I currently own both. A 2001 M3 Coupe and a MY04 S. The M3 ia more practical, but it is not a sports car. The M3 is very fast, lots of TQ, and quite. so smooth that you need to be in excess of 100 mph to have a sensation of speed.

The two cars are not in the same class. The M3 competes with Mecedes AMG. Audis, Mustang Cobras etc.

The S as we are all aware is a true sports car along with miatas. lotus, etc.

Both are great cars, and give a lot of bang for the dollar, but they do not compete in the same market. Again- apples and oranges.

For those of you that are considering the M3 as your next purchase, I suggest you get as much time behind the wheel of one before you jump ship.

 

wheres the cd player in the m3? cd changers suck

 

The 3 series BMW's are obviously great cars but to me, this isn't that much of a question. You see, what I want is a roadster. The M3 isn't one. It sounds like you've found yourself a really great deal on the M3 and from that point of view, you might want to jump on it while it's still available. OTOH, what do you really want from the car? The M3 and S2000 are pretty much apples and oranges as far as I'm concerned so you need to decide what you think you're looking for. Obviously the M3 will be much more practical in the long run but you can't drop the top!

I don't envy you this decision (or maybe I do! )

Good luck in whatever you decide,
Steve R.

PS: Let us know! We're nosey!

 

Single in the dash.

 

I'd take the M3, and if you don't I will

 

Love the S2, but I would have to rock the M3!

 

I believe the problems with the earlier e46's were that the 2000 and some of the 2001's had a bad design for their oil pump and so not enough oil would lubricate the crankshaft bearings. Basically BMW did a recall where the old oil pump design was replaced with the new one for free. But you're right, they did have problems when they first came out but those are all solved now.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 2.2L_S2000
I believe the problems with the earlier e46's were that the 2000 and some of the 2001's had a bad design for their oil pump and so not enough oil would lubricate the crankshaft bearings.

 

There is actually a website with a list of all the M3s with blown engines. Last time I checked, which was in 2002, there were 52 M3s on the list. Some BMW dealerships even had the nerve to deny some owners an engine replacement which is ridiculous considering the price and BMWs reputation.

As for deciding between the M3 or the S2000, I would go with what you planned. Buy the M3 off of your cousin and sell it for a profit and then buy a brand new S2000. But then again, $33,000 is a great price for an M3 with 19,000 miles on it and if I could get my hands on it right now, I definately would.

 

dang good price...though i'd prefer MY02 or later...don't trust those MY01 engines but that's just me