abs13

I am almost ready to buy an S2K, but have yet to make the comparo to the Z3 3.0i. A friend insists that I should drive the Bimmer before I decide now that they have dropped in the larger engine. I can't find the Bimmer in stock locally and hate to lose a good deal on the S2K. Does anyone have any thoughts they could share? Thanks!

Schatten

I haven't driven the Bimmer, but I was set on the S2k. Lots of Z3's around the area, and the S2k's are climbing in popularity. However, my take would be to drive at least a Z3, given it might be only be the powertrain that is changed with teh 3.0 up from the 2.3.

S2R

Test drive both and pick the one that suits you best.

Vee

I didn't test drive the 3.0, but I did test drive a 99 M Roadster ... Ride is much softer, body is much flexier ... M Roadster was much more confidence-inspiring than the S2000, though.

Aesthetically and in road manners, the S2000 was just more my style, and I'm happy with my decision. You may choose differently; I would hold off until I had driven both.

NDAZONE

I drove the regular Z3 when it was introduced (back in what 1997?). The Z3 handled great but was a bit smaller inside compared to the S2K. That is very noticable when you look behind you inside the car with the top up. Also, you have to keep in mind that the car is getting kind of old. If you want brand new technology with a car that will get you plenty of attention and that your not going to constantly see on the road then go with the S2K. If you want a BMW which carries status, that has old suspention technology but a new engine then go with the Z3. Keep in mind though that the 3.0L engine in the Z3 will still not be quite as fast as the S2K. Isn't the Z3 more expensive too?

sonne

[QUOTE]Originally posted by abs13
[B]I am almost ready to buy an S2K, but have yet to make the comparo to the Z3 3.0i.

Ronald

Hi,

I did testdrive the 3.0 Z3 but was not impressed (I did testdrive
the S2000 before the Z3). The engine is very nice, comparable
to ours in performance, but a total different character, quite a
few less RPM of course. I found the handling quite disappointing,
since it's based on the old 3-series. The chassis is not very stiff,
just do the cabriotest: put one wheel on a curb and try to
open and close the doors! Cabrios which aren't very stiff. Now
try this with the S2000! Overall interior build quality doesn't
match BMW's fame.

My trick is always: look at the car you're interested in and find
a used car and investigate at the interior, it gives you an
opportunity to get a feel for the quality.
It's also one of the reasons why I didn't like (and buy) a Boxster.
I was fortunate to see a yearold S2000 with 30.000KM on
the odometer and it still looked very fresh.

Just my 2cts.

Tedster

Here's a thread you should read:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...34&highlight=Z3

This is what I had to say there:

A friend has a Z3 3.0i, which I have driven.

It's got more torque down low, smooth power, but doesn't have the "wow" factor that the S2000 has from 6000 to 9000 RPM. The shifter feels big and sloppy by comparison, but is really pretty good.

The ride is smoother, the handling good, but less precise. I prefer the go-kart feel of the S2000, but I'm sure lots of people would prefer the Z3 for more comfort. For me, the steering and handling of the S2000 is the biggest difference, much more connected and immediate than the Z3.

He got the sport package, which includes good seats, very well bolstered. About even here.

The stereo is much better than the S2000's.

Overall, I like the S2000 interior better: the high-tech, minimalist look appeals to me (Rick's leather shift boot and console covers help a lot here). But the Z3 interior is nice, good quality materials.

I also prefer the S2000 body style to the Z3, more mean and less toy-like.

Ted

smyroad

A friend test drove both. His comment was that the Z3 M engine was scarry fast, but he's going for the s2000. I've got another friend that test drove my s2000, then bought the Z3 2.3. Best advice is to try both of them.

UCrazyKid

I drove the Z3 3.0, didn't like it. Too small inside, too flexy off a chassis. It just didn't feel that fast. The numbers say that it is, but it felt too heavy and not very nimble. The interior is nice, many more creature comforts, but for an extra $9000 I would expect that. My first conscern was performance and the S2000 stole my heart there. The Z3's motor is torque, but the transmission is rubbery and only a 5 speed, an the clutch is a real bear to modulate.

Again the best way to decide for yourself is to drive both.

Andy