how did it compare to your s2k? I am debating between the 2 cars. havnt had the chance to drive either as of yet. They both seem to have their own pros and cons, and I think that I would be equally happy with either. So that makes the choice even harder Any info is appreciated! Thanks!

 

don't bother with any existing opinions.
the new M Coupe (should be arriving this summer here in the States) is a totally different beast (315hp instead of 240hp for example). you would want to buy that one - not the existing one.

i think i can speak for most folks when i say:
- butt ugly (makes a pacer look well styled),
- all the good (and all the bad) things about a BMW,
- a bit faster (in an absolute sense) than the S2K.

myself... i wouldn't get one (too ugly and guilt by association). but it's still a super high performance car.

you could also look at the Dinan IS version. SICK.

 

Well Malachi you don't speak for me, I love the styling of the M Coupe!



I too was considering the M Coupe when getting the S2000, but as an interim car, it being $10k more didn't help since I knew I'd have more problems selling it than the Honda when my M3 materializes.

That said I have driven the 240hp version. GREAT engine, much looser than the S2000 but still really good driving feedback. The torque is simply in a different league, no comparison. Over all the 240hp version is faster, as it was put I would wait for the 315hp version instead tho. As these are being discontinued in 2002, now's a good time to get on a list. I'd only get a 240hp version if the price was REALLY right, i.e. $30-35k for a new one.

There are some issues and the interior can look a little dated, but still one of the top cars that I'd want (and can afford) to put in my garage.

Do a search, this has been discussed before.

 

Make that way faster, and way quicker. I drove a new M3 and that had awesome power and brakes. Throw it in a lighter, lower 2-seat chassis, and you will have an absolute screamer. If they stiffen up the chassis and suspension a little, it will be an awesome track car as well.

The "old" M-coupe could more than keep up with a S2K on a track. The new one will toast it. Of course for the price differential, you can buy a Comptech supercharger to close the gap... and about ten sets of tires

I do agree on the ugly part, however...




[Edited by pfb on 04-10-2001 at 08:30 PM]

 

Yes, the M Coupe is most definitely a performace/enthusiast car to be SURE. A good friend has one, a girl, too! (but she's a lesbian) hmmm

But I'm sorry, Loki, but the car is just nothing short of hideous in the Looks Department! I almost feel sorry for it when I see them, which isn't often, btw.

Seriously, a badass car, without a doubt...but man, it's scary ugly.

hehe

 

but, but, but...

look at the cool things you can do!





I'll be swapping the stook for the M Coupe for a few days sometime in the summer. Can't wait!

 

I personally love the look of the M-coupe and for that matter most other hatchbacks (it's a european thing). if you have the money i would say get the m-coupe. it's going to have 315hp and over 200torque....it's an easy decision unless you want a convertible.

 

m coupe....no
m roadster.....yes
It's a very good car. That's about all I can say.
It isn't great at anything, and it's ugly all over, in my opinion.
I don't know how close m coupe is to m roadster.

 

Have driven the old M coupe (240bhp) as well as the new M3 (333bhp).

Awesome engines, both. The M coupe with the 315 (slightly detuned due to exhause plumbing issues) engine will be an absolute menace. The engine sounds great. It has boat loads of torque and is very easy to drive and mind numbingly fast. On top of that... it is a BMW. Some people (although I think they are goofballs) do put a great deal of value on that little blue and white propeller being on the hood. Also, heated seats. Very nice and I wish like hell my S had them.

That is all the good.

Now for the other stuff. The tranny (the M coupe and M roadster will soldier on with the 5 speed while the new M3 gets a six) is ok but nowhere near as good as the 6 spd in the S. The styling... to each his own. I like the looks of the M Roadster but cant warm up to the coupe. The interior. Kind of subjective again, but I don't think its too great. It does have a nostalgic feel, but in the wrong way, I think. The headlights are crap (old halogen beam technology with no HID upgrade) and there are no driving lights available from the factory to fill in the holes (the space for the driving lights is used to cool the brakes I think). The build quality. The S. Carolina plant producing these cars has had below BMW standard build quality issues. The problem is being worked on, but still not fixed. Last winter I saw a beautiful black M roadster that looked like it had been slapped together by 5 year olds. There were problems on the interior and exterior with body panel gaps, etc. Shameful work at any price and it makes me very mad to see American workers that take no pride in their work.

Finally.... the price. MSRP for and M coupe is about $44K (I think) before tax, license, etc. At that price, one can make an interesting argument about whether it is worth spending $12K more for the BMW. Unfortunately, many dealers are pulling the same crap that Honda dealers are with the S. They are marking the cars up. Way up. Beverly Hills BMW is perfectly willing to sell you an new M3, for instance. MSRP is $52K, but they will part with it for $77K. A@$holes!

I prefer the value, engineering, style, reliabilty, and ease of service of the S. The BMW is very nice, but I just couldn't justify spending the premium for the propeller on the hood.

Plus... it's not a convertible. If you're going to do this, at least buy the roadster.

 

The MGB GT was an equally hideous rendition of an otherwise nice (for the time) roadster.