So yeah there is the age old discussion about S vs M3 etc...

Well lately I've been thinking about doing more to the S etc... supercharger etc...

But it started to get me thinking. Should I just trade my S for something else all together instead of spending more and more on mods?

I know there are a few owners and ex owners out there who have either done this or bought both or been on the fence. Can you just send some thoughts over?

I'm not looking for which one is "BETTER" Just basically the pros and cons of each and from personal experience etc...

I really don't want this to be a pissing contest. The S has been my daily driver for over a year now, and while I do love it, sometimes I do wish for something maybe a bit roomier a bit more refined or just the ability to carry more than one passenger. So just looking for thoughts here. Thanks.

 

if you're looking for more praticality with power than i say that's a good move.

as far as performance, i would only trade my S for a new M Coupe. that thing is sick.

 

Dont do it

 

Just curious, are those 2006 wheels on your S? They look like it...definitely unique. Most people can't stand the 2006 wheels, I'll admit I'm one of them, but it looks clean on Sebring!

 

Yes they are 06 wheels. I love the look. To each his own.

 

If you do trade, i think you're gunna miss the s2000 shifter feel and the 9k rpms. i guess it comes down what your personal needs and wants are. do you frequently need to carry more than 1 passenger? do you want a more practical ride? there's not many cars funner to drive than the S imo. good luck with your decision.

 

Which M3 are you speaking of? E46, E36 ? I am assuming not E30. E46 M3, I think would be a good move. E36 M3....dated design, old interior, but fun nonetheless. OR...buy a more practical car in addition to the S!

 

Good choice if I had some extra $$$ just lying around I def would be snatching up one of those!

 

Well I thought about buying a Honda Fit as a daily driver.... but having two cars really does seem like overkill. I know a lot of people can justify them, but I just can't right now.... two cars, two insurance premiums, etc....
But yeah I've been thinking about the newer M3's not the old E36's

Its all just thought for now.. I guess I should go drive a few more and see if I really like them or not.


I definitely agree that the S is a blast to drive.

 

I drove an E46 M3 vert with ~100 miles on it while I was trying to choose my most recent vehicle purchase. I'd say it all boils down to what you want the car for. If you need the space and comfort is more important than road feel, I'd say it's an excellent car.

Personally, I felt it lacked personality. I can't deny that the power curve is a dream, however.. the car was so 'refined' that I was more blown away by how quickly the speedo-needle climbed than I was by sheer feeling of horsepower or torque. For me, it was too posh. I felt a disconnect from the road, more like a passenger than a driver.

Your best bet is just to go out and drive one. If it's more power you're craving, perhaps look into the E46 M Roadster, or even the new Z4 M. When it came down to it for me, I felt the M Roadster blew the E46 M3 Vert away and my decision was between it and the S2000. However, the power differential wasn't enough to justify the +10k price and insurance increase, and I liked the styling of the S2000 better. For the record though.. the E46 motor stuffed into the roadster is insane, does not feel refined like the E46 vert, and is flat out scary to open that thing up and run it to red (in a good way!).

Best of luck with whatever you decide -- I'd say you're in a win-win situation.