I know this has been discussed before, but I could not find the information using the search.

I know the differences in engines, but wanted to see what non BMW think of the car. I have always liked the look of the car (hate the Z3 though) and am pondering about going to get one.

What do people like about them? What do they hate? Is the car smooth? Comfortable? Just general impressions. Thanks.

ERIK

 

The M roadster is OK...but I'd rather have the M Coupe. I'm not so much a fan of the Z3 era car.

 

Here's another nod for the M-Coupe over the roadster. Most definately a rare car given it's low production numbers. Couple that with tire shredding torque and lines to die for, I'd have no qualms in picking one up if I could afford a second "toy" car.

As far as my driving opinions are concerned, I can only speak from a test drive I had in a 2.8 Z3 roadster a few years ago. Handling was very neutral, despite a numb steering feel. The brakes were superb, and the interior a lot more traditional than that of our S2000. The leather and fabrics too were far better quality than that offered by Honda. Performance was mediocre at best, but then I speak only of the 2.8. Interior dimensions appeared much more cramped than our cars with headroom being a scarce commodity, even more so than the S2000.

There..my 2C

Asif

 

If you go for an M roadster, get an 01+ model. It will have the S54 engine (same one as the E46 M3).

That said, I have to agree with what has been said above...get the coupe instead of the roadster (I am a bit biased).

Anyway, I am selling my coupe since I am going away to Iraq.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt...ad.php?t=191977

 

What will you be doing in Iraq? Best of luck whatever it is, be safe.

 

Yet another vote for an S54 coupe. One of the very few cars I have respect for. Watch out, because they can bite you in the ass if you arent careful.

 

im gonna have to say get the roadster. my buddy has a 98, M roadster. what a sweet car. it has dinan stage 3 chip, dinan big bore throttle body, and dinan cold air, and dinan catback. that car rips dude, no doubt on that. ive been drivin a long time, and this kid can drive also. we go out together and the races are so close its scary. from a light we havent had a good race yet, but so far hes got me covered. on the roll, we did a 60 up roll, from 60 to 130 we were dead even (he was about a car back) after 125 when i grabbed 6th (i have an 04) 6th is to tall to accelerate as hard as the old S, he started reelin, and at 137 he nosed up and went by we stayed in it till 147 and he had about 2 cars. and when we go places, oh man what a head turning pair. both cars are bad ass with tops down. he picked the car up, with all those mods on it, 17k. and its clean. so thats my two cents. take it easy all, and watch for modded M cars. those tanks run.

dave

 

Thanks for the comments folks. I like the coupe too, but it's the convertible bug that is biting me. And I'm really trying not to itch it.

DVD, I saw your ad on bimmerforums, and recognized your handle immediately. Good luck with your sale, and be safe in Iraq.

Man, 17k, that's cheap. How many miles did the car have? How reliable has the car been? That's my concern of buying an older BMW. I don't want to get killed on the maintenance.

ERIK

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by erik

 

17k is the mileage, $36.5 is the asking price.

I'm for the M roadster, definitely >MY01.

My buddy bought one after I got my MY02 S. He always wanted a Z3 roadster, but after I got mine we took a test drive in a M roadster and he walked out/drove out with it.

Very powerful, eats our S alive in the power segment.
It has a better resale value as well.
Tons of creature comfort (compare to our S), got to love those heated seats, auto dimming rear view mirrors, auto defrost side view mirrors, and stereo powerful enough that you don't need to upgrade.
If you like the look, you'll love the feel of it. And those deep dish M wheels...

I paid $31.5K out the door back in May 02 for my S, he paid $34 K out the door for his used MY01 in Jul/Aug of 02. It only had 7K miles on it, and it's blue with black/blue interior (I think). With all my upgrades, I know I spent way more than he did and his is still faster and the quad exhaust looks very nice.

He hasn't had any problems with his car yet. He just takes it in for the recommend "FREE" oil changes and services (still under warranty). If I didn't have my S, I would get that. (I'm not too crazy about the looks, but it does look better than the regular Z3's, and everything else is nice)

Just my 2 cents.