ok i've test driven both, really didn't get to go all out on the m3, but got to feel its power and stability......obviously the honda will have better realibility, but i just need some advice before i make this decision

some guys wants to trade my hatch for his white 2000 ap1 w/ 80000 miles for 13000, said its daily driven, not really modded, said he has a track s2000 also thats why

another wants to trade my hatch for his 96 m3 with 80000 miles on it for 8000

i really dont know much about the 96 m3 other then it had bad water pumps and radiators, and he's changed both...the m3 has some minor cosmetic issues, but not all to big....this guy restores ferrari's and said he used to be a bmw tech adn would service my car(not really sure on that one)

i've never really daily driver either....but if i plan to daily driver(pretty hard though) in the long run with maintience(i know s2000's aren't cheap like my hatch) which will be a better bet in your guys minds.....

i dont need any flaming about make your own decisions, i just wanna hear other people thoughts


thanks

 

My Cuzzin has a E36 M3 and he likes it but he also drove a S2000 and he liked the s2k better...but its all you buddy

 

yea im leaning towards the s2000....the bmw, i mean yea it be great daily driver with the torque and all, but it just has a werid feel to it, the shifter is not that smooth, dont really like the interior all too much... but its just i heard the two were very comparable performance wise(with the s2000 commin out on top though)....and this m3 is so cheap

 

He's right about the water pump and radiator issues ... in fact that is a BMW-wide issue, not just M3's.

I'd go with the S2000. Plus with an M3 almost a decade old and him doing the service, he'd probably rip you a new one. Just my 2 cents.

 

I love the way the s2k drives over a M3 or M roadster for that matter. I work at BMW dealer in AZ and I got to drive the hell out of an s2k it was a trade in and also did a PDI on a the new M Roadster and I like the way the s2k delivers the power. But the M has a LOT MORE low end but kinda dies off in the upper rpm

 

The M3's are solid cars. They handle well (was voted the best handling car back in 97), they've got a great engine and great AM support, and you get a better road feel (steering feel) with the BMW's. Lack of road feel is the number one performance complaint with S2k owners (that race).

They do, however, need almost constant upkeep. The cooling system is not the most stable. Keep an eye out for the crappy plastic-impellered water pump. Suspension bushings need replacement about every 40-50k miles. And it's not a fun DIY, either. Oil pump nut is notorious for backing out. When that happens...well, you don't want to know. Get that welded on or figure out a way to keep it from backing out. Keep an eye on the rear subframe, as they tend to tear on E36's. Not as common on the M's, since it's reinforced, but they still do rip apart.

I also went through the same dilemma, but glad I chose the S2k. The only thing the M3 has over the S2k is the everyday practicality (more room, quieter, etc). But overall driving enjoyment goes to the S2k. Plus it's faster in all categories.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

I'd go with the S2000. Both manufacturers have great resumes, but maintenance on the M3 will be tend to be more than the Honda. True both cars have high mileage, but as someone else said, the M3 is a decade old.
Besides, you live in CA. Go with the convertible!

 

S2000 > x2 E36 M3s. i have a S and i have driven a friends bimmer. the BMW is nothing special IMO.

 

yea im gonna back out on the bimmer...i made up my mind.....now i just gotta see if the s2000 guy goes through, or wait for another white s2000 (crosses finger to find one already with a black hardtop)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by six7one &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I love the way the s2k drives over a M3 or M roadster for that matter. I work at BMW dealer in AZ and I got to drive the hell out of an s2k it was a trade in and also did a PDI on a the new M Roadster and I like the way the s2k delivers the power. But the M has a LOT MORE low end but kinda dies off in the upper rpm</TD></TR></TABLE>

wth .. low end power but dies off upper rpm? ......

anyways if its between an E36 and an AP1 .. definately AP1

 

let me put it this way

a good friend of mine had an ap1 for over 2 years - recently he sold it and got an e36 m3 - he enjoys the m3, but after about 2-3 weeks of ownership, he's been looking at buying an s2k again and selling the m3...he's had to sink a decent amount of money into the m3 just because it is an older car (and for those of you who haven't owned older cars, they are a PITA and generally have a lot more general maintenance)

his m3 feels incredibly solid and the torque is always fun, but he's getting another s2k for sure

 

I know this doesn't exactly fit your question... However I drive an E39 (02' 530i w 38k on it) and the water pump just took a dive this week (2k to fix)...

Looks like you have your mind made up already, but repairs etc. with the bimmer...

 

yea its either fix the eg, buy a theft salvage rsx, or wait for a clean s2k that is cheap and hardtop'd(will take a while, lol)

what trip me out is that insurance was more expensive for th e96 m3 vs. an ap1

 

Yeah insurance on the M3 is insane. Although that isn't the case will all BMW's. I pay less than $500 every 6 months for my 530.