Sorry if it's a dumb question....

Im SOON to be in the market for a different car then what I currently own.

Im looking at an 01 M3 Conv.:
Pro's:
-It's 333HP Stock
-It's a "BMW" which makes many girls moist.
-It's RWD,
-HID's Stock,
-6Spd,
-18's Stock,
-Great looks, etc.
-Roomier than the S2k
-Great Aftermarket Support.
Cons:
-Expenisve Base Cost
-Expensive Repairs
-Expensive Aftermarket Parts

I would add 19's, lower it, Exhaust, Intake & Retain Warranty.


Now the S2000
Pro's
-6Spd
-RWD
-Easy to work on
-Parts are cheap
-50/50 Weight Differential
-HID's Stock
-Convertible
Cons:
-Not fast enough in stock form.
-Needs at least lip kit in my opinion.
-Not much room

I would add a Supercharger to have the power I desired but in return lose any warannty, and run into the problem of dealiing with a car only "Specialty shops" could work on.

My current car is a vehicle with an aftermarket Supercharger, and its a pain in the ass because you have less engine bay, everyone wants to blame every problem on the blower, stock vehicle wasnt "Made" to have blower on it, etc.

What's everyone's opinion?

 

The E90 M3 will be out soon making an E46 M3 look "old".

The S2000 hasn't undergone any major body changes since MY04 and nothing is expected.

I love my S2000. If I were looking for a conv. I would get an S2000.

It all really depends, are you looking for a true sports car or a touring car?

 

I have been running the comptech SC on my car for almost 25k miles and have not had any significant problems at all. The car runs very well with this kit. I would trust Earnhardt to work on the car if needed, with a little input from myself, so I don't feel limited to just "tuner" shops.

Also the aftermarket base for the S2000 is something that rivals other makers, so whatever you desire can be done. And since it is a Honda it is more reliable and cheaper to repair if needed.

With the SC added, it puts your HP higher than the stock E46. And if you had the SC installed by a dealer, they may warranty the work.

So for the money, reliability, fun factor and, most of all, the community I would go with the S2000.

JJ

 

Great aftermarket support on the M3?

 

M3 vert is a pig, it weighs about 1000lbs more than an S. I guarantee a properly driven S can beat it in just about any situation. If you want an M get it with a roof.

 

Better go for the M3 then.

Or - just keep the top down on either car when it rains (same end result)

 

Since the E90 is coming out, the E46 would likely drop in price, making it more affordable. Granted it would now no longer be the "newer style" i still think it looks good.

I was under the belief that the S2k was about mid 14 1/4, and the M3 was high 13. Plus M3, you can squeeze some horses out with Bolt ons unlike the S2k.

Perhaps not "Great" aftermarket support on the M3, but a solid base to get stuff you need.

Knowing all the good stuff I heard about Earnhardt, and if they would be able to work on the SC'd car, that makes me feel a little better. I think Id have to go with an 02 or newer S2k because I cant stand the plastic window in the drop.

And David which vehcile do you consider a true sports car, and which one do you consider a touring car?

Doc, any reason the Comptech over the Vortech?

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

The m3 in that year has had huge problems with the Engine management computer. They finally got the bugs worked out in the 04 model. I would not touch one.

You need a car to get the ladies?
-Lee

 

Well, since I have had an E46 M3 for a while I might as well chime in. Granted, mine in not a convertible, but...

Uh, not sure where you got this info, but the M3 engine is pretty maxed out in stock form. Any type of horsepower gains come with some significant cost. Intake and exhaust, which I have both, probably add next to nothing (or take power away depending on what product you get).

To add power you would need headers, which, labor alone is close to 8-10 hours.

Not quite entirely true. The '01 & '02 model year had some significant problems with the rod bearings and oil pump related issues. There were many failures and at first BMW tried to blame it on over reving. Once SMG was involved it was clearly not a driver caused problem. It took a while, but BMW did step up and replace engines. They also performed a service action and replaced the rod bearings on all 01, 02 & 03 models. Then they extended the warranty on all lubricated engine parts for 6 years of 100k miles on those models.

I had the service action performed and have not had a single engine related issue with the car.

I am curious why you think that there is great aftermarket support. I haven't really been blown away by this.

As for repairs and mods... Yes, they are both on the expensive side. Luckily my car is still covered under scheduled maintainence and warranty, but once that is done it is going to be quite an expense when something goes wrong.

Tires, brakes and all the other little things are more expensive. The 10w60 oil, that you must use in an M3, is $8 per liter.

From what I have read, it seems like the S2K is the logical choice for you.

Best of luck with the decision.

 

ADAM we miss you on the drives!

Reason #435 not to get the M3 - those funky little plastic thingys under the wheels that fall off on the highway and cost bank to replace.

BTW... WTF is the point of 10w60 oil anyway? What a wierd temp range that must cover.