higher mileage CSLs - what to look for.

Das Chin · 15-03-2013, 09:26 AM

hi all.

looking to get back into a CSL. Derek on here has my old black 53 plate car.

currently have an 88 e30 M3 which is a bit of a garage queen but I have the CSL itch back after having a track e30 with the s50 3.2 engine. do love a straight six.

I have read about the cracked rear subframe, wear on clutch and flywheel and some have had a hard life but to be expected

it would be a 4th car and for high days/holidays so no more than 1500 - 2k miles per year.

any inputs thoughts? or go the extra mile for a mid 50s/60s car.

thanks, DC

LeinsCSL · 15-03-2013, 11:02 AM

You sound like you're in a similar position to me, and as such the CSL makes the perfect choice of car

My car is currently on 54k miles and have owned it for a couple of years now. For me it's about trying to get a decent one (which mine seems to be so far, fingers crossed) and then doing as much of the preventative stuff as you can, especially as I don't have a warranty. So I replace the oil every year not just when it asks to be serviced, got the interior mirror gel replaced, the subframe is getting reinforced soon, etc. The small mileage per year also helps, but then I suppose you still never know

Any pics of the E30 btw? I have one, but it's an Alpina not an M3. I love it as much as the CSL

Neil M · 15-03-2013, 11:25 AM

Whatever the mileage the Service History is top priority, if it's been serviced in accordance with the manual, then it's been looked after by the former owner/s.
One recently sold on PH 120K with full BMWSH a 2 owner car, last owner 7 years, to me that speaks volumes

Good luck with the search

they are becoming as rare as hens teeth and prices have risen steadily over the past 6 months and continuing.

Das Chin · 15-03-2013, 01:10 PM

ok thanks chaps.

so good full BMW FSH or at least specialist.

I always remember having the 1200 mile in the service book was always key.

what is a decent price for a 100k mile car for example in private hands?

pics of the e30:

Steve B · 15-03-2013, 01:16 PM

Loving the E30..... always been a dream of mine

LeinsCSL · 15-03-2013, 04:03 PM

Yeah, the 1200 service seems to be fairly critical, and it was certainly something I wanted to see evidence of. But it's not just about the stamps in the book, as there are still some dogs out there which on paper sound fine. But find one with straight panels, clean interior and that's clearly been shown some love and you won't go too far wrong I think. Not sure about the 100k stuff, but the 60k cars represent decent value at the moment I think around the £25k+ mark AFAIK. Depends what you want to do regarding warranty too and how risk-averse you are

Ooofff, loving that M3 btw!

Here's my old bus. The E30s make a great combination to have with the CSLs IMO:

thrashermax · 15-03-2013, 05:17 PM

Mine had 77k when I bought it, full BMW history with warranty. I thought I'd be ok but the head gasket needed replacing 2 weeks ago at 84k miles and the boot floor crack is going to be repaired by Elms soonish...

I'd say check boot floor, head gasket, first service, service book with the invoices, number of owners, software updates for SMG.

Mileage is not an issue, a careful owner who has loved it for more than 3 years speaks volumes.

I love my CSL and will keep her in top condition and I will be doing 16-18k miles in her every year. Mileage has never been an issue to me... E46 330i 166k miles, Porsche 944 Turbo 216k miles, E34 M5 165k miles... all strong engines and looked after.

Sometimes a high mileage car that is used regularly is better than a low mileage one that is hardly used... but I'm biased!

Neil M · 15-03-2013, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thrashermax

Sometimes a high mileage car that is used regularly is better than a low mileage one that is hardly used... but I'm biased!

Couldn't agree more, better to use it than loose it.

The ones to avoid IMO are the low mileage cars with 4/5 owners, invariably the SH is cocked up.

6 months ago you could have had a nice 50/60K example for £24-25.5.
High Mileage examples over 100K are now fetching £22K and rising, previously they were under £20K.

Strange in some respects to see them rising as they approach their 10th Birthday.

E46CSL · 15-03-2013, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeinsCSL

Here's my old bus.

Nice, very nice.

LeinsCSL · 15-03-2013, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46CSL

Nice, very nice.

Ta very much!

15-03-2013, 09:26 AM	#1
Das Chin S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: kent Posts: 477 Casino cash: $5938	higher mileage CSLs - what to look for. hi all. looking to get back into a CSL. Derek on here has my old black 53 plate car. currently have an 88 e30 M3 which is a bit of a garage queen but I have the CSL itch back after having a track e30 with the s50 3.2 engine. do love a straight six. I have read about the cracked rear subframe, wear on clutch and flywheel and some have had a hard life but to be expected it would be a 4th car and for high days/holidays so no more than 1500 - 2k miles per year. any inputs thoughts? or go the extra mile for a mid 50s/60s car. thanks, DC

15-03-2013, 11:25 AM	#3
Neil M Driving it like I nicked it Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Manchester Posts: 2,340 Casino cash: $19143	Whatever the mileage the Service History is top priority, if it's been serviced in accordance with the manual, then it's been looked after by the former owner/s. One recently sold on PH 120K with full BMWSH a 2 owner car, last owner 7 years, to me that speaks volumes Good luck with the search they are becoming as rare as hens teeth and prices have risen steadily over the past 6 months and continuing. __________________ “With the CSL, BMW have achieved The Ultimate Driving Machine” SG CSL '051'

15-03-2013, 01:10 PM	#4
Das Chin S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: kent Posts: 477 Casino cash: $5938	ok thanks chaps. so good full BMW FSH or at least specialist. I always remember having the 1200 mile in the service book was always key. what is a decent price for a 100k mile car for example in private hands? pics of the e30: Last edited by Das Chin; 15-03-2013 at 01:37 PM.

15-03-2013, 01:16 PM	#5
Steve B S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Stevenage, Herts Posts: 760 Casino cash: $41	Loving the E30..... always been a dream of mine __________________ When it's gone you miss it..... Now in a M4CS

15-03-2013, 11:02 AM	#2
LeinsCSL S5, Sport On, DSC M-track Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dublin Posts: 1,240 Casino cash: $13662	You sound like you're in a similar position to me, and as such the CSL makes the perfect choice of car My car is currently on 54k miles and have owned it for a couple of years now. For me it's about trying to get a decent one (which mine seems to be so far, fingers crossed) and then doing as much of the preventative stuff as you can, especially as I don't have a warranty. So I replace the oil every year not just when it asks to be serviced, got the interior mirror gel replaced, the subframe is getting reinforced soon, etc. The small mileage per year also helps, but then I suppose you still never know Any pics of the E30 btw? I have one, but it's an Alpina not an M3. I love it as much as the CSL

15-03-2013, 05:17 PM	#7
thrashermax S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Horsham, West Sussex Posts: 149 Casino cash: $1781	Mine had 77k when I bought it, full BMW history with warranty. I thought I'd be ok but the head gasket needed replacing 2 weeks ago at 84k miles and the boot floor crack is going to be repaired by Elms soonish... I'd say check boot floor, head gasket, first service, service book with the invoices, number of owners, software updates for SMG. Mileage is not an issue, a careful owner who has loved it for more than 3 years speaks volumes. I love my CSL and will keep her in top condition and I will be doing 16-18k miles in her every year. Mileage has never been an issue to me... E46 330i 166k miles, Porsche 944 Turbo 216k miles, E34 M5 165k miles... all strong engines and looked after. Sometimes a high mileage car that is used regularly is better than a low mileage one that is hardly used... but I'm biased!