I don't know about Louisville, but around these parts BMWs are a dime a dozen, more common than Fords. I know it sounds strange, but if you want some exclusivity, go with the S2000. Bimmers are a common currency.

 

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts!

 

I owned a 2000 Z3 2.8. Identical to the 2001 3.0, but with a slightly smaller motor. Unfortunately, the motor was not the problem with the car, IMHO.

In fact even the 2.8 was a very sweet, torquey in-line six. BMW excells at making these motors. The problem was the thing handled significantly worse than my Miata, and altogether in a different class than the S2000.

If you'll never take your S2000 above 7/10'ths, you are probably better off with the Z3. It's somewhat more comforatable, more luxurious, easier to drive engine, etc.

It just lacks a competent rear suspension...

 

Might I recommend a thread I posted with my quantitative analysis of the two cars:

I also posted the .xls, so you can see the popup info and
possibly adopt a similar methodology with your own categories
and weightings.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...&threadid=19963


-Mark

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rick Hesel
[B]I don't know about Louisville, but around these parts BMWs are a dime a dozen, more common than Fords.

 

Another thought -- if you're not enthralled with the BMW's looks (as I wasn't), it may matter to you that BMW is in the process of a complete redesign that will make it look more like a car and less like an athletic shoe. You may not want to get caught with the last of the old ones.

I'd also expect the new car to be much stiffer, and therefore have less squirrely handling. (And yes, I did drive one before I bought my S2000.)

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rick Hesel
[B]if you want some exclusivity, go with the S2000.

 

Well, I may buy a used M Coupe instead of a new S2000. I haven't decided yet, but the M Coupe doesn't suffer the rigidity problems the roadster does. While it does have the old E30M3 suspension in the rear, a shock/spring upgrade and some hi-per bushings will go a long way to adding rear end grip. Estoril blue is a tough colour to pass up, but the S2000 is one sweet ride, too. It'll be an interesting decision, that's for sure.

I personally wouldn't get the Z3 3.0.

 

Actually the 2.8 and 3.0 motors are night and day -- I spent an afternoon helping a friend decide on a second car .. we drove the 328 and 330 back to back, the 328 was a dog in comparison to the 330, I would imagine the same is true in the Z chassis. (the guy ended up buying an s4 as his daily car).

I agree with everyone here who says drive both. Decide what you like and buy it.

As for the M coupe comment, right on. I have a tendency to get rid of cars in under a year .... I have owned my M coupe since 99 and it still pleasures me more than any car I have owned. The S2000 on the other hand is fun ... but is on the selling block (unless my wife decides she really wants a convertible again).