[walbjj]

anyone know or have driven one of these?
is it worth the extra cash over a normal e46 m3, or is it just a exclusivity thing?

i heard that the tracktimes were mostly attributed to the pilot cup tyres, rather than the lightweight materials and the little extra power that it has.

being only 23 delivered in oz (i personally have seen 4 of them), i would guess insurance would be outrageous, and servicing could be a nightmare.

[skyskie]

http://www.guba.com/watch/3000005280...50683184d281af

check this vid out, its from top gear.

[1q2w3e4r]

No not worth it, unless your going to seriously track it. Then you'd buy the Porsche 911 GT3. Also doesn't come with cruise etc. Awesome bits of kit, but a bit of a stretch at $200k+ new.

[walbjj]

i know it wasnt great value new, but as a 2nd hand purchase, which i have seen a few go for about $110k, then it makes more sense. low kms as many were weekend cars, and the rarity factor surely makes them more unique then the other e46 m3's out there. which imo have a rather unsavoury image as most of them seem to be driven by...shall we say, a certain criminal element. not that i care what people choose to do with their time and money.

[BMW //MPOWER]

I've always said, if you want a M3 CSL and are seriously planning on tracking it, why not just get a regular M3 and finish the job DIY, You'd probably save a bucket and end up with a lighter car than the CSL.
Like seriously, how hard is it to rip out the interior of the car...? If your gonna track it you don't really care about having a backseat or anything like that...

[walbjj]

fair enough, but i guess part of the novelty is the fact that u own a rare car. and for me personally, a csl wont be as harsh as my brothers modified evo9, nor like my current s2000.

i was looking more in terms of the csl with added extras such as having the ac, having a stereo, yet also retaining some of the hardcore aspects like the intake, the exhaust, the cf roof, which the std m3 does not have.

my brother has a b5rs4, and its unique (only 48 in australia) and it has a certain cred factor attached to it as its limited

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by walbjj

fair enough, but i guess part of the novelty is the fact that u own a rare car. and for me personally, a csl wont be as harsh as my brothers modified evo9, nor like my current s2000.

i was looking more in terms of the csl with added extras such as having the ac, having a stereo, yet also retaining some of the hardcore aspects like the intake, the exhaust, the cf roof, which the std m3 does not have.

my brother has a b5rs4, and its unique (only 48 in australia) and it has a certain cred factor attached to it as its limited

If you want limited go get a Ferrari, BMW's are mass produced cars, i wouldn't exactly be looking at a BMW if i wanted to go for something with exclusivity.

[walbjj]

yeah, i dont have $300,000 burning a hole in my pocket, nor can i stomach the $10k clutches and service costs.

however, i am able to live with teh servicing and maintenance of a bmw. and as far as exclusivity is concerned. a 325ci is fairly run of the mill, but a m3 csl is a little bit scarcer, just a tad. then again, i could always just drive a commodore, and mingle with the sheep, or a camry and become an accountant.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by walbjj

yeah, i dont have $300,000 burning a hole in my pocket, nor can i stomach the $10k clutches and service costs.

however, i am able to live with teh servicing and maintenance of a bmw. and as far as exclusivity is concerned. a 325ci is fairly run of the mill, but a m3 csl is a little bit scarcer, just a tad. then again, i could always just drive a commodore, and mingle with the sheep, or a camry and become an accountant.

For the $210k an M3 CSL would set you back you can get into a near new Porsche 911 (997), higher range 996 or a late-90's Ferrari if you want to go that far. Or even new 6 series, but then again if you wanna drive a commodore and mingle with the sheep / drive a camry and become an accountant, be my guest.

[1q2w3e4r]

Yeah, but a CSL isn't $200k+ now which is what he's getting at.

[Chris.G]

Originally Posted by walbjj

yeah, i dont have $300,000 burning a hole in my pocket, nor can i stomach the $10k clutches and service costs.

however, i am able to live with teh servicing and maintenance of a bmw. and as far as exclusivity is concerned. a 325ci is fairly run of the mill, but a m3 csl is a little bit scarcer, just a tad. then again, i could always just drive a commodore, and mingle with the sheep, or a camry and become an accountant.

you know the new HSV GTS isn't bad at all. Test drive that car before making a purchase on any performance vehicle. You will be very suprised IMHO i would rather be driving a New GTS then be driving a used M3 (thats how much this new HSV has affected me) and yes i am a BMW enthusiest to the max.

[1q2w3e4r]

Have you driven an M3 compared to the new GTS? Not really much of a comparision. The M3 still feels like it will retain its build quailty in 5 years, I can't say the same for the GTS. The donk's great, still geared too long though.

[Chris.G]

You have a point 1q2w3e4r but time will also tell in how reliable these new HOLDENS/HSV's are.

[1q2w3e4r]

I think they are a huge cut above the older model as you mentioned. I went test driving them about 6 months ago with a friend who was weighing up a new car and leaning towards it. We drove the R8 and GTS and he ended up with a Boxster because the build quality was heaps better.

Resale's the big killer with Holden/HSV as a new model comes out every two years and they do series upgrades each year as well. Not ideal for loyal and existing customers which is a shame.

[Chris.G]

yeah tell me about it. HSV already is making plans for an LS3 engines in its HSV range (inside info from LS1.com.au). It hasn't been long since the release of the e series HSV's and already an engine update

There is also a possible limited edition GTS-R, LS7 engined HSV that is going to cost around a 130K. i know a member in LS1 forum who has already put a deposit on it (all will be revealed at SYDNEY Motor Show).

[walbjj]

a friend is looking at the gto, its about $70k, and the guy cant get over teh huge amount of torque, he has a mini cooper s jcw atm. i told him to forget about it

and yes, bmw m power, im referring to the fact that the csl is now somewhat good value as compared to before. buying hideously expensive cars brand new is one of the stupidest things to do, let some other poor slob eat the depreciation

[VGR00]

Originally Posted by Chris.G

you know the new HSV GTS isn't bad at all. Test drive that car before making a purchase on any performance vehicle. You will be very suprised IMHO i would rather be driving a New GTS then be driving a used M3 (thats how much this new HSV has affected me) and yes i am a BMW enthusiest to the max.

Absolutly ..... If outrigt performance to $$ is what you are after then this is a great car. It also looks hot.

Originally Posted by 1q2w3e4r

Have you driven an M3 compared to the new GTS? Not really much of a comparision. The M3 still feels like it will retain its build quailty in 5 years, I can't say the same for the GTS. The donk's great, still geared too long though.

The E46 M3 is looking old. No doubt of the build quality on the M3 but don't discount the GTS. They airn't as shabby as they used to be.

Originally Posted by walbjj

a friend is looking at the gto, its about $70k, and the guy cant get over teh huge amount of torque, he has a mini cooper s jcw atm. i told him to forget about it

and yes, bmw m power, im referring to the fact that the csl is now somewhat good value as compared to before. buying hideously expensive cars brand new is one of the stupidest things to do, let some other poor slob eat the depreciation

A second hand car will also depreciate

[BMW //MPOWER]

Sorry to say it, but an M3 CSL is a car you either buy brand new or not at all. There is a good reason they sell cheap 2nd hand, because the 1 reason people buy the CSL, to track it! If you want a pre-tracked M3 with less than 50,000kms on the clock, with roll cage already installed and all there has been a few for sale recently through the car sales part of the BMW car clubs of Sydney/NSW website, for around the $50k mark. Buying a 2nd hand M3 is a much safer bet if you know a good mechanic as there is a much better chance that it hasn't seen a race track and will serve you better. Personally i avoid tracked cars like the plague. But each to their own...

[walbjj]

i dont agree with u totally there. my brother has an evo9 that he has modified heavily, and tracks it. it is fine to drive daily, a little harsh, but no problems. he is an enthusiast, and knows how to maintain the car.

same with the csl, i have seen them being driven by shall we say, those of the "industrie" fashion wearing set, and i doubt they track it, more like they drive it to impress, or to wash some funds.
also, how many porsche owners do u think drive the car to the full potential?
as long as the car checks out fine, then thats the best u can do.
my other brother bought his rs4 2nd hand, interstate even. it has been fine.

well, i would like to know, according to ur logic, what other cars fit into ur buy new or never category?

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by walbjj

well, i would like to know, according to ur logic, what other cars fit into ur buy new or never category?

Porsche GT3 & GT3 RS.
I pretty much will avoid touching any car that has been tracked if i'm looking at a 2nd hand purchase. Either way it's a case of buyer beware, you need to be sure of what your buying.
There is a reason why modded are worth less than the non-modded ones...

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by walbjj

i
same with the csl, i have seen them being driven by shall we say, those of the "industrie" fashion wearing set, and i doubt they track it, more like they drive it to impress, or to wash some funds.

Just wondering since when was "industrie" ever deemed to be fashion?

[astra]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

Just wondering since when was "industrie" ever deemed to be fashion?

it never was...