A M coupe is not a 2.5L/3.0L Z3/Z4 roadster.............

 

The S2000 isn't competing against the M Coupe. I didn't say BMW was bad, but I am tired of the statement that just because it's German it has to be good. Any car can have issues, but compare the reliability records of any German make vs. a Japanese make. How hard is it for BMW or Porsche to make good performers when they don't have to worry as much about reliability? They know people will buy for the label. Again, it is not that those cars are bad, but I am sure the Japanese could do more if they relaxed their standard to German levels. To the matter at hand why don't we compare the autos that the S2000 is actually competing against. For example the Z3/Z4, Boxster, and TT. S2000 costs less, better performance, and better reliability.

The problems with the S2000 have been minor for the majority of people. Of course anyone can get a lemon. The TSB's have been minor (tighten the spark plugs...oh!). I bought mine in February, 2000. It now has 20,000 miles on it. I have never been without the car for any reason for more than an hour or two. I do recall a Audi 5000 CS Turbo we once owned. I particularly remember it going up in flames as we were driving down the highway. Last I checked, none of my Acura/Honda autos have ever spontaneously combusted...

 

Yeah, TSB54 -- replacing the clutch, minor. I also take issue with your belief that German makers don't have to have any concerns reliability. My own real world experience over the past 12 years has taught me that Honda's are by no means overly reliable or less prone to material fatigue than other marks... but that's just me and I don't have any statistics to back that up at the moment.....

 

-Steve (who would also mention that the M is no longer -- and that two people he know purchased 01 M roadsters for less than 40G's). [/B][/QUOTE]

Less than 40K for an M roadster? If it wasn't so fugly I'd consider that. Now if I could have bought an M3 Convertible for less than 40k hmmmm...

lig

 

From the press release, I'm 99% convinced that BMW knows they can't beat the S2000 (or the upcoming 350Z convertible) in terms of price/performance, so they're going after the "Boxster" market - more money, less desire to go fast (this comment does not include the Boxster S which is a very competent vehicle). If they're honestly trying to compete with the S2000, they've managed to price themselves out of that competition.

This is not a driver's car by any means! The Z4 is a touring/cruising car, with BMW's luxury and tradition piled on. Even though (on paper) it's less of a driver's car, I expect it will do very well sales-wise.

 

I believe the clutch replacement (of which I've never needed performed) was to take care of a rattling noise people experienced. I do not believe it would lead to any problem that would make the car dangerous or otherwise not drivable. This is in stark contrast to the high number of reports of engine failure in the Boxster. My neighbor's Boxster still has a slow engine oil leak that they have not been able to properly diagnose and fix for months.

I don't have the stats here in front of me. However, I've never seen stats that showed BMW, Porsche, or Audi having better (or even close) reliability numbers compared to their Japanese counterparts. In fact the last Consumer Reports article on cars mentioned that the Boxster had "much worse reliability than average". Consumer Reports may not be great at car reviews, but they can compile unbiased reliability stats.

 

The top of the line Z4 for the first model year 2003 should be the 3.0i for about $41k.
The Z4 will be made in an M roadster version but don't expect to see that here in the states until late 2003, and it may actually be considered a 2004 model at that time. At this point there is no clear-cut definition of potential power for the new M version. The goal I suspect is to resolve some of the exhaust restrictions that effected the last M roadster (Z3) that did not allow the M3 engine to provide all 333 of its ponies. Bottom line - it ain't going to be anywhere close to the price of an S2000.

And I still think it is fugly and Chris Bangle out to be fired and sent to work out the rest of his career in the Russian auto industry where none of us will have to look at his crap again.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/STOPCB/petition.html

 

I remember in all of the original road tests they did of the S2000 and its competitors, that the M Roadster was always at or very near the bottom. It will be interesting to see if they try and make it more competitive this time around.

From the pictures I actually think I like the looks of the Z4. I really must see one in person before I can make that determination though.

 

Is that invitation open to others? Free use of an M Coupe for a day would be influential in determining where to go for my next vacation!

 

Yeah well the catch was you did not get to pick the color and options, left over dealer inventory in the midwest was pretty high I guess.

Yep Sharing is good. A 01 M roadster owner drove my S2k around last week and had lots of praise for it. Likewise I did for his M -- spinning the rear wheels in second gear at 5k RPM is a new experience.