M3 to M3 CSL

[airconjohn]

Hi,
Having owned an E46 M3 coupe for the last 3 years, I am considering the move to a CSL and would like to hear from anyone who has gone from an M3 to a CSL. Was it a good move?

[david]

100% good move :thumbs: Csl .... it's an other car...

[M5 Powered]

Agree,

Even within the M/// range it is a HUGE departure.

It is really a track / race car that happens to have a BMW badge on it.

:thumbs:

[Bounce]

Hi,
Having owned an E46 M3 coupe for the last 3 years, I am considering the move to a CSL and would like to hear from anyone who has gone from an M3 to a CSL. Was it a good move?I made the same move before christmas,having owned an smg coupe for 4 years.The CSL is worlds apart,its like driving a different car,much more focused,it even bangs through the smg ratios quicker.I dont think its a family car like the standard m3,so we got my Mrs a run about for every day use.Its a hell of a car,and im over the the moon with it.Its not got all the toys of a well specd m3,but the noise and the drive more than make up for this.Also they dont lose money like a stock m3.You really need to go and drive one,and that will make your mind up.:thumbs::thumbs:

[Dan]

I made the same move before christmas,having owned an smg coupe for 4 years.The CSL is worlds apart,its like driving a different car,much more focused,it even bangs through the smg ratios quicker.I dont think its a family car like the standard m3,so we got my Mrs a run about for every day use.Its a hell of a car,and im over the the moon with it.Its not got all the toys of a well specd m3,but the noise and the drive more than make up for this.Also they dont lose money like a stock m3.You really need to go and drive one,and that will make your mind up.:thumbs::thumbs:

I was in the same position myself and am so glad I made the jump to a CSL as without I really was missing out...

I'd had my Manual M3 Coupe for around a year and never felt settled with it if you know what I mean, but touch wood, with the CSL it's on another level and well worth the extra expense! :thumbs: :smokin:

Do it, and sooner the better, you won't regret it! ;)

[breeze]

As above - the CSL is a massive leap forward if you are anything like a serious driver. I drove my friend's E46 M3 and was genuinely surprised at how soft the whole car felt. Great cars certainly but very different to a CSL.

Running costs are virtually identical and depreciation probably lower if you look after it...

[sailorbaz]

I don't know if you're the same guy from PH, but I commented on your post over there and you'll get loads more here too.

Welcome to the Board mate.

[toplad]

Hi,
Having owned an E46 M3 coupe for the last 3 years, I am considering the move to a CSL and would like to hear from anyone who has gone from an M3 to a CSL. Was it a good move?

Despite the overwhelming ‘yes’ response from owners, it's difficult to say without more info

Depends on what sort of mileage you're doing in the car. The CSL rides harsher and has no toys. It's a stripped out car more or less, the seats are certainly less comfortable in the CSL than the regular M3

Your M3 is more refined, comfortable and a lot better at covering the miles

Is it a Weekend car your after or a daily driver?

You might be better with a M3 CS day to day

[DazBlackCSL]

No question do it, had my M3 for three years, before it got stripped into my Race Car for the CSL cup, used it everyday ...

CSL is still my everyday car, Sun / Rain and Snow ... 7 days a week.. with KW clubsports / AP's and RS29 and SS full system...

DON'T listen to anyone who says it's a bit harsh to use everyday ... :whistle:

Yes the M3 std is more lukewarm and like a sofa in comparison .. but the CSL is still a car you can drive everyday if need be, room in the boot, and four seats ... its not a caterham !

[shimmy]

i can only compare with E39 M5 really and i would say that if it is for you and family only occassionally go for the CSL no doubt BUT if it is a regular family car the M3 mans you havent got to make excuses all the time for the ride and rattles and noise!:thumbs:

[Highmast]

if a M3 is like a cute girl, CSL is like a Pornstar...to much to live all the time with but sure to be always horny...:smokin:
a style of life ...:thumbs:

[airconjohn]

Thanks for your comments, sounds like a good move!!
Yes, it will be a weekend car.
One further question,does the CSL feel much lighter than the standard M3 on the move?

[Highmast]

but it's really much lighter, my CSL is 230 kg less than my ex full option SMGII.(Weighed). feeling is very differente because of many thing more that only weight. direction more direct, CSL suspension sach brand double effect much better than a standard M3 and of course trim of the trains...
last, CSL is maybe the only BMW wich oem brakes are enought good (with RS29), always because only 1400 kg (brakes on my CSL is at the opposite of my M3 wich was horrible limit dangerous)...
At low speed (under 30 mph), CSL it's a littles bit hard and heavy stearing wheel...but after it's like a dancer...always need bends to find pleasure and run amazing like a race car:supz:
Problem with CSL, it's after...fiew cars offers you so high sensation...it will hard to drive an another sport car now except expensive GT3 or similar...
Last thing, CSL is the only radical sport car wich you can bring with you lugage, you're girl friend (with ear plug!) tools box, and another set of wheel for track!:thumbs:

[NZ_M3]

if a M3 is like a cute girl, CSL is like a Pornstar...to much to live all the time with but sure to be always horny...:smokin:
a style of life ...:thumbs:

LOL ... I don't think I've ever heard of such an appropriate analogy:hahaha:


One further question,does the CSL feel much lighter than the standard M3 on the move?

The weight difference is VERY noticeable - actually it is probably the first thing you'll notice when you drive one.

I had 2 E46 M3s before I moved onto the CSL - absolute night and day difference out of the box. Not so much with a highly modified E46 M3 though.

[glendog74]

if a M3 is like a cute girl, CSL is like a Pornstar...to much to live all the time with but sure to be always horny...:smokin:
a style of life ...:thumbs:

Awesome - I love porn stars! :smt055

[AlexGTT]

Awesome - I love porn stars! :smt055

Can I get a reeeeeewwwind.

Das rite.

[toplad]

Awesome - I love porn stars! :smt055

I've found the only difference between Porn Star and a ‘normal’ woman is copious quantities of alcohol

[phat///M3]

the seats are certainly less comfortable in the CSL than the regular M3



Definately dont agree with that one, yes they CSL seats are buckets and dont feel like a sofa, but they are way more comfortable when actually driving.

[DuncanR]

its not a caterham !
My fooker nearly is ! just need to throw the roof away and im there !

Joking aside, great piece of machinery, first and only BMW i have owned, what else is there to do other than take what was a £58k car, rip out all the interior trim and seats, and throw in 2 Recaro's, a cage and harnesses ! :thumbs:

[mattCSLnut]

Definately dont agree with that one, yes they CSL seats are buckets and dont feel like a sofa, but they are way more comfortable when actually driving.


For what they are, the CSL Bucket seats are very supportive, grippy and comfortable. I hope I have the same opinion after a return trip from The RING :whistle:

[DuncanR]

I hope I have the same opinion after a return trip from The RING :whistle:
Your poor ring, going all that way to the Ring and back.... you should try it in a Recaro Matt!!

[mattCSLnut]

Your poor ring, going all that way to the Ring and back.... you should try it in a Recaro Matt!!
No THANX :hahaha: ... rather U then me :whistle:

[phat///M3]

For what they are, the CSL Bucket seats are very supportive, grippy and comfortable. I hope I have the same opinion after a return trip from The RING :whistle:

Have driven 2000 kms in them on multiple occasions (1 day, 14.5 hours in 1 go) and they arent any worse than the normal M3 seats, infact I couldnt find the right position to sit in the normal ones and I would feel my back well before I do when in the CSL seats.