E9 CSL - buying / ownership advice
Discussion
Hi
I've been admiring the original CSL for many years now and thinking of taking the plunge. Appeals due to the drive, looks, heritage and the fact that it has 4 seats. I've driven a couple of examples in the past and they felt beautifully built with a wonderful interior. More GT than sports car but probably a good fit for what I want it for. I have another classic car so not new to classic or performance car ownership.
I'm looking for any purchasing and ownership advice people can offer. What are they like to live with - reliable? Running costs? Any problems to watch out for etc. Are spares readily available? I know rust is the BIG issue so would like to find a car that has had the bodywork done to a good standard. I don't mind a high quality, older restoration that has mellowed a little. I might even prefer it. I suspect many cars have subtle mods - which are good or should I be looking for a car as close to original as possible? Any colours that are particularly popular in the market or best avoided? Most cars I have seen advertised are UK RHD with the City Pack which makes sense for the use I have in mind.
Do any owners know of good cars that are out there for sale? I look on here and Car and Classic so have seen those but would welcome any thoughts before I start to look at a cars with a view to buy. Also, who would you suggest to carry out a pre purchase inspection? And good specialists for servicing and maintenance work (I am based in West London). Are there any good forums owners frequent? PHs and CSL Register seem to be more popular with E46 owners (also very nice!).
I like the look of the white car at 4 Star but have not seen it up close. There is also a modified car at Cambridge Motor Co in red that I quite like. £35-£40k seems to be the range of most cars, is this a sensible budget? What would I pay for a top quality example?
Any experience from owners would be very appreciated. Pics are good too!
Also, if you know of a good car for sale or are selling yourself, I would love to hear from you.
So many questions ..... thanks in advance.
I've been admiring the original CSL for many years now and thinking of taking the plunge. Appeals due to the drive, looks, heritage and the fact that it has 4 seats. I've driven a couple of examples in the past and they felt beautifully built with a wonderful interior. More GT than sports car but probably a good fit for what I want it for. I have another classic car so not new to classic or performance car ownership.
I'm looking for any purchasing and ownership advice people can offer. What are they like to live with - reliable? Running costs? Any problems to watch out for etc. Are spares readily available? I know rust is the BIG issue so would like to find a car that has had the bodywork done to a good standard. I don't mind a high quality, older restoration that has mellowed a little. I might even prefer it. I suspect many cars have subtle mods - which are good or should I be looking for a car as close to original as possible? Any colours that are particularly popular in the market or best avoided? Most cars I have seen advertised are UK RHD with the City Pack which makes sense for the use I have in mind.
Do any owners know of good cars that are out there for sale? I look on here and Car and Classic so have seen those but would welcome any thoughts before I start to look at a cars with a view to buy. Also, who would you suggest to carry out a pre purchase inspection? And good specialists for servicing and maintenance work (I am based in West London). Are there any good forums owners frequent? PHs and CSL Register seem to be more popular with E46 owners (also very nice!).
I like the look of the white car at 4 Star but have not seen it up close. There is also a modified car at Cambridge Motor Co in red that I quite like. £35-£40k seems to be the range of most cars, is this a sensible budget? What would I pay for a top quality example?
Any experience from owners would be very appreciated. Pics are good too!
Also, if you know of a good car for sale or are selling yourself, I would love to hear from you.
So many questions ..... thanks in advance.
Thanks all for the replies.
Cheib - Re the white car, would be grateful if you could post to link to the 4* cars as I couldn't find it. My understanding of the RHD cars was they were all fitted with the "City Pack" so would have come with steel front and rear bumpers. The white car seems to be fitted with the deep front air dam and lightweight bumpers.
The cars at 4* seem to have been there for a while. Not sure if that is a reflection of pricing or quality. I was there to look at an E30 M3 for a friend a little while ago and they seemed like good guys. The E30 was average at best though.
The Hexagon car looks interesting as well but they do generally price at the top end of the market which is fine if the car is equally top end of the market.
I think what constitutes a full restoration depends on who you ask but I think you are right that the devil is in the detail. Bodywork especially can soak up a lot of cash and the only way to do it is to do it properly in my view.
The red car at Munich legends looks like the same car I saw at Cambridge Motor Company before Christmas. Back on the right wheels and fitted with the 5 speed box. I wonder if that is a popular mod for these cars as I have seen a few with 5 speed boxes.
Rohan - You seem like the right person to be asking questions to! Would love to hear about your cars and experiences in driving and running them. I would be very interested in taking you up on the offer and very happy to cover diesel / lunch. Are you a friend of a chap called Paul Sutters by any chance?
All information and feedback gratefully received.
Thanks
Cheib - Re the white car, would be grateful if you could post to link to the 4* cars as I couldn't find it. My understanding of the RHD cars was they were all fitted with the "City Pack" so would have come with steel front and rear bumpers. The white car seems to be fitted with the deep front air dam and lightweight bumpers.
The cars at 4* seem to have been there for a while. Not sure if that is a reflection of pricing or quality. I was there to look at an E30 M3 for a friend a little while ago and they seemed like good guys. The E30 was average at best though.
The Hexagon car looks interesting as well but they do generally price at the top end of the market which is fine if the car is equally top end of the market.
I think what constitutes a full restoration depends on who you ask but I think you are right that the devil is in the detail. Bodywork especially can soak up a lot of cash and the only way to do it is to do it properly in my view.
The red car at Munich legends looks like the same car I saw at Cambridge Motor Company before Christmas. Back on the right wheels and fitted with the 5 speed box. I wonder if that is a popular mod for these cars as I have seen a few with 5 speed boxes.
Rohan - You seem like the right person to be asking questions to! Would love to hear about your cars and experiences in driving and running them. I would be very interested in taking you up on the offer and very happy to cover diesel / lunch. Are you a friend of a chap called Paul Sutters by any chance?
All information and feedback gratefully received.
Thanks
Gassing Station | CSL | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff