My CSL

[digi]

Hi everyone,

finally got my CSL abt 2-weeks now and having some minor headaches with her. First up here's a photo of her.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/CIMG7081.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/CIMG7107.jpg

My door seem to not respond to unlocking and this happens on and off, which really drives me crazy. :banghead:

The driver side door lock actuator is busted and lucky it broke before I received the car and will be covered for. But the passenger side decides to work on and off. I'm not sure whether its the GM5 or actuator. Anyone had similar issues?:bigcry:

Apart from these little hiccups, I'm really enjoying her but not had much time to explorer her yet. The mrs seems to drive it harder than I do :smt061:hahaha:

There are no tracks where I'm staying now (Hong Kong) and I won't get a chance until I get back to the U.K for a holiday. Which seems like never :(

[Mark CSL]

Welcome
I have not had this on any of my CSLs is there not a BMW dealer in HK you
could take it to ?

[karbonkid]

Looks lovely mate, suns caught a hint of blue to the paint. Whats happened to the driver seat cushion too?

[digi]

Hi Mark,

will take it to my local specialist next week for the driver door actuator to be replaced. Just sometimes the passenger door does not respond after locking. I generally have to pull the passenger door once to release the lock then restart the car. Then everything returns to normal. WEIRD. :smt012

Have read that when the GM5 is on the way out this tends to happen. Not sure if this applies to the CSL though. :smt017

[digi]

Looks lovely mate, suns caught a hint of blue to the paint. Whats happened to the driver seat cushion too?

:hahaha: u caught that one. The mrs needs it so she can drive it comfortably. She's a right nutter in it though. :smt013

She tells me the car seems to want her to drive quicker. :smt077:hahaha:

[karbonkid]

She tells me the car seems to want her to drive quicker. :smt077:hahaha:

I must say. Shes right!

[Mark CSL]

Digi
If you send me your address in a PM i shall pop 2 cslregister stickers in the post Free for the rear quarter windows :thumbs:

[digi]

Digi
If you send me your address in a PM i shall pop 2 cslregister stickers in the post Free for the rear quarter windows :thumbs:

so cool mark!! thx's I'll wear it in honour.:smt055

[SpineOnABap]

Interesting picture - sure I've seen one very similar elsewhere! :hahaha:

[Andyk]

Hi Digi and welcome to the forum.I sure once you get the small niggles sorted out it you will never want to get ride of your CSL...Great cars, but then we would say that on here.

[bryce]

Enjoy bud, how many are in HK?

Loving that seat :hahaha:

[digi]

Enjoy bud, how many are in HK?

Loving that seat :hahaha:

hi bruce,

sorry abt the late reply. Was busy over the weekend repainting my center console as the window button area bubbled up. :mad:

Let me upload the photo's so can share with everyone.

I think they imported officially like 8 or 10 vehicles only. They charged like $1.2 million HKD for it (abt $100,000GBP).

[digi]

Hi Digi and welcome to the forum.I sure once you get the small niggles sorted out it you will never want to get ride of your CSL...Great cars, but then we would say that on here.

hi andy,

yes, can't agree more. :smt055

Before buying the CSL I did think abt the 996 turbo and the R35, but they never completely fitted my requirements. I need a vehicle that would seat 4 in comfort (well, just not a squeeze, forget the comfort bit :hahaha:) and a usable boot, which I find the CSL outstanding!!!

Plus, its limited which I like :smokin::hahaha: Its also not too verbose, so keep the vandles at bay.

Personally, I think its THE car for me. For a 90% road car and occassional blast (10%), its PERFECT!!! :hahaha:

On another note, the engine is also very efficient whereas ppl like Audi need a V8 or a charge vehicle to keep up. :whistle:

Thing I don't like is the niggly little electrical issues. :banghead:

[digi]

Over the weekend I decide to fix the centre console. Was going to get a new one but then it was only bubbled paint so I decide to have a go at fixing it.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/CIMG7094-1.jpg

As you can see the driver side window button area has bubbled up. :smt088

dismantled the fixing by pulling the gear knob and then prying the SMG gearbox surround with the help of a flat head screw driver covered with a towel to prevent scratches.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00597.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00596.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00598.jpg

Using a philips screw driver to unscrew 2 screws holding the window surround, then simply lift out

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00598.jpg

close up of the bubbles

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00602.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00601.jpg

To remove the paint, I simply bathed the part in Dettol over night. In the morning, the paint simply dropped off and I used a toothbrush to get the corner bits out. The Dettol didn't seem to hurt the ABS plastic. :whistle:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00604.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00605.jpg

I then used some 3M clay to remove any dirt oil from the surface before priming. I used Tamiyo primer for plastic and metal surfaces, works a treat.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00606.jpg

Sprayed 3 coats of primer (5 minutes between each coat) and used a 2000 grit modelling sand paper to remove any particles during priming. Didn't really use the sand paper at all.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00607.jpg

I then used a Titanium silver paint made by soft99 and sprayed 3 coats of paint (15 mins interval between coats)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00603.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00608.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00609.jpg

I let the part dry over night and simply cleaned it up with a cotton towel to remove any dust residue. Could have used a polish to smooth it out but I wanted a non-smooth finish. :hahaha:

And the finish product.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00610.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/digi051669/IMAGE_00611.jpg

I'm a complete idiot when it comes to this stuff, but this seemed easy enough!!!

[Andyk]

Good work Digi...I wouldn't have the patients to do that...:thumbs:...

[digi]

Good work Digi...I wouldn't have the patients to do that...:thumbs:...

thks andy! thought I'd have a go at DIY. :hahaha:

Having trouble removing the door panel handle though. Undone the 2 torx screws but the handle is still stuck on tight. Have no idea how to remove it at this point. :mad:

[sailorbaz]

I think you may have to remove the whole door trim. Don't quote me on it though, I'm sure you can find something on here somewhere. One lad has put aftermarket speakers in his doors so there are posts somewhere on this website.

[Bealo]

Good job :thumbs:

what's the paint colour match like????

Here's the link for removing the door cards :thumbs:

http://www.cslregister.com/forum/showthread.php?t=681&highlight=speakers

[englebert]

Fantastic DIY there! Is it the heat in HK that causes issues like that?

[digi]

Good job :thumbs:

what's the paint colour match like????

Here's the link for removing the door cards :thumbs:

http://www.cslregister.com/forum/showthread.php?t=681&highlight=speakers

thanks bealo :thumbs:

Its not 100%, but very close. CSL's titanium silver seems to have a shade of gold whereas the paint I'm using is pure titanium silver. Overall I'm satisfy with the match generally. The only time you can really tell is when you have white light shining on it.

I've also done the steering wheel cover, will post it in a bit. I screwed the M logo bit. Kind of tacky. :bigcry: I'll live with it for now though.

The top half with the M Track button turned out real well though. I was a little more patient with that piece after screwing the lower bit. :hahaha:

[digi]

Fantastic DIY there! Is it the heat in HK that causes issues like that?

I've not heard from other M3 users abt the paint bubbling on the trim, just my luck I guess. :banghead:

My Alcantara steering wheel needs a rewrap too. Prob. going to do that soon also.

[digi]

I think you may have to remove the whole door trim. Don't quote me on it though, I'm sure you can find something on here somewhere. One lad has put aftermarket speakers in his doors so there are posts somewhere on this website.

thks for the heads up!! :thumbs:

I resprayed the steering cover. Was a real pain getting the airbag off, but eventually got the correct angle and removing it was quite easy after that. :smokin:

[digi]

anyone know whether the lower steering cover ///M logo can come off? I sprayed it with it still on and the surround looks really crap and I'd like to do it all over again.

Many thanks