Discussion
Yep, I agree. I got 'up close and personal' with an M3 CSL at the BMW Car Club meeting at Tatton Park this summer. The Blue Bell Dealership brought one along and had it parked right next to an 'ordinary' E46 M3. The CSL did look a lot more purposeful.It was a kind of darkish silver...or are they all that colour?
A neighbour of mine had the E46 M3 Convertible a couple of years ago and I had a drive of that...awesome! He got rid of it after a year...said it was " too highly strung, too fast and he was getting to work too stressed out in it!" What does he replace it with? Mercedes AMG SL55 having first had two SL500 !!!
I managed to have a go of the SL500's...but I moved before he got the SL55...dammit!
A neighbour of mine had the E46 M3 Convertible a couple of years ago and I had a drive of that...awesome! He got rid of it after a year...said it was " too highly strung, too fast and he was getting to work too stressed out in it!" What does he replace it with? Mercedes AMG SL55 having first had two SL500 !!!
I managed to have a go of the SL500's...but I moved before he got the SL55...dammit!
I was lucky enough to drive one today at Rockingham in both dry and damp conditions. Much better on track than standard E46 M3. It feels much more positive and is distinctly easier to slide, but best of all its about the best sounding car in the world at full chat.
Upto 6500rpm it sounds like a noisy slightly raspier M3 but over 6500rpm in 3rd gear or higher its just pure induction boom upto 8000, like a full spec race car. Fantastic. It will turn heads on any track day with that noise.
Upto 6500rpm it sounds like a noisy slightly raspier M3 but over 6500rpm in 3rd gear or higher its just pure induction boom upto 8000, like a full spec race car. Fantastic. It will turn heads on any track day with that noise.
If you are a prospective buyer, there's not a better time.
I paid full price for mine and I have not been disappointed. Comparisons ? Hill climb Caterham, 205 1.9 GTI, RS2000, Honda Integra, Subaru P1, Boxster, C4, rejected C4S (too tame), Elise, ... I forget.
If you WANT one, you can save a load of dosh on one of the last few (of 422 UK spec).
If interested, e-mail me. It's worth nothing to me,--- but they ALL desrve good homes.
I paid full price for mine and I have not been disappointed. Comparisons ? Hill climb Caterham, 205 1.9 GTI, RS2000, Honda Integra, Subaru P1, Boxster, C4, rejected C4S (too tame), Elise, ... I forget.
If you WANT one, you can save a load of dosh on one of the last few (of 422 UK spec).
If interested, e-mail me. It's worth nothing to me,--- but they ALL desrve good homes.
Simon Mason said:
Upto 6500rpm it sounds like a noisy slightly raspier M3 but over 6500rpm in 3rd gear or higher its just pure induction boom upto 8000, like a full spec race car. Fantastic. It will turn heads on any track day with that noise.
I have to disagree slightly...
Maybe you were running without the SPORT mode on? With SPORT mode on, the air feed is programmed for earlier and wider openings, so the noise from 3000RPM is absolutely INTENSE - NOTHING and I mean NOTHING like the M3... then the tone changes above 6000 like you say.
With SPORT mode off, the programming keeps things calmer so maybe that's how you were running? (The default every time you start the car is OFF).
I went out in a mate's the other day. Only 200 miles on the clock so he was still being pretty gentle with it. Sounds phenomenal though.
Does anyone know where the air filter is? I presume it has one but unless it's hidden somewhere inside in the vicinity of the join between the plenum and the er.... big hole - I couldn't see one.
Does anyone know where the air filter is? I presume it has one but unless it's hidden somewhere inside in the vicinity of the join between the plenum and the er.... big hole - I couldn't see one.
Yep Ropey, your right with the sport button it sounds gruntier from lower revs, about 4500rpm up as opposed to 6500 rpm up without. Which begs the question what is the point of the button. No one from BMW could give me a clear answer other than its been left on from the standard M3.
Despite it's, "suit the posers" option switches its still a cracking car and the only serious trackable and road practical option between a Civic Type R and a £60grand budget. Everything else is either impractical for anything but track use or boring on track after a few laps in my experience.
Despite it's, "suit the posers" option switches its still a cracking car and the only serious trackable and road practical option between a Civic Type R and a £60grand budget. Everything else is either impractical for anything but track use or boring on track after a few laps in my experience.
MikeyH. I saw one in the Sunday Times at £52.7 on a 53 plate and delivery mileage.Black.
There are also a couple of unregistered cars that I can link you to IF they are still available ...
Mine has now done 3,450 miles and it's getting better and better, using absolutely no oil and --- gosh it's fast. Almost as fast as a Porsche Turbo Tip actually.
Sport mode. Sounds even better, changes gear faster, throttle is super sensitive and steering might have a little more weight --- but I'm not sure on that.
Dynamic stability control --- try the track mode, it's even better than the Porsche stability Control, whereas I reckon the DSC cuts in a little early.
The downside ? I paid full list for mine, but I'm relying on a price recovery before my 997 arrives.
On the other hand, most of the changes to the 997 seem to be precisely what BMW have done to the M3 to create the CSL !
There are also a couple of unregistered cars that I can link you to IF they are still available ...
Mine has now done 3,450 miles and it's getting better and better, using absolutely no oil and --- gosh it's fast. Almost as fast as a Porsche Turbo Tip actually.
Sport mode. Sounds even better, changes gear faster, throttle is super sensitive and steering might have a little more weight --- but I'm not sure on that.
Dynamic stability control --- try the track mode, it's even better than the Porsche stability Control, whereas I reckon the DSC cuts in a little early.
The downside ? I paid full list for mine, but I'm relying on a price recovery before my 997 arrives.
On the other hand, most of the changes to the 997 seem to be precisely what BMW have done to the M3 to create the CSL !
I went in to North Oxford Garage a couple of weeks back and they had a brand new one sat there in the showroom, was up for 58k, but salesman immediately offered 10% for a deal that day.
That was £5800 off making the car £52,200.
Was a bit tempted but it was on the 19" road wheels, which isnt the correct choice and a 996 Carrera is a better steer for the money.
I have owned both and despite the M3 being a bit more powerful its the phenomonal traction, grip and steering feel which would ensure the 996 got my money if 52k was being spent...
At 40k its a tatty 5yr old 996 or a new M3 which makes an easier decision.
Bennno
>> Edited by bennno on Monday 19th January 23:36
At £50kish that is quite a lot of car for the money! The black one with delivery mileage sounds especially tempting.
I had a standard E46 M3 for a while. It was a great road car with lots of power and decent handling. On the track however it was less impressive, brakes overheated easily, less steering feel than a 996 and quite a lot of roll. I take it the CSL is better in those respects on the track? If it is a bit harder, how does it fair on the road? Could you use it daily? Sorry for all the questions but I fancy a new motor and I love M cars...!
>> Edited by mikeyh on Tuesday 20th January 14:47
I had a standard E46 M3 for a while. It was a great road car with lots of power and decent handling. On the track however it was less impressive, brakes overheated easily, less steering feel than a 996 and quite a lot of roll. I take it the CSL is better in those respects on the track? If it is a bit harder, how does it fair on the road? Could you use it daily? Sorry for all the questions but I fancy a new motor and I love M cars...!
>> Edited by mikeyh on Tuesday 20th January 14:47
MikeyH. I do use it day in day out.
It makes an occasion of every journey, a similarly specced 996C2 would cost around £62k and in my opinion is not as sure footed.
The CSL is clever design. For example the roll centre of the standard car has been lowered by 100mm whilst still retaining as much ground clearance as a standard C2.
Obviously I have been converted, but I'd have no hesitation in buying another having had the experience of owning this one --- and all my previous cars. I just wish I'd paid what you might !
P.S. Take a look at the classifieds --- £7k more than a standard SMG ?
>> Edited by ChrisW. on Tuesday 20th January 21:49
It makes an occasion of every journey, a similarly specced 996C2 would cost around £62k and in my opinion is not as sure footed.
The CSL is clever design. For example the roll centre of the standard car has been lowered by 100mm whilst still retaining as much ground clearance as a standard C2.
Obviously I have been converted, but I'd have no hesitation in buying another having had the experience of owning this one --- and all my previous cars. I just wish I'd paid what you might !
P.S. Take a look at the classifieds --- £7k more than a standard SMG ?
>> Edited by ChrisW. on Tuesday 20th January 21:49
I am close to purchasing an M3CSL and was interested in current owner's views on the seats and tyres !
Can you live with the {fixed} seats if you use the car for daily use ?
If you have the CSL wheels with the Pilot Cup tyres can you replace these tyres easily with Pilot Sport 2's ?
Any other tips for the limited options list ?
Many Thanks
Can you live with the {fixed} seats if you use the car for daily use ?
If you have the CSL wheels with the Pilot Cup tyres can you replace these tyres easily with Pilot Sport 2's ?
Any other tips for the limited options list ?
Many Thanks
DaveJG,
GET IT BOUGHT!
I've run a CSL as my daily drive/trackcar since August.
I find the seats fine although I don't do any long distance travelling. The only complaint (seriously) is the reaction of horror from female passengers - "it's too upright nag nag nag how can i move it back nag nag nag"
The Cup tyres on CSL rims can easily be replaced with a normal road tyre - and there's many to choose from.
I have two sets of CSL rims - one with Cups and one with Conti 2's (in Cup size).
The Cup tyres don't last long AS A ROAD TYRE, because the 'outer' tread pattern isn't very deep - It starts off at 2.5mm. Part of it falls within the '75% central area' that must be 1.6mm or above, so quite quickly you'll be approaching that limit, even though in 'inner' tread pattern is much deeper.
As for the other options......
I took Aircon simply cuz I need it - even when on track cuz I get so hot!!
I took Xenons cuz once you've sampled them you can't go back.
I took single CD player but not fussed about that. Wouldn't be bothered if it was there or not as I prefer to listen to the engine.
I think the vast majority of CSL have these 3 options.
Enjoy!
GET IT BOUGHT!
I've run a CSL as my daily drive/trackcar since August.
I find the seats fine although I don't do any long distance travelling. The only complaint (seriously) is the reaction of horror from female passengers - "it's too upright nag nag nag how can i move it back nag nag nag"
The Cup tyres on CSL rims can easily be replaced with a normal road tyre - and there's many to choose from.
I have two sets of CSL rims - one with Cups and one with Conti 2's (in Cup size).
The Cup tyres don't last long AS A ROAD TYRE, because the 'outer' tread pattern isn't very deep - It starts off at 2.5mm. Part of it falls within the '75% central area' that must be 1.6mm or above, so quite quickly you'll be approaching that limit, even though in 'inner' tread pattern is much deeper.
As for the other options......
I took Aircon simply cuz I need it - even when on track cuz I get so hot!!
I took Xenons cuz once you've sampled them you can't go back.
I took single CD player but not fussed about that. Wouldn't be bothered if it was there or not as I prefer to listen to the engine.
I think the vast majority of CSL have these 3 options.
Enjoy!
I've had mine just over a week now and Cup tyres were no longer an option. I've done 450 miles in it and I still haven't made my mind up about the seats. The dealer can adjust them for tilt and height. The steering wheel has some adjustment. Its a great car if you don't mind the odd jerky gear change.
The options list is quite short and none of them are strictly necessary, and only 2 colours to choose from.
I recommend you get one.
The options list is quite short and none of them are strictly necessary, and only 2 colours to choose from.
I recommend you get one.
Harris reckons that the M3CSL will become the performance car bargain.
It's a fantastic car, and it already is a performance car bargain!
Just look at what it's compared to ? 360 Stradale, GT3, Noble and a lot of much more expensive "metal".
What are you waiting for ?
The bargains are now, and they'll be gone.
P.S. I have fitted Pilot Sport 2's to the "Cup" rims, and have been very impressed.
>> Edited by ChrisW. on Tuesday 17th February 23:36
It's a fantastic car, and it already is a performance car bargain!
Just look at what it's compared to ? 360 Stradale, GT3, Noble and a lot of much more expensive "metal".
What are you waiting for ?
The bargains are now, and they'll be gone.
P.S. I have fitted Pilot Sport 2's to the "Cup" rims, and have been very impressed.
>> Edited by ChrisW. on Tuesday 17th February 23:36
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