Wow! I didn't know they are changing the M5 already? But I do know the current M3 sorta out perform the M5 other than the interior space and amities.
The new M5 probably gonna cost more than the current one?

I can find a newly used M3 Coupe for some where around low $40,000. That's just a bit more or about the same as a Supercharged S2000. and still get about 4 years left on the warranty! But then, I have also heard that if you blow up M3 (over rev the motor, because the BMW ECU screwed up!) the engine, BMW will not replace it under warranty!

 

I had one of the first 2001 M3's back in April of 2001. It was a fast cat but did not bring a smile to my face like my s2000. Dollar for dollar the s2000 is just alot more car!

 

M3s are wonderful, but I'd take an S2000 over it, any day of the week. Besides, if I had to have an M3 (heh, "had to" ... as if it'd be torturous ), I'd definitely want a coupe. Chop-top convertibles always take away performance and add weight.

As for the supposedly sloppy M3 shifter though, just turn to these guys:
www.uucmotorwerks.com Awesome short-shifter technology. And the units are gorgeous, too. Nearly makes you want to install it without the shift boot.
Nearly.

The new M5 will be one hot beast. I can't wait to see it.

 

M3KVB,
I'm sure you paid a bundle for your M3? You don't think at Low $40,000 (Some modded S2000 will run even higher than that, and without warranty) for a newly used M3 will put a smile on my face? (when my woman is happy, it'll puts a smile on my face)
Looks like you live some where in the suburb of TX? I used to live on South Pardre Island, and love the open air drive out on the flat (too bad the roads were too straight!) I used to ride my motorcycle on the beach (helmet was not required in Tx), it was great! But now, I'm in the city of Atlanta. The traffic is killing me when I can't rev over 6,000 between cars! So, I better leave my S2000 mostly on the track!

Actually, my other choice was the late model NSX (97+), but they hold their value too well, some still around $60,000 and You could find some mid or high $40,000. But I found out the maintenance on the car just cost too much, plus only specialized shop will do modified components (but labor cost is just too high!). Plus there is that TIMING BELT required replacement (which cost a lot to exchange . Or if it breaks, say good by to your engine if you were high revving that thing!). I've also heard from someone (I'm not sure if it's ture?) the valve train are weak and wears away with time, and eventually the engine looses some power?And it is still a two seater!

 

850,
The M3 I drove was at the Norcross Carmax. It's a white/black '01 listed at $51k, go drive it, I'd like to hear your impression of it compared to your s2000. I wish I could think of the sales guy's name, he was a very nice older guy with kinda yellow hair. He knew I wasn't interested in buying another car and just wanted to ride in it. I drove it with the DSC off but not sure about the sport mode - didn't see a switch for it.

 

The button is clearly marked as "sport" and is two buttons over from the DSC button (next to the tire pressure monitoring system). Sport makes a huge difference in throttle response but not overall speed or times.

I posted a while back that I'm borrowing my best friends 2002 M3 for three weeks. I'm about half way through that extended test drive and will post pic's and more detailed impressions later for anyone that's interested.

 

Inside, the M3 is pretty much standard-issue 3 Series with minor trim differences. There is a special "sport" control switch that changes the engine's drive-by-wire throttle calibration. Flipping the switch changes the way the intake butterfly valves respond to the gas pedal. In sport mode, the valves open much more quickly, lessening throttle response time. Another M3 addition are the instrument gauges, which are lifted from the M5, complete with orange- and red-glowing indicators that admonish the driver against revving a cold engine. There's also a surprising amount of room in the cabin, with easy space for four adults.

I founded here (link) plus on other sites as well. (So, I think it really exist!) . Yeah, I'll try to make it over there this weekend to test drive it (if it's still there). I did find a Silver 2001 M3 Coupe locally at $43,999

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/f...99/article.html

Da Hapa
YES! I'm interested!

 

Thanks for the reviews guys. Always interested to hear the impressions of fellow S2000 owners, especially since when I do end up having to get a car with a backseat the M3 is one vehicle I would put on my short list.

 

current M3 rides like a brick....stiff suspension gives it its skidpad numbers but crap ride. Turner Motorsports may have softer spring kit that could improve ride and grip. also has unpleasant boomy exhaust on over-run, more noticeble in convertible. does good burnouts with maual tranny, however.

 

I have a local friend with a brand-new 2002 M3 coupe.

The car is quick, but just doesn't provide the fun that the S2000 does. The 6-speed manual is sluggish and soft (typical of a cabled shifter), the throws are long, and gear engagement is not as positive as the *snick* of the S2000 shifter. I was very unpleased with the shifter. There is a short-shifter kit available that I'd like to feel sometime.

The clutch is very grabby, but the engagement point is something like 1/2" below the resting position. As soon as you so much as touch the clutch, it's completely disengaged. It would take me some time to get used to feathering it so high. This may also be adjustable.

The steering felt solid and capable, but disconnected and less tactile than expected. The car doesn't respond as quickly to steering input as the S2000 (probably due to its weight), and understeers quite a bit more.

The ride, I thought, was very quiet and comfortable for a sports car. I almost felt like I was driving a grocery-getter behind the wheel.

The M3 has a SUPERB engine, in my opinion. It sounds great, it feels great through the pedals... it just feels very potent. It doesn't have the high-pitched fervor like the S2000's motorcycle-like I4. It's sublime, relaxing, and very strong.

Overall, I think the M3 is a beautiful car, and a very strong piece of engineering. It does indeed perform very well, and it's easily the best 4-seater car on the market, IMO. I love them. On the other hand, it doesn't connect you to the road like the S2000, and is, overall, a lot less fun to drive.

- Warren