First post, so here goes. I'm thinking of swapping my '01 330i for an S2K. After 2+ years of ownership and 23k miles, I still love the car, but here's the dilemma. I recently started a new job that allows me to take public transportation to work. The 330 just sits in the garage all week long. On weekends, since we have two young kids, my wife prefers that we use our Odyssey. As such, the bimmer rarely gets used. On those occasions when I do get to drive, being that I live in the SF Bay Area, I long for a convertible. Prior to the 330 (which is BTW a 4-door 5-spd with SP), I had a Z3, and from first-hand experience, I can say that nothing compares to the wind-in-your-hair feel on a weekend afternoon mountain run.

As an avid fan of BMWs (no flames here please - I also believe Honda makes wonderful cars), I went to test drive a pre-owned 330Cic last weekend. Nice car - solid all the way up to 100mph before I backed off - but truth be told, for a droptop, it felt more like a cruiser than a roadster. It was, in a way, TOO comfortable. Since the Z4 still hasn't grown on me, and the S2K looks to be the most fun you can buy for your money - I'm leaning that way.

I'm not a stranger to VTEC. We owned for seven years a '94 GS-R 4-door. Great car - wonderful engine, but as for being a sedan that was my daily commuter car, hence a direct comparison with my 330, the bimmer is just so much more. However, now that circumstances have changed again, and the possibility of open air weekends is calling to me, I'm really giving some thought to the S2K. (As for the kids, I would opt for the airbag cutoff switch those times when I would need to transport them.)

Anyone think I'm making a step "downwards" in carspeak?? I've grown fond of the smooth power delivery of the I-6 in the 330, and the return to the high-revving VTEC 4-banger will take some getting used to. The 330 is also so much more refined in pretty much every way than my GS-R was. I've read about the rumored changes in '04, and they sound pretty attractive. I'm not in a rush to buy, so I don't mind waiting, however, I refuse to pay a premium for a car over sticker, and given what happened with the S2K when it first came out, it's a pretty safe bet that the same will be said for the new 2.2. What's really tempting me now are the falling prices on the '03s. I can buy one through carsdirect without any haggling for $30.8K. A bit of negotiating with a dealer should get me even closer to, or under $30K.

This may be the wrong forum to ask this in, but does anyone think I will regret making this change? Should I be looking at a Boxcar (not the S though - it's too pricey given the limited use it will get)? If anyone who has owned a 330 can comment, I would appreciate it.

BTW, another option I haven't explored yet is a pre-owned '98 or '99 E36 M3 cab. Problem with that is for the same price, I can get an '03 S2K.

TIA for your inputs.

 

Well it's not a 330i but maybe the same type of deal, I have an IS300 and an S2000 and I love the S so much more! Completely different cars but in no way is the S any lesser than the IS300. Sure the IS300 has more "luxury' features, I guess, but I don't think you're looking for luxury if it's a weekend toy.

A far as the Boxer goes, I think it's over priced and ugly. Just my opinion though.

 

Anyone think I'm making a step "downwards" in carspeak?? I've grown fond of the smooth power delivery of the I-6 in the 330, and the return to the high-revving VTEC 4-banger will take some getting used to.

Downwars? this car has been compared to Porsches.
And smooth? uhh no way this car gives u one hell of a rush once u cross 6K RPM.
U sound like u enjoy smooth large sedans...this car is awesome but is purely a ethusists car. (dont quote me on misspellings who cares)

 

It's not a step downwards, it's a step in another direction.

I had a good friend that has a 330i 5 speed coupe. The only way I would have traded the s for it is if I had kids to take with me.

The only thing you are loosing is the ability to carry your kids in a second car should the need arise. An e36 m3 cab sounds like a sound option and I think you should explore that and compare it to the S.

 

If you view it as "stepping down", you may never be happy with this choice. You will always have lingering doubts as to your decision. The S2000 may not live "up" to your expectations and since you used the word "down", you must have many expectations that you feel you are leaving behind.
I came from a Corvette ZR-1 and a Dodge Viper. I have never looked at the S2000 as a step "down". I view it as another automotive adventure. I kept those other cars for 3 years each. I am approaching the 3 year mark on my S and I have a distinct feeling that I shall exceed the length of ownership on this one compared to those others.
ps. My daughter's boyfriend has a 1 year old 330 Ci. It is a very nice car in its own right. It's just funny that he is constantly trying to mod it to make it better and faster and quicker. Is he trying to keep up with me? I can't say for sure.

 

About the E36m3 cab.......a friend of mine has one as well as a E36 325is. The e36m3 cab is a piece of crap. Handles like trash, slow as sh*t (the 325 rapes it) and looks like trash too. The E36 m3 coupe is a whole other story, but the cab stay away from. Get the s2k and you wont regret it. I have never met a person with an s2k that regreted it. I have however, met many people that regreted getting Z4, Z3, Boxter, Nissan 350roadster, Sebring conv...and many more. GET IT AND DONT LOOK BACK!!!!!

 

my boy has a 330ci .lowered, w/ 19's...and has this envious jealous look on his face when he sits in my ride (and tries holding on for his life....hahh....it definitely aint no step downwards..its a step Ahead...ahead of almost any other car on the street near u..

 

Seriously, S2K is simply an awesome car. I'd take one over a 330xi in a heartbeat. To me, it's simply more attractive, more fun, and better reputation for reliability. You think I'd get more attention in an S2K with top down or a 330? I know that's not your anticipation, but it just proves that I think the S is definitely more attractive. By the way, it's not at all a step "downwards". To me, BMW is not at all anything special, and I'm a girl. I enjoy cars for how they drive and perform, not just for their label.

Bye!

 

dont do it...keep the 330i
keep down the # of S2000

Seriously, dont get it!

 

My situation was a little different. I have a 2003 TL-S and had a 2003 CL-S (nicely modified). I too longed for the air in the hair in a sports car roadster. So I traded my CL-S in for a 2003 S2000, which I may add I use as a daily driver. It's the first car in a long time that I actually look forward to driving. It makes driving from appointment to appointment fun! I've had all kinds of 60's and up muscle cars, but none compare to the total performance and enjoyment I get from my (stock) S. Good luck in your choice and we hope that you'll be active in our forum. -Ken