Hi

I just recently traded in my S2000 for an 2002 M3 6spd coupe with 18" rims. I know several other owners are debating this same transaction and thought I would share my impressions. I am not comparing the S2000 and the M3 on a competitive level but more on a 'is it worth spending the money for the upgrade' level. I am not trying to demean the s2000 in any way either. I was one of the first owners in my area to pick one up and have been a keen Honda enthusiast since I was 16.

I just finished putting 750 kms on it over the last day and a half.

1) I find the M3 to be everything I ever hoped it would be. It just does everything better than the S2000. For me it is the perfect sports car, a great balance between luxury and sport. People complain it's too heavy but I find it very balanced.

2) The suspension seems more firm than the S2000. More understeer...

3) 9000RPMS on the S2000 sounded AMAZING. 8000RPMS on the M3 sounds better coming from an inline 6. It reminds me of a Porsche (flat 6). The torque is awesome and addicting. It has a cool raspy sound but the whine is crazy. 1/4 mile times are starting to come in with a good driver hitting high 12's

4) The transmission is great.. No grinds. It's a bit longer than the S2000 but I really don't mind. As long as it doesn't grind.

5) The brakes are INSANE. I hear that they soften up on the track a little too fast but we'll see.

6) The biggest impression and most important one is the car is PREDICTABLE AND FORGIVING. Maybe not as forgiving as some other cars, but a HELL of a lot more forgiving than the S2000! I was always worried in the S2000 in making a mistake and paying for it. In the M3, you don't have to worry. You can drive 9/10s no problem. In the S2000 I would be worried driving over 7/10ths.

For example.. before the S2000 I had a 98 Type-R Integra. On a local track, I was doing about 58-59 seconds at full tilt - a pretty decent time. When I got the S2000, I could only manage the same times because I was afraid to push it to hard and have it bite me in the ass.

So the best thing about the M3 is that I can really drive it aggressively without worrying too much. I'll see May 19th when I bring the car to the track for the first time how it goes.

The DSC works really well and for day to day driving I find it great. I'll see how it goes on the track spending half the day with it on and the other half of the day off.

In summary, if you are thinking about upgrading to an M3 and don't mind losing the convertible (or if you do still want a convertible paying another 10K), go for it, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for reading and please remember to keep things positive. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have on the M3 vs. the S2000.

Rob

ex-s2kmtl
now m3mtl

 

TRAITOR!










j/k
Actually, i think the M3 is a great step after the S2000; many former S2000 owners, such as loki, decided to sell their S for the M3.
Glad you like the M3, i think it is a great track car, especially if you have the SMG tranny! Where did you buy it? At BMW Canbec? What colour is it? Hope you like it!

The M3 beats the S2000 in driving impressions because (probably) it has traction control (Dynamic Stabilty Control) right?

 

I have a lot of respect for the new M3. BMW sure as hell knows what they are doing. That car would be my choice as far as upgrading from the s2000.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by s2kmtl
[B]
1)

 

Thanks for the revies I intend to do the same in the next 5 months or so. I am still on the waiting list from 8 months ago.

 

If I had the money, I might just be tempted to do the same thing. . . . and not having driven the E46 M3 (I have sat in one), I'm pretty much just talking out of my ass at this point, but, well hell--let me ask you--what about the raw, visceral feel of the S2000--does the M3 have that pure race-car/shifter kart feel to it or does the M3 feel more like a ferociously fast Lexus?

 

The M3 is an awesome car, of course, but don't you miss the tiny size (& turning radius), tossability, and drop top of the S2K? And, which one is more fun to zip up to the local grocery store & run errands in (taking the long way, of course?)?

 

My only question is "Why are you still posting here"? If I wanted a BMW I'd go to the BMW board..........

Utah

 

i'm jealous! i love the M3 too.

nice upgrade... if i get the m3, i would still keep my S2000 and not be a traitor.

 

Somebody has a stick up their ass . I found his write-up very informative. There may be others thinking about a M3. Just because he sold his S2k and traded up, doesn't mean he can't share his experience. You are