In the market for a CSL

[KPNUTZ]

Simple solution to that Neil, take the CSL (long) route to work and back, possibly setting off that bit earlier when the roads are clear

[don52b]

These CSL's seem to be less prone to mistreatment and modification other than driving them hard - I found it really hard to find a decent m3 whereas I suppose in a way a CSL if it has the basics right and isn't accident damaged then it will probably require less searching...but rarer. How many did all of you look at before you decided on the one you have and what was it that put your off buying the ones you turned down ?

The e12 is something I found locally it really is in a state in terms of paint work and non structural rust but its cool, it passed its MOT and is good mechanically. I just love that deep chin spoiler and the shark nose.

Also what is the deal with the boot floor - do these also crack and are BMW a little bit more sympathetic in putting it right as it is a bit of m power history ?

[Neil M]

Hi Don in answer to you question, I viewed 3, I was beginning to suffer from Questoritice with them all merging into one, before mine came along, this was 12 months ago when there were cars to be viewed, back in the day when NJ had 4 or 5 examples down on farm, for sale.

I was determined not to rush into buying, so I set a fixed criteria; low in terms of owners, moderate mileage preferably under 50K, but paramount was an impeccable service history.

Then after almost 12 months of looking my patience was rewarded and I had the privilege of repatriating an originally Northern example back to where it belonged.

The Boot Floor issue is symptomatic of all e46's, not just the CSL however as we rarely discuss the more mundane M's, it does tend to come up quite often as an issue.
The CSL being more of a Hard Core drivers car, it does tend to get it's legs stretched from time to time especially if going sideways, lateral 'G' is a great inducement for stress fractures.
BMW's extended warranty takes care of most of these unforeseen happenings.

[0836whimper]

How many did all of you look at before you decided on the one you have and what was it that put your off buying the ones you turned down ?

The main reason you might look at fewer CSL's than most cars is the numbers are so low. Especially now. I did a bit of searching, but one came up from an owner on here - so enthusiast owner - with a great (searchable on here) history and stack of recent warranty work, all wheels refurbed, spotless interior and right price (mileage based mainly). I also had to factor the opportunity cost of not buying it and then not being able to take it on an upcoming two week French road trip (worth a lot !!!). Don't let some track days put you off, it is what they are for and most are under warranty.
A test drive tends to seal the deal and I..ahem...bought the first one I looked at...

Also what is the deal with the boot floor - do these also crack and are BMW a little bit more sympathetic in putting it right as it is a bit of m power history ?

I would either want to see evidence that it's been fixed, or recently been inspected by a tech who knows their stuff (most take them to Gareth of Elms BMW, Cambridge) and given the all clear. The dealer down the road not used to looking might not find any issues. Nearly all are fixed FOC under warranty/goodwill by BMW, like mine.

[sjb]

If you have some mechanical knowledge (which it's obvious you do) anyway then that takes a major chunk out of the worry. And as others have said they are appearing to be getting thinner on the ground at the moment.... sometimes you've got to sacrifice one or two things to get your dream otherwise you do run the risk of missing the boat.......

I wouldn't worry about going for the first one you see either, I am another one that did just that! in my opinion I had to make sure I didn't miss the boat as even only back at the beginning of the year it was obvious they were going to start appreciating in price and desirability. You have to weigh a few things up, in my opinion it was only a case of mine maybe being a tad overpriced (back then!) but I got a nice chunk knocked off anyway :beer:

Don't miss that boat :-D:-D

[don52b]

Thanks for the advice guys - makes sense. What do you all run as a winter car ? I can't imagine the CSL experience in the snow and ice is a calming one ? Would you put winters on your car and run it or store it over the winter ?

Does anyone take their CSL to Mark Purcell here in Oxford he looks after my car and has been very good. Or are most of you taking to main agents ?

Elms seems to be getting really good press. What are you paying for insp 1 and insp 2 ?

One last thing - can the boot take the same load as a standard m3 I heard the boot floor is made of a different material ?

D

[0836whimper]

Yes it's true, the boot floor is made from cardboard not much thicker than a cereal packet, so you can't really use it for shopping or anything. I think Jeremy Clarkson may have been the first to point this out.

But...some CSL's have the rare wheels made from magnesium so it's not all bad news. Only some sellers have these though.

:wink:

(none of the above is true...)

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Put what ever you want in the boot mine gets loaded with tyre, jack,tools and luggage with the other tyres on the back seat for track days. :thumbs: