20thStrube

I've been tossing around the idea of getting rid of the S for something just a bit older, specifically the E30 M3. The uniqueness of the car itself and the styling just seems to set it apart. The change would also allow me to pick up a daily driver, something along the lines of an 03-04 Nissan Frontier or a Toyota Tacoma.

What do you think, am I stupid for even considering the change?

nivek2002

Just be prepared for some expensive maintenance and repairs!

cdelena

The E30 is not a great model... an E36 is a better car.

joosyjoos

The E30 has a hell of a lot more prestige than the E36 does. The e36 is kind of the bastard child of the M3 family here in the states because BMW half assed it and only gave it 240hp when the euro spec had considerably more. That being said an E36 would be a lot more livable... but the E30 M3 is an icon and a 100% drivers car.

Im giving you props for wanting to own one of the best cars ever produced.

Datsun350Z

Go for it.
It's not like s2000's are going up in value.

If you are happy, good.
If not, there are plenty more s2000's.

Good luck on finding one in good shape. I'd expect a good amount of reconditioning. They can be sharp cars when done right though.

But hey, I drive an audi, so what do I know. I doubt giving up an s2000 is that simple of a choice.

waltk88

I owned an E30 M3 from new for five years. I rate it as one of the great sports cars.

I think it is a superior handling car than either the S2000 or FD RX-7 (owned two of these). The E30 M3 doesn't have huge grip (it came equipped with 205/55-15 tires), but its steering feedback, attitude adjustability, and balance are all fantastic. This is a car that is very confidence inspiring and one that encourages the driver to explore its limits.

It won't feel quick by modern standards. Its 2.3l motor feels only a little bit torquier than the F22C but doesn't have the high rpm rush. IIRC, it makes 192bhp at the flywheel. This is where the E36 M3 is vastly superior. The inline-6 in the E36 is much smoother, torquier, and more powerful.

But the E36 M3 is just not as special (I owned one for almost four years). Sure, it feels like a grippy, powerful sports sedan, but it doesn't come alive the same way on a great mountain road or on the track. Compared to the E30 the E36 feels like a GT. It's a heavier car, and it just doesn't have the same fidelity in the steering.

Having said all that, finding a good E30 M3 at a reasonable price will be a challenge. Also, spares are starting to get scarce, so do consider cost of ownership as well as the initial purchase price.

Onehots2k

I was thinking about going the same route but they are sooo EXPENSIVE. Gorgeous though. the car is a classic.

20thStrube

I've seen prices from as low as 8k all the way to 28k for one with 40,000 miles. 15k seems to buy one that is in pretty good condition and right around 90-100k miles (still low for the year). It would become a weekend/ project car, so restoring it is expected. They are hard to find though and most are on the East or West coast, I'm in the middle

MaxGeek

My friend has a White/Red one. Its really nice, but its pricy and a garage queen.

TheDonEffect

Yeah, I find myself looking for a potential project with a good DD on the side to replace the S sometimes.
That's a damn sexy automobile imho, I was fortunate to see a silver one all restored and man is that car sexy- girls even think they're "cute." But most importantly that car is, so I hear, is quite the experience to drive.
I've never driven and M3, but from what I'm hearing about the E30 vs. the E36, sounds to me like driving an S vs. a 350Z, both great driver cars (let's not get into another Z vs. S debate) but the S just has that excitement factor. In the end, someone will always have a faster car, so you gotta go with what excites you, if you could afford it, go for it. And if it isn't what you expected it to be, well like everyone said, prices on S2000s aren't exactly going up just yet.