This is true. BMW is overrated, IMO.

That said, the s2000 is even more numb than the e46, not to mention e36. Still the handling and quickness more than make up for it.

 

Totally agree!

God I loved driving a 2002. Friend in HS had one. Neat car. Why can't they make something like that again?

-Lee

 

I owned an E36 M3 (US) with 240hp before moving to Germany and picking up an S2k (2000 model).

I think the S2k has a rather numb steering feel especially at slower speeds. In fact, my 1990 Golf GTI has better feel in those speeds. Otherwise it shines, thanks to the double wishbone suspension and roadster chassis. From the first test drive I knew that this car was something special and just simply FUN!

Fun and outright feeling of the S2k is a lot more extreme than the M3. I always felt safe and secure in the M3, even up to 162mph, whereas I'm more on the toes with the S2k. The S2k is not a great Autobahn cruiser, but I get most of my kicks from flying up and down mountain passes.

And hitting the 'Ring

The M3 made me feel confident taking corners quickly and the torque was a lot more useful around town, but when I drove the car again after a half year I really felt that I was stepping into a boat!

///Robin

 

For the same reasons they can't make a lot of beloved old cars again. Those cars didn't meet current safety standards, current environmental standards, or current marketplace expectations about comfort, fit, appearance, and reliability.

 

i have a '03 330 and an 01' S2K...

my S2K is my 2nd car...

the '06 325 should be considered a primary daily driver... even with the sports suspension ... it is not the enthusiast's car when compared to the S2K... its the drivers luxury car...

the S2K is raw, unadultrated, loud, immediate, faster, more dangerous in bad weather, more dangerous if in an accident... the S2K has better handling in dry weather, but will take time to gain the confidence to push it that hard...more dangerous when flirting with the limits of handling...

the bmw has better steering feel//feedback (the active steering system is optional, dont get it), and is safer and more confidence inspiring to let you push the limits, also has one of the best stability systems in the world to let you do more spirited driving in all conditions except snow... not to mention luxury and refinement...

 

There is some crazy stuff being said in here. Why anyone thinks a roadster and a sedan or coupe can be compared is beyond me, but okay.

Here's the difference between a S2000 and a BMW Car:

1. S2000 = nimble handling
2. BMW = planted handling

It is really that simple.

And I'll take it a step further:

1. S2000 stock suspension =
2. BMW Mac-P. stock suspension =

I'm going to use the Dragon as a road example and then the interstate. Driving the S2000 on the Dragon is quick and doesn't take a whole lot of work on the steering wheel compared to the BMW. The BMW takes two hands because you're really having to turn that wheel. The S2000 will jump through a series of quick, snappy turns quickly while the BMW will do it (much better than many other cars) not quite as fast - body roll and weight hold it up in this area. Where the BMW murders the S in handling comes in how fast it can take and hold a long turn (like an interstate off/onramp).

So, if you're on the track judge what kind of turns you have before challenging one of these two cars.

 

That is a great breakdown on the differences between the 2 cars.

I actually traded my 2001 325i for a new 2005 S2000 (now 2 weeks old!). Although the BMW is great fun to drive and is very stable and solid at high speeds, there are definitely some big minuses about owning a Bimmer. I had 3 window-regulators go bad and it was the third one that prompted me to unload it (since the other 2 were covered under warranty). I also had the front bushings replaced under warranty. These were common problems with the E46 sedans and would have cost big bucks outside of the warranty.

As for the S2000, I am enjoying it very much but still getting used to the noise and fairly-harsh ride (it is my daily driver). The difference between the 2 cars is night and day. I spent the first week of ownership missing the stability and functionality of the BMW. I spent the second week starting to appreciate what my new car had to offer and realizing that it was the beginning of a long, long relationship

 

Yeah, the Bimmer doesn't have the same reliable track record Honda does but a Honda isn't as sophisticated either. I will say that BMW steps up to the warranty plate much better than Honda does

In my opinion these types of comparisons are super difficult to make because the cars are soooooo much different.

 

i am a family man and have had two cars for a while, the honda is my roadster and i have a sedan for the family responsibilities. the best of both worlds, consider the honda and something rather than the honda or something...if you can swing it.