CSL or Z4M

[MC99]

Need some help,

Looking at Z4Ms, having had an M Coupe a few years ago, however the CSL has caught my eye. I'm looking at an Z4M of 25kish and a CSL up to 30k. I generally change cars around 2years in but the choice of a more expensive "older" car, which is more expensive makes me wonder if I'm going mad!! Does everyone really see the E46 CSL as a "future classic" or is this just current owners talking them up? I won't drive it during the week (lovely British rail takes me to work...) but wanted to know if anyone has compared or owned both and their thoughts...

[zuffenhausen74]

I have had a CSL, but not a Z4M but a friend of mine works at one of the bigger car clubs where they until recently had a Z4M, he liked it but said they are a bit tricky on the limit so has actually bought a CSL as its probably one of the best cars for the money, for the noise alone......

[shunt]

I also had a Z3MC and now have a Z4MC, if you enjoyed the old one you'll like the new one. It's much the same formula, just brough up to date. I cannot comment on a CSL as I've not driven one. Some say they can be tiresome as a daily drive, but as your choice is for a weekend toy........hm difficult one.

The Z4 is a much newer car, and I think looks a bit more special, especially with some CSL rims on. But I'm biased.........

[MC99]

Thanks guys, agreed the CSL can look plain to some and the Z4m much more of a head-turner..(even better with CSL rims)...maybe a AC or other exhaust on the Z4M would bring the noise closer (but in way the same) to the CSL?...hmm..

[M5Dave]

For a weekend toy, it has to be the CSL. Don't think there'll be much in it performance wise, but it's just that bit rarer and more exclusive, and the noise is absolutely suberb.

It probably makes sense financially as well, I think the CSLs have found their price level, they seem to have been hovering around the late 20s early 30s for ages now.

[spen-123]

The CSL is a great car but for the money the Z4M takes some beating and there manual... 2 very different cars with the same engine you would be happy with any of them

[gizlaroc]

They are completely different cars, the Z4 is great but a lot smoother than the CSL, you need to drive them both and see what you prefer.


The Z4 is a great everyday car, the CSL is like a special occasion everytime you take it out.

[R1_NUR]

CSL is a classic. Z4MC is great but not a classic.

However - the CSL is older which manifests itself in a variety of ways. For starters: the SMG gearbox is crap by modern standards.

For a toy and a toy alone I would opt for the Z4. For the long haul and a chance to own a future classic there can be only the CSL.

Disagree with the comment above about the Z4 being tricky. There are not many cars more predictable on/near the limit. With half and hour and an empty car park anyone could drift one at will.

[absolutely]

Go for pure aesthetics, BUY A Z4M! The CSL isn't that special to look at, yes you can tell it is one but no one (other than car enthusiasts) will know what it is.

[MC99]

cheers all, questions left:

Do "we" (I apportion some blame to everyone ) think Grey is a better colour than black for a CSL?

and

Do "we" think there is a "best" colour for Z4M (no estoril which is a shame IMHO)..white I love but there's only tiny amount around and at dealers who want a fortune for them...

[physprof]

ehhh black z4m roadster.. otherwise you look to all intents and purpose to punters as a bloke with a 3 series coupe who has ///M badges attached...

[PPPPPP]

MC99 said:

cheers all, questions left:

Do "we" (I apportion some blame to everyone ) think Grey is a better colour than black for a CSL?

I have a black CSL, but do think SG is THE M3 CSL colour, just as white was the E30 M3 Colour(and not black, macau, or Red, or Silver etc) and again Polaris Silver & White were the colours for the E9 CSL ( and not yellow, green etc).

[absolutely]

MC99 said:

cheers all, questions left:

Do "we" (I apportion some blame to everyone ) think Grey is a better colour than black for a CSL?

and

Do "we" think there is a "best" colour for Z4M (no estoril which is a shame IMHO)..white I love but there's only tiny amount around and at dealers who want a fortune for them...

White! Have you seen the works Z4M in white, it looks amazingly beautiful! I don't like BMWs but I love the Z4M.

[M5Dave]

MC99 said:

cheers all, questions left:

Do "we" (I apportion some blame to everyone ) think Grey is a better colour than black for a CSL?

and

Do "we" think there is a "best" colour for Z4M (no estoril which is a shame IMHO)..white I love but there's only tiny amount around and at dealers who want a fortune for them...

I think the CSL looks equally good in black or grey, I think grey was more popular because it shows off the carbon fibre bits better.

The Z4M looks good in all the colours, I actually like the Sepang Bronze, it looks much better in the flesh than it does in photos, and it's quite rare as well.

[Neil.D]

Unequivocally the CSL. Far more superior than the Z4.
I think you may be a bit disappointed with the Z.

..oh, IMO of course

[scotia_steve74]

Almost bought the CSL until I test drove the Z4M.

The saloon is great if you need 4 seats but the Z4M is my fav car since the GT3. Love it.

If you need more seats get the CSL. It's personal choice...

[MC99]

cheers all, I'm not sure how much the CSL will get clobbered in the "crunch", but I'm getting the car for fun not for an investment (not that cars are ever really an investment)..will drive both over the next couple of weeks and make a choice, certainly the extra 5k (buying a 56/07 Z4M, over a low miles CSL) in the bank (or the matress) may be a better choice..

I don't think NAV makes a big difference on the Z4M, how many on here wouldn't buy a z4M without it?

We're getting to the boring detail here...

[physprof]

my M roadster has it and the rest, I reckon when you're spending 20K+ even with the engine and tech of the M you're entitled to all the toys. but I suppose it depends where you drive, if track tool maybe not if heading off round country nice to have it, integrated and on board. also with bluetooth + telematics you can call up BMW assist for directions to all manner of crap (hotels, food ....) including breakdown recovery and they can pull exact location off the nav, not that i ever want to test - but on a pishing wet winter night miles from anywhere could be ideal...

[gizlaroc]

MC99 said:

I don't think NAV makes a big difference on the Z4M, how many on here wouldn't buy a z4M without it?

I certainly wouldn't.


Needs to be well below £20k without nav now.

[vz-r_dave]

absolutely said:

Go for pure aesthetics, BUY A Z4M! The CSL isn't that special to look at, yes you can tell it is one but no one (other than car enthusiasts) will know what it is.

A weekend car and your suggesting he follows many others and buys a rep mobile?

CSL all the way for a weekend car.

Z4M for daily driver, you dont half see plenty of them and a Z4 is a Z4 at the end of the day. CSL has much more to it.