Same here... when I started my search for a SG CSL, I thought I'd start at the top (Main Stealer) not because of finance deals but I thought they would have " The Best" specimen CSL about. I couldn't have been more WRONG ! ... despite it's relatively low mileage of 43K and three previous owners, the dealer CSL has poor history with missing services, hardly any paperwork to go with it, the sales staff knew nothing about it and it was the most expensive + the so called BMW warranty wasn't the proper "Mondial" BMW warranty but some shitty, in house, waste of time warranty not worth the paper it was written on.
NO sale
...
The second SG CSL was being sold by a non franchise dealer who knew a little more about the CSLs, the car itself had higher mileage, more owners the the previous CSL, a bit more history and it was better priced but the car itself looked very much neglected with a thick layer of poorly applied Wax and a long list of "To do" things. Some BMW warranty soon to expire, so more expense. He wouldn't move on the price either nor wasn't willing address the "To do" list .
No sale but thank U for your time
Car number three was an enthusiast owned, private sale by a pleasant CSL owner who clearly LOVED his toy. This was the highest mileage SG CSL, with the highest owner count, however the history file was BIG & complete, no issues with the car itself (none), just had the BIG Inspection 2, just had the proper BMW Warranty renewed (11 months), longish MOT + enough tax to get me on the road there & then, recent tyres & as NEW CUP wheels, NEW windscreen, the body work of a 10 000 mile car (glistening) despite poor weather. It drove like a NEW car, no creaks or rattles. If the odometer said 30K miles I would have believed it (68K was the actual reading)
at first sight. SOLD to me
the following day and NO regrets about buying it Privately. Best car I've ever owned... by far. THANX to Jeff