Hiya, 1st post and glad to see there's CLs forums and fanatics. HOw do you like your 01-03s and would you buy one again? I need to sell my M3 (getting a bit long in the tooth).and always liked the CL-nice sleeper.

How much HP can easily be brought out of the car? Any simple mods? Thanks.

 

Do some searching on this forum for answers. Also, see Chod's FAQ which is extensive (guys, how do I find it)

I'm not sure what the HP gains are but the standard stuff is CAI, headers, exhaust. Some have gone soopacharging but that's $$$

 

I'm happy with<6.0 on an automatic so that'd probably do it. I'd only buy a factory blown car-too much hassle at my age...!

 

Chods FAQ link in my signature. A bit dated, but most of it still pertains (especially if you are not interested in a manual transmission).

Also check out Comptech for a catalog of the most used aftermarket HP mods.

 

what year is your bimmer

 

which m3 i love m3s regardless e36 or e46

 

probably your least loved-97 sedan w/auto. Arctic silver.

 

If you're planning on a CL, I'd go with the '03 CLS 6sp only. I had an '01 CLS auto which was nice, but the 6sp is so much better of a car in handling and power.

 

Welcome to the board.

I love my 2003 CL-S A/T. Coming from a RWD bimmer you may miss the way it handles however with some Spring/Sways and the usual suspension upgrades you'll be hugging those corners in no time.

 

After 2 years of ownership...the cl-s still excites me every time I drive it...I love the car.

Issues:
- Paint is thin...especially apparent on a WHITE cl...so watch out. I thing in another year I'm going to have to repaint the whole car
- Brakes aren't specatuclar...that would be the first thing I mod were I you
- Stock tires are crap..swap them out. I reccomend Yoko AVS es 300...cheaper than stock, better performers

Despite all this...this car is the shit!

 

To sum it up; best car I've EVER owned. 25,500 miles; no squeaks, rattles, or loss of engine power. Acura replaced my rotors, and pads at 23,500, free of charge. For the money, it's the bomb. Just change the engine oil, every 3,500 miles, and you'll never have a problem. Had a '98 3.0CL; this car buries it. Of course, you should be careful, who you buy it from. If a car is abused, I don't care what make it is; it's going to fall apart. As for the so-called lousy transmission, mine is great! Anyway the warranty is extended for the tranny to 7 years. Wish they never discontinued the CL. Don't have a clue, as to what to get when the lease is up, in 4/05. Good luck!

 

if you're gonna go to an automatic CLS, you should probably just keep your auto E36 M3. If you're gonna go ahead and get a 6 speed I'd suggest you lookin to the E36 M3 5 speed... I just don't see why anyone would want to go from such a sporty car with RWD like the M3 to the CLS.

I like my car but I'd have to say that if it was up to me to buy again I'd have chosen an E36 and bolted up some fun mods instead.