Old_Fart

I've only been in a CSL so apologies for the pathetic question but, does the standard M3 have 3 rear seatbelts? I'm changing the garage again LOL
Rgds
Cman

Nevetas

It does indeed.

You can also 'modify' a CSL to have 3 proper seats at the back, although I wouldn't bother.

Old_Fart

Yeah, you also run into regulatory issues as car is registered as a 4 seater so insurance etc screwed. I wanna manual anyway, auto boxes are ghey
C

Nevetas

Thats what I thought, I had to be persuaded to go for SMG in my M3, but it really is amazing.

I can never go back to a normal manual now.

SMG is still a manual though, just has computers to help you out

Old_Fart

Yeah, I heard you CSL guys don't know how to heel'n'toe Thanks mate
cman

Nevetas

No Worries.

I also have a strange desire to change my cars every month. I was thinking about a GT3, but with winter just around the corner I think 4wd will make more sence.

So was thinking about chopping the CSL in for a 996 911 Turbo.

Being as you've had a fair selection of motors, what do you think of that choice?

Will I get bored of it and want the CSL back?

Old_Fart

Ummm I doubt it. I reckon the 996 had better steering than the 997, so 996TT good on that front, and much better than the CSL in that department. Really fast off the line and outta corners. I'm an old man though and reckon the C4S offers enough performance to keep any sane person happy LOL
Scariest thing about TT is depreciation and general running costs I'd say. Potentially a very expensive short term car.
My short list is quite ecletic, I'm driving the 22B every day again and it's still a great car so sometimes I think I'll get a quick new A6 Avant for family, other times another C4S and also looking at everything from Mini Cooper'S' to Ferrari 360
I've been though 3 porsches and bought a new Audi already this year though so desperate to find something I won't wanna change in a hurry.
Cman

Nevetas

Ok Cheers, Will get a few test drives sorted out then

Deep Singh

Cman, you've only had the beetle convertible for about 4 weeks??

Old_Fart

Deep, yeah about 6 weeks total I owned it, sold it 2 weeks ago now. At the end of the day I didn't think it was worth keeping for a year in the knowledge it would cost me at least 10k in depreciation plus all that cash tied up in it. Despite it being an extremely good drive it just wasn't pretty enough, the coupes look so much better, so back to square one LOL
Cman

Deep Singh

Have fun deciding. Post piccies when you have the next 'car of the month'

Hammoc

Don't do it ......well not until you've given me a ride in the CSL. Then you can change and give me another ride in the 996 when you get it



Chris

Nevetas

Went to view a turbo today at Colchester Porsche centre. Which is next to a ferrari dealer, so loads and loads of metal to look at.

Didn't drive it today just looked round it, not as 'special' as the CSL imo, but a lovely looking machine. But at 57k, is it really worth my CSL + 20k.

Will have to have a drive off it next week, then make that decision....

Until then....

Steve

carl

Well I bought (today) a 320 Cd for the missus. Was surprised to find that most of them have 3 seatbelts in the back (proper 3-point one in the middle, too). Apparently it's an option but most of them have them. Of course, if it's a cabrio then no chance.

Thinking of getting an M3 Cab next year, but then we'll have two 3-serieses on the driveway.

Deep Singh

Steve, I know you are a man who knows/appreciates his cars but.....

to say a 996 turbo doesn't look special is a bit weird. The CSL is the least 'special' looking supercar around. As you probably remember I drove one and was impressed, but it looks no different to the 10s of 100s of 3 series around. The 996 turbo looks special from all angles and can never be mistaken for a £18k base model like a CSL can.

imho of course

Deep

Nevetas

Arr but Deep I see it a differant way.

When you have 100 porkers in 1 car park they all start to look the same.

But the CSL with it's carbon fibre everywhere, carbon interior, plaque with build number, huge 19" wheels. Just makes the CSL look more special than the other 3's.

Don't get me wrong the porker is a glorious machine, but it gets slightly lost in the car showroom full to the brim of more 911's. Whereas a CSL in a showroom full of 3's would stand out like a sore thumb.

I guess it's because the porker is a 911, and all 911's and great, it's feels less special than being in a ltd edition CSL, where it's rare to ever see another on the road. I think the 911 is much sexier than the CSL, but that doesn't stop the CSL being more special, if that makes sence

Can't wait for the test drive though

But the question I still can't answer, is it worth buying a 3 year old car, for my car +20k. I guess only the test drive can truely answer that.

Deep Singh

I take your point but.. when I went to see/drive the CSL at a large BMW MD the CSL disappeared in a sea of other BMs. To me it did not stand out. When lined up with other M3s only the informed/anoraks would be able to tell them apart, and I'm sure you'll agree M3s are fairly common. The CSL looks far more like a regular M3 than a turbo does a regular 911. Also the 'turbo' sticker is larger than a 'csl' sticker!!(LOL)

To me the CSL is a special car but doesn't look it. That maybe what some people want, if so perfect.

Is the turbo worth your car + £20k? Let us know when you decide, it will be interesting

Deep

Nevetas

Well, booked in tomorrow to test drive a C4S and an 02 Turbo (£59k )

Will let you know...

Old_Fart

I reckon the CSL cabin is a more 'special' place to sit, big fat steeringwheel, crazy bucket seats etc. Personally I'd probably rather have the CSL than the TT because each drive seems more of an event. HOwever I don't really fancy either. At the moment I'm thinking F355 or Elise 111R, but guards red 997 making a late bid for my attention, as is a property in the New Forest LOL Hope you enjoy the drive Steve, even more I hope you prefer the CSL so yuo don't waste any more money LOL
Cman

carl

I'm thinking of one of these too. But you know it's going to be a garage queen and a total frustration

Old_Fart

I agree Carl that's whats stopping me, I want about 6k miles a year outta it, and don't want to waste a weekend every month getting it sorted out
C

Adam M

oh the irony!

Old_Fart

I know Adam, however I regret every car I've bought and sold within a year and I certainly wish I'd been content with them, I've never bought a car with the intention of keeping it for less than 3 years...but then the 22B is the only one I've ever managed to like enough to keep! Blast! I'd hate to add up all I've spent in the past 4 years
Cman

Deep Singh

The 'special' fat wheel often 'bobbles' after six months or so.The crazy bucket seats are the most uncomfortable I have EVER sat in. The rest is std 3 series.

The noise though is one of the best ever!!!