Lately I've been pondering the idea of going from the S to an M3...

I absolutely love the S, but I've always loved the classic look of the E46 M3's as well.

I understand that the E46 M3's have had issues with VANOS failure and subframe erosion, as well as increased costs for maintenance...so let's avoid getting strung up on the fact that mods & repairs are more costly in the M3.

Any constructive experience/thoughts/opinions is much appreciated, especially from those who've had extensive experience with both


* Tried searching but didn't find any relative up to date threads

 

I have. Had E46M3 for 3 years and made a switch to S2000 after a few other cars in between.

M3s are great cars. Fast, comfortable, high quality, you name it, it has it.
The subframe issue and the VANOS issue are the least things you should worry about. If you can do basic maintenance by yourself, it really doesn't cost too much to own it.

I only made a switch because I wanted another car. I've wanted an S2000 forever and I love it more than the M3 because the reasons that we all know: Pure-opentop-lightness-fun.

You really can not go wrong owning either of them.

 

owned a e46 m3 for almost 5 years it was a great car.
Mine did develop cracks by the sub frame mounts luckily i was reimbursed for the repair by the class action law suit.

going from the m3 to the s2000 I can definitely say the s2000 is more fun/raw to drive.
the m3 is more comfortable, has decent power, and has more interior amenities.

The maintenance isn't too bad $90 diy oil changes.
Price for mods is not much of a difference either.

You will probably miss the s2000, where as I don't really miss my m3 after getting the s2000.

 

a friend of mine just got an e46 m3. ill get back to you in a few days to see which one i prefer ive been contemplating this same thing recently

 

Never driven an M3, but I've been the passenger. The only thing I can echo, is that the M3 definitely feels more like a sports car with extra comfort amenities while the s2000 feels more like a raw stripped down sports car. You really can't go wrong with either choice. If it were me, I'd take the M3 as a daily, and the s2000 as a weekend car.

 

M3 is much faster. S2000 is more fun in certain ways.

FYI, zero sub-frame issues with the convertibles, which is what you'd want anyway.

 

I know if I had the opportunity to switch I would!

 

Hopefully a e46 m3 will be my next car. I love laguna seca blue. That color is so beautiful and sport. I really dont care for the convertible in that car though, it seems to lose its appeal to me.
Op, if i good deal comes up i would do it.!!!

 

So I haven't driven an M3, but I have driven a coworker's E46 330Ci with the ZHP package, which is about as close as that generation came to an M3 without being one (6spd, OEM tuned cam and exhaust, 18" M wheels, sportier suspension) and it was a very nice car to drive. The inline six is buttery smooth, as was the transmission. It cruises down the highway and is equally at home in the twisties. I want one.

That being said, I would not trade in the S2000 for one. The S is just more fun to drive. After I drove it and got back in my car and realized that everything about each car felt exactly as it should. The clutch and transmission on the 330 were very smooth - but that same combination would have been awful in the S2000. The S needs its short throw, slightly notchy shifter with a heavier clutch, it wouldn't feel right without it. Likewise, the S2000 trans in the 330 would have been very out of place. Same goes for smooth I6 versus the screaming I4 - both are perfect for the application, but reversed (especially the F20C in the 330, it is kind of a boat) they would have been out of place. Both cars handle very well, but the firmer suspension in the S2000 feels right for the roadster.

I did let the 330 owner drive my S, and he walked away with a huge grin on his face. He owns a Z3 as well as the 330 (not to mention an pristine E30 as a DD) and while I couldn't get him to admit that he liked the S2000 more than the Z3, he had nothing but positive things to say about it. The look on his face the first time he banged off a couple 8500 rpm shifts was priceless.

But anyway, back to the point. They're both great cars. I would keep the S and get an older BMW if I were you. It may not be an M3, but it will still be a great driving experience, and you won't regret selling your S2000 every time you get in your other car.

 

had a e46 M3 for a number of years LOVED it. Maintenance/Repairs on M3 are worth consideration and will be higher than on the S2000. BMW = Bring More Wallet!!!
Similar riding experience in terms of high revving engines. You will miss the torque of the M3. Stock to stock suspension goes to S2000. S2000 gearbox huge advantage.
S2000 is a more focused car and does all the fun stuff easy and is more raw. M3 more refined, has all the nanny devices to keep you out of trouble. M3 - backseat if you have kids.

M3 is a great car I miss mine from time to time.
S2000 love to drive it and don't worry about maintenance costs.