The ultimate test
I was lucky enough to work for BMW Concessionaires GB Ltd from 1971-’79, so I greatly enjoyed your February cover feature on the the 2002 and 3.0 CSL. Both of these models were such a pleasure to drive and the coupé, especially, simply to appreciate from an aesthetic viewpoint.
While the CSL was faster, I always preferred driving a 2002 on the track days we used to organise for journalists and police forces. It was so nimble and handled particularly progressively, allowing it to be driven flat-out around most parts of most circuits. I always felt that I could lap as quickly in a 2002 as I could in a CSL. Both models provided a feeling of great sure-footedness on the Michelin tyres we favoured. This was in contrast to the difficulties we had with customers who disliked the Metzeler and Phoenix tyres that were often original equipment – the compounds used just didn’t seem to work on UK roads.
Although there is naturally a focus on the E9 coupés – and in colours such as Inka (orange) or Taiga (metallic green) they exude a wonderful measure of chutzpah – it’s worth observing that the big saloons, especially the 3.0 Si, were also superb from a performance and handling viewpoint.
David Buckden
Via email