New Purchase Soon - Cannot wait

[jrinns]

Just joined but been lurking for a while.


I've been looking for a weekend car for track days etc and decided on the CSL after looking at GTR's and 911 I felt this was a good financial option along with being an awesome car.

I'm 34 and only ever dreamt of one car. An M3 E36 or E46 in Estoril. It was my goal in life.

As I have had compnay car for the last 7 years then it hasn't been an option but now I am self employed I have a Black 325 M sport E90 (I love this car and cannot part with it - reason for budget dropping) for work use and the CSL is going to be the weekend weapon.

Any items that are a must? I will be looking for a spotless example with low milage as I plan on keeping this for 3+ years.

There seem to be a few about at the moment, some tired some spotless . The guys CSL in Aberdeen with 12k on the clock looks a good example but I reaally want Xenon 's which I know can be retrofitted but $$$

Any buying tips. Going to purchase End of Jan/Start of Feb.

I ave read conflicting reports Nick Johnson Motor Compnay. How come he's had some of the cars for so long ?

Well I suppose thats a alot in my first post but hi to all and thanks for any replies.

[glendog74]

Hi,

Low mileage cars are becoming harder to find and command a (sometimes) unrealistic premium over others. Personally i would steer clear of a car that has done less than 10k in 6 years as it will probably be no better than one used regularly that has considerably higher mileage.

If it will be a 'toy' and you aren't planning on driving yours much then you could consider an optionless car. If you need a few comforts; i would suggest Xenons and A/C are the 'must haves'. The PDC is nice to have but you can live without it and i usually end up using my iPod with headphones whilst driving as induction/exhaust and tyre noise can drown out the stereo!

NJ often has a mixed bag of cars and tends to price them at the top end of the market. He is a nice bloke who knows his CSLs pretty well (compared to clueless BMW dealers!) and does offer 'proper' test drives. Personally, i would advocate you find a good private sale car from an enthusiast (on here) and a one that preferrably still has BMW Warranty remaining.

Finally, take your time viewing, know your facts, and view as many cars as possible - as there are some big differences in condition! I viewed 10 cars up and down England over several months before finally settling on the car i have now!

Hope this helps - welcome btw :thumbs:

[md23]

Welcome :thumbs:

Good choice... Start by reading the buying guide on here, then try to see as many examples as you can. I wouldn't get too hung up on mileage - condition, servicing, history and warranty are more important. I looked on and off for almost 3 years before finding one I was happy with.

Most people want Xenons, radio and A/C but if for weekend only use don't see the problem with a zero option car. I'm sure these will be sought after as time goes on...

If a standard low mileage car is what you're after then the one in Aberdeen does look good. Where are you based?

Not going to comment on NJ as can only go on what I have read and not personal experience but it would appear to be a good way to see a few CSL's in the one place?

HTH...

Mark

[jrinns]

Thanks for that, realistically I would take a car on condition rather than milage so a car with 40k but has been keep to an absolute standard by a fanatic would be great.

I just need to find someone now who has CSL OCD who is willing to sell.

[glendog74]

I just need to find someone now who has CSL OCD who is willing to sell.

mattCSLnut and DuncanR both have CSL OCD - but i'm not sure that they'd sell... :whistle: :hahaha:

[glendog74]

Thanks for that, realistically I would take a car on condition rather than milage so a car with 40k but has been keep to an absolute standard by a fanatic would be great.

Quite right - i turned down a few sub-20k miles examples before my 36k car because they were in poor condition. Both were London kept cars that were parked overnight on a busy street.

Standard is ok, but i wouldn't rule out others - particularly ones with upgraded brakes. If i were you i would certainly consider a car that has had at least upgraded pads, fluid and brake lines as a minimum.

If you plan to track at all - then get a car that has at least the fronts with APs fitted or similar... :whistle:

[md23]

Hi,

Low mileage cars are becoming harder to find and command a (sometimes) unrealistic premium over others. Personally i would steer clear of a car that has done less than 10k in 6 years as it will probably be no better than one used regularly that has considerably higher mileage.

If it will be a 'toy' and you aren't planning on driving yours much then you could consider an optionless car. If you need a few comforts; i would suggest Xenons and A/C are the 'must haves'. The PDC is nice to have but you can live without it and i usually end up using my iPod with headphones whilst driving as induction/exhaust and tyre noise can drown out the stereo!

NJ often has a mixed bag of cars and tends to price them at the top end of the market. He is a nice bloke who knows his CSLs pretty well (compared to clueless BMW dealers!) and does offer 'proper' test drives. Personally, i would advocate you find a good private sale car from an enthusiast (on here) and a one that preferrably still has BMW Warranty remaining.

Finally, take your time viewing, know your facts, and view as many cars as possible - as there are some big differences in condition! I viewed 10 cars up and down England over several months before finally settling on the car i have now!

Hope this helps - welcome btw :thumbs:

LOL... I must have been typing at the same time :hahaha:

m

[jrinns]

Welcome :thumbs:


Most people want Xenons, radio and A/C but if for weekend only use don't see the problem with a zero option car. I'm sure these will be sought after as time goes on...



Mark

Mark,

Hmmm i wonder why you said this ??

I think I would at least want aircon, dont fancy driving in summer without it.

J

[md23]

Mark,

Hmmm i wonder why you said this ??

I think I would at least want aircon, dont fancy driving in summer without it.

J

Damn, rumbled... :hahaha:

Seriously though, these are the options I think most people want but the point I was actually making was as a weekend toy they are less important IMO.

m

[shimmy]

Damn, rumbled... :hahaha:

Seriously though, these are the options I think most people want but the point I was actually making was as a weekend toy they are less important IMO.

m

yep i have noticed since driving the car as a toy over the last 12 months rather than as a daily drive for the two yars before, i am much less worried about the extras, could live without them all tbh

BUT resale maybe betters still to have them

[E46ACS]

Thanks for that, realistically I would take a car on condition rather than milage so a car with 40k but has been keep to an absolute standard by a fanatic would be great.

I just need to find someone now who has CSL OCD who is willing to sell.

That would be mine, but you've missed it! :whistle:

Good luck on your search though, and if you have any questions, you WILL find the answer on here!

[amar7274]

Thanks for that, realistically I would take a car on condition rather than milage so a car with 40k but has been keep to an absolute standard by a fanatic would be great.

I just need to find someone now who has CSL OCD who is willing to sell.

Forgive my ignorance but what does OCD stand for?

[danp]

Forgive my ignorance but what does OCD stand for?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

[weedavey]

yep i have noticed since driving the car as a toy over the last 12 months rather than as a daily drive for the two yars before, i am much less worried about the extras, could live without them all tbh

BUT resale maybe betters still to have them

I agree with this totally.

[DuncanR]

I would take a car on condition rather than milage so a car with 40k but has been keep to an absolute standard by a fanatic would be great.

I just need to find someone now who has CSL OCD who is willing to sell.

Rob... i dont have OCD any more ... I washed my hands of it !:hahaha:.
the above statement does NOT exactly describe my car !
Instead of waiting,looking and wishing for 3 years, the other way to buy a CSL is as I did.
19th Sept 09 first ever trip to Ring with T$, NathanCSL & Buzzer212, passenger laps and 1 lap driving the CSLime !, caught the bug !:bigcry:
29th Sept 09 Bought race prepped :thumbs:CSL from Andy.
18th Oct 09 First trip to Ring in own car. Left it out there.
14th Nov 09 Track day at Spa, picked cars up from Ring on Friday.
15th Nov 09 Back down to Ring, couple of wet laps, then home to UK.
21st Nov 09 Track day at Bedford, end of year run in.

Thats how to buy a CSL !:thumbs:... on Impulse!