Re: Is it really a CSi? (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

: : I find it hard to believe that someone who knows so little about the 8 series actually goes out and buys the extremly rare top of the line model, apparently sight unseen, and has it shipped to him.
: : Are you located in the US, and is it a US spec car?
: : Quite a few sellers misrepresent thier cars as a CSi, and since you are just learning about your new car, maybe you are not aware of the big differences in the CSi and an ordinary 850.
: : Since the CSi was built by the Motorsports division, if it is a US spec car the VIN will start with WBS intead of WBA, and it will have a 6 speed manual transmission.
: : There are plenty of other differences, mainly performance related. Ignore the misinformation about real CSi's having no back seat. All E31's 1993 and newer have a fold down rear seat.
: : Welcome to the E31 board, now log off and go enjoy driving your car!

: Actually I did a considerable amount of research. I would question your basis of judging my knowledge level based on my questions alone. First of all, the BMW press release specifies the car as a 2+2 coupe (I can provide the link if needed for those others who insist that there isn't one [I know YOU know this already]). This should the back seat issue put to bed. As for the "sight unseen comment", this was not how it was handled exactly. My neighbor is a sales man for the BMW dealership where I purchased the car. I knew I wanted a CSi for MANY years, but could not afford one until this stage of my life. I knew about the VIN numbers, the S70 vs. the M70 motor, the suspension differences etc. I brought this car (VIN number) to my dealer neighbor and told him to get more information on it. It turns out that the owner of the BMW dealership here is a good friend with the owner of the dealership in Pennsylvania. The owner in PA assured the owner in CA that the car was in great shape.

: I also did a title search on the car. Including calling BMW in NJ to learn that the car was originally bought from a dealership in Connecticut by the dealership in PA and sold to a guy who leased it. The guy who leased it was a personal friend of the owner of the dealership, so I was comfortable when I was told that it was not out in the winter.

: I also purchased the CD with all of the TSB's and recalls on it. I read EVERY one.

: As for the lack of knowledge regarding the internal operations of the car�If I had known that the car was going to come without an instruction manual, I would have researched that as well (it's my nature). I have owned two 3-series in the past, and my wife has one now. However, there are differences in the controls between the 3-series and the 7/8-series. Just because I don't know the nuances of some controls does not indicate I "�knows so little" about the car in general. Heck�I went to the BMW Dealership and THEY couldn't tell me how to program the voice-activated phone. They are SUPPOSED to be the experts. I don't feel so bad when I can't get answers from them.

Way to go Len. I am very much like you and looked at many E31's before buying mine. However, at the end of the day, I purchased one sight unseen from the original dealer in SLC. It met all the requirements and was in fabulous condition upon reciept. As far as the gentlemen's comments regarding is it a real CSi? Remember, we are all in this 8er ownership thing together. Let's have a little class.

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.