E46 M3 to S2000 - Anyone else?
05-18-2004, 10:15 AM
#11
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I've had an E36 M3 and I'm on my 2nd E30 M3. The S2000 is more fun than the E36 M3 and is probably more enjoyable to cruise around in than even the E30 M3. I keep the E30 M3 only for what it is ... not so much for what it does.
I never cared too much for the E46 M3. Too big and heavy. Torque is fun to have, but once you get your fill of it, it gets old quickly. I think BMW has kind of lost its way in recent years. I considered the 2002 M Coupe, but I wanted a convertible before I got too old. I had to get it out of my system. I never considered the M Roadster though -- too much body flex and chatter.
After the M car warranty expires, you'll be glad you're in a cool Honda. Congatulations & I respect your decision. Too many people get hung up on the car badges. The roundel is nice to have -- but it doesn't represent all that it used to. With sales 10x what they were even in the 80s, BMW is appealing to a different class of buyer. Even the M Cars are partly developed for Marketing rather than purely for Motorsports.
And you're right about the M Cars being most fun at insane speeds. The best thing BMW has developed in the last 5 years is the MINI Cooper S. Too bad it drives the wrong wheels. I personally don't need a 500bhp M5! I'd take it, of course, but I bet it'll be like just another boring 5-series around town. It's just overkill -- offered for max. profits and as a marketing halo car. You can't even begin to reach its potential in the U.S. Engineering for engineering's sake.
I never cared too much for the E46 M3. Too big and heavy. Torque is fun to have, but once you get your fill of it, it gets old quickly. I think BMW has kind of lost its way in recent years. I considered the 2002 M Coupe, but I wanted a convertible before I got too old. I had to get it out of my system. I never considered the M Roadster though -- too much body flex and chatter.
After the M car warranty expires, you'll be glad you're in a cool Honda. Congatulations & I respect your decision. Too many people get hung up on the car badges. The roundel is nice to have -- but it doesn't represent all that it used to. With sales 10x what they were even in the 80s, BMW is appealing to a different class of buyer. Even the M Cars are partly developed for Marketing rather than purely for Motorsports.
And you're right about the M Cars being most fun at insane speeds. The best thing BMW has developed in the last 5 years is the MINI Cooper S. Too bad it drives the wrong wheels. I personally don't need a 500bhp M5! I'd take it, of course, but I bet it'll be like just another boring 5-series around town. It's just overkill -- offered for max. profits and as a marketing halo car. You can't even begin to reach its potential in the U.S. Engineering for engineering's sake.
05-18-2004, 11:49 AM
#13
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Originally posted by FO2K
The E46 M3 is a great car. Maybe the greatest GT ever produced. But it is not a sports car.
Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges.
The E46 M3 is a great car. Maybe the greatest GT ever produced. But it is not a sports car.
Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges.
05-18-2004, 02:05 PM
#14
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I traded my '98 E36 M3 for an '02 S2000 about 3 weeks ago. One road trip from Seattle to Laguna Seca later, and I don't miss that Bimmer one single bit. I loved the car, but once I got used to all the torque it did seem a bit boring to drive, and I also found myself WAY above the speedlimit anytime I was having fun. Fast on the track, too. The M3 made me a much better driver than I really am. 
That's another reason I wanted the S2000--I have to be worthy of driving this thing fast, or around and around I'll go. 
MUCH fun.
--Jonathan
That's another reason I wanted the S2000--I have to be worthy of driving this thing fast, or around and around I'll go. MUCH fun.--Jonathan
05-18-2004, 05:10 PM
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Originally posted by hirev
the S2000 lacks a back seat, about 100 hp, about 30,000 in cost as comparred to the m3cab, a ton more for insurance and maintenance costs, that certain pinash only a bmw can exucde, and a larger trunk...it also is somewhat slower in certain situations on the track....but the fun factor is there with the S and so is the over all reasonableness of the cost of that fun.
the S2000 lacks a back seat, about 100 hp, about 30,000 in cost as comparred to the m3cab, a ton more for insurance and maintenance costs, that certain pinash only a bmw can exucde, and a larger trunk...it also is somewhat slower in certain situations on the track....but the fun factor is there with the S and so is the over all reasonableness of the cost of that fun.
00-01 Audi A4 1.8t Quattro
02-03 Audi A4 1.8t Quattro
00-02 Audi TT Coupe (Quattro)
01-02 Audi TT Roadster (Not Quattro)
00-02 BMW 323ci/325Ci
02-03 Honda Civic Si
00-03 Honda S2000
02-03 Lexus IS300
03-04 Mazda RX-8
02-03 Mercedes-Benz C230 Coupe
02-03 Mini Cooper S
03-04 Mitsubishi Evo 8
02-03 VW GTI 337/20th AE
03-04 VW Jetta GLI 1.8t/VR6
05-18-2004, 05:28 PM
#17
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I would love to go for an E46, but the whole "cost" thing is an issue for me. Main reason? Room. I"m a BIG 6"2, so......car designed for big ass germans i would be in love with
05-19-2004, 07:59 AM
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Originally posted by FO2K
I read a thread a while back of someone going from an S to an M3. I just bought a MY04 S and am selling my M3. Has anyone else made this switch? One of the main reasons I am changing to the S is the fun factor. I found that to really enjoy the M3, I had to be doing something illegal (excess of 100 mph, etc.). The S is fun at any speed.
I've not gone over the 600 mile mark, so I still waiting to experience VTEC.
I read a thread a while back of someone going from an S to an M3. I just bought a MY04 S and am selling my M3. Has anyone else made this switch? One of the main reasons I am changing to the S is the fun factor. I found that to really enjoy the M3, I had to be doing something illegal (excess of 100 mph, etc.). The S is fun at any speed.
I've not gone over the 600 mile mark, so I still waiting to experience VTEC.
