Hi, Newbie with questions

[Dan]

Hi guy's, I'm new on here and wanted to say hi and ask a few questions about CSL's before I go diving in and buying one!

I've currently got an 03 E46 M3 Manual and think it's a great car, but the devil in me can't help but wonder just how much better a CSL is so the M3 is up for sale!

However, before I commit to buying one I've heard the usual horror stories and wanted confirmation that they are just hopefully pub talk! I've read the buyers guide and have been quite suprised about some of the recalls they are meant to of had, it looks as though it could be quite a minefield buying one! (Sorry in advance for all the questions straight away!)

First of all, does it really have a cardboard boot floor and have a weight limit as to what you can put in the boot?

How problematic is the SMG on them and what is/are these 'DME' updates I keep reading about, are these expensive to have?

Anything I should look out for when buying one, anything obvious to look or listen for please?

Really if anyone has any general good advice it would be very welcome, I've come from a background of Ford RS's and know enough to get me buy (i've rebuilt about 6 Saph's and Escort Cosworths in the last 4 years from scratch ) but know very little and the good and bad points of M3's at the moment, hopefully Ill have a budget of about 30k+ so I think that should get me a nice low miles unabused SG one!

It'll be my everday car so what are they like to live with on a daily basis?

Cheers in advance, Dan.

[shimmy]

Potentiometer on CSL airbox flap breaks every year but just take the flap out.

Otherwise all same as E46 M3 issues inc SMG.

(only thing with M3 is you cant scratch your carbon roof or carbon dorr panels, crack your lightweight bumper, damage your loverly induction noise creating airbox or crack you very lightweight magnessium alloys made by NASA.)

[Mark CSL]

Originally Posted by shimmy

Potentiometer on CSL airbox flap breaks every year but just take the flap out.

Otherwise all same as E46 M3 issues inc SMG.

(only thing with M3 is you cant scratch your carbon roof or carbon dorr panels, crack your lightweight bumper, damage your loverly induction noise creating airbox or crack you very lightweight magnessium alloys made by NASA.)

Dont Mind Shimmy

Just buy 1 with Bmw Warranty and under 60,000 miles you will be fine Welcome to the mad house

[bromers]

No cardboard boot

I put a couple of wheels in the back and they carry the weight fine.

I've been pleasantly surprised how robust these cars are.

They are a great drive, maybe not much quicker in a straight line than a normal M3 but through the twisties and track it's a different story.

Had mine 5 years - no warranty for 3 years and only a couple of minor issues inexpensive issues, but thinking I might get an extended warranty now though as they are getting on a bit now (6 years old).

Rick

[shimmy]

Originally Posted by mark csl

Dont Mind Shimmy

what, apart from the last bit i am serious, the issues are no different to the M3

welcome and good choice by the way!

[rstoughy]

Had mine nearly a year now and love it

59,000 miles and counting (fast)

I have a few minors to sort over the winter like RTAB, a wonky N/S mirror and an Insp II to get done within the next 1500miles but if thats it after a year of abuse then it's fine by me.

I too have come from an RS background infact i'm currently rebuilding a 3 door cosworth.
It will have the old engine out of Dave Moss's Escort in it (YUM) so should be good for a laugh

[Mark CSL]

Originally Posted by shimmy

what, apart from the last bit i am serious, the issues are no different to the M3

welcome and good choice by the way!

crack you very lightweight magnessium alloys made by NASA

[Dan]

Originally Posted by rstoughy

Had mine nearly a year now and love it

59,000 miles and counting (fast)

I have a few minors to sort over the winter like RTAB, a wonky N/S mirror and an Insp II to get done within the next 1500miles but if thats it after a year of abuse then it's fine by me.

I too have come from an RS background infact i'm currently rebuilding a 3 door cosworth.
It will have the old engine out of Dave Moss's Escort in it (YUM) so should be good for a laugh

Hello mate, I'm sure you had a Mallard Escos on 18's Dark coloured Azev's or something? Dave's engine is fooking mental! Have known Dave and Helen for years now! You could have bought my M3 the price he was asking for that engine! lol

So sounds like a lot of it is a myth then which is good, with the budget I have I am looking at cars with around 10-20k on the clock to be honest so I'm hoping they are quite honest, genuine low milers and won't give me too much hassle!

Is it important to buy one that's had an Inspection II or is this dependant on mileage?

Thanks for all the help guys

[mattCSLnut]

Hi there.
One thing I wouldn't obsess about too much is mileage a mistake I made when I started my CSL search. Before buying my SG CSL I looked at two other CSLs, both with mid 40K miles and neither was in as good condition as the third CSL that I looked at with high 60K on the clock, which consequently I bought purely on, a) Superb over all condition + b) Impeccable & full service history with majority of CSL issues already addresses. Now approaching 70K miles I do not regret buying it one bit, I am very pleased with it and intend to enjoy it to the full .
Best of luck with your CSL search

[rstoughy]

Originally Posted by Dan

Hello mate, I'm sure you had a Mallard Escos on 18's Dark coloured Azev's or something? Dave's engine is fooking mental! Have known Dave and Helen for years now! You could have bought my M3 the price he was asking for that engine! lol

Correct

its the old engine i have not the current one which is circa £20k.

Any excuse for a pic or 2