My father has had M Roadster for 3 years by now and he barely used it, I think he is disappointed in it, even though he won't admit it. Then a year ago he bought E39 M5 and he really likes it and M Roadster now is even more of an "unloved child", it spends its days in the garage, because most of the time I drive our 3 Series as its more conevenient.
Engine replacement in M Roadster in January gave my father an idea to replace it with the new M3 and I feel kinda sad, because even knowing new M3 is a faster and better sports car, M Roadster has been a lot of fun and a very special car too, its a convertible too, it looks good and maybe I am just too sentimental towards this car.
Since I don't like four sitter cabrios, new M3 cabrio is not considered, only Coupe.
Basically he said its up to me, to excahnge the Roadster for M3 or not...I am having tough time deciding it, what do you think guys?
its really very simple- what do you want: a convertible and a 2 seater that has limited space but is fun to drive, or a car with more performance, but is a little more removed from the driving experience because its bigger and is a coupe? if you arent sure maybe you should get on the list for the next years M3 and see how you like the convertible for this year- if you dont like it then in a year you go for the m3, if you do like it then you can get off the list.
2 months ago, I have already put my name down for a 2001 M Roadster.
I was told and "confirmed" by a fax sheet at the dealership from BMW Canada that the new M Roadster will have the 330hp (new North American M3) engine.
There were no mentioning on the fax sheet(I am reluctant to call that a fact sheet) that there will be any form of facelift on the M Roadster.
So JEM, maybe it's time to put your/your wife's name down for one. Sure the M5 has the stability and the speed, but the cowshake and almost-non-functioning suspension makes the M Roadster the most fun car to drive! I still miss the M Roadster whenever I get inside the beast
KnightRider, shouldn't you be driving a 1986 Trams Am instead?!?
Sorry, no mockery intend, Just's Kidding. Your name reminds me of some old TV show.
I share the same feeling with you on the old M Roadster as I used to own one.
I hope my dealership is telling the truth and you get to actually kill 2 birds with one stone.
New M Roadster (bearing the old M Roadster look) with the new M3 engine
However, rumours come from BMW Far East that the new generation M Roadster will try to mimic the look of a Z8 !?!? Were they just eating too much Soo Gai and hallucinating it or there really are some merits? Anyone?
Yeah, yeah '86 Pontiac...In fact my brother is raving about Vette C5 so much especially about the one with L6 engine, I think he would prefer it to any BMW, but then he is only 18.
American M Roadster used to have 240 bhp and european version 321 bhp, new M3 engine in Europe has 343 bhp and in the USA 330 bhp as you say. Basically what i mean is that previous Euro engine has almost as much power as new M3 American version engine.
I mean you had it in 80's with seriously detuned Porsche turbo and does it ever bother you? Can you import privately European version cars?
About M Roadster...I have mixed feelings, as suspension sometimes doesnt seem to function at all and it is so noisy, but sometimes it is so much fun, a really special car.
SL
I know you may not like it, as many people dont, but give the M coupe a try. I have one and I must say it is great. I personally didnt want a convertible, and wanted something different, the M coupe fit the bill. It has a very neutral feel, and is great to toss into turns, and has NO body flex. Plus everybody looks, weather they are please or think its ugly, it definately gets lots of attention, more then any other car I have. I couldnt imagine what it must do with the new M3 engine in it. Plus I have seen more M5's then even the M coupes on the road, must have to do with many people not wanting one, and possibly production numbers.
I agree with fais2000 on the M coupe.
When I said almost-non-functioning suspension of the M Roadster, I was actually half-teasing. That's what a sports car is all about, it's meant to be rough. I am actually very happy with it's suspension and that's why I hate the regular Z3 so much (not to mention the Honda Civic light-like clutch).
However, the body flex of the M Roadster is no excuse. It's poor engineering all in all.
I strongly believe with a rigid body like the M coupe, this deficiency would be removed.
However, I am one of the many people who are not really fond on its look and I want a convertible, thus I made my choice on the M Roadster. I agree both are really fun to drive.
Strange thing is that my opinion or reaction on M Roadster depends on my mood, same happens with my father.
When at the end of the day after work or study I am driving home for 40 miles tired and have to put up with constant tyre boom and shaking chassis (roads in Spain are not of the exemplary quality) and blinding oncoming cars headlights (the car is just so low) it is kinda hard to like this car, I'd rather be in ordinary 316i
obviously it feels different to drive it in the morning with a roof down, with sunshine and wind
The car's got a character and you have to put up with it I guess it sure is lovely and I think it would compliment any lady so well
SL
M5, M Roadster (Euro version) v. new M3
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