M3 CSLs.. Are they THAT good?

[Jaw]

The 'future classic' thread got me thinking. So I always hear the CSL referred to on an almost holy grail status. I've never heard a bad thing, always see comments as to how x car will stuggle to outdo around a track it etc etc.

I've never had a chance to go in one until now as one has come up for sale relatively locally but I hate test driving cars I'm not sure I'm interested in, so I just wondered what is THAT good about them? do they drive that well as a package givel the setup, low centre of gravity due to the carbon fibre etc, or is more down to bmw fandom and the exclusivity factor etc?

They command a massive premium wherever you are, over a standard e46 m3 - comparable to an e92 m3 in fact, and I just wondered if the difference in price was due to how good they were, or just a case of reputation and rarity?

Just curious more than anything as the price tag puts it in the range of 360's, 996 GT3's and newer model m3's, so just wondered.

 

[Z4M-2006]

I have driven one and it was good , but so is a standard E46 M3

Prices are driven by rarity and people wanting in a rare M car for an investment.

I would go as far to say that on the road there is little difference in feel between a CSL and a boggo M3.. On the track is a different thing.

 

[mmm-five]

I'd have a CSL, but not a standard M3.

Part of it is the rarity as I don't tend to go for mass produced models (e34 M5, Z4MC, VW Corrado VR6, Polo G40), and part is the fact that is sounds, handles, goes better in every way than the standard M3.

Obviously the weight, unsprung weight, suspension settings and tyres make a huge difference as rides the bumps/ruts better than any M3 I've driven.

I had the opportunity (for only a couple £K more) to buy a CSL rather than the Z4MC. On the one hand I regret not doing so as the prices have rocketed, but I could never have used it as the daily driver like I do with the Z4. My mate has done about 3000 miles in 6 years in his and that includes a Ring trip, but the rest of the time it's in the garage and he drives the family bus. The cost of spares he's bought has really put me off too, as he swapped most of his carbon stuff for replica fibreglass ones so the expensive ones don't get nicked. Couldn't live with that sort of hassle.