Is there an alternative to an M3?

[obes]

vladd said:

obes said: Is the VXR monaro an alternative ? You do got a lot of car for the money ..... Not a big fan of lazy V8s, so not really an option for me.

Fair enough mate - just mentioned it after reading this.. !!

www.autocar.co.uk/RoadTest_Summary.asp?RT_ID=214467

[Harris_I]

fishtek69 said:

I did, however, once witness a bit of a battle between a CSL and a Porsche, heading down the hill on the M1 towards Sheffield. I don't know what model the Porsche was, and I don't know the abilities and driving states of the drivers, but the Porker certainly seemed to be kicking the M3's arse!

On the public road, it all comes down to who cares less about losing their licence, to be honest.

Check out the recent M3 CSL vs GT3 thread on the Porsche forum re on-track performance.

[Zod]

fishtek69 said:

I myself do like M3's a lot. A friends' Dad has had a few in his time, and currently drives a Yellow E36 M3 Evo Cabrio. I can vouch for its cross-country ability (only as a passenger, sadly), as well as its extreme practicality (if you knew the family, you'd know what I mean) and would think it to be a perfect all-round car for me. I will own one at some point in the future. But.... Do I stand alone in not particularly liking the CSL? Don't get me wrong, I realise they are immensely composed and able vehicle's, that'll give many genuine 'supercars' a run for their money. But to me, they just seem ever so boring. I love the M3 because it is comfortable, well equipped, fast and good looking. The CSL seems to lose a little bit of the 'jack-of-all-trades' feeling for me, seeming a little bit too focused on performance. Just my opinion, and I realise lots of people love them. As I say, I know they're great cars, just not my cup of tea. I did, however, once witness a bit of a battle between a CSL and a Porsche, heading down the hill on the M1 towards Sheffield. I don't know what model the Porsche was, and I don't know the abilities and driving states of the drivers, but the Porker certainly seemed to be kicking the M3's arse!

depends on the drivers and there are several Porsche models that will out-accelerate a CSL (Turbo and GT2 without question).

As for the CSL's appeal, I used to think the same as you until I drove one. It's all about the sound and the way it goes around corners. I drove mine for the first time with the windows open this weekend and laughed my head off. I had no idea it was so loud.

[vladd]

In the Monaro article is states:

"70mph to zero requiring a lengthy 52.9sec"

I think the brakes need some work.

>> Edited by vladd on Tuesday 19th April 16:48

[fishtek69]

I agree that I'd probably think the CSL was the drive of my life, and I wouldn't even try to knock it as a drivers' car. I'm just not sure whether I'd spend the cash in that way, if I were in such a position (it's a good 5 or 6 years off I expect). For the cash, I think it's not enough of a compromise between performance and luxury. I'm lazy and cosseted, and like my climate control, sat nav and big leather seats, etc.

I think, as a second car however, a CSL would be immense!

[Plotloss]

That sport button makes the CSL for me, utterly glorious.

Pace car to race car at the flick of a switch.

[ICSD]

The big shame about a CSL is that it's based on a 3 Series BMW and for that money you should get something that looks as special as the car obviously is - it would be so much better if they'd designed the car from scratch, but I guess BMW understand their market and realise that people will buy 318i's on the strength of how good the CSL is.

I have to say though that the CSL is a no compromise car and those that buy them should be commended for buying a great car despite the stigma that a 3 series carries with it.

At least none of the lucky CSL owners here have mentioned how fast their cars are compared to others -obviously prefering to be out there having fun that to be studying facts and figures in the back of AutoBling monthly.

[Zod]

fishtek69 said:

I agree that I'd probably think the CSL was the drive of my life, and I wouldn't even try to knock it as a drivers' car. I'm just not sure whether I'd spend the cash in that way, if I were in such a position (it's a good 5 or 6 years off I expect). For the cash, I think it's not enough of a compromise between performance and luxury. I'm lazy and cosseted, and like my climate control, sat nav and big leather seats, etc. I think, as a second car however, a CSL would be immense!

I thought I'd miss the leather seats, but the way the alcantara Recaros hold you is more than enough compensation.

As for SatNav, I couldn't live without, so I fitted an aftermarket Alpine system. It weighs hardly more than the BMW Business head unit.

I never really bothered with the Sport button on my M3s because it just changed the sensitivity of the accelerator. In the CSL it makes the induction flap open much earlier and changes the car's character.