What would you choose....
Discussion
So I was set on getting a nice e92 m3 example, but I keep reading about the hype on the e46 csl...
I will only be using my car on rare occasions when im home, so it will be mainly sitting in the garage, so fuel is no worry. Depreciation is a concern too, hence the CSL
My budget would max be 30k, this does not mean I have to spend the full amount, I have had my eye on a tidy z4m coupe for 20..
When I look at buying a car its about how it looks, and how it makes me feel..thats why an m6 isn't listed as I dont think its as involving as the other cars mentioned
All your opinons would be great
Hope you all have a great weekend!
D
I will only be using my car on rare occasions when im home, so it will be mainly sitting in the garage, so fuel is no worry. Depreciation is a concern too, hence the CSL
My budget would max be 30k, this does not mean I have to spend the full amount, I have had my eye on a tidy z4m coupe for 20..
When I look at buying a car its about how it looks, and how it makes me feel..thats why an m6 isn't listed as I dont think its as involving as the other cars mentioned
All your opinons would be great
Hope you all have a great weekend!
D
Personally I would get the CSL, but my decisions regarding cars are determined by a number of influencing factors:
- I always pay cash and would never use credit so that limits buying power
- Any purchase must be a good investment i.e. minimal if any depreciation as I hate losing money. (plus it affects the above point)
- It must be something a bit special and not seen often on the oads
For me the current M3 is not a wise buy at the moment as its still losing a lot of money a month. It's such a capable car that any on road driving is boring as its fruits are growing on the highest branches. I would buy a 1 series M coupe over the V8 M3.
The CSL feels special as soon as you open the door. Everything about is has purpose. You know you are about to embark on a special journey. Plus good examples are appreciating in value.
Just my contrived thoughts
PS - Yes I have driven both extensively
- I always pay cash and would never use credit so that limits buying power
- Any purchase must be a good investment i.e. minimal if any depreciation as I hate losing money. (plus it affects the above point)
- It must be something a bit special and not seen often on the oads
For me the current M3 is not a wise buy at the moment as its still losing a lot of money a month. It's such a capable car that any on road driving is boring as its fruits are growing on the highest branches. I would buy a 1 series M coupe over the V8 M3.
The CSL feels special as soon as you open the door. Everything about is has purpose. You know you are about to embark on a special journey. Plus good examples are appreciating in value.
Just my contrived thoughts
PS - Yes I have driven both extensively
If its just a 'special occasion' car then i would go for the csl.With the current running costs of cars like this it seems pointless to have something like an E90 or Z4m sat in the garage depreciating while you are hardly using it.
Buy a nice csl for around £27k and chances are it will be worth the same in a couple of years time if you dont rack up the milage.
Also it will feel far more special than the others and every drive will be an event!
Buy a nice csl for around £27k and chances are it will be worth the same in a couple of years time if you dont rack up the milage.
Also it will feel far more special than the others and every drive will be an event!
I have had a csl and now own a Z4MCoupe they are both quite simlier cars, the z4 is almost a manual csl for a lot less money and i think they are going to hold there prices quite well over the next few years and maybe start going back up when peaple find out how bloody good they are, As for the e90 m3 i did consider one but every time i have a look at them they have droped a grand and i can not afford to be loosing that amount of cash on a car (although they do look and sound very nice) Any way thats my thoughts, Cheers
Dung8 said:
So I was set on getting a nice e92 m3 example, but I keep reading about the hype on the e46 csl...
I will only be using my car on rare occasions when im home, so it will be mainly sitting in the garage, so fuel is no worry.
For an occasional use, pure fun toy, then I'd be going for the CSL (or a Z4MC) over a E92 M3.I will only be using my car on rare occasions when im home, so it will be mainly sitting in the garage, so fuel is no worry.
I'd have the E92 over the other two for a daily driver though.
Pig Skill said:
Personally I would get the CSL, but my decisions regarding cars are determined by a number of influencing factors:
- I always pay cash and would never use credit so that limits buying power
- Any purchase must be a good investment i.e. minimal if any depreciation as I hate losing money. (plus it affects the above point)
- It must be something a bit special and not seen often on the oads
For me the current M3 is not a wise buy at the moment as its still losing a lot of money a month. It's such a capable car that any on road driving is boring as its fruits are growing on the highest branches. I would buy a 1 series M coupe over the V8 M3.
The CSL feels special as soon as you open the door. Everything about is has purpose. You know you are about to embark on a special journey. Plus good examples are appreciating in value.
Just my contrived thoughts
PS - Yes I have driven both extensively
Wow thanks for the help! My only concern is the e46 shape is beginning to look a little dated. It is obvious from everyones input that the CSL is something special. How are the running costs with the CSL, they vastly more than say a standard m3? Would it be possible to get a BMW official warranty on the vehicle? as I guess this is a necessity! - I always pay cash and would never use credit so that limits buying power
- Any purchase must be a good investment i.e. minimal if any depreciation as I hate losing money. (plus it affects the above point)
- It must be something a bit special and not seen often on the oads
For me the current M3 is not a wise buy at the moment as its still losing a lot of money a month. It's such a capable car that any on road driving is boring as its fruits are growing on the highest branches. I would buy a 1 series M coupe over the V8 M3.
The CSL feels special as soon as you open the door. Everything about is has purpose. You know you are about to embark on a special journey. Plus good examples are appreciating in value.
Just my contrived thoughts
PS - Yes I have driven both extensively
Are there any other cars that fit this purpose? It does not have to be a BMW. Please no lotus or caterham suggestions :P
Thanks again guys!
D
Based on your suggested use and priorities, a CSL. The advice given already is spot on. You can get a BMW warranty subject to the car having FBMWSH.
Head to www.cslregister.com for some good advice.
I won't bang on about the merits of the CSL as I'll only be accused of "talking up my book" but they are (still) a bit of an undiscovered gem.
Disagree on the shape looking dated - I think it looks better by the day (as does a regular M3) but Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that.
People will still use the age arguement, but Imainfain that unless you are going to drop +60% more ££ into a car on top of what you'd pay for a CSL, very little comes close. Good luck !
Head to www.cslregister.com for some good advice.
I won't bang on about the merits of the CSL as I'll only be accused of "talking up my book" but they are (still) a bit of an undiscovered gem.
Disagree on the shape looking dated - I think it looks better by the day (as does a regular M3) but Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that.
People will still use the age arguement, but Imainfain that unless you are going to drop +60% more ££ into a car on top of what you'd pay for a CSL, very little comes close. Good luck !
Yanto said:
I won't bang on about the merits of the CSL as I'll only be accused of "talking up my book" but they are (still) a bit of an undiscovered gem.
Please do bang on! I have been lurking in the csl forum for a while now I will start a thread there. Whats the one key thing that brings a smile to your face when in the company of a csl?D
S4, sport on, window down, stereo OFF and take for a good red line blast down a good A road. I guarantee the induction noise will seal your decision.
Throw in low numbers, exotic look / feel and attractive pricing currently, you're onto a winner. Car gets an incredible amount of positive reaction / comments.
Throw in low numbers, exotic look / feel and attractive pricing currently, you're onto a winner. Car gets an incredible amount of positive reaction / comments.
Yanto said:
S4, sport on, window down, stereo OFF and take for a good red line blast down a good A road. I guarantee the induction noise will seal your decision.
Throw in low numbers, exotic look / feel and attractive pricing currently, you're onto a winner. Car gets an incredible amount of positive reaction / comments.
Or 6 of them all together!Throw in low numbers, exotic look / feel and attractive pricing currently, you're onto a winner. Car gets an incredible amount of positive reaction / comments.
Yanto said:
S4, sport on, window down, stereo OFF and take for a good red line blast down a good A road. I guarantee the induction noise will seal your decision.
Throw in low numbers, exotic look / feel and attractive pricing currently, you're onto a winner. Car gets an incredible amount of positive reaction / comments.
s4?Throw in low numbers, exotic look / feel and attractive pricing currently, you're onto a winner. Car gets an incredible amount of positive reaction / comments.
I was in a similar situation. Im only home every other month, already owned an E46 M3. I ended up with an E92 M3. The E92 is a massive step ahead from the E46. Much more refined but can really be taken by the scruff and thrashed when you want to. I drive it everyday when I am home so I wanted some comfort too, which is why I didnt go for a CSL. Not too bothered with depreciation as I got a good deal as well as depreciation being part of owning a car.
Much more sense of occation from a Z4M than a 3series.
you sit much lower, over the rear wheels with a big long bonnet.
an M3 in comparison (e46&e92) feel like fast saloons, you sit higher, are more cosseted, feel heavier and roll more in corners...
(never driven a CSL so couldnt comment on the comparison of that and the Z4, buit you cant get away from the laws of physics)
Custard
you sit much lower, over the rear wheels with a big long bonnet.
an M3 in comparison (e46&e92) feel like fast saloons, you sit higher, are more cosseted, feel heavier and roll more in corners...
(never driven a CSL so couldnt comment on the comparison of that and the Z4, buit you cant get away from the laws of physics)
Custard
custardkid said:
Much more sense of occation from a Z4M than a 3series.
you sit much lower, over the rear wheels with a big long bonnet.
an M3 in comparison (e46&e92) feel like fast saloons, you sit higher, are more cosseted, feel heavier and roll more in corners...
(never driven a CSL so couldnt comment on the comparison of that and the Z4, buit you cant get away from the laws of physics)
Custard
You really need to have a shot in a csl, roll is non existent & the car just feels like a dog straining at the lead.you sit much lower, over the rear wheels with a big long bonnet.
an M3 in comparison (e46&e92) feel like fast saloons, you sit higher, are more cosseted, feel heavier and roll more in corners...
(never driven a CSL so couldnt comment on the comparison of that and the Z4, buit you cant get away from the laws of physics)
Custard
darreni said:
You really need to have a shot in a csl, roll is non existent & the car just feels like a dog straining at the lead.
You get exactly the same in the Z4MC as it has a shorter wheel base and a quicker rack than a CSL. The Z4MC is a much more challenging car to drive fast than a CSL. If you can master it though, it is more than a match. If they were priced flat to a CSL, the M3 is a winner for sure, however, given the up to £10k price differential between the two, you have to admit, the Z4MC looks interesting.A Z3MC looks great, but in standard form is a crap drive... Sorry....
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