mmm def

After driving the S2k straight for the last 2 months while my 335 was parked, I decided to swap cars for a day. Couple things i noticed:

AP2 without CDV clutch is a bit easier to modulate than the 335. Clutch travel is a lot shorter on the S2000.
The 335 no longer feels insanely fast, the S2000 also does not feel as slow as I thought it would feel coming from the 335. I will admit the S2k is quick, not fast..but just because it has low torque doesn't mean it's slow..it is light and it gets moving nicely when you rev it up. Yes the 335 will romp on the S2k in a straight line..but not as much as I used to think.

The throttle response in the S2k is better than the 335, combining with a little turbo lag the S2000 actually makes the 335 feel like it has more lag now, weird.
I do like the smooth shifter of the BMW but not fun to row gears..in the S2k i just row row row.
Brakes in the BMW are insane..I wish I had them on the S2k..though they are hard to modulate, S2k very easy.
Highway stability..very surprising here but the S2k seems more solid out there. By no means is the 335 un-stable..but i think sitting a little higher and more body roll gives off that impression. Now I'm talking at 70mph, 140 might be a different story. I have the sedan with sport package and 18" wheels. I also prefer the steering of the S2k on the highway over the 335..it's tighter.
The BMW now really shows its weight...never really noticed until spending time in the S2k. I will admit that the 335 with sport package grips nicely and handles well, very well balanced...but I was shocked to get back in the S2k today and take corners at the same speed as I did pushing the BMW and think..wow I could go a lot faster. The S2k just handles so good.

The feeling sitting in the S2k drivers seat is perfect..i am 6' 175..and i fit like a glove, perfect.

I washed the 335 yesterday before work at 7am, was all excited to take it out and feel that torque. At the end of the day, I felt a little "meh" after driving it around, something I have never felt before in that car.

I think the S2k is just THAT good, and not many cars can compare..especially for the price (I bought it used). You really can't even compare the S2k to the 335..but I wanted to anyway. Apples to oranges, I like em both.
I still do love my 335 but I don't think I will have a problem turning the 335 in at lease end.
Now..about that for-sale post..might be taking it down. I don't think I can sell her..
Wonder which car is sitting at home today..

I am wondering how the 135 would feel..small nimble-ish car with that N54..could be quite fun.

Have a great day, I'm off to take my S2k for a ride.

duboseq

Good riview.

JakeJewler

Thanks for the write-up. I cant think of another car to replace my s2k with. Its too damn easy to buy a 400+ car but it wont give me the same overall feeling. I'm passing on the Kraftwerks at this point. My JDM tuning days are far behind me. I'm waiting for the next factory machine that is worthy in my eyes. I wouldnt mind it being a Honda. : /

Ubetit

I got a ride in a modded 335 last night. That thing pulls like a freight train. For me there is no substitution for torque.

David1

Change the shift knob (I put the BMW weighted and shorter one on) and remove the CDV valve and you will be amazed in how different the shift feel is. A little more boost does wonders to the 335's personality!

mmm def

I have the stubby knob and my CDV was taken out of the BMW the first month I had it, helped a lot. A little more boost also ruins the warranty on the BMW..something you do NOT mess with.

I think I was just excited after a spirited drive to work today in the S2k. I do like my 335 a lot, but at this point in my life I'm happy with my decision.

Olegator

UmarS2K

Nice write-up.

Bz2005s2k

Very nice write up

I own a 135i and my S2000 right now as well. I have the same feelings as you do when comparing the two cars except that the lighter more nimble 135i comes much closer to the "fun factor" as the S2k then the 335i does.

For steering, cornering, and that overall feeling of "being" the car and not just driving it, the S2k wins. For daily driver that is close to as fun with a butt load of torque, the 135i has no match for its price IMO.

Overall I would love to be able to keep both the 135i and the S. DD the 135i and pull out the S for nice days or weekend cruises. Like you said though, apples to oranges so either have both, have the S for its fun factor, or have the 135i/335i for its fun factor dialed down a little for the added refinement of a DD.

Thanks for the write-up

reedkr2

I've felt similar sentiments comparing my previous E36M and AP2.