Help, '04 S2000 or '01 BMW M3?
Originally posted by COjOi
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.
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.
But the question remains, would you KEEP it, or sell it and buy the '04!
I recently traded my 02 S2000 for an 03 M3 convertible (bought it new as a dealer leftover)...I have no regrets, but I must admit that they are two completely different cars. However, to tell you the truth, it all comes down to how you want to drive and how you feel behind the wheel of both cars.
There are times I miss my S, but there is something to be said about having all that power to summon in any gear in the M3.
Both cars turn heads, both cars look great, both are fast, and both can handle very well. It all comes down to how you feel behind the wheel...
Tough decision...
I was going to post a picture of my new car, but I don't know how...bummer.
There are times I miss my S, but there is something to be said about having all that power to summon in any gear in the M3.
Both cars turn heads, both cars look great, both are fast, and both can handle very well. It all comes down to how you feel behind the wheel...
Tough decision...
I was going to post a picture of my new car, but I don't know how...bummer.
I came from an E36 M3 to the S2000 and was very skeptical at first. Once I rolled down the street in the Honda, I knew rightaway that the car was much more of a sportscar than the M3 ever was, and that exhilaration and feeling was much more fun. You can say I fell in love with the car right away.
The M3 will probably be a much more confident track car, autobahn cruiser, and more practical overall, and for the price it's a bargain. Depends on your needs!
///Robin
The M3 will probably be a much more confident track car, autobahn cruiser, and more practical overall, and for the price it's a bargain. Depends on your needs!
///Robin
In general, teh M3 is a good car (given issues of early engines...), but ti will be FAR more expensive to maintain. If you track it, it will cost WAY more than the S2000 (tires, mechanical crap). It may depreciate less given that super price, but also realize the M2 is coming out soon, and an 8 cylinder M4 as well, which will make this M3 a lame duck. HEavy and "underpowered" compared to the newer ones.
Personally, I htink lighter cars are more fun. I drove my S daily until I sold it, and miss it terribly. Am considering getting another. The S2000s are great cars.
BTW - a new 04 ought to be cheaper, or you could get a minimally used 03. They are starting to go at 25-26, which is pretty good, glass window and all...
Personally, I htink lighter cars are more fun. I drove my S daily until I sold it, and miss it terribly. Am considering getting another. The S2000s are great cars.
BTW - a new 04 ought to be cheaper, or you could get a minimally used 03. They are starting to go at 25-26, which is pretty good, glass window and all...
[QUOTE]Originally posted by UVAS2K
I recently traded my 02 S2000 for an 03 M3 convertible (bought it new as a dealer leftover)...I have no regrets, but I must admit that they are two completely different cars.
I recently traded my 02 S2000 for an 03 M3 convertible (bought it new as a dealer leftover)...I have no regrets, but I must admit that they are two completely different cars.
42 for an M3 is a GREAT deal, you should look for an '01 or '02 if you wanna be in the 30's on price. Regarding my cousin---see previous post, he's on the up and up, we're sharing some of the profits from the sale of his M3.

There is something wrong. The m3 shouldnt be so cheap. That M3 should be well into the 40s.
The 2001s have major issues, and if its too good to be true, it probably is. Do yourself a favor and get the s2000.



