New member looking at buying a CSL (GB54CSL)
Discussion
Hi
New member just joined. Currently looking at buying a CSL, any of you guys have any idea of the history of the CSL / GB54 CSL? My gut instinct tells me the car is legit (although I havent viewed it yet) but the dealer is very strange (won't let me view it until the day of purchase), perhaps it could be paranoia on my part. If the previous owner is out there and could put my mind at rest it would be a great relieve. It was first owned by barons of hindhead then purchased privately.
New member just joined. Currently looking at buying a CSL, any of you guys have any idea of the history of the CSL / GB54 CSL? My gut instinct tells me the car is legit (although I havent viewed it yet) but the dealer is very strange (won't let me view it until the day of purchase), perhaps it could be paranoia on my part. If the previous owner is out there and could put my mind at rest it would be a great relieve. It was first owned by barons of hindhead then purchased privately.
scoobz said:
tell the dealer to f@ck right off...
wont let you look at it til day of purchase? the guys a tw@t
Not quite how I'd have put it
but I would want to know why I can't view it. Perhaps it's at the paint shop having it's front bumper painted ? (not uncommon) Either way, there are plenty of other cars out there, if you don't like how this dealer is treating you, vote with your feet and go elsewhere................remember you're about to put £35K + worth of business this representatives way, you are in the driving seat !!! you have a choice !! You're more likely to get an answer with regards to the previous owner off the CSL forum here www.bm3w.co.uk (Unless you already frequent there as BMWM3CSL ?) good luck, and if you do purchase it, enjoy
>> Edited by slippydiff on Tuesday 7th March 01:20
There are a few CSLs that have come onto the market with late reg number plates (remember 'all' CSLs were built between June and December 2003). Most of these were used as either demo cars at Rockingham or the BMW Performance Centre training in Warwick. I've said this before, but I would inspect any car registered so late in 2004/2005 to understand it's history (i.e. where was it for the year or more after it was built). Those cars used in the performance centre training were driven very hard and I'd want to check that BMW had replaced all components that were subject to wear. Also check the fragile bodyparts , such as the Carbon Fibre internal trim (easily scratched or cracked), the exterior carbon fibre bumper (£2500+ to replace). The alcantara can soil badly if not cleaned properly and there are some known warranty issues that should have been undertaken. Make sure it is fitted with CSL rims which were wider than the M3 rims that some cars came fitted with. Dealers will try and fob you off and say it makes no difference, yet they may penalise you come resale time for not having the original rims. Check my buying guide on BM3W which should provide you with most of the items to check for.
It was a demo, but what is the mileage????
As it was a demo it will of had it's running in service, unless it was a static demo.
My system shows no service entries so it has either never been driven or never been serviced................So check the service book and then phone the dealer/s that have stamped them and get them to verify them.
Have you asked why you can't see it..?
Are you local to the dealer..? if so just pop in and see if it is in there compound and not at the bodyshop.
As it was a demo it will of had it's running in service, unless it was a static demo.
My system shows no service entries so it has either never been driven or never been serviced................So check the service book and then phone the dealer/s that have stamped them and get them to verify them.
Have you asked why you can't see it..?
Are you local to the dealer..? if so just pop in and see if it is in there compound and not at the bodyshop.
Yes I am the same guy who posted on the BM3W forum.
I'm not local to the dealer. I wish I was, then I wouldnt me in this mess.
I was told it had a radio and put down a deposit on the basis of this being the minimum spec. What interested me in the car is that it has 3500 miles, has a lot of warranty left and they will take my part exchange (honda s2000, 05 reg, 6500 miles, offered £20,500). They are asking £36,500 for the car.
I guess if it hasn't had its first service the warranty is void.
(Huntheshunt can you find out from your contact at barons what he knows, would be very grateful)
I'm not local to the dealer. I wish I was, then I wouldnt me in this mess.
I was told it had a radio and put down a deposit on the basis of this being the minimum spec. What interested me in the car is that it has 3500 miles, has a lot of warranty left and they will take my part exchange (honda s2000, 05 reg, 6500 miles, offered £20,500). They are asking £36,500 for the car.
I guess if it hasn't had its first service the warranty is void.
(Huntheshunt can you find out from your contact at barons what he knows, would be very grateful)
RichyCSL said:
Yes I am the same guy who posted on the BM3W forum.
I'm not local to the dealer. I wish I was, then I wouldnt me in this mess.
I was told it had a radio and put down a deposit on the basis of this being the minimum spec. What interested me in the car is that it has 3500 miles, has a lot of warranty left and they will take my part exchange (honda s2000, 05 reg, 6500 miles, offered £20,500). They are asking £36,500 for the car.
I guess if it hasn't had its first service the warranty is void.
(Huntheshunt can you find out from your contact at barons what he knows, would be very grateful)
sounds cheap..? If the running in service has not been done within the first 2,000 miles the warranty IS void and as I say my system indicates that it has never been serviced so you must, must check this.
from a BMW main dealerWell I finally got round to viewing this car.
It has had its first service at 1167 miles but I think because the plate was changed to a private one this may be the reason its not stated as being so.
It has 3600 miles (and 10,000 miles indicated to the next service.)
It was equipped with the michelin pilot sport 2 tyres.
I looked underneath the car and it seemed like it had only been used in dry weather only.
There are a few problems with the car though-
1) It has loads of stone chips on the front bumper (more than 15 and very visible as white chips). At first I thought it was wax residue but on closer inspection they were chips. The salesman says he will get his stone chip man to repair it (or I can take it to my closer dealer and they will repair it) but I am not so certain it will be that simple. I now know why he didn't want me to see it until day of sale.
2) Slight bobbling on the steering wheel. Its rough to touch whereas most I have felt have been silky smooth. Similar roughness on part of the driver's seat.
Apart from the above it looks mint, as good as new.
It has had its first service at 1167 miles but I think because the plate was changed to a private one this may be the reason its not stated as being so.
It has 3600 miles (and 10,000 miles indicated to the next service.)
It was equipped with the michelin pilot sport 2 tyres.
I looked underneath the car and it seemed like it had only been used in dry weather only.
There are a few problems with the car though-
1) It has loads of stone chips on the front bumper (more than 15 and very visible as white chips). At first I thought it was wax residue but on closer inspection they were chips. The salesman says he will get his stone chip man to repair it (or I can take it to my closer dealer and they will repair it) but I am not so certain it will be that simple. I now know why he didn't want me to see it until day of sale.
2) Slight bobbling on the steering wheel. Its rough to touch whereas most I have felt have been silky smooth. Similar roughness on part of the driver's seat.
Apart from the above it looks mint, as good as new.
RichyCSL said:
Well I finally got round to viewing this car.
It has had its first service at 1167 miles but I think because the plate was changed to a private one this may be the reason its not stated as being so.
It has 3600 miles (and 10,000 miles indicated to the next service.)
It was equipped with the michelin pilot sport 2 tyres.
I looked underneath the car and it seemed like it had only been used in dry weather only.
There are a few problems with the car though-
1) It has loads of stone chips on the front bumper (more than 15 and very visible as white chips). At first I thought it was wax residue but on closer inspection they were chips. The salesman says he will get his stone chip man to repair it (or I can take it to my closer dealer and they will repair it) but I am not so certain it will be that simple. I now know why he didn't want me to see it until day of sale.
2) Slight bobbling on the steering wheel. Its rough to touch whereas most I have felt have been silky smooth. Similar roughness on part of the driver's seat.
Apart from the above it looks mint, as good as new.
Stone chips are the norm, but should be painted by a bodyshop not just touched in.
The steering wheel and seats are alcantara and will feel rough compaired with standard M3's.
I would be more concerned with the lack of options if I where you as it will make it harder for you to sell on. Unless of course you are buying it for track use.
Jesus I am in love with the csl. I have to admit when I was there viewing it I couldn't have cared less what was wrong with it. In fact I didn't even check the damn alloys for curbing. I went there thinking I would check everything religiously and ended up just being in awe of the car.
Now I am thinking I should ask for £1500 off (to cover the cost of a proper respray and a armourfend treatment) and if this is not forthcoming I should search for another.
One thing I find strange is its on 3600 miles and 10,000 miles to the next service, why is this so high - could the dealer have reset it?
Now I am thinking I should ask for £1500 off (to cover the cost of a proper respray and a armourfend treatment) and if this is not forthcoming I should search for another.
One thing I find strange is its on 3600 miles and 10,000 miles to the next service, why is this so high - could the dealer have reset it?
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