Buying advice

[mohitos]

Morning all,

First time poster and I am reaching out for some buying advice please. I currently have a Porsche 968 Club Sport as an occasional track toy and am looking to change. I have always loved CSL's and considering one for the 968's replacement. With a young child the prospect of the CSL's practicality is very appealing !

I have a few questions if you wouldn't mind :smt102

- I have read a lot abour rear subframes. Should I always be looking for this to have been rectified and what evidence would suffice ?

- I've noticed that some CSL's are still under BMW warranty. This is appealing but presume any car with suspension / brake mods would be excluded ?

- How many more years can a CSL be under BMW warranty ?

- How essential are suspension and brake mods for track use ?

- Are there any key reliability issues to be aware of ? The purchase price is one thing but I would like to try and avoid big maintanence bills.

- Do CSL people in the know prefer using main dealers or CSL specialists, and are there any specialists in London or Hertfordshire ?

- I believe the CSL has isofix in the back. Are there certain child seats people prefer for fit ?

- How do people find the gearbox? I have not driven one yet but my preference ordinarily would be for manual - although I hear very good things.

If there are particular cars for sale you think I should be looking at, I would be happy to hear about them.

Sorry for the long list of questions - I know new forum members can be a PITA so I apologise in advance !

[Pip1968]

Morning all,

First time poster and I am reaching out for some buying advice please. I currently have a Porsche 968 Club Sport as an occasional track toy and am looking to change. I have always loved CSL's and considering one for the 968's replacement. With a young child the prospect of the CSL's practicality is very appealing !

Sorry for the long list of questions - I know new forum members can be a PITA so I apologise in advance !

I have a few questions if you wouldn't mind :smt102

- I have read a lot abour rear subframes. Should I always be looking for this to have been rectified and what evidence would suffice ?

Mine has not been strengthened but some have. Personally I think it may be the 'seasonal' worry as I am sure not all have been 'fixed' although everyone seems to ask for it to be inspected when in for servicing. However it will probably give you peace of mind if it is already strengthened.

- I've noticed that some CSL's are still under BMW warranty. This is appealing but presume any car with suspension / brake mods would be excluded ?

Modified cars strictly speaking are excluded from the Mondial warranty although plenty get claims paid regardless. Just watch who you go to.

- How many more years can a CSL be under BMW warranty ?

I think it is possibly up to 100,000 maybe indefinately but the cost goes up after 60,000 miles and then you may be better off 'self' insuring.

- How essential are suspension and brake mods for track use ?

I have modified brakes (considered to be the weak point of M series and CSLs in gerneral) but my suspension is standard. It probably depends on whether you are a track 'god' or not.

- Are there any key reliability issues to be aware of ? The purchase price is one thing but I would like to try and avoid big maintanence bills.

I think they are fairly good on this side but others will be along I am sure. Rear springs comes to mind and the subframe which BMW should cover under the group action (USA)

- Do CSL people in the know prefer using main dealers or CSL specialists, and are there any specialists in London or Hertfordshire ?

ELMs BMW are good and known independants are Simpsons/ Thorney Motorsport (now out of favour)/ Munich Legends - user Monkey on here. I am sure there are some t'up norf too.

- I believe the CSL has isofix in the back. Are there certain child seats people prefer for fit

?? No idea although CSL girl on here has had lots of children :blalalala: and has had them strapped into the CSL quite happily so there must be something. Just watch their feet on the rubberised backs of the seats.

- How do people find the gearbox? I have not driven one yet but my preference ordinarily would be for manual - although I hear very good things.

It is not my favourite but most on here seem to love it. It is good for track though if you want to keep two hands on the wheel. Each to their own.

If there are particular cars for sale you think I should be looking at, I would be happy to hear about them.

Look in the For Sale section. I am not sure whose is up for sale at the moment. Just watch out for 'time wasters' ie those selling who then change their mind (M......:blalalala:). Mine was W1TAK from the day who was selling and then changed his mind but sold her about a year later anyway.

Good luck. Happy hunting.

Pip

[Steve B]

I've had mine 11 months now and bought it without asking any questions about it..... I can safely say it's the BEST car I have ever owned.



I have read a lot abour rear subframes. Should I always be looking for this to have been rectified and what evidence would suffice ?

If the car is under 10 years old it should still be under BMWs "goodwill" and should be replaced FOC (mine was), it can be repaired for around £100-£1200 so take this into consideration if it's over 10 years old and not been replaced.



I've noticed that some CSL's are still under BMW warranty. This is appealing but presume any car with suspension / brake mods would be excluded ?

Not sure sorry.



How many more years can a CSL be under BMW warranty ?

Again not sure.



How essential are suspension and brake mods for track use ?

A decent set of pads will suffice as a start.



Are there any key reliability issues to be aware of ? The purchase price is one thing but I would like to try and avoid big maintanence bills.

I have a £3k fund "just in case"



Do CSL people in the know prefer using main dealers or CSL specialists, and are there any specialists in London or Hertfordshire ?

Most on here use Elms in Cambridge, I use an independent.




I believe the CSL has isofix in the back. Are there certain child seats people prefer for fit ?

Sorry no idea.



How do people find the gearbox? I have not driven one yet but my preference ordinarily would be for manual - although I hear very good things.

Took me a few miles to get used too but once you do it's awesome...!!!!!




If there are particular cars for sale you think I should be looking at, I would be happy to hear about them.

No sorry

[Pip1968]

Also: http://www.cslregister.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146

The post start above this at the moment!!! - Buyers Guide!!!!!!!!!!

Pip ;)