Keeping them original

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corsachili

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In light of recent discussion regarding the best modifications for CSIs some may find this missive ironic since my CSL, which, with as much modesty as is possible, is obviously the most desirable of all E9s. As those of you that know me and my car are no doubt aware, I've not always chosen the "original" route. My CSL is lowered with H&R springs, has 16 inch wheels (Alpinas), and has carbon fiber instead of the original wood. I have a strut brace, the battery is in the trunk, and a lightened flywheel (which was on the car when I bought it). I've removed the chrome wheel arches because I think they're gaudy and stupid, and I have an instrument binnacle in place of the original dash mounted speaker. Every other aspect of the car is original, and I took special care not to make any modifications that were not easily reversed.

My CSL handles pretty damn well for a 35 year old car, but I can't say that driving it is an accurate representation of what the car was like to drive when new. The 16 inch wheels, lowered suspension and strut brace, which lend so much to the handling characteristics, also detract from the true character of the car.

As the owner of a more modern BMW (my M635CSI) I am re-evaluating my decisions regarding my CSL, and quite frankly, I'm 99% sure that within a year or so, she'll be returned to stock.
 
MY basic philosophy is that any modification is fine, as long as it does not change the "permanent" structure -- i.e., the body. I won't drill new holes. Close old (original) ones. Your carbon fiber dash is a fine example; it is something that can easily be reversed if the next owner doesn't like it (assuming you ever sell the car) -- they can simply take it out and put a wood one in if they want original....
 
Neat. That makes us stock E9 drivers feel better.
The only non-stock upgrade I made is the 5-speed. When I want to have the 70's driving experience I downshift to 4th.
 
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