The S and the M3 are not in competition with each other. The M3 is a great GT car, and the S is a great sports car.

You can pick up a used M3 for around 35 - 38 K with low miles and in perfect shape. People advertise them for more, but they aren't moving at the inflated prices you see advertised.

The engine reliability issue is not that big of a deal. Go to an M3 forum and research the problem.

I sold my E46 M3 to buy my SA because I wanted a sports car.

If you need more room, or are looking for a GT, you can't beat the M3.

Good luck on your decision, they are both great cars.

 

check out http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=41223
for the above mentioned issue

also you're comparing a brand NEW vehicle (with additional accessories) to a 3 year old used vehicle

a 2001 S2000 can be had for $22K easily. In summary, M3 is a much more expensive vehicle, but if you've got the $ then why not.

 

For the price of a new S2k, you'd be looking at the 2001 M3.
If you consider this, make sure to get one with the engine recall and a 100k warranty. Otherwise you'll have the risk of BOOM!

 

up to '03 M3s have the rob/bearing recall. Ebay has '01s for mid to high 30s with low mileage. I still would love an M3 with my S.

 

It depends what you want from your car. I bought my S2000 about 7 months ago. It is a fast car, and i get TONS of stares, especially from the ladies...however, if you want a car that is straightline fast, dont get the S2000 (unles you have a LOT of dough). If you want a car to drive in the twisties, get the S2000. Im more of a straightline acceleration driver (i like drag racing, and dont plan to ever autox). Dont get me wrong, i love the S2000, but i do think in about 2 years ill be getting an MKIV Supra. But i will never forget how smooth the shifter is, how nice 9k RPMs sounds, and the "go-cart" feeling the S2000 gives me. It all depends on the driver.
-Chris

 

If it were me, I'd be buying the new Honda S2000.

I like the M3, but would not buy a pre-owned 01 model.

 

The early 01s did not have a bearing problem production dates for "problem" cars can be found on M3 forums.

Problem years have 100K engine warranty.

Best to buy used "certified" car from a BMW dealer.

Best to buy a car with no mods.

 

Your the only one that can make that decision. But as said above mix up your stable. Yeah it's nice to drive off the lot with a brand new ride but, pull a quick u-turn and see what they will give you as a trade in, think of the dollars that just came off the top. Also stated is look for good "certified" used cars you maybe able to have almost the best of both worlds.
You can find used cars with VERY low miles and still get a bumper to bumper warranty so if you do get a big BANG it will be covered and you still have another ride to fall back on.
My vote > Get a sweet used S2000 one owner low miles without the hard top ( save some bucks)
> Get a good looking older GT type car for your business maybe a little more Classic
Fun = S
Work=GT

Don't forget to post what you decide.

 

If I'm gonna own an "M3".........it's going to be brand spanking new...... That's just me.
As for your decision.....I don't think the S is going to be practical for you cause of it's limitation as a daily driver. The storage space is a big deal and the roominess isn't going to get any better after you buy it.

Buying a used E46...simply put.............

You say the 350z was poorly put together.........I agree.

Have you considered a G35 Coupe? It's classier than the Z and has more storage than an S.

 

I'd go for a new S2000 over an M3 unless the space is an issue. If it is, you've already answered your question. Remember that the current M3 is changing very shortly, and the current ones are going to look dated. The current M3 wasn't much of an aesthetic change over the standard 3 series. The M3 is a great car and should go a lot of miles. It doesn't feel nearly as sporty as the S2000, even if it's faster. The steering is really light too.

New is new, and there's no stories when you buy a new car. I surprised you're not considering an STi or Evo? They are good mix of M3 and S2000 into one car and you could buy one brand new. In terms mod's, nothing beats a Subby.

If I was buying an M3, I'd get the 1st generation model; they are the coolest looking, best sounding, feel most similar to S2000, and the one that will be the most remember in history books...