If you decide on the bimmer, do not get the 325. I have a 323 and, although I love the car, it just is not very fast off the line. They only added a few horses to the 325 and it didn't make much difference (still about an 8 second 0 to 60). Even if you have to chip in a few bucks of your own be sure to get the 330. If you skimp on a few options, the 330 may not be much more than the 325 (get the leatherette, manual transmission, etc.)

Although the sound system in the bimmer is far superior to that of the S2000, you will wind up putting an aftermarket system in either car if you are an audiophile. However, even I (who knows nothing about sound systems) can tell that Honda's stock system sucks.

Just my $.02

 

I have both cars....2001 S2K 3200miles and 2000 328i with 30,000 miles....the car come with 3yrs/48,000(or 50,000) miles schedule maintenance for free of charge...so BMW might be a good choice....but I would definetly get the 330ci over the 325ci.....you would regret it if you get the 325ci.....also....I do alot of 3 digit driving and wear out the front brakes....the dealers replaced the pads and rotors(roughly about $200-$300 included labor) for free...by the time you get out of College....you probably wouldn't have to spend any money on maintenance if you spend more time studying and get out in three years..before the maintenance expires.. I also have stage 1 and stage 2 ecu chip from Dinan as well as the Cold Air Intake....It's great....still thinging about the Dinan...exhaust though....want to keep it quiet yet....loud if need...that's my 2 cents..good luck on your choice....

 

I beg to differ. Superficial woman were magnetically drawn to my 1988 Accord LXi Coupe when I first showed up with it on campus sophamore year. Of course, that was the first year of production for that swoopy, notchback beauty and there were very few then on the road. It was definately the combination of striking figure and exotic-like rarity. (Like the S2K, people flashed the thumbs up as I drove home from the dealer -- this is for an Accord, people!!). Three years and a production of hundreds of thousands later . . . well, then it was a different story. It did last me ten wonderful, trouble-free years, however (it was a Honda, after all). Unless you need the x-tra two seats, I'd go with the S2K.

 

I'm still in college ... I've got an S2K ... GET ONE! No buts about it.

 

Poor baby. You must reallybe looking forward to your inheritance.

P.S. Before going off to college in your BMW/S2K or whatever, you might try mastering the daunting task of learning to spell "dilemma".

 

I'm sorry about the spelling.
No inheritance coming here, once I'm out of college I'm on my own.
I'm sorry that my parents worked very hard and became successful enough to provide me with a much better than average lifestyle.

 

Bob-

Glad to hear that you're investing this young. Trust me, it sucks now but it will pay off down the road.

I had another thought about your maintenance concerns.

Both the 330ci and the S2K have different sized fronts and rears and if you drive enthusiastically you can expect to spend some major $'s over a few years time on tires. That's a given.

BMW does pay for full maintenance for the first three years. If you only keep the car for three years, the BMW will be less expensive to maintain. However, if you keep the car longer than that the difference gets smaller really quick.

BMW's are not cheap to maintain once you are footing the bill. Bank on that. I have a buddy who had a previous gen. M3. The first maintenance he paid for after BMW's program expired nearly gave him a heart attack (he had driven a prelude si for 5 years and 150K miles before hand and couldn't believe the expense involved in BMW ownership). Of course, that is for an M car but you can bet that maint. on a "standard" 3 series won't be cheap either.

Also, at least here in S. CA. BMW's are very expensive to insure. Written at the max's my S2K is a few hundred a year cheaper to insure (AAA) than a 330ci. Forget about the new M3. Insurance on that puppy (at least for me 29 clean record driving since 16 all the time with AAA) is brutal.

Just a couple more thoughts for you to chew on.

 

Yeah, I'm a college student in socal, and it's a real pain in the ass having this car. Always gotta cover it ( the apartment I live in only has roofed spaces), gotta Quick Detail it before I cover it, worried about jealous suckers keying it, can't carry doodoo, except for one pretty lady, or a down ass friend.

I say don't get a car yet for the first year, drive your parents extra car if you have to, your first year youwill change into a different person, and the S2k is really a damper on the whole partying thing. Wait, my friend, good things come to those who wait.