after 1000miles from when i had got it! so you can understand why i dont want to make the same mistake again! the dealer has said he can get me a new set of csl wheels for just under £1200,but like you said i'll wait till ive got the car and buy a set after! how much should i offer its going for 42k has all the extras but the normal wheels!
Roger645 said:
I reckon offer £38k
Roger
Agreed.
Thierry, if that price you've been given for CSL wheels is not including VAT then I can put you in touch with someone that can provide them for 20% less.
p.s. unlike your 996 with the gearbox issues you can actually tell if a CSL has been abused 'gearbox wise' by getting the dealer to download the DME log and inspecting how many times Launch Control has been used, what SMG programs have been used and whether excessive revs have occured. Otherwise it's bulletproof. We've had a few issues with clutches/flywheels needing replaced in the first 10,000 miles but these have all been undertaken as warranty claims. There seems to be a slight issue with the SMG programming being over cautious to allow for clutch wear adjustment.
Otherwise brakes and discs are easily inspected for wear and if excessively used I would insist on them being replaced.
Pretty much anything you need to be aware of will be easily visible by inspection or by interrogation of the DME.
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