E90 M3, CSL or M6
Discussion
Firstly ignore the price differences for a minute. I'm looking to change from my M Coupe this year and have these 3 cars within my budget. I'm sure I would be happy with all of them, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a clear winner to suit all my needs.
Now I don't use a car for commuting and only do about 5000 miles a year and I'm not really going to be doing too many trackdays, maybe 1 or 2 a year tops. Most of my driving is for pleasure or the odd trip here and there. I live far enough out of London to have access to some great country roads, so this makes the CSL a bit of a favourite. However I just can't ignore the straight line pace of the M6. Having been in a few M5's, the acceleration is dangerously addictive. I've thrown the E90 M3 into the mix as it's sort of a middle ground, safe option to me.
Back to money. I would like to buy something which isn't going to depreciate too much in the next year or two (wouldn't we all). Have the E90 prices started to level out, or are they still dropping? Will the M6 keep dropping below £30K? Will the CSL stay at £25K+ for the foreseeable future? The running costs of an M6 are also pretty frightening, but you don't buy an M car for economy!
Some opinions would be welcome as currently I'm torn between the CSL and the M6 really.
Now I don't use a car for commuting and only do about 5000 miles a year and I'm not really going to be doing too many trackdays, maybe 1 or 2 a year tops. Most of my driving is for pleasure or the odd trip here and there. I live far enough out of London to have access to some great country roads, so this makes the CSL a bit of a favourite. However I just can't ignore the straight line pace of the M6. Having been in a few M5's, the acceleration is dangerously addictive. I've thrown the E90 M3 into the mix as it's sort of a middle ground, safe option to me.
Back to money. I would like to buy something which isn't going to depreciate too much in the next year or two (wouldn't we all). Have the E90 prices started to level out, or are they still dropping? Will the M6 keep dropping below £30K? Will the CSL stay at £25K+ for the foreseeable future? The running costs of an M6 are also pretty frightening, but you don't buy an M car for economy!
Some opinions would be welcome as currently I'm torn between the CSL and the M6 really.
I think I'd take the CSL, I've got an e92 M3 and while I love it, it doesn't sound like the car you're looking for.
While M5/6s do have fantastic straightline pace especially 60+ I dont think they're that involving to drive.
Money wise the CSL is definitely the best bet, prices seem relatively stable, running costs will be much lower too (especially over the 6 which will eat tyres and rbakepads at track days)
I think E9X prices will obviously continue down, The M6 probably will too, not many people want them, all the costs of a supercar but none of the looks or drama.
While M5/6s do have fantastic straightline pace especially 60+ I dont think they're that involving to drive.
Money wise the CSL is definitely the best bet, prices seem relatively stable, running costs will be much lower too (especially over the 6 which will eat tyres and rbakepads at track days)
I think E9X prices will obviously continue down, The M6 probably will too, not many people want them, all the costs of a supercar but none of the looks or drama.
Edited by threesixty on Friday 15th January 10:00
Edited by threesixty on Friday 15th January 10:01
My reply is going to be a bit of a contradiction I'm afraid!
I have a Z4MC and I'm going M6 next. However, if you are only doing that amount of miles you may find it more
Of an occasion in the CSL. Even though the running costs of the 6 are horrendous it is wholly more suited to longer journeys.
The only problem I see with the CSL is the cabin architecture, it really is a bit long in the tooth now.
The E90 I've not driven but would it feel special enough for those few thousand miles you do? I think its more of an amazing everyday car and doesn't have the presence of the
M6 or even the CSL.
I have a Z4MC and I'm going M6 next. However, if you are only doing that amount of miles you may find it more
Of an occasion in the CSL. Even though the running costs of the 6 are horrendous it is wholly more suited to longer journeys.
The only problem I see with the CSL is the cabin architecture, it really is a bit long in the tooth now.
The E90 I've not driven but would it feel special enough for those few thousand miles you do? I think its more of an amazing everyday car and doesn't have the presence of the
M6 or even the CSL.
Thanks for your thoughts so far.
threesixty - I think you are right about the E9X, it just doesn't do much for me, I definitely want the car to be an occasion to drive and put a smile on my face, I worry that the M3 wouldn't do this, but I haven't yet driven one. The boy in me still wants a car that will turn a few heads without giving off the impression of being a cockend of course! My Z3 M Coupe still does this, i'm not sure the M3 would.
jontysafe - I completely understand your reasoning for chosing an M6 and if I was doing a lot of long journeys it would be my choice hands down. I worry the CSL will be a bit too hard and raw to use as my only car, but i'm not exactly used to a luxury ride. The cabin will also seem a whole lot more modern than the one in my Coupe, so this shouldn't be an issue
I guess my main thought is that you get a lot more car for your money with the M6, however given a nice country road there is a lot more fun to be had in the CSL.
threesixty - I think you are right about the E9X, it just doesn't do much for me, I definitely want the car to be an occasion to drive and put a smile on my face, I worry that the M3 wouldn't do this, but I haven't yet driven one. The boy in me still wants a car that will turn a few heads without giving off the impression of being a cockend of course! My Z3 M Coupe still does this, i'm not sure the M3 would.
jontysafe - I completely understand your reasoning for chosing an M6 and if I was doing a lot of long journeys it would be my choice hands down. I worry the CSL will be a bit too hard and raw to use as my only car, but i'm not exactly used to a luxury ride. The cabin will also seem a whole lot more modern than the one in my Coupe, so this shouldn't be an issue
I guess my main thought is that you get a lot more car for your money with the M6, however given a nice country road there is a lot more fun to be had in the CSL.
-Z- said:
E90/2 M3 is a fantastic car, jack of all trades, master of most.
But, I still yearn for a CSL.
I think you sum it up perfectly. I will be more than happy with any of these cars, but I think if I don't get the CSL there will always be a part of me that wished I had.But, I still yearn for a CSL.
Now I just need to find a mint one in Sapphire Black, preferably with a brake upgrade
I understand that you're not commuting, but what about other mundane tasks like shopping. Is this a second car?
The E90 is in my opinion underrated. The engine is a gem and the chassis has moved the game on. The M6 is a bus.
The CSL really takes my fancy, but it's getting on, overpriced and is going to be a right pain unless it's left as a garage queen. If you do start knocking up 8 - 10K a year it's going to drop like a stone.
You can get some really good E90's around the 30K mark and I think, because of their limited numbers (the E46 in it's first 2 years massivly outsold the E90 cos it wasn't launched in a recession) will end up with better than average residuals.
The E90 is in my opinion underrated. The engine is a gem and the chassis has moved the game on. The M6 is a bus.
The CSL really takes my fancy, but it's getting on, overpriced and is going to be a right pain unless it's left as a garage queen. If you do start knocking up 8 - 10K a year it's going to drop like a stone.
You can get some really good E90's around the 30K mark and I think, because of their limited numbers (the E46 in it's first 2 years massivly outsold the E90 cos it wasn't launched in a recession) will end up with better than average residuals.
CSL is a great car but I believe it is more suited for someone wanting to do more trackdays.
The M6 is so rare and is utterly special inside, honestly the cockpit is amazing especially of a night hooning off somewhere for a couple of hours.
The Logic 7 stereo is bloody superb, get Bond anthems on and crank up "Nobody does it better" once at warp one and just giggle to yourself for the next 4-5minutes as you get that shiver down your spine and realise just how great your life is... even if for those few minutes
When not listening to the radio and feeling cossetted then a few tweaks (or the ready-customised M Button) changes thecar is such a way you're sure the people on the outside of the car must have noticed... it suddenly feels taut, racier, lower, harder, meaner... the car is hankering and ready to go... it's a true beast... get on some A or B roads, allow the frankly superb suspension to absorb our crappy lumpy roads and drive the M6 in a way that no car labelled with a GT stereotype should.
MPG you'll get 14-low 20's
Own a V10 now before they go away FOREVER!!!
The prices have NOT changed one bit for nearly 12 months. I bought mine (55 plate) in Nov 2008 for £35k as a 31,000mile AUC car.... find a good nick one now and you'll pay about the same.
Make sure you get a tracker on it though.... I didn't and really wish I had.
The M6 is so rare and is utterly special inside, honestly the cockpit is amazing especially of a night hooning off somewhere for a couple of hours.
The Logic 7 stereo is bloody superb, get Bond anthems on and crank up "Nobody does it better" once at warp one and just giggle to yourself for the next 4-5minutes as you get that shiver down your spine and realise just how great your life is... even if for those few minutes
When not listening to the radio and feeling cossetted then a few tweaks (or the ready-customised M Button) changes thecar is such a way you're sure the people on the outside of the car must have noticed... it suddenly feels taut, racier, lower, harder, meaner... the car is hankering and ready to go... it's a true beast... get on some A or B roads, allow the frankly superb suspension to absorb our crappy lumpy roads and drive the M6 in a way that no car labelled with a GT stereotype should.
MPG you'll get 14-low 20's
Own a V10 now before they go away FOREVER!!!
The prices have NOT changed one bit for nearly 12 months. I bought mine (55 plate) in Nov 2008 for £35k as a 31,000mile AUC car.... find a good nick one now and you'll pay about the same.
Make sure you get a tracker on it though.... I didn't and really wish I had.
Sounds to me as though its the CSL your looking for. I know it's getting on but ticks all the boxes - won't depreciate more that £3-5k in the next 18-24months and probably the most rewarding on a country road. The other two will loose more and probably can't match the CSL on the latter.
Edited by healntoe on Friday 15th January 22:09
ChrisMCoupe said:
I guess my main thought is that you get a lot more car for your money with the M6, however given a nice country road there is a lot more fun to be had in the CSL.
I honestly believe that's not really true.... the fun will be different but the M6 was hugely entertaining ANYWHERE that let you play with acceleration and hauling it round some bends in S500 sport using the full 8500rpmGo test drive one, set the setting to mr softy soft-soft on all counts then get the settings on the M button to hard EVERYTHING (no need to turn any traction off, keep it safe just hard changes and full 507bhp).... test drive on softly then press that button.
You'll then realise it's the ONLY way to take TWO cars with you wherever you go
Chris.
As you are well aware I went from Z3M Coupe ---> CSL ---> e90 m3 Saloon.
As much as the Z3M and the CSL were real hoots to drive when it was for pleasure, the commuting and daily usage was not that enjoyable as you are worried about parking it anyway, adding on the miles and the bumpy ride.
With the E90 M3 I dont mind leaving it parked in places as it doesn't attract much attention, it't quick, it is practical and it looks pretty good!
I would say that maybe its not special enough but my situation means that I can't really leave something like an R8 or a 996 turbo sat parked up throughout the week. Cars like that scream 'vandalise me!'.
As you are well aware I went from Z3M Coupe ---> CSL ---> e90 m3 Saloon.
As much as the Z3M and the CSL were real hoots to drive when it was for pleasure, the commuting and daily usage was not that enjoyable as you are worried about parking it anyway, adding on the miles and the bumpy ride.
With the E90 M3 I dont mind leaving it parked in places as it doesn't attract much attention, it't quick, it is practical and it looks pretty good!
I would say that maybe its not special enough but my situation means that I can't really leave something like an R8 or a 996 turbo sat parked up throughout the week. Cars like that scream 'vandalise me!'.
ChrisMCoupe said:
Thanks for your thoughts so far.
threesixty - I think you are right about the E9X, it just doesn't do much for me, I definitely want the car to be an occasion to drive and put a smile on my face, I worry that the M3 wouldn't do this, but I haven't yet driven one. The boy in me still wants a car that will turn a few heads without giving off the impression of being a cockend of course! My Z3 M Coupe still does this, i'm not sure the M3 would.
threesixty - I think you are right about the E9X, it just doesn't do much for me, I definitely want the car to be an occasion to drive and put a smile on my face, I worry that the M3 wouldn't do this, but I haven't yet driven one. The boy in me still wants a car that will turn a few heads without giving off the impression of being a cockend of course! My Z3 M Coupe still does this, i'm not sure the M3 would.
griffgrog said:
You can get some really good E90's around the 30K mark and I think, because of their limited numbers (the E46 in it's first 2 years massivly outsold the E90 cos it wasn't launched in a recession) will end up with better than average residuals.
No you can't.Edited by Rags on Wednesday 20th January 09:24
Edited by Rags on Wednesday 20th January 09:28
Chemical Ali said:
997 2s will do the job.
Before you ask, I don't have one. Picking up a dct edc M3 this morning as a replacement for my RS4. And its snowing!
What happened to your RS4? Why you swapping it for a M3?Before you ask, I don't have one. Picking up a dct edc M3 this morning as a replacement for my RS4. And its snowing!
Also all BMW depreciate apart from the Z8. Expect the M3 to drop £5k pa. goes inline with the E46.
Get a 911 (997).
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