CSL Buying Advice

[Craig J]

Hello
I have been lurking for some time while dreaming of owning one of these great cars. I'm close to getting there and whilst searching for a mint M3 CS I thought I might just stretch the whole hog to a CSL if I can get the right car.
I have been looking at a few but keep stumbling over the cat c and ds that seem to be around my budget of low 20s. Please don't think I'm looking for the unrealistic bargain but I want a car to be used and enjoyed rather than the concours cars at the higher end.
Anyway, I've seen a few that I'd like to look at this weekend and wonderedif anyone knew the cars:

1st is in Lincoln at carsolutions reg number 69 AE
2nd is without a/c in Lancashire at SJ specialist cars reg number RN53 KYU

All cars were found on PH so thought you guys might know them?
Any help appreciated.
Craig

[Bounce]

Welcome to the register matey,someone off here will probably know a thing or 2 about these cars.:thumbs:

[Yanto_csl]

Hello
I have been lurking for some time while dreaming of owning one of these great cars. I'm close to getting there and whilst searching for a mint M3 CS I thought I might just stretch the whole hog to a CSL if I can get the right car.

GOOD CALL, RIGHT DECISION DYNAMICALLY AND FINANCIALLY

I have been looking at a few but keep stumbling over the cat c and ds that seem to be around my budget of low 20s. Please don't think I'm looking for the unrealistic bargain but I want a car to be used and enjoyed rather than the concours cars at the higher end.

DONT BOTHER WITH CAT C. DONT BOTHER WITH CAT D UNLESS >£19K

Anyway, I've seen a few that I'd like to look at this weekend and wonderedif anyone knew the cars:

1st is in Lincoln at carsolutions reg number 69 AE
2nd is without a/c in Lancashire at SJ specialist cars reg number RN53 KYU

LINKS ?

All cars were found on PH so thought you guys might know them?
Any help appreciated.
Craig

Hope this helps :thumbs:

[Craig J]

I hope this works...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3282655.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3275359.htm

[Yanto_csl]

First one looks OK, but would check and see if BMW warranty can be put on it (suggested at 67K) - possible if OEM bits used at recent service with specialist. Plate worth a few quid if it comes with it...

Second one looks better (mileage / BMW warranty) if you can make do w/out A/C....I couldn't but you're call (though I use it very rarely, its nice to have).

Dont jump too soon....

[Craig J]

Thanks for the feedback.
Do you feel mileage is critical with the CSL?

[Yanto_csl]

Thanks for the feedback.
Do you feel mileage is critical with the CSL?

Only from a warranty perspective - price hike in premiums after 60K miles...search on the threads for info. For resale, there is a price divide between sub 30K mile cars and the rest. At the range you are looking at, not critical on resale but be mindful on warranty.

In terms of reliability, engines are strong but like all cars, there are exceptions. Pay your money & take your chances. From experience, the warranty aint cheap, but its good value for money....some have had massive benefit, others not. I wouldn't run one without when you consider an engine replacement fitted might me £15K+ its peace of mind.

[Yanto_csl]

To add....

A CSL with a pooped engine is prob worth early-mid teens. They are getting to the point where the parts are becoming valuable.

Limited numbers and "exotic" carbon parts etc. = limited spares = premium value...

Therefore, it'll serve you better than a CS on depreciation.

[shimmy]

A second hand engine replacement could be done for as little as £3k but I'd say if you have £23k to spend you'll end up getting a good little £60k miler or if you have £28k to spend maybe a really tidy £30k car.

If you have £15k you can choose any SB CSL there is and get £2k change:thumbs:

[Yanto_csl]

A second hand engine replacement could be done for as little as £3k but I'd say if you have £23k to spend you'll end up getting a good little £60k miler or if you have £28k to spend maybe a really tidy £30k car.

If you have £15k you can choose any SB CSL there is and get £2k change:thumbs:

Is this a speed thing ?? :hahaha:

There must only be ~60-70 decent RHD SB's about now :bigcry:

[Craig J]

Thanks to you all for the input.
I do love the SB vs SG debate. Reminds me of the FIA when red cars were always the fastest!

[E30M3SE]

Craig, are you only looking at cars at dealers, as there are a few cars currently for sale privately at around the the £23k mark.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

How many of the slower SG ones are left :hahaha::hahaha:

[Craig J]

Not particularly focused on dealers and have spoken to a few of the owners of the private cars for sale at the moment. Didn't help that I put my back out at the weekend (again!) and after looking at 2 on Saturday I had to call off on the Sunday. What I am learning is that these are true high performance and highly tuned cars and therefore lots of research and patience might well be required to find the right car.

[Craig J]

I should also add that the more I learn about them the more I wonder about their suitability for my intended usage. I want to use one as an everyday car for a cross country (great roads) 30mile round trip commute. I am concerned about the potential running costs and the reliability risk. What are other people's experiences? I'd rather know now rather than stretch to buy one and then find it's just too much (I already have a motorsport addiction for that!). I guess that's where a CS or standard m3 is less risk. I'm worried i must be getting old and sensible!

Not particularly focused on dealers and have spoken to a few of the owners of the private cars for sale at the moment. Didn't help that I put my back out at the weekend (again!) and after looking at 2 on Saturday I had to call off on the Sunday. What I am learning is that these are true high performance and highly tuned cars and therefore lots of research and patience might well be required to find the right car.