E46 M3 CSL or F87 M2 ?

[E92M3GT]

I own an E30 M3 with 17K miles; I just sold my E92 M3 with DCT transmission

To replace my E92 M3, I have 2 choices:

- E46 M3 CSL, black saphire, 17K miles: love the induction sound, the interior is amazing... Only downside is SMG gearbox -- About US$ 120K

- F87 M2, long beach blue: I would buy it new, manual transmission -- About US$ 75K

I live in Central America, not USA

What would you do ? What are your thoughts ?

CSL is expensive already, but I know it will continue to appreciate in value. M2 I believe will be a future classic for sure

Thanks for your input !

[New2Roundel]

Man, that's a tough one! The CSL is a truly special car, more so than any standard M car. But that SMG...not my favorite. Then there's the M2, which I love the styling and love the manual transmission---the engine doesn't do a whole lot for me. From just sitting behind a keyboard there is no way I could tell you which one I like better. I'd have to get some seat time in both. Having said that, the CSL will likely maintain its value much better than the M2 ever will, so if resale is a significant concern, I'd opt for the CSL just on that point alone.

[monterey]

scrap both and get the 1M.

[ilikebmxbikes]

I would go csl. It will appreciate and you could always sell and get an m2 later. Plenty of m2 available where the csl is a much more limited opportunity

[BrewRifle]

M2 between those two, but I'd rather have a rare individual E92 M3 over both.

[last1left]

CSL

[monterey]

If you're going from a DCT to SMG, you will be highly disappointed.

[BimmerRookie]

CSL for sure. while DCT -> SMG is disappointing, the overall appeal of the CSL should win you over. There will be so many opportunities got get an M2, but that CSL is a unique opportunity!

[shimmy23]

my vote is go CSL. something tells me you aren't going to track or really put miles on it anyways, more of a collector car for you?

if that's the case who cares about DCT>SMG

[Kong Sheng Han]

CSL. If the SMG pump fails, replace it or swap to Manuel transmission.

[Grayblack]

I'd go with the CSL. The e46 body is timeless.

[Yvette]

If you plan to keep it in garage, csl
If you plan to drive it and dont care about mileage, m2

[UPSROD]

Originally Posted by Kong Sheng Han

CSL. If the SMG pump fails, replace it or swap to Manuel transmission.

All CSL's have the SMG, removing it would greatly devalue the car!

[Kong Sheng Han]

Originally Posted by UPSROD

All CSL's have the SMG, removing it would greatly devalue the car!

I don't know. It's something the market would have to determine, not us plebs.

[eyanez1230]

I personally like the CSL more than the M2. Especially this black one; looks really clean.

[becausephilchow]

CSL.

I personally think the M2 is kind of ugly.

The SMG Transmission w/ the CSL Tune is greatly improved. Just like the DCT w/ the GTS Tune.

[1MOREMOD]

Csl you dummy

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Csl you dummy

Seriously, this shouldn't even be debatable. A rare, collectable car vs. a production model that you can get for $10k less in 2 years used? If you have the means, which it sounds like you do, go CSL.

[redpriest]

CSL by far.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by e90sexion

If you plan to keep it in garage, csl
If you plan to drive it and dont care about mileage, m2

Agree. Hopefully you won't buy the CSL for real use duty but mainly staying in the garage for occassional fun drives, while the M2 in my view is a proper daily. So if plan is to park next to the E30 the CSL for sure. If not, no doubt the M2.

[Bimmed Out]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Csl you dummy

Originally Posted by Haywood

Seriously, this shouldn't even be debatable. A rare, collectable car vs. a production model that you can get for $10k less in 2 years used? If you have the means, which it sounds like you do, go CSL.

Originally Posted by redpriest

CSL by far.

I also can't believe this is even up for discussion. I'm a hardcore manual fan but for the love of all that's good, an M2 for $75K where (a) BMW will only continue to make more, and (b) everyone expects the next M2 iteration to have the bigger/more powerful M3/M4 engine, over the iconic CSL that will only appreciate in value? This has to rank among the biggest no-brainers of all-time. The guy who said "Csl you dummy" was being polite!

[roastbeef]

CSL is going to be more exclusive and potentially appreciate in value. m2 is great, but the opportunity is slanted a bit in favor to the exclusivity of the CSL.