When I was looking for my new car, it came down to 330ci and S2K. 330ci is a nice car, very nice interior, but it is a coupe, the vert version is much more expensive and much slower. Wait a bit, I think BMW will come out with a 240hp+ 3 series engine soon, they are not gonna let the Accord V6 have more hp than the 330. You would feel bad if you buy the 225hp now and a year later they come out with a 250hp one.

The topdown feeling that you get from an S2K is "priceless".

You gonna miss the S, I guarantee it!

Just drive the S for another year or so, and see what the next gen 3 series gonna be like......

 

The gears have been sitting in my garage for weeks now. I've been waiting for the replacement parts (nuts & bolts and stuff) to do the job. Everything is here except for one lousy part. They had none in Canada and even Japan had to back order but with my insistence, they did a search of the US network and found one. I'm hoping to have it in the next few days and then start the dismantling to coincide with my subsequent bunch of days off.
The S/C too is held up because they are waiting for the new batch of computer boxes to replace the defective ones they have in stock.

 

I anxiously await your review of the gears.

 

You can count on it. I plan to take pics of the install as best I can.

 

Read all that you can find on it Danny, I'd hate to see you jump the fence, only to end up with more problems. I've known a few people that just had to have a Bimmer, only to Sell it after 3 yrs or so, due to multiple phantom electrical problems.Or do what others do; have one of each!

 

Have you considered the last version of the M3? You could pick one up in the $40's and then play with it. Don't forget that getting service at our local BMW dealership is no fun at all. I work with quite a few guys who go there and they have very little in the way of good things to say about the service. This may change when they get the new dealership in the NW....same owner though!

 

I think the Honda S2000 is a truly refined sports car. Because I love the Honda product, love the styling, love the dependability, absolutely love the performance and handling...I am going to keep this car forever. Our car is a very unique car that other manufacturers are benchmarking against. It is a limited production car too.

Yah a few little glitches, but you're going to have that with any car. Just weigh the pro's and cons. The 2002's have a lot of the bugs worked out. I've started with my mods, but you can do that with any car...it's just personalizing it.

If you love this car as much as I do, you will keep it. If you are tempted, then it may be time to go check out the grass on the other side. If you leave, I think you will miss the S2000. Maybe your just driving it too much and are taking the car for granted. Let it rest for a bit and see if you miss it.

Solution for noisy clutch: Get yourself a kick-ass stereo system!

 

Danny,

Looks like you've already recieved a few thought out responses. Nonetheless, I'll throw in my 2 cents. You can't really compare the S to the 330CI in anything save price. We all know that the two are far apart when it comes to acceleration, handling, braking, and pure street cred. Yes the bimmer is much more cushier and sumptuous than the S, but don't let that fool you into thinking it is going to be any more reliable than our cars. BMWs and other German marques, have just as many, if not more problems than Japanese models. Just look at the JD Power customer satisfaction surveys. You'll tire from the BMW very quickly. John at T&T is already selling is 2001 Coupe. I'm not sure why, but I do know that he has only driven it for about one summer, and the car only has 10,500KM on it.

Then there is the whole ownership experience. Firsthand, I can say that BMW dealers and owners alike are arrogant, self centered *insert expletive here*. Calgary BMW is no exception. They will treat you like a pion when you walk in through those doors. Don't kid yourself by asking about financing or leasing. They just roll their eyes but comply unwillingly when relevant info is requested. Oh, and getting the car for $48,500? Try finding one that doesn't have some or all silly options on their lot. They usually only bring in cars with certain options.

Just a few things to consider. Oh, and don't forget forfeiting your spot amongst a choice group of Calgary S2000 owners.
Good luck
Asif

 

I am going to test drive a 330 next week with some co-workers who are in the market for a sports coupe/sedan. It will give me a good idea of how it handles and the interior refinement.

However, I will probably keep the S for another year or so since I've sunk a bit into it already and would lose a lot on depreciation. I really love the S, nothing beats top down driving on a warm summer night and the engine music in vtec land. The only thing that bugs me is the drivetrain.

I have an appointment to look at the release bearing noise in my clutch early next week, and I've picked up GM Synchromesh Tranny fluid and if I still have a tough time in the cold, I'll give the GM product a shot.

Thanks for the replies guys.. oh if I did eventually get a BMW, I would debunk the stereotypes and hang out with the S2000 club since we all know how BMW owners are

 

Hey Dave, what is the big difference with the new gears and when's that SC coming in?? If it works out good and you think its worth your money, I might put one in my car next spring, with your friendly aid of course wouldn't go anywhere without that Thanks for the clutch information too.