Sell S2000 for E90 M3?

[urBan_dK]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

You will have that same "precision engineered" feeling, but at a much higher level overall.

Have you driven (or preferably owned) an S2000? I feel that comments like this come from people that have not driven one very extensively.

[rcracin]

With as much thought as you've clearly put into this, I can almost assure you of one thing. You won't be happy or satisfied until you buy and own an m3. It'll pop up in your dreams, you'll think about it every time you sit in the s2k.

It doesn't even mean that the m3 is way better, it's just that you're ready for something different with a little more power and a little more luxury.

Just went through that over the last 6 months. Everyone in my life got sick of hearing about how I want it. Finally bought it and can't tell you how amazing it's been. That balance of performance and luxury is amazing. Mine is 6spd. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Just do it.

[Hurricane]

I purchased a new AP1 S2000 in April of 2001. Kept it for 7 years and traded it in for an B7 RS4. ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES OF MY LIFE. I loved the S2000. Best shifter I've ever driven. Great handling. Still looks good. Maintenance is cheap and the car had ZERO issues in seven years of ownership. Every time I see of hear one on the road I miss mine.

With that said the M3 is a better car less the 6MT. The M 6MT gets a lot of flak on here for being a bit loose/doughy but it's not that bad. However compared to the S2000 it's bad. The M3 is the better daily driver and has the potential for many more creature comforts if it is optioned that way.

If you are planning on buying a stripper M I would say keep the S2000 unless you plan on tracking. If the car is heavily optioned and includes the comforts you want I would say keep the S2000. If the S2000 is paid off take a year or two to save up the equity from the lack of a car payment and use that on a used E90/92 M3. This way you can keep both. If you can't wait then pull the trigger and get the M3. It is worth it.

[Rk-d]

Agree with the others - you are overthinking this. Obviously keeping both would be the simple solution.

I owned an s2000. It was a very cool car, but it's myth has made it somewhat overrated, IMO. The car was so anemic in torque it was unbelievable and it tended to heat soak easily. It had no steering feel and the interior fit/finish was not great. All that said, it was my favorite car, of those I've owned - up until the m3.

The m3 is on another level. The shifter works great with the ZHP knob. The major advantage of the s2000 over the m3 is that it feels (and is) lighter. Otherwise, the powertrain, sound, grip and steering of the m3 really trumps the s2k in every way.

[Crisp]

I'm with the second poster: keep the S2000 as a weekend car and pick up a beater for the daily tasks (Rav 4 / CRV). Spend the money that you were going to spend on the M3, on a turbo/supercharger for the S2000. That would be the perfect weekend car and even track day car. I'm sure your blood will be pumping again in a FI S2000 on the track.

[imserious]

You obviously want an M3. Looks like you can't afford both. You like the S2k, but want something new.

If you can wait, save up and buy the M3 when you can afford to keep both cars. It will be cheaper by the time you have enough saved up anyways. The M3 will not get less awesome over time. Don't get hung up on your buddy's 08. Unless he is giving it away, there will be deals on the E90 M3 if you're patient enough.

If you can't wait, sell the S2000 and buy the M3. You will be happy and you will regret it. Just save up enough money to buy another S2000 down the road.

If I had enough space and cash for extra cars, I would have an S2000 in my garage. Since I don't, the M3 is my do it all car. The M3 is not better, just different, well and faster I will always respect the S2000 as a spectacular drivers car regardless of the numbers.

[MMMMM3]

Originally Posted by robotk

Agree with the others - you are overthinking this. Obviously keeping both would be the simple solution.

I owned an s2000. It was a very cool car, but it's myth has made it somewhat overrated, IMO. The car was so anemic in torque it was unbelievable and it tended to heat soak easily. It had no steering feel and the interior fit/finish was not great. All that said, it was my favorite car, of those I've owned - up until the m3.

The m3 is on another level. The shifter works great with the ZHP knob. The major advantage of the s2000 over the m3 is that it feels (and is) lighter. Otherwise, the powertrain, sound, grip and steering of the m3 really trumps the s2k in every way.

The s2000 has a cramped interior, and seats only two. e90 all day everyday.

[e93pcaman]

I've owned a modified '90 Miata and an AP1 S2000 (and many other manual cars). The first time I test drove the S2000 and hit 9000rpm on an uphill curve, I literally broke out into maniacal laughter - it was an amazing car. After I sold it (due to a cross-border move), I checked the s2ki for sale section every week for 8 years to find a replacement. Finally, this year I was going to pull the trigger, when my wife reminded me that my daughter wouldn't be able to ride in it for another 7 years due to the pass. seat airbag (life has changed a bit since I owned the S2000).

So I picked up an E93 M3 instead, 6MT. I now have two car seats in the back. My daughter gets to ride in daddy's racecar whenever she wants. Other than the shifter, the M3 is awesome. The V8 is as fun as the AP1, and even more fun driving around town (BMW folks complain about its lack of torque, lol). Compared to the S2000, it is relatively quiet (NVH-wise), comfortable, and has many luxury items that you may appreciate (bluetooth, NAV, real stereo etc). So I have no regrets, I feel like I have the ultimate car for my lifestyle right now.

That said, if I didn't have kids - hmm. I would probably get another AP1 S2000 and something practical. It will get harder and harder to find good examples and there is nothing else like it. If you get a beater, it will make you appreciate the S2000 even more.

Best of luck.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by pyrocpu

Right, it's a 2007MY with 27,xxx on the clock. If it were worth only $9K, this wouldn't be a discussion at all: I'd keep the S, snap up this M3, and I'll continue with life. But with it being worth >$20K, it becomes a different equation.

Way to much for a used S2000, regardless of year. I sold my 2001 in 2006 for $25k-$30k.

If I sold it today I would be lucky to get $9000. Thats reality. Its a dynoed in stock trim 190-210 hp car with very low torque numbers.

I am not going to argue, being a 5 year owner of a heavily modified S2000.

E9X M3 is several classes above a stock S2000. Even an 02-05 NSX is a couple classes below the E92 M3.

So I say keep the S2000 and buy an E9X M3 again.

[FVM3]

M3 is a great car and go for it. BTW im planning to get a s2000 as a track/fun car

[apexkingjusto]

Drop 30-50k into your s2k and your will be happy nothing like a properly setup 500hp s2k with 275's in the rear and a track tuned suspension setup! 50k miles on my turbo and no issues! That said I want luxury and performance in my life with 4 drs, so plan on getting the 2014 m3 but will keep both. Ditching the wrx as I will throw blizzaks on.

[Mmmdreamer]

I never had an s2k but my ex had a dohc vtec del sol, fun little car. The Honda's seating position is so nice and low, you won't have that go-kart feel in the M....M is very refined. I love my e90M, practical, nice power, sound (with some mods), high revving. You can take the M on roadtrips and not come out with your lower back killing you.

One day when I move to the burbs I'd love to add an s2k to my garage (right now just M3 for weekends since I train into NYC).

Is your buddy's car a killer deal? I think you're gonna start to see more Ms popping up for sale once the new model comes out, if you can wait - it sounds like you have a strong attachment to the s2k...I say...wait - save and get both! BOOYAH!

[ZTFerrari]

I had an AP2 that I traded in for my 2010 e92.

I am very happy with the BMW but I do miss the visceral experience the s2000 offered. That said, for DD duties, the BMW wins hands down. Feels like a much heavier car - because it is - but you still get to redline past 8k with fully adjustable seats (and steering wheel!).

If you wont regret getting the BMW but you may miss the softtop and gocart handling.

[Grail05]

I had no regret on selling it...

see below before and after.

[Grail05]

Originally Posted by apexkingjusto

Drop 30-50k into your s2k and your will be happy nothing like a properly setup 500hp s2k with 275's in the rear and a track tuned suspension setup! 50k miles on my turbo and no issues! That said I want luxury and performance in my life with 4 drs, so plan on getting the 2014 m3 but will keep both. Ditching the wrx as I will throw blizzaks on.

even with still doesnt feel like an M3...

30-50k? really i can do all that for less. where you getting that figure anyways...

[dmk08]

S2000 are ugly </thread>

[apexkingjusto]

I put about that into mine, with install...
10k -20k turbo kit plus additional supporting mods, tune and install (oil cooler, rad, exhaust, catch can, engine build or gasket, pump(s), injectors, custom fab for cooling....
3k-15k coilovers plus 1k - 4kin other suspension parts (bushings,bars..)
1000 + on multiple track alignments and corner bal to get setup dialed in
3k -5kwheels/tires
3k-5k brakes
3-6k Interior seats/cage or bar/steering wheel
300-3k stereo
Body mods can be 30k alone

You can waste a crap load of cash on these cars! All I know is there is nothing like blowing past sport bikes while getting on the highway or plowing through a road course with this power and handling

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by Brosef

i didn't read your post, but go for the e90 M.

lol

my thoughts exactly. OP you empirically deducted this, only you can make a decision. Buy the M3 only if you can afford it.

[k-lo]

I used to have a 420whp S/C'd AP2, I told myself the only car that can replace it is an E9X M3. Guess what? I was right.

[apexkingjusto]

Originally Posted by k-lo

I used to have a 420whp S/C'd AP2, I told myself the only car that can replace it is an E9X M3. Guess what? I was right.

Wow so you actually feel the m3 can replace a 400+s2k! I'm not getting rid of mine but am interested in your perspective of the m3 in comparison. Did you go with dsg or 6sp? I assume you had a stage 4+ six puck clutch in the s2k?

[k-lo]

Originally Posted by apexkingjusto

Wow so you actually feel the m3 can replace a 400+s2k! I'm not getting rid of mine but am interested in your perspective of the m3 in comparison. Did you go with dsg or 6sp? I assume you had a stage 4+ six puck clutch in the s2k?

My E92 is a DCT. A couple of reasons really and most of them because of life events (two kids since the S2K, also growing old). As a suitable replacement the M3 platform allows me to have the same amount of fun (just not the amount of thrust of an S/C on a lighter chassis delivers) with more room, comfort and honestly more manageable handling (i simply don't have the talent to go balls out in a corner in that S2000). At stock or bolt on + tune levels the S2K was a fun car in the twisties. At 420whp the S2000 for me simply became a straight line rocket which quickly became tiring. There were also some compromises in my S2000, all the cooling mods worked great in the summer but constantly triggered CEL's in winter, boost would always pop my oil dipstick out resulting in a mess, it consumed oil etc you know how it is (I know, my S2k wasn't the cleanest builds but it is what it is). But yes, I do miss the part where the vtec xover and boost meet up.

[apexkingjusto]

Originally Posted by k-lo

My E92 is a DCT. A couple of reasons really and most of them because of life events (two kids since the S2K, also growing old). As a suitable replacement the M3 platform allows me to have the same amount of fun (just not the amount of thrust of an S/C on a lighter chassis delivers) with more room, comfort and honestly more manageable handling (i simply don't have the talent to go balls out in a corner in that S2000). At stock or bolt on + tune levels the S2K was a fun car in the twisties. At 420whp the S2000 for me simply became a straight line rocket which quickly became tiring. There were also some compromises in my S2000, all the cooling mods worked great in the summer but constantly triggered CEL's in winter, boost would always pop my oil dipstick out resulting in a mess, it consumed oil etc you know how it is (I know, my S2k wasn't the cleanest builds but it is what it is). But yes, I do miss the part where the vtec xover and boost meet up.

This is great feedback. I'm looking for th m3 also to drive my son around so I can relate! I also totaly understand not having the balls to go all out in a high hp s2k, although with a turbo i have a little lag so i do have to worry about it as much, plus i tuned my suspension to be a little more under steer biased. The little things like dip stick pop and cooling or heating no doubt are a pain and due to those it could never be a dd. love the idea of being able to drive the m3 at 100% though as its very rare that my s2k is driven at that level .