e46 M3 CS vs e46 M3

[kel176506]

Hi guys

I've been looking at changing my car to an e46 m3 CS for a while but was hoping someone could recommend the CS over the standard m3. Is the difference really that much better? Would love to hear from someone who has owned both, and upgraded to the later CS. I'm trying to justify the price difference as a standard e46 m3 now looks like becoming such a bargain, im wondering whether its honestly worth paying the premium for a CS?! I like the idea of a switchable DSC system that is not completely off and still offers some safety net. Who's driven both and thought "yep i can see where the money went". Thanks for anyones help and opinions but before someone mentions it as well im not in the market for a csl, its not practical for me.

[outnumbered]

www.mtorque.co.uk

[foresterlad]

Hi, yes i owned all three M3,CSL and then CS. My preference is for the CS which has a spec that mixes CSL brakes/steering rack and as you note the two stage stability control. You will notice the quick rack and larger brakes in normal road work since the car feels easily adjustable without the early intervention of DSC which you do get with the M3. Personally i rarely felt confident to turn DSC off so liked the extra slip allowed with the CS setting. Ok it's no CSL but in truth the CSL is not family friendly and really only works as a second car.
My CS covered 15k mls with one set of tyres and a pad change, no oil and 26.6mpg. Basically good value and and always a car you wanted to drive.Cosmetically the suede steering wheel is great to use but can wear badly, i had a new one under warranty, so suggest you check carefully for "bobbling".

[gizlaroc]

If it is bobbling use some 1200 grit wet and dry paper (dry of course!) and sand it back, it will look as good as new.

[Zod]

I can't believe anyone would prefer the CS to the CSL, but I suppose everybody is different. I first drove a CS when I'd owned a CSL for six months. To me. the CS is a definite, but mild improvement over the stock M3. THe CSL is a different car.

An illustration:

M3-----CS--------------------------------------------------------------------------CSL

[shamrock]

The CS is the aspirational successor in the M3 bloodline.

[dan101smith]

shamrock said:

The CS is the aspirational successor in the M3 bloodline.

No idea what you mean by that.

[foresterlad]

I think the choice between the CS/CSL is "horse for the course". With a worn set of cups and a list of track day's (mainly Castle Combe) the weapon of choice is a CSL. This time of year in heavy commuter traffic it's a no brainer the CS is a far better all rounder. Just my view but based on running a CSL from new over 20k mls.

[CraigNicol]

I've had my CS for 12 months now and have loved every second of it!
Now with the introduction of AP racing brakes all round and minor suspension tweeks its even better!

The CSL brakes are still hopless, mine only lasted a few laps or a few corners at the Ring before the pedal started sponging up! However i really like the quick rack and chunky steering wheel of the CS but really frustrating not having cruise control on those long motorways runs to trackdays.

[dan101smith]

foresterlad said:

I think the choice between the CS/CSL is "horse for the course". With a worn set of cups and a list of track day's (mainly Castle Combe) the weapon of choice is a CSL. This time of year in heavy commuter traffic it's a no brainer the CS is a far better all rounder. Just my view but based on running a CSL from new over 20k mls.

Out of interest, what's the downside of using a CSL on the daily commute compared with the CS?

[kel176506]

Thanks for everyone's opinions guys, and its good to hear peoples ideas between the cs and csl but im more curious about the difference between a standard m3 and a cs edition. I'm trying to justify the extra price on a cs over a normal m3. Thanks in advance for any feedback and thoughts.

[gizlaroc]

I really don't think it is worth the extra, the only thing that is nicer is the quicker steering rack and the alcantara wheel.

You can pick the wheel up for £100 off ebay and the steering rack is around £400 plus a couple of hundred to fit it. CS prices still seem to command around £4k over the regular M3, I would rather save the money and add those bits myself if I felt the need.

[JNW1]

Never driven a standard M3 but own a CS and can confirm it's an excellent car; bought mine second-hand and still love it after 22 months and 24k miles of ownership!

The three things the standard car was always criticised for were lack of steering feel, poor ride quality (mainly on the 19 inch wheels) and indifferent brakes. However, I can honestly say that none of those has ever been a problem to me with the CS (although to be fair I haven't done any track work to really test the brakes). Therefore, I would say that the CS seems to address the main "failings" of the standard car; as ever, though, the only way you'll determine whether one is worth the price premium is to drive both!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[foresterlad]

Out of interest, what's the downside of using a CSL on the daily commute compared with the CS?
[/quote]




I disliked SMG which was clonky at low speed and hopeless in auto mode. The front seats made entry into the rear seats difficult because there is not enough movement on the runners. The ground clearance at the front is less because of the splitters and scuffed on some car park ramps. Cup tyres at this time of year were a pain since DSC was always cutting in.

[thehos]

m3-cs-csl, thats the order of family friendly, i have a m3 and enjoy all the extras, nav/cc/smg/comfortable etc, i for 1 wouldnt have a csl with kids/passengers, i would like a cs but no cc, and use mine a fair bit

[dan101smith]

foresterlad said:

Out of interest, what's the downside of using a CSL on the daily commute compared with the CS?

I disliked SMG which was clonky at low speed and hopeless in auto mode. The front seats made entry into the rear seats difficult because there is not enough movement on the runners. The ground clearance at the front is less because of the splitters and scuffed on some car park ramps. Cup tyres at this time of year were a pain since DSC was always cutting in.

I can understand all of that but doesn't the CS also only come with SMG?

[thehos]

dan101smith said:

foresterlad said:

Out of interest, what's the downside of using a CSL on the daily commute compared with the CS?

I disliked SMG which was clonky at low speed and hopeless in auto mode. The front seats made entry into the rear seats difficult because there is not enough movement on the runners. The ground clearance at the front is less because of the splitters and scuffed on some car park ramps. Cup tyres at this time of year were a pain since DSC was always cutting in.

I can understand all of that but doesn't the CS also only come with SMG?

no i dont think so

Edited by thehos on Wednesday 24th December 00:26

[thehos]

BMW M3 CS CARBON BLACK (FULLY LOADED) 55 REG (2005)
60,000 miles £18,995



BMW M3 CS, 2005/55, 6 Speed Manual, Carbon Black With Black Nappa Leather, Wide Screen Sat Nav / TV, Bluetooth Telephone Preparation, 19" CSL Alloy Wheels, Electric Sunroof, Harman Kardon Hi-Fi Upgrade, Front Centre Armrest, CD Player, Front Automatic Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Electric Memory Sports Seats With Backrest And Width Adjustment, Anthracite Headlining, M Sports Alcantara Steering Wheel, Tyre Pressure Sensor, Fog Lights, Parking Aid, Power-Assisted Steering, Rear Head Rests, Remote Central Locking, Trip Computer, ABS, Climate Control, Electric windows, Rain Sensor Wipers, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror, 12 Months MOT, 6 Months Tax, One Owner From New, Full Main Dealer Service History, Immaculate Conditon


Part Exchange: Poss