What is so special about CSL wheels?

[Thadeus1991]

Hi everyone,

This might be an absolute n00b question but I was wondering why people see the CSL wheels as so special?

I mean, they look nice enough but, personally, they are not my favourite style. It also seems to be the case that there are a fair few CSL replicas (and even fakes) out there but that people often seem very keen to have the originals only.

I tried to search the forum and also googled this but can't seem to find an answer to this.

Thanks for your answers (and don't roast me too much)

 

[brillomaster]

are real CSL wheels forged, and therefore are lighter and stronger than cast wheels, but considerably more expensive? most csl reps are cast, because its cheaper to produce.

 

[enuff_zed]

You can't pick on the CSL wheels guys.................. they have herd immunity.

 

[Phippy]

 

[ibasniper]

Hi everyone,

This might be an absolute n00b question but I was wondering why people see the CSL wheels as so special?

I mean, they look nice enough but, personally, they are not my favourite style. It also seems to be the case that there are a fair few CSL replicas (and even fakes) out there but that people often seem very keen to have the originals only.

I tried to search the forum and also googled this but can't seem to find an answer to this.

Thanks for your answers (and don't roast me too much)

Personally I think it all comes down to looks really, CSL's look Fab on a e86 coupe and very hard to beat that look. As for "originals only" i think most people would prefer original, as you should get a quality forged product, but it does come down to how deep your pockets are. That's when the replicas come into play and the "get what you pay for fraise".

Ive had a few medium budget cast wheels over the years (not on Z4's) and none of them fair well against out pothole riddled roads, especially if you have runflats. Flow formed alloys are supposed to be a quality wheel at a sensible price, but ive not seen a true flow formed CSL replica, and ive not tried any.

Not sure the CSL is the best looking wheel for the E85 though, i personally have the split rim 108's in a dual colour and that works for me.

 

[Thadeus1991]

Personally I think it all comes down to looks really, CSL's look Fab on a e86 coupe and very hard to beat that look. As for "originals only" i think most people would prefer original, as you should get a quality forged product, but it does come down to how deep your pockets are. That's when the replicas come into play and the "get what you pay for fraise".

Aaah - that makes sense. I thought it might have something to do with them being something like a 'limited edition' or such thin. Clearly not then!

Ive had a few medium budget cast wheels over the years (not on Z4's) and none of them fair well against out pothole riddled roads, especially if you have runflats. Flow formed alloys are supposed to be a quality wheel at a sensible price, but ive not seen a true flow formed CSL replica, and ive not tried any.

Oh, that's interesting to know. What difference does it make on the road? Is it a case of them braking more easily or are they more uncomfortable?

Not sure the CSL is the best looking wheel for the E85 though, i personally have the split rim 108's in a dual colour and that works for me.

I agree - my current e85 has CSL wheels (pretty sure they're replicas, though) and I used to have one with the star-spoke design (something linke in the photo) which I much preferred

 

[idej_z4]

Hi everyone,

This might be an absolute n00b question but I was wondering why people see the CSL wheels as so special?

I mean, they look nice enough but, personally, they are not my favourite style. It also seems to be the case that there are a fair few CSL replicas (and even fakes) out there but that people often seem very keen to have the originals only.

I tried to search the forum and also googled this but can't seem to find an answer to this.

Thanks for your answers (and don't roast me too much)

Personally I think it all comes down to looks really, CSL's look Fab on a e86 coupe and very hard to beat that look. As for "originals only" i think most people would prefer original, as you should get a quality forged product, but it does come down to how deep your pockets are. That's when the replicas come into play and the "get what you pay for fraise".

Ive had a few medium budget cast wheels over the years (not on Z4's) and none of them fair well against out pothole riddled roads, especially if you have runflats. Flow formed alloys are supposed to be a quality wheel at a sensible price, but ive not seen a true flow formed CSL replica, and ive not tried any.

Not sure the CSL is the best looking wheel for the E85 though, i personally have the split rim 108's in a dual colour and that works for me.

I have CSL reps on my E86. Fancied a change so bought some AC Type 8 - as soon as I took the CSLs off I knew it was the wrong choice, and I was right, they didn't suit the E86. Think it comes down to the 'modern classic' term that gets banned around about the E86. Something about the CSLs is just a perfect match.

My Mrs has a pre-facelift E85, was on 108's that worked really well, but the AC Type 8 wheels look even better. Weird how they're more or less the same car (even nearly the same colour, mine is silver-grey, hers is sterling grey) but the same wheels don't work on both.

I agree btw with the CSLs on the E85, not quite the same.

 

[Thadeus1991]

Weird how they're more or less the same car (even nearly the same colour, mine is silver-grey, hers is sterling grey) but the same wheels don't work on both.

Just had a quick google to see if I could find the AC type 8s on an e85 and 86 and was able to find both. You're right - they look great on the roadster but something seems off when they're on the coupe...

 

[Trav]

I may be wrong on this but I don't get the 'lighter' angle on the CSL's. A lot folk seem to go with the 19" CSL alloy wheel. Surely this is heavier than a standard 18" alloy. Have many fitted 18" CSL's. 19's are for their great visual appearance only surely. They doo look great though, as do the AC 8's. I also think the Z4 Alipinas look great on their alloys.

 

[SiJar]

For me it’s about the concave look of the wheel and the fact that it’s an OEM BMW wheel. Any future owner would want the BMW originality and not some after market cheap alloys!

 

[srhutch]

You’ll struggle to fit genuine CSL wheels on a non ///M zed without some suspension mods at least. 9.5” rears with ET27 means they’ll stick out too far. That’s another reason reps are used, not just cost.

 

[srhutch]

Hi everyone,

This might be an absolute n00b question but I was wondering why people see the CSL wheels as so special?

I mean, they look nice enough but, personally, they are not my favourite style. It also seems to be the case that there are a fair few CSL replicas (and even fakes) out there but that people often seem very keen to have the originals only.

I tried to search the forum and also googled this but can't seem to find an answer to this.

Thanks for your answers (and don't roast me too much)

Personally I think it all comes down to looks really, CSL's look Fab on a e86 coupe and very hard to beat that look. As for "originals only" i think most people would prefer original, as you should get a quality forged product, but it does come down to how deep your pockets are. That's when the replicas come into play and the "get what you pay for fraise".

Ive had a few medium budget cast wheels over the years (not on Z4's) and none of them fair well against out pothole riddled roads, especially if you have runflats. Flow formed alloys are supposed to be a quality wheel at a sensible price, but ive not seen a true flow formed CSL replica, and ive not tried any.

Not sure the CSL is the best looking wheel for the E85 though, i personally have the split rim 108's in a dual colour and that works for me.

I have CSL reps on my E86. Fancied a change so bought some AC Type 8 - as soon as I took the CSLs off I knew it was the wrong choice, and I was right, they didn't suit the E86. Think it comes down to the 'modern classic' term that gets banned around about the E86. Something about the CSLs is just a perfect match.

My Mrs has a pre-facelift E85, was on 108's that worked really well, but the AC Type 8 wheels look even better. Weird how they're more or less the same car (even nearly the same colour, mine is silver-grey, hers is sterling grey) but the same wheels don't work on both.

I agree btw with the CSLs on the E85, not quite the same.

108’s suit E85 better than E86 in my eyes and MV2’s the other way round so see exactly where you are coming from.

 

[R60BBA]

I may be wrong on this but I don't get the 'lighter' angle on the CSL's. A lot folk seem to go with the 19" CSL alloy wheel. Surely this is heavier than a standard 18" alloy. Have many fitted 18" CSL's. 19's are for their great visual appearance only surely. They doo look great though, as do the AC 8's. I also think the Z4 Alipinas look great on their alloys.

Genuine CSL wheels are indeed light, and this is noticeable when driving too (especially the turn in).

Fronts are 22.8lbs and the rears are 24.2lbs iirc.

FYI you can’t get Genuine CSLs in 18” either, only reps come in that size (of which I couldn’t comment on weight as there are so many to choose from).

Hi everyone,

This might be an absolute n00b question but I was wondering why people see the CSL wheels as so special?

I mean, they look nice enough but, personally, they are not my favourite style. It also seems to be the case that there are a fair few CSL replicas (and even fakes) out there but that people often seem very keen to have the originals only.

I tried to search the forum and also googled this but can't seem to find an answer to this.

Thanks for your answers (and don't roast me too much)

In regards to the OP’s original query, I would say that they are special as they are arguably the best looking wheel BMW has ever put on a car, they are made by BBS and the factory finish is very impressive in the flesh (so much so that it is extremely difficult to be replicated).

Unfortunately I have sensed a bit of ‘kudos’ from some owners who run Genuine CSLs, however having said that, Genuine CSL wheels hold their value much better than reps (which are practically worthless once used).

I also wouldn’t buy an M car on CSL replica wheels (unless it was cheap) because it arguably indicates that the owner has ‘cheaped out’ in some way or form. Kind of similar to the concept of not buying from owners who put budget tyres on their so-called pride and joys.

 

[Jembo]

FYI ... CSL = Coupe Sport Lightweight ... & as someone once remarked, despite in this instance the 19” being lighter than 18” rims, you’d benefit more by going to the gym

 

[srhutch]

Unfortunately I have sensed a bit of ‘kudos’ from some owners who run Genuine CSLs, however having said that, Genuine CSL wheels hold their value much better than reps (which are practically worthless once used).

I also wouldn’t buy an M car on CSL replica wheels (unless it was cheap) because it arguably indicates that the owner has ‘cheaped out’ in some way or form. Kind of similar to the concept of not buying from owners who put budget tyres on their so-called pride and joys.

Think you need to make your mind up which camp you're in.

 

[R60BBA]

Unfortunately I have sensed a bit of ‘kudos’ from some owners who run Genuine CSLs, however having said that, Genuine CSL wheels hold their value much better than reps (which are practically worthless once used).

I also wouldn’t buy an M car on CSL replica wheels (unless it was cheap) because it arguably indicates that the owner has ‘cheaped out’ in some way or form. Kind of similar to the concept of not buying from owners who put budget tyres on their so-called pride and joys.

Think you need to make your mind up which camp you're in.

No I don’t.

 

[Neutro999]

Hi everyone,

This might be an absolute n00b question but I was wondering why people see the CSL wheels as so special?

I mean, they look nice enough but, personally, they are not my favourite style. It also seems to be the case that there are a fair few CSL replicas (and even fakes) out there but that people often seem very keen to have the originals only.

I tried to search the forum and also googled this but can't seem to find an answer to this.

Thanks for your answers (and don't roast me too much)

Personally I really don't like them I think the 224M that came with the ///M models look better
and I think the other M wheels the MV2's are also better looking - also the ellipsoid wheels are unlike any other alloys I've ever seen on the market and are really unique

 

[Jembo]

224’s are by miles easier to keep clean, though just don’t have ‘the deep dish’

 

[tomscott]

*My personal opinion*

My fav wheel of all time, the think they completely transform the look of the Z.

The 224s imo are just super boring with being a 5 star with no double dish and was the first thing I got rid of. They have no character imo and sedate the car, CSLs suit the aggressive character of the M.

Add a couple of other mods like the aero skirts, carbon spoiler and lower the car a little it really makes a big difference to the look. I never got round to the aero skirts but have a set now and will go on my Mr sometime this year!

They are magnesium alloy so are a bit lighter than other wheels being designed for the M3 CSL.

They seem common on the forum but apart from a show or meet ive never seen another Z4M with genuine CSLs and ive had these cars for 10 years now.

I bought mine off a guy who was tracking his M3 CSL and bought even lighter items and I picked mine up back in 2011 for about £750. Had them on my Z4Mc sold the car but kept them as they are hard to get hold of and now have them on my Mr

BMW Z4M Coupe CSL & OEM Wheels by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Coupe with CSL wheels by Tom Scott, on Flickr

IMG_2768 by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Coupe CSL wheels by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Roadster, Tatton Park by Tom Scott, on Flickr