Real world difference between an M3 and a CSL...

[funtime]

If you are creating a track only car that can drive too and from tracks. Buy an M3

If you want a better road/track car without sacrificial mods, but still be fast, buy a CSL.


Just remember anything you can fit to an M3 can be fitted to an already better base car, a CSL.

You already know the answer to your questions.

I think you might have just summed it up perfectly... I don't want to create a track only car, however I do want a car that will be quicker both fast road and on track.

However I wasn't talking about making what I would call any 'sacrificial' mods, suspension, brakes etc - i'd still leave the heated leather in

[s.mac]

You raise a very good point and of course it's not a dig at M3 owners, however to be honest as soon as I'm on a track the value of my car escapes my mind and always has done. Bottom line is, everyones car is their pride and joy, no matter how much it's worth.

I've never held back on track no matter how much the car has been worth but I totally see your point as a lot of people worry about binning it, I just try and get round as quick as I can.

It sounds by the general comments that more of the focus about the CSL is the feel of the whole car and the capability out of the box as opposed to a standard M3. However, you pay a premium for this, and all I am trying to figure out is if I will get any real benefit round a track from a CSL over my M3 once I've spent some money improving it, besides it feeling more 'special'.

Decisions decisions...

Track days are a bit of fun in your own car (or someone elses) would I drive my car to the max on a track day, nope.
Would I buy a track only car and race to the max, yes no problem, that's where my 6k would be going

[Mark CSL]

I had 2 M3 CSLs then bought the M3 :whistle: M3 was sold after 5 days then Back in a CSL :smt055:thumbs:

The M3 is a great car but feels heavy, If you drive a CSL after the M3 you will love it they are miles apart unless you like heated seats :hahaha:

[Bounce]

I've had both the M3 smg and the csl. I dont think you can compare them. Yes you can mod the M3, as I did, but the driving experience is totally different. They handle differently, sound differently they are so different. Until you actually drive one you wont understand or believe the difference. I DIDN'T

+1

[funtime]

Track days are a bit of fun in your own car (or someone elses) would I drive my car to the max on a track day, nope.
Would I buy a track only car and race to the max, yes no problem, that's where my 6k would be going

Yeah see that's the thing, I don't want a track only car as me and my girlfriend use my car when we go anywhere really so a track only car would be as popular as a $hit sandwich with her...

I think I just need to drive a CSL, although I just want to think about my options before I drive one - I dont want the carbon airbox howl blinkers to take hold of me and buy the CSL there and then on impulse! :supz:

[funtime]

It might sound silly, but the thing I would like most is M Track :thumbs:

However I wouldn't buy a CS before you say, as they are not far behind CSL prices and not much better than an M3.

And I dont have big enough balls to drive everywhere with traction off :gayfight:

[glendog74]

I've driven my CSL on track for 3 seasons now and feel that i can hustle it around at a reasonable pace at least.

I still get normal M3's that occasionally pass me at the Ring but such normal M3's have either had extensive modifications (Cup tyres, BBK, re-map, airbox, weight-loss and are often caged) or they're being driven by a very good (or very crazy) driver!

The bottom line is apart from some choice brake modifications (pads, braided lines) the CSL is very, very good in standard form, sounds special, and certainly feels very special, and will stand up better to depreciation over time than a standard M3. If you plan on keeping her for many years - buy a CSL.

I like my CSL :smt055

[shane@mbtech]

Yeah see that's the thing, I don't want a track only car as me and my girlfriend use my car when we go anywhere really so a track only car would be as popular as a $hit sandwich with her...

I think I just need to drive a CSL, although I just want to think about my options before I drive one - I dont want the carbon airbox howl blinkers to take hold of me and buy the CSL there and then on impulse! :supz:

If you are thinking of buying, and test drive one, you will buy one:thumbs:

[need4speed]

I had an M3 CS for a few years before I foolishly moved to the darkside (Datsun GTR); but recovered and bought the CSL. All I can say it (CSL) just feels sharper and more agile than the M3 to me it was night and day! :thumbs:

[glendog74]

If you are thinking of buying, and test drive one, you will buy one:thumbs:

+1 ^^^ :whistle:

[shane@mbtech]

+1 ^^^ :whistle:

I get the itch all over again, every time my mate calls round in my old one:whistle:

[shane@mbtech]

It might sound silly, but the thing I would like most is M Track :thumbs:

However I wouldn't buy a CS before you say, as they are not far behind CSL prices and not much better than an M3.

And I dont have big enough balls to drive everywhere with traction off :gayfight:

If you like M track, then you drive like a pussy, simple.

[Bounce]

I think I just need to drive a CSL, although I just want to think about my options before I drive one - I dont want the carbon airbox howl blinkers to take hold of me and buy the CSL there and then on impulse! :supz:[/quote]I did,:hahaha::hahaha:.

[shimmy]

i met a guy today for the first time, hes not on the forums and loves his BMWs. He has had 2 CSLs and can see himself getting another one as everything else just aint the same.

Sooo many CSL owners talk of the CSL like it was the best car theyve ever owned even when thye have obviously owned far better ones for sure but some how it seems to just to appeal to a certain type.

Id say drive one and find out. Feck the mrs, buy here a Polo with the saving on depreciation if she dont like it.


However i also have troiuble driving my CSL above 90% of its capabilities as i have to drive it home as well.:smokin:

[Steviebee]

Great Thread!

We've sold around 8-10 M3s over the past few years inc my old CS. Nothing prepares your for the sensory bombardment ! They are just awesome things to drive.

They sounds like they are gonna eat you! The turn it is more crisp than any car I've owned this side of my old Evo 8RS on Intermediate too, yet can put the kids in it (with ISOFIX!) and take the family out for a run with not many moans from the Wife.

What a package!