M3 CSL experiences?
Discussion
I'm thinking of pulling some cash out of the 911 turbo and getting something cheaper. M3 CSLs look cheapish at the moment and should stand up well enough given their scarcity.
But what's it like living with one? I know I'm going to lose massive torque and hence 90mph top gear roll on, but that's not what they're all about.
Are they quiet enough to cruise a couple of hours in one at 100 on the motorway? What about reliability? I presume they're great fun to hoon about in? How are the brakes? I had an E36 M3 which was unmitigated rubbish in the braking department.
Oh, if anyone has one they want to chop for a peachy 2002 911 turbo, let me know, I might just be interested.
SM
But what's it like living with one? I know I'm going to lose massive torque and hence 90mph top gear roll on, but that's not what they're all about.
Are they quiet enough to cruise a couple of hours in one at 100 on the motorway? What about reliability? I presume they're great fun to hoon about in? How are the brakes? I had an E36 M3 which was unmitigated rubbish in the braking department.
Oh, if anyone has one they want to chop for a peachy 2002 911 turbo, let me know, I might just be interested.
SM
Yes the are fine for cruising at 100 for several hours, I've done this on the way to the 'ring and you step out feeling fine.
Mine has been reliable bar a couple of common things - software on clutch and rear trailing arm bushes, they are great fun to chuck around. Standard brakes are rubbish for repeated stopping as you suspect, there are loads of cars with AP brakes on floating about.
There is a buying guide on www.bm3w.co.uk at the top of the csl section which outlines what to look for.
Cheers
Mine has been reliable bar a couple of common things - software on clutch and rear trailing arm bushes, they are great fun to chuck around. Standard brakes are rubbish for repeated stopping as you suspect, there are loads of cars with AP brakes on floating about.
There is a buying guide on www.bm3w.co.uk at the top of the csl section which outlines what to look for.
Cheers
supermono said:
Oh god I've a feeling you've opened the floodgates with that jibe. A bit like my declaration to the Porsche boys that the GT3 I test drove was underwhelming compared with my turbo 
SM
SM
The "road holding" jibe?
Could be a combination of things. As Nathan said, rear trailing arm bushes are prone to failing and also most cars seem to have seen a cracked spring or two. Also depends if the geo had been set up properly on the car and what tyres (most people swear by the original Cups, especially for track, but I swapped for Pilot Sport 2 which seemed to reduce the car's tendency for tramlining).
And, of course, it could've been driven by an idiot. Once the car is set up right, its brilliantly chuckable and very direct and nimble.
Great car. I'm never selling mine. Ever.
Edited by The Dude on Thursday 20th July 16:32
The Dude said:
supermono said:
A member of the CSL mafia said:
a sound rebuttal of the handling jibe
See?
SM
But I didn't throw my toys out or deny it could be true, I just offered some explanations.
And great explanations they were too. Maybe I will venture out one day in another one! Never say never, but at the time it was a little scary!
I agree with all the praise. It is a fantastic car, but I would qualify nathan's statement about 100 mph motorway cruising: I was perfectly happy with it, bu tit is not quiet and you can only hear treble from the radio. I thought one track that kept coming up on a CD in the car was a cymbal solo until I swapped the CSL for hte M5 and found that there was actually a full song underneath.
I love it. Would never part with the CSL now. Have had her for 2 years - and have loaded it up and used it to go on holiday, have slept the night in it (although that wasnt very comfortable with the non-adjusting seats).
The noise when the flap opens is awesome and puts a smile on my face every time especially through tunnels. I find its practical and very fast at the same time so suits what I am looking for in a car. Its not too flash but still draws attention. Also hardly ever see any others on the road and if feels good to have a rare car.
On the downside, I find driving it slow is very frustrating. She doesnt really like 30 mph....or traffic!
The noise when the flap opens is awesome and puts a smile on my face every time especially through tunnels. I find its practical and very fast at the same time so suits what I am looking for in a car. Its not too flash but still draws attention. Also hardly ever see any others on the road and if feels good to have a rare car.
On the downside, I find driving it slow is very frustrating. She doesnt really like 30 mph....or traffic!
Love mine, had it a year and half now. No probs to mention, as people above say have a look on www.bm3w.co.uk for more info.
Have to agree with m3cslgirl you don't tend to see many on the road, infact come to think of it, I've never seen one on the road (apart from the BMW CSL day, which of course was packed with them
)
Make sure you go for Black, as they are slightly faster
Cheers
Michael
Have to agree with m3cslgirl you don't tend to see many on the road, infact come to think of it, I've never seen one on the road (apart from the BMW CSL day, which of course was packed with them
) Make sure you go for Black, as they are slightly faster
Cheers
Michael
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