S2000 vs Z4M Roadster
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8,757
Likes: 1,859
Yeah, the good thing about german cars in general is you can buy the expensive ones, several years old used, for a fraction of their original cost.
The bad thing about those cars is they cost a LOT to maintain, and it only gets more $$$ when they are several years old. Which of course is one reason they are so cheap to buy used.
If you can do your own work, and don't mind some of the over the top 'engineering' you have to disassemble to do what would otherwise be simple repairs, it can be a good deal.
Of not, run away. Fast.
Sent from my SM-G920P using IB AutoGroup
The bad thing about those cars is they cost a LOT to maintain, and it only gets more $$$ when they are several years old. Which of course is one reason they are so cheap to buy used.
If you can do your own work, and don't mind some of the over the top 'engineering' you have to disassemble to do what would otherwise be simple repairs, it can be a good deal.
Of not, run away. Fast.
Sent from my SM-G920P using IB AutoGroup
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 2
From: Livermore
Both great cars, you honestly can't lose either way.
Z4M/M coupe is one of the few cars that catches my eye all the time, but I can't/couldn't afford the price difference. Comparing the S2k with a BMW M isn't really fair (150% price difference), but it depends on what you're looking for:
Luxury/status/comfort/frills/power all go to the BMW.
The S2k however has the 1 thing I was looking for: FUN.
Good luck
Z4M/M coupe is one of the few cars that catches my eye all the time, but I can't/couldn't afford the price difference. Comparing the S2k with a BMW M isn't really fair (150% price difference), but it depends on what you're looking for:
Luxury/status/comfort/frills/power all go to the BMW.
The S2k however has the 1 thing I was looking for: FUN.
Good luck
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 15
From: SF Bay Area
So I posted back in 09...here is the 6 years later follow up.
car has 76,000 miles
cost me for plugs, belt, valve adjustment, all fluid changes, maybe 200.00 at 60,000 miles
then this year brakes, all 4 wheels, $400
oil changes and brake bleed this year, maybe $25.00.
tires a few years ago
upkeep has been superb and maintenance is free cause i do it.
car has 76,000 miles
cost me for plugs, belt, valve adjustment, all fluid changes, maybe 200.00 at 60,000 miles
then this year brakes, all 4 wheels, $400
oil changes and brake bleed this year, maybe $25.00.
tires a few years ago
upkeep has been superb and maintenance is free cause i do it.
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,094
Likes: 6
From: Vienna, VA
I had this debate several years ago, when I was considering selling my S for a Boxster S or Z4M.
The only thing the S was lacking in was power, otherwise I preferred the S. For $5K I fixed that and have not looked back.
The only thing the S was lacking in was power, otherwise I preferred the S. For $5K I fixed that and have not looked back.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
Super old topic really. However, my dad has a 2004 Z4 (NON M edition) so I'll share my experiences.
Z4: Advantages (ish)
Surprisingly quick with the 3.0L inline 6. Stupidly close to my S2K from many starting positions. Edge certainly goes to the s2000, but by a margin that isn't worth discussing.
Much more stable than S2K at interstate speeds (much quieter, better gearing, etc).
MUCH more space for passenger/driver. Space in trunk is pretty similar.
Z4: Disadvantages
Heavy and numb steering feel
You can feel the cars weight when driving aggressively
Odd electrical gremlins. My dad has had very few but we have heard horror stories
Summing up, my dad gets fantastic fuel economy (28 ish city, and a bullet proof car). The Z4 has 80-90% of the performance, while being much more comfortable, and luxurious. Perfect for the old man! I however, enjoy the 9K redline, LSD diff, and race car feel!
Chris
Z4: Advantages (ish)
Surprisingly quick with the 3.0L inline 6. Stupidly close to my S2K from many starting positions. Edge certainly goes to the s2000, but by a margin that isn't worth discussing.
Much more stable than S2K at interstate speeds (much quieter, better gearing, etc).
MUCH more space for passenger/driver. Space in trunk is pretty similar.
Z4: Disadvantages
Heavy and numb steering feel
You can feel the cars weight when driving aggressively
Odd electrical gremlins. My dad has had very few but we have heard horror stories
Summing up, my dad gets fantastic fuel economy (28 ish city, and a bullet proof car). The Z4 has 80-90% of the performance, while being much more comfortable, and luxurious. Perfect for the old man! I however, enjoy the 9K redline, LSD diff, and race car feel!
Chris
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 138
From: Cali
Regular Maintenance will obviously be much cheaper for the S2k.
Another thing to consider, major components for catastrophic failures (i.e.: replacing engine, tranny, rear diff, etc.).
Blow a block&head on the S2k = I think around $2k from a used parts shop, iirc. Tranny = $800. Diff = $500.
For a BMW or a Cayman...add an extra 0 to those aforesaid prices.
Another thing to consider, major components for catastrophic failures (i.e.: replacing engine, tranny, rear diff, etc.).
Blow a block&head on the S2k = I think around $2k from a used parts shop, iirc. Tranny = $800. Diff = $500.
For a BMW or a Cayman...add an extra 0 to those aforesaid prices.
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kenlola
S2000 Racing and Competition
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Feb 17, 2005 11:09 AM