[Hedoniste]

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Which is « the best »?

https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/205380/bmw...he-generations

[MooMooM2]

This one is a tough one.

The CSL looks the best to me but SMG is not what I would pick for e46. The e30 is the classic and will forever always be. CS probably by far the fastest.

Really though, can't go wrong with any of them. This is much tougher than if they put the M4 CSL there or something along those lines where would be easier to pick but the M2 CS is a damn good car that it can hand with 2 legendary cars.

[Humdizzle]

I feel they put more time into the M3 CSL:
- different bumper
- different cams
- new intake manifold
- fixed carbon buck seats
- carbon doors
- side airbag deletion
- major weight savings ~ 200 pounds

M2 CS
- same engine as comp, no hardware change, just tune
- roughly same weight as the comp
- same bumpers
- interior is same, seats get some cutouts. no fixed bucket option

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

I feel they put more time into the M3 CSL:
- different bumper
- different cams
- new intake manifold
- fixed carbon buck seats
- carbon doors
- side airbag deletion
- major weight savings ~ 200 pounds

M2 CS
- same engine as comp, no hardware change, just tune
- roughly same weight as the comp
- same bumpers
- interior is same, seats get some cutouts. no fixed bucket option

And yet, the M2CS shits all over the comp from great heights

[bdogk]

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

And yet, the M2CS shits all over the comp from great heights

I've owned all variance of M2's and can confirm that my current CS dances around the Comp. That said, I feel the Comp is best valuefor the money.

[Humdizzle]

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

And yet, the M2CS shits all over the comp from great heights

The CS is better. But imo wasn't worth the premium over the comp. Just like the M3cs compared to the base car. no weight savings, same interior, same engine, improved suspension. I suspect that an M2c on Cup2 tires and CS tune would only be a couple tenths behind a CS on a 2 minute lap.

if they gave the M2cs a 150-200 pound weight saving, different turbos, or larger displacement i might have reconsidered.

[M2CS]

I think it's understandable when people that haven't spent much (or any) time behind the wheel of a CS don't think it's worth the money over the Comp. If you never get to experience the car, the only thing you have to compare is specs on paper with no way of feeling how all the changes and tweaks add up to create a different driving experience than can easily be felt. I don't think BMW aims for CS models to be looked at as the trim with the most bang for buck. However, they are limited in numbers thus have a chance at holding their value better than Comps.

[MooMooM2]

Here we go again with the CS is so much better than the comp.

Like no shit. Its like yall want a pat in the back for your purchase. Of course the car is better, has more power, suspensive is better, that alone is enough to make a car better. The CS is fantastic, everyone knows this. However not everyone wanted to pay the extra premium and some want to track their cars and for the extra $20k you can make the comp a much better track car than the CS.

[windnsea00]

The nice thing often forgotten about the CS is that's a non-depreciating asset (if not appreciating over the long term) so it's actually more affordable than the Comp. If I was going to build a track rat though I would go for the Comp as I feel the CS's shouldn't be too molested.

[MadBimmeRad]

As an example, the G87 is going to be priced very close to the CS - in many ways, it may even be a better car (statistically speaking), but I know which one I'd take in a heartbeat.

Things are often not what they seem - if it is weight-saving you want, get a CS in 6MT and add CCB - then watch the car fly.

If it is tracking that excites you, then take it to the track or even get a CS-Racing which is even lighter and nimbler.

And if you want proof the CS is way better than the Comp, ask which one won the EVO PCOTY.

I would go so far as saying, I'd have paid even more for it than I did if I had to, because this car is a unicorn in my book.

[medphysdave]

I had two propane tanks, a box of diapers and wipes along with other items on my trip to and from Costco today with my son and mother. This car is nuts.

[Davil]

Originally Posted by medphysdave

I had two propane tanks, a box of diapers and wipes along with other items on my trip to and from Costco today with my son and mother. This car is nuts.

Are the diapers for your track days?

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by Davil

Are the diapers for your track days?

Davil at his best 😁😁

[DadVibes]

If we’re talking strictly MSRP numbers, the CS is undoubtedly worth the $20k premium, at least in my opinion. Mainly because the CS is certainly more unique and carries a presence with it that the Comp just doesn’t have. As a Comp or OG owner, spend some real time around/in a CS and you’ll know what I mean. Or don’t and save yourself the anguish.

I liken it to when I had my RS5. I was around plenty of tuned ‘S’ models that always tried (and failed) to replicate the RS factory presence. The car either has it or it doesn’t. No amount of $$$ spent on aftermarket parts or performance tuning is going to solve that. The CS vs Comp is no different.

Originally Posted by windnsea00

The nice thing often forgotten about the CS is that's a non-depreciating asset (if not appreciating over the long term) so it's actually more affordable than the Comp. If I was going to build a track rat though I would go for the Comp as I feel the CS's shouldn't be too molested.

Depends entirely on what you paid for it. That is not the case if you bought it 2nd hand, when prices climbed to over $100k, with some even selling for $110k+, ~16 months ago.

When I was shopping last year, the price gap from Comp to CS (w/sub-8k miles) was over $40k. That was simply unjustifiable to me and is the only reason why I don’t have a CS sitting in my garage right now. However, with CS prices finally coming back down near MSRP numbers in recent weeks, I can see myself making the switch at some point.

That said, there is something refreshing about going with the lower-tier spec this time around, which is something I don’t typically do. And that’s having less concern about keeping it 100% immaculate and pristine and avoiding mods that may diminish the value. I’m definitely having more fun modding/enjoying the Comp than I would if I had a CS. So something to consider there, as well, I suppose.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by DadVibes

That said, there is something refreshing about going with the lower-tier spec this time around, which is something I don’t typically do. And that’s having less concern about keeping it 100% immaculate and pristine and avoiding mods that may diminish the value. I’m definitely having more fun modding/enjoying the Comp than I would if I had a CS. So something to consider there, as well, I suppose.

Valid argument. If the base 911 weren't so goddamn expensive, it would hold true for beating the living crap out of that car for a few years. Might even still hold true.

[DadVibes]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Valid argument. If the base 911 weren't so goddamn expensive, it would hold true for beating the living crap out of that car for a few years. Might even still hold true.

Right? Every time I price out a new low-mid tier 911, it immediately shoots to silly pricing. And when you take a step back and look at what it truly offers, compared to something like a CS (or even a Comp), it really makes it a difficult value proposition.

Despite that, I do plan to have a Carrera T, S or GTS in the garage at some point.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by DadVibes

Right? Every time I price out a new low-mid tier 911, it immediately shoots to silly pricing. And when you take a step back and look at what it truly offers, compared to something like a CS (or even a Comp), it really makes it a difficult value proposition.

But believe me, I’d absolutely LOVE to have a Carrera T, S or GTS in the garage.

Don't try to compare a 911 to the M2, CS or otherwise. In fact, don't compare it to any BMW. Never the twain shall meet and for good reason. They're different.

Many years ago, I tried to justify the cost of a new 911 C4S by telling myself that since it was 4 wheel drive, I could drive it year round and make it my daily. You definitely could, they're great in the snow, but the height of the car restricts just how much snow you can actually traverse. I've owned 4 AWD 911's, including a Turbo.
Any car guy must own a 911 at least once in their lifetime, IMO. I bought the CS after a lifetime of 911's for a number of reasons, but I still have an old 911 in the garage.

Almost all of my cars could go, but that old 911 and the Landcruiser are there to stay. Sorry BMW guys.

[windnsea00]

Originally Posted by DadVibes

If we’re talking strictly MSRP numbers, the CS is undoubtedly worth the $20k premium, at least in my opinion. Mainly because the CS is certainly more unique and carries a presence with it that the Comp just doesn’t have. As a Comp or OG owner, spend some real time around/in a CS and you’ll know what I mean. Or don’t and save yourself the anguish.

I liken it to when I had my RS5. I was around plenty of tuned ‘S’ models that always tried (and failed) to replicate the RS factory presence. The car either has it or it doesn’t. No amount of $$$ spent on aftermarket parts or performance tuning is going to solve that. The CS vs Comp is no different.



Depends entirely on what you paid for it. That is not the case if you bought it 2nd hand, when prices piqued to over $100k, with some even selling for $110k+, ~16 months ago.

The only reason why I don’t have a CS sitting in the garage is because when I was shopping last year, the price gap from Comp to CS (both with sub-8k miles) was over $40k. That, paired with having just recently purchased a brand new truck, meant a CS wasn’t in the cards for me.

However, with CS prices finally coming back down near MSRP numbers in recent weeks, I could see myself making the switch at some point.

That said, there is something refreshing about going with the lower-tier spec this time around, which is something I don’t typically do. And that’s having less concern about keeping it 100% immaculate and pristine and avoiding mods that may diminish the value. I’m definitely having more fun modding/enjoying the Comp than I would if I had a CS. So something to consider there, as well, I suppose.

I was fortunate to buy mine new at MSRP from Texas, in CA they were all marked up.

Originally Posted by NYNick

Don't try to compare a 911 to the M2, CS or otherwise. In fact, don't compare it to any BMW. Never the twain shall meet and for good reason. They're different.

Many years ago, I tried to justify the cost of a new 911 C4S by telling myself that since it was 4 wheel drive, I could drive it year round and make it my daily. You definitely could, they're great in the snow, but the height of the car restricts just how much snow you can actually traverse. I've owned 4 AWD 911's, including a Turbo.
Any car guy must own a 911 at least once in their lifetime, IMO. I bought the CS after a lifetime of 911's for a number of reasons, but I still have an old 911 in the garage.

Almost all of my cars could go, but that old 911 and the Landcruiser are there to stay. Sorry BMW guys.

I had a 2005 Carrera S and 2008 Carrera, I would love another one but it would need to be a GT3/GT2, the lower-tier 911's just aren't as exciting as the pumped-up M cars from my perspective. I have done a track day at the Porsche school in LA in the new 992 Carrera S, I genuinely believe my M2 CS to be more engaging. Have yet to drive the T though, that might be the ticket- ideally a GT3 Touring though!

[DadVibes]

Originally Posted by NYNick

...

Almost all of my cars could go, but that old 911 and the Landcruiser are there to stay. Sorry BMW guys.

Believe you me, good sir, I will own a 992 911 within the next 3-4 years. I even made my wife sign a contract, solidifying that agreement.

[mfarrzhp]

Originally Posted by MooMooM2

Here we go again with the CS is so much better than the comp.

Like no shit. Its like yall want a pat in the back for your purchase. Of course the car is better, has more power, suspensive is better, that alone is enough to make a car better. The CS is fantastic, everyone knows this. However not everyone wanted to pay the extra premium and some want to track their cars and for the extra $20k you can make the comp a much better track car than the CS.

No, it’s usually in response to a post like early in the tread that the CS isn’t worth the price delta. It does shave weight, but adds it most of it back with the adaptive suspension. I do wish they had shaved some more weight, but I only weigh 145lbs, so I'm saving 40-50lbs over the average American.

For me it was easy, I wanted a 6MT and I was a fan of the 1M, but the M2 never really did much for me.

I've grown to really respect the M2 Comp, as never drove one until after pickimg up my CS. But the Misano/Gold combo, CFRP hood, alcantara/CF touches inside and the collectibility (and value proposition) sealed it for me. The fact that it drives marginally better than the Comp helps. I wouldnt hesitate to buy an F87 Comp as an addition to the garage, it just needs the 763 wheels.

I'll never track the CS, but i give it a good thrash on empty roads when the opportunity presents itself.

Kind of back on topic, if I win the lotto or get a huge payday, I'm adding an E30 M3 and E36 M3 LTW to the stable. I dont think I'd want the E46 CSL with SMG, but I'd drive one to find out.

[sdhotwn]

I thought about it through the whole article as well and "maybe" I'd take the E30. The issue for me is for as charming as the old cars are, they are still old. They aren't as capable, they aren't as safe, they aren't as reliable etc. I find I gravitate to newer things even when I have had the chance to really enjoy and engage with some beautiful examples of older cars. So for me I'd probably be the CS... and then later whatever new thing finally joins this class of 3. That's not saying anything bad about the other 2, it's just what I've learned about how I end up relating to the experiences I've had. It's more like "nice place to visit, but wouldn't want to live there" - would happily rent/drive any friends car like that any time I could just to get a "hit" of it, but wouldn't want to waste garage space on it for myself.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by windnsea00

The nice thing often forgotten about the CS is that's a non-depreciating asset (if not appreciating over the long term) so it's actually more affordable than the Comp. If I was going to build a track rat though I would go for the Comp as I feel the CS's shouldn't be too molested.

This is true to some degree. If you drive it any reasonable amount, it will still depreciate significantly. I don't like cars as investments unless it's stored and never driven.