M3 CSL = ** King of bling**

[scillyisles]

I fully agree with comments about the M3 needing time to get acquainted to - particularly the SMG variant. The first test drive I had in an M3 for 30 minutes did'nt impress me at all. My second test drive where I loaned one for just over 24 hours and used it on the roads I drive on daily convinced me.
I've had my M3 now for 12months and I use it daily - the cars capabilities are deceptive in that it is able to go very fast without appearing to go fast. Handling is excellent and in normal conditions traction is very good - it's not 4 wheel drive however and in the damp greasy weather we've had recently you can get the DSC to intervene if you step on the loud pedal too quickly.
I've also looked at the CSL but at £59K it does'nt really seem good value. In particular, I'm very seat sensitive and the upright driving position of the standard seats is'nt very comfortable for me. Depreciation on the CSL is turning out to be frightening with a December 2003 full spec model with 750 miles on the clock currently advertised for £49K [img]images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

[gord]

Thanks you lot, now I'm really confused...! Anyway, reading between the lines, i don't care about the lack of equipment etc lairy handling in the wet doesnt scare me too much (hey! i used to have a Capri 2.8i...!), and I DO like the fact that i can get one for 10k under list (almost brand new with aircon and a crap wireless) from a BMW franchise though! Almost wipes out the 'overpriced' argument. Trouble is I had a little ride out in our RS4 today - had forgotten how good it actually is - there's no substitute for horses, as they say (especially 458 of them!).
GM [img]images/graemlins/audiS4black.gif[/img]

[Joshie]

There is no doubt that the RS4 is a magnificent car and on the road really looks like it means business without it being bling. I would have definately bought one over the M3 if I could have found an RS4 which met the company car opt out rules.

But that was before I'd got to know the M3! Now it would be a hrder choice but I'm hoping that the B6 RS4 may be the route back to the Audi brand [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

Amazing........


Riz

[Gareth]

Well I think its pretty hard to beat the sound of an RS4 / S4 with the full Milltek. Even the M3 for all that owners go on about what a fantastic noise - I'm not entirely convinced.

As far as all the other bull written about M3's in this thread I'd simply say that you need to live with one for a while before passing judgement.

The M3CSL by the way does have an options list including satnav and air con. So, RS4MEPLEASE, don't take everything you read in Evo as gospel [img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img]

Gareth, BTW had an M3CSL for a while but changed it for a B6 S4 for a number of reasons but not because it didn't live up to expectations, cos it did. [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

Guilty as charged..ex CSL owner here (pics in my gallery)

Was an awesome car and from a sound point of view was the best sounding car I ever had. Made me look for tunnels and narrow streets to just hear that exhaust and incredible induction system wailing [img]images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/033102ass_1_prv.gif[/img]

I also agree that it was no way worth £60k and BMW GB stitched up everyone who paid that when they were first launched in the UK...including me [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

You can pick one up for £47-49k if you look hard and push for a deal-and there are loads around [img]images/graemlins/sekret.gif[/img]. At that kind of price it's an awesome weekend/track car that you can-if you want-drive every day.

Ignore the image and have a drive of a legendary car [img]images/graemlins/clap.gif[/img]

Gareth.

[johnRS4]

, The RS4 sounds good on full tilt in the car, but with your head under the bonnet it sounds pants

[img]images/graemlins/director.gif[/img]please [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img]PLEASE