Any thoughts appreciated - well specced, but cat D

[Porter]

I've had a look through to see if this is has already been discussed, but I can't see anything (apologies if I've missed it through simple muppetry).

I'm after a CSL at the moment, with a budget of £29k (my wife's already unimpressed by the steady creep up from 25). Looking through PH, I found this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1923551.htm

It has a cracking spec, including a lot of recent money spent and AP brakes. However, it is a repaired cat D (hence the lower price, I guess). I'm tempted to have a look, but slightly nervous about a cat D repair. The damage was to the rear right corner and has not affected the geometry.

On one side, this is a bargain with a great spec. On the other, it's a slightly unknown quantity and may be tricky to sell, insure etc. A dilemma...

What do you guys think? I'd be grateful for any thoughts.

I'd also be grateful for any tip offs of cars about to come onto the market or already out there that I may have missed.

Thanks for your help.

[shane@mbtech]

If you have 29k buy a known straight one

I would not spend big dough on a twisted shitter.

[Porter]

If you have 29k buy a known straight one

I would not spend big dough on a twisted shitter.

Bloody hell, that was quick!

Straight to the point, too. I think you are probably right - if it's not a no-brainer, it's probably not the right thing to do. The spec and all the work make it tempting, though. I guess I just need something to tempt me more...

I have dropped an email to the seller of this one, which looks perfect (minus the BBK and at the top end of my budget):

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2549414.htm

[shimmy]

If it was £16k I'd be tempted but otherwise stay well clear

[Porter]

If it was £16k I'd be tempted but otherwise stay well clear

Thanks Shimmy - it had struck me that I'm only really looking at a 3k saving plus some brakes.

I suppose that the rarity of the CSL in the UK means that most are fairly well known. I'll keep looking - any ideas beyond PH and here?

[Yanto]

The guys are speaking sense mate.

This car has been around for ages and is 6-7k overpriced. 26-29k will get you a straight, nice car.

Assuming you are going to track it if you are going bbk? I personally would never feel comfortable driving a cat d car at full tilt.....maybe that's just me ?

As you say, you'll also have the cat d taboo at resale. Sure, you can buy low and sell low, but put 20k miles on this and you'll be lucky to see
north of 15k IMHO. Straight cars will be c. 18-20k.

Now £26k looks expensive wouldn't you agree ?

[Yanto]

And steer well clear of the second one - it's black !





































Just kidding - actually looks quite nice !

[dr.sticky]

With 29k in your pocket I wouldn't even bother looking at anything but a straight example thats been well looked after and has full history, as others have said you won't regret it come resale time or when you're giving it full beans. There are plenty of good ones out there.

I personally would buy a Yaris and get the misses a nice new kitchen :bigcry:

Good luck :smokin:

[Mark CSL]

That car is too much cash for 29k you should get a minted CSL and it will be worth more in the end.

Like shimmy said the car is only worth about 16k :thumbs:

[Pazuzu]

LOL "Legendary KDS alignment @ £2k" :shock: How bent was it!

You can get far, far better for the money.

Good luck,

Phil

[Porter]

...Assuming you are going to track it if you are going bbk? I personally would never feel comfortable driving a cat d car at full tilt.....maybe that's just me ?

...Now £26k looks expensive wouldn't you agree ?

Both points are bang on - When I have tracked a car in the past, it has always been meticulously prepared and I have had no doubt about how straight it is going to be.

...There are plenty of good ones out there.

I personally would buy a Yaris and get the misses a nice new kitchen :bigcry:

Good luck :smokin:

Are you insane? ;) My wife might read this - I've only just talked her round to letting em get a CSL. Good call on seeking out a good car.

That car is too much cash for 29k you should get a minted CSL and it will be worth more in the end.

Like shimmy said the car is only worth about 16k :thumbs:

Again, fair point - I assume you mean 26k is too steep for the cat D car. Looking at what else is out there, the 29k car seems to be roughly the right money.

LOL "Legendary KDS alignment @ £2k" :shock: How bent was it!

You can get far, far better for the money.

Good luck,

Phil

Thanks - a touch of luck would come in handy now. I wasn't sure what a 'legendary alignment' was, as compared to a regular alignment. It had also occurred to me that so much work might not be a good sign...

To everyone, thanks for your help and input. It turns out signing up was a good tip. I'll keep my eyes sharp for a good CSL - if anything comes up, please let me know. Either way, I'll be sure to post here when I find the right car.

[Yanto]

Heres one, similar miles...price is too rich but worth a cheeky bid at the 26.5/27 mark....Full BMWSH will mean you can put a BMW warranty on it...

Just had Ins 2 so that'll prob save you best part of £1K

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2848931.htm

[azrael]

LOL "Legendary KDS alignment @ £2k" :shock: How bent was it!

You can get far, far better for the money.

Good luck,

Phil

Sounds like a reused advert or its been for sale a long time

[mattCSLnut]

Sounds like a reused advert or its been for sale a long time
Same advert (some 2 years old now :banghead: ) with yet another price reduction Steve :thumbs: still way too high, mind :banghead:

[isv]

Heres one, similar miles...price is too rich but worth a cheeky bid at the 26.5/27 mark....Full BMWSH will mean you can put a BMW warranty on it...

Just had Ins 2 so that'll prob save you best part of £1K

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2848931.htm
I had made an enquiry about that one earlier, has a late-ish running in service (1800) for what it's worth but I think is just within the limits of getting the warranty on.

[shimmy]

I had made an enquiry about that one earlier, has a late-ish running in service (1800) for what it's worth but I think is just within the limits of getting the warranty on.

Are you sure you'd get warranty on cat D

[E30M3SE]

OP, that is nutty money for a CAT D, a similarly spec's/mileage, minus the AP's, CAT D sold a couple of months ago and that was advertised at £20K.

[isv]

Are you sure you'd get warranty on cat D
ah no I meant the 30k Aberdeen one that Yanto had listed, not the cat D one the OP had earlier listed.

[Porter]

OP, that is nutty money for a CAT D, a similarly spec's/mileage, minus the AP's, CAT D sold a couple of months ago and that was advertised at £20K.

That's unanimous then. The advice of those in the know and my slightly uneasy feeling about the car add up to a good reason to walk away.

I'm looking out for a solid, straight car - there seem to be a couple out there. This one has just come on:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2872180.htm

It looks like it's been well looked after... Does it look like it's the right money?

[Yanto]

Looks good, but I wouldn't go over £24K for it....

Good luck :thumbs:

[s.mac]

looks a clean and tidy car,
whats missing from the right hand side of the engine bay :smt017
no xenon's if that bothers you

[shane@mbtech]

looks a clean and tidy car,
whats missing from the right hand side of the engine bay :smt017
no xenon's if that bothers you

Xenon headlight control unit.

[JezP]

looks a clean and tidy car,
whats missing from the right hand side of the engine bay :smt017
no xenon's if that bothers you

Good spot there mac got me thinking now :whistle:

Edit nice one lawsy ;)

[Porter]

looks a clean and tidy car,
whats missing from the right hand side of the engine bay :smt017
no xenon's if that bothers you

I'd rather have xenons, but that's not going to put me off the right car. Looking around the web. Retrofitting them is a nause, but not impossible.

[AML]

Personally I would never touch a written off performance car, chances are it was a biggy. Even if it was repaired by a BMW dealer, it has the permanent black mark on it's history, which is not what you want on a special, limited run car such as a CSL.

Plus, I thought write offs were usually cheaper than straight cars? :hahaha:


The Aberdeenshire car looks nice. Personally, (being very picky), I wouldn't want the tinted windows and would want xenons. However, as said, the lights could be retrofitted.

[mattCSLnut]

I'd rather have xenons, but that's not going to put me off the right car. Looking around the web. Retrofitting them is a nause, but not impossible.
I certainly wouldn't turn a good CSL down just because it didn't have Xenons :whistle:
Good luck with your search :thumbs:

[glendog74]

whats missing from the right hand side of the engine bay :smt017


I think you'll find that's the left hand side Steve... :whistle:

Numb Nuts :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:

[s.mac]

I think you'll find that's the left hand side Steve... :whistle:

Numb Nuts :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:

:birdman:

nearside ;)

[glendog74]

:birdman:

nearside ;)

'Special' :smt056 lol!

[nuttynat]

That cat d has been advertised for ages, saw it last year when I was getting idea's and then at the beginning of this year when the wife said "go on then!!" :whistle:
Can remember reading it and thinking this sounds to good to be true.... which it was when got to the cat d bit :banghead:

There is a reason that it only has 32k miles..... cuz it was off the road for a long while getting stuck back together!!

As you said xenon can be retro fit, did look into it before buying since was looking at a few without and have a 5 series without and it is crap in the dark. Can be retro, does look like a bit of a pain and from memory was not cheap for the units.

Good luck with the hunt.

[AlexGTT]

I had made an enquiry about that one earlier, has a late-ish running in service (1800) for what it's worth but I think is just within the limits of getting the warranty on.

1800 miles is within BMW tolerance for running in service. Will not be an issue.

[Porter]

I certainly wouldn't turn a good CSL down just because it didn't have Xenons :whistle:
Good luck with your search :thumbs:

Thanks - I think I'll try to have a look at this one. Your SG looks great (even without the xenons!), by the way.

[mattCSLnut]

1800 miles is within BMW tolerance for running in service. Will not be an issue.

That is 100% correct :thumbs: Mine had it's run in @ 1800 miles (company car mile muncher in it's early life ) and it's had extended BMW Warranty ever since with numerous Warranty claims :whistle: without any issues what so ever :thumbs:

[mattCSLnut]

Thanks - I think I'll try to have a look at this one. Your SG looks great (even without the xenons!), by the way.
Thanks very much :smt053 :thumbs:

[isv]

That is 100% correct :thumbs: Mine had it's run in @ 1800 miles (company car mile muncher in it's early life ) and it's had extended BMW Warranty ever since with numerous Warranty claims :whistle: without any issues what so ever :thumbs:
Good to know many thanks. Was initially thinking I'd be patient and wait for one that ticked all the boxes but will relook at that Aberdeenshire one. cheers

[Porter]

Well, I went to see the Devon car (this one (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2872180.htm)) and it's an absolute peach.

The condition is absolutely as new (bar an understandably worn steering wheel). The current owner is a genuine enthusiast, who has kept the car in stunning condition.

In looking for the right car, I was more concerned about condition than mileage - after all, the mechanicals of these cars are bullet proof and failures do not seem to follow any mileage-related trend). Anyway, long story short, I bought it!

To say I'm thrilled doesn't even come close. What a car - the CSL has always been in my dream garage and having owned a 'vanilla' E46 M3, I knew I'd like the CSL. I can't wait for it to arrive now once all the money changes hands. I feel like a kid at Christmas.

Thanks to everyone for all their input - I'll post more when my (!) CSL arrives. :thumbs:

[mattCSLnut]

Well, I went to see the Devon car (this one (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2872180.htm)) and it's an absolute peach.

The condition is absolutely as new (bar an understandably worn steering wheel). The current owner is a genuine enthusiast, who has kept the car in stunning condition.

In looking for the right car, I was more concerned about condition than mileage - after all, the mechanicals of these cars are bullet proof and failures do not seem to follow any mileage-related trend). Anyway, long story short, I bought it!

To say I'm thrilled doesn't even come close. What a car - the CSL has always been in my dream garage and having owned a 'vanilla' E46 M3, I knew I'd like the CSL. I can't wait for it to arrive now once all the money changes hands. I feel like a kid at Christmas.

Thanks to everyone for all their input - I'll post more when my (!) CSL arrives. :thumbs:

Congratulations on buying on condition :thumbs: and not making "Low mileage" and "Must Have Xenons" your priorities :banghead: It's how I bought mine and after nearly 2 years/ 16K mileas I still :smt055 it to bits and she hasn't let me down, not even once :thumbs:
Yours really does look like a Good'en :smokin: and in the right colour too :whistle:
Lots of pix as soon as you can please :-D

[Yanto]

Well done matey - great feeling eh ?

Your post reminds me of when I got mine - between now and when you pick up will really drag, but the reward will be even sweeter !

A roads home I assume ;)

[shimmy]

Bullet proof .......:smokin:

[s.mac]

Bullet proof .......:smokin:

with warranty ;)

[glendog74]

after nearly 2 years/ 16K mileas I still :smt055 it to bits and she hasn't let me down, not even once :thumbs:

16k miles in 2 years? That's almost a garage queen...! :hahaha:

Bullet proof .......:smokin:

You're so negative Shim... :bigcry: :hahaha:

[Bounce]

Looking good matey:thumbs:I think they look better without Xenons and Pdc.:whistle::whistle:

[mattCSLnut]

Looking good matey:thumbs:I think they look better without Xenons and Pdc.:whistle::whistle:

I'll second that :thumbs: :whistle:

[mattCSLnut]

16k miles in 2 years? That's almost a garage queen...! :hahaha:


I know mate :smt045 must drive more ;) :hahaha: I'll get my coat :smt090

[Pip1968]

16k miles in 2 years? That's almost a garage queen...

Try 6,000 miles in three and a half years. Obviously not my daily driver but I only do ~8k a year anyway

Pip

[mattCSLnut]

Try 6,000 miles in three and a half years. Obviously not my daily driver but I only do ~8k a year anyway

Pip
... and neither is mine :whistle: The 530d absorbs the daily miles :smokin:

[Porter]

Thanks to everyone for all their help. Well, it's here!

How pleased am I? This car absolutely rocks. The guy selling it was a proper gent and a real enthusiast for the car. It is in great nick.

I'm guessing you've seen a SG CSL before, but this one is mine:

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/46971/2488349930088628508S600x600Q85.jpg

I am as happy as a pig in poo. The noise - oooo the noise. What a car.

More to follow, doubtless with a bunch of bone questions.

[mattCSLnut]

Thanks to everyone for all their help. Well, it's here!

How pleased am I? This car absolutely rocks. The guy selling it was a proper gent and a real enthusiast for the car. It is in great nick.

I'm guessing you've seen a SG CSL before, but this one is mine:

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/46971/2488349930088628508S600x600Q85.jpg

I am as happy as a pig in poo. The noise - oooo the noise. What a car.

More to follow, doubtless with a bunch of bone questions.

Congrats :thumbs: She's a beauty :smt055
Just you wait until you do your first Track Day :supz:

[Yanto]

Well done Porter...

It only gets better :thumbs:

Right.....mods and trackdays ???? :beer:

(and I hope you like beer :beer::beer::beer:)

[glendog74]

Thanks to everyone for all their help. Well, it's here!

How pleased am I? This car absolutely rocks. The guy selling it was a proper gent and a real enthusiast for the car. It is in great nick.

I'm guessing you've seen a SG CSL before, but this one is mine:

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/46971/2488349930088628508S600x600Q85.jpg

I am as happy as a pig in poo. The noise - oooo the noise. What a car.

More to follow, doubtless with a bunch of bone questions.

Nice one mate - enjoy! :thumbs:

Is that picture taken where you work by any chance? Where you based? :whistle:

[Bounce]

Looks a good one mate,you'll enjoy it.:thumbs::thumbs:

[LeinsCSL]

Congrats, looks great :thumbs:

And don't worry about a worn steering wheel.. I find they're a bit lighter that way!

[mattCSLnut]

And don't worry about a worn steering wheel.. I find they're a bit lighter that way!
... especially once you've given it a shave :whistle:

[Porter]

Congrats :thumbs: She's a beauty :smt055
Just you wait until you do your first Track Day :supz:

Thanks Matt - she is indeed. I am partial to the odd track day and I literally cannot wait until the next. Chasing CSLs at Bedford has been key to me wanting one.


Well done Porter...

It only gets better :thumbs:

Right.....mods and trackdays ???? :beer:

(and I hope you like beer :beer::beer::beer:)

Thanks. The car feels so good as it is, although I'll almost certainly want to change the brakes. My old M3 had Stoptech front brakes, KW V2 suspension and a Milltek system. I loved the way it drove. However, the CSL already feels tight and sounds great, so I will probably leave the springs and exhaust well alone.

That said, the brakes on my old car were awesome - the best thing about it, so I will probably look to upgrade the CSL's. I can't decide whether to fit the StopTechs or sell them and pay the extra for some AP Racing brakes (probably just on the front). Decisions decisions decisions.

Beer? Oh, go on then. :partyman:

[chrisburns]

Looks great Porter just needs a set of mudflaps and it will be perfect :thumbs:

You should start a new thread though, I had to read back through all that to see if you bought the cat D one or a different one ;)

[Porter]

Looks great Porter just needs a set of mudflaps and it will be perfect :thumbs:

You should start a new thread though, I had to read back through all that to see if you bought the cat D one or a different one ;)

You're probably right - this thread's been a bit of a journey for me! I wasn't convinced by the cat D and I decided that if I was going to have a CSL it was not going to be 'on the cheap' and risky for it.

Do you have any pictures of mudflaps fitted? - they sound like a good idea, but I'm worried that they might look a bit 'Eddie Stobart'.

[shimmy]

Do you have any pictures of mudflaps fitted? - they sound like a good idea, but I'm worried that they might look a bit 'Eddie Stobart'.

:thumbs::hahaha::hahaha::hahaha:

[chrisburns]

Do you have any pictures of mudflaps fitted? - they sound like a good idea, but I'm worried that they might look a bit 'Eddie Stobart'.

I have literally spent the last 5 mins pissing myself laughing - that is the best yet 'Eddie Stobart' :hahaha:

Sorry Porter, yes I have them but the rest of the lads would agree with your fears.

[mattCSLnut]

Do you have any pictures of mudflaps fitted? - they sound like a good idea, but I'm worried that they might look a bit 'Eddie Stobart'.

:hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:
DON'T ! :banghead: or Chris'll start a whole new thread about it :bigcry: again ;) :hahaha:

[LeinsCSL]

:hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:
DON'T ! :banghead: or Chris'll start a whole new thread about it :bigcry: again ;) :hahaha:

I say go for it.. I esp like these ones:

[Bounce]

You're probably right - this thread's been a bit of a journey for me! I wasn't convinced by the cat D and I decided that if I was going to have a CSL it was not going to be 'on the cheap' and risky for it.

Do you have any pictures of mudflaps fitted? - they sound like a good idea, but I'm worried that they might look a bit 'Eddie Stobart'.
You've hit the nail on the head.:hahaha::hahaha:

[DuncanR]

Is that picture taken where you work by any chance? Where you based? :whistle:Dont tell him Pike !!:hahaha:

[Bounce]

Dont tell him Pike !!:hahaha::hahaha::hahaha:

[glendog74]

:hahaha::hahaha:

Stop encouraging him!! :banghead:

[mattCSLnut]

I say go for it.. I esp like these ones:
Chave ;) :hahaha:

[Bounce]

Stop encouraging him!! :banghead:Cant help it.:whistle:

[Porter]

Dont tell him Pike !!:hahaha:

Don't worry - I made something up about being in MI6.

Doh! The secret's out.

[LeinsCSL]

Chave ;) :hahaha:

Haha..too right! :thumbs:

And I've got one of those wings ready for fitting on the back of mine to give it that "GTS" look :hahaha:

[mattCSLnut]

Haha..too right! :thumbs:

And I've got one of those wings ready for fitting on the back of mine to give it that "GTS" look :hahaha:

You mean... that "Halfrauds" look :clown: ;) :hahaha: