Early thoughts on CSL ownership
 

Hi guys,

I did a little blog post on my CSL yesterday. It's not really aimed at such a knowledgeable audience as on this forum but I thought one or two of you might appreciate it.

http://www.irresponsiblecitizen.com/...mw-m3-csl.html

In other news, I'm doing a sessioned, half-day track day at Goodwood tomorrow afternoon. It will be my first time on track in the CSL and my first proper track day, even though I've done a couple of tourist laps at the 'Ring and done some Lotus Academy training at Hethel. I'm comfortable with track etiquette and plan to take easy but it will be nice to get a better feel for the car off the public highway.

I've checked tyres, oil is fine, and all other fluids should be ok as I've barely done any miles since it was last serviced. I've even lined-up insurance for peace of mind.

Any other advice on car prep or the circuit is very welcome.

Cheers,

Al.

Very Good :beer:

Regarding car prep. What music have you got in the CD player?
+ would be an idea to check you have enough fuel to make it round :smokin:

Have a good day :-D

+ Enjoyed reading the blog

Nice article. That makes me really miss my CSL. I'm i New York with Work for a few months and the poor beast is at home crying out for a good dogging:hahaha:

'the poor beast is at home crying out for a good dogging'

Thats no way to talk about your Mrs :bigcry:

I love these articles, thank you. :)

Interesting comparison with the F355 as it's a car that I have always loved and one that I sometimes have considered trading my CSL for.

Cheers,
Alex

If the sun shines tomorrow might have a run out to Goodwood:wink::wink:

Very nice article in your blog. :beer:

PS : από ότι είδα είσαι Έλληνας ?

:thumbs:

By the way, nice blog you have there Alex! :notworthy:

I just purchased an electronic version of your book "One Careful Owner".


Regards,

Alex

Nice article wait until you do a trackday then i look forward to reading your next article enjoy :thumbs:

Cheers for the positive feedback guys. Glad you enjoyed the blog.

Alx - Thanks for buying the ebook. Really hope that you enjoy it. Feel free to let me know how you get on with it. If you come to it, I would consider looking at a 360 as well as 355. Not quite as pretty but, though I haven't driven one, it is supposedly a much superior car.

alexk - I don't speak Greek sadly, though I assume that's what was being asked! That is the origin of my surname though.

If anyone finds themselves at Goodwood tomorrow afternoon, please come and say hello. And don't worry, I'll make sure my fuel tank is appropriately full!

Good article very professionally written, low key on the tech, saves people getting bored, spot on with the numbers (were any of the SB supplied factory delimited?) an enjoyable read telling it straight as you found it.

As Swiss Tony said "Using the smg is like making love to a beautiful woman, etc, etc, you have to be gentle with her, until you find her sweat spot, then hang on for the ride of your life" :hahaha:

Hi mate

Good luck for ur track day
Is the whole blog on the whole website all written by u or just the M3 CSL part ?

PS Very well written article I enjoyed that

Have always wondered how CSL V CS V Exige V 355 compare ?
I imagine Exige would be the best and sharpest on the track and CS best on the road. CSL I think 2nd on the track then 355 then CS. Think in terms of noise be between CSL and 355 though not sure which is better which is better in ur opinion ?

What kind of women have you been with Neil.... 'be rough with her, smash her in as hard & fast as possible for the smoother ride'

On a serious not I'm still confused why people slate the SMG??? When you become used to the box it's fantastic! Maybe the initial drive is abit lumpy and that's what reviews are based on

not read it yet but will do and enjoy Goodwood. it is not a forgiving track so please stay straight and on the black stuff

Straightsix - the whole blog is by me. I think both cars sound fantastic but the 355 sounds better more of the time, like when you're just sitting in traffic. That can be cool when you're in Italy but it isn't the most subtle car. I like the fact the CSL can be so many things.

Shimmy - Thanks. I will take it easy today.

Lovely write up, not the only one though. Black cesil :smt055

I loved Goodwood but as Shimmy says take it easy at first.

Funny what first impressions are like but I found the 355 left me cold.

May have been a dodgy heater matrix :bigcry:

Goodwood is slippery first thing... have fun :supz:

Looks a nice day for a blast. Have fun.

Great article enjoyed reading it, have a good day at Goodwood good choice of colour :thumbs:

Every circuit is slippery first thing to you :whistle:

Good article ! Enjoy today, weather looks good !

Some people seem to think its supposed to be used as an automatic, and the paddles are some sort of optional extra. Whereas it should be the other way round, as the automatic mode is hopeless unless driving like a granny.

I agree with you, spend a little time getting used to it and its great.

I absolutly love the SMG and find it horrible when driving a normal manual car now....

How would you know Miss Daisy :blalalala:

+1 the manual in the ME E46 feels very sloppy :119:

I love the SMG as well.
Totally agree that needs a learning curve and then it's fantastic.

Good work Al.....
Enjoy Goodwood.


.

Quick question on SMGII

When u upshift are u meant to keep ur foot planted on the throttle as u go up through the gears or release the throttle like u would in a manual :-) ?

/\ planted.....

BMW says do not lift.

PS : where are these PHers now to tell us how shit they imagine SMG II with CSL software is...:birdman:

'If in doubt, FLAT OUT' :supz:

Anyone who lifts is a gayer,it's as simple as that:-D

ONeill keeps telling me I lift on a change......whats he trying to say?

This is a throttle question, not shirt

:hahaha:

I think you know the answer to that:whistle:

:hahaha::hahaha::hahaha:

Thats rubbish! I don't lift and I love dirty dancing :gayfight: