Just bought a S54 M Roadster
Discussion
Delighted to return to M car world after years of absence. For context, I live in central London and don't need a car at all now the kids have grown up - our school run wagon was a C63 AMG 6.2 estate which was fun. I also have a couple of older Ferraris for fun which I barely have time to use.
So naturally I bought another fun car, and after buying and selling a few 911s which were just not fun enough I bought a 2001 S54 engined M Roadster this week. I drove these cars when they were new and they were just fun. Noticed that Chris Harris just bought one and says the same, his is an S50.
I wanted an S54 because back in the 90s I had a E36 M3 Evo with the S50 and found it a bit peaky. S54 has a bit more power and muscle lower down. Also the S50 in mine had all sorts of problems with Vanos, misfire, etc.
Anyway I've just driven it back from the dealer which was an absolute joy. What a great car. I remember the reviews at the time pointed out its flaws. Less fluid than Boxster, lively in the wet, etc. all true but now we know it's the flaws that make a car fun, which is why my 911 Turbos were brilliant but boring! Great for a daily but not for a weekend. Also, this is an absolute bargain by comparison.
I even love the bits that were considered annoying when they were new. The pull out knob for the lights, from an E30, very retro now. There was talk of body flex but it doesn't bother me and it's not shaky like some older cabrios. It sounds fantastic, real sound not piped. It's pretty fast still and feels faster. Lively tail is the suspension from the E30 M3, now a Good thing! And that engine. Love that engine. And the handling is so engaging and alive. Unlike so many cars, including M cars, it's enjoyable to drive rather than simply capable. It doesn't have the numb steering so many BMWs have been given over the years since. (Even the E46 M3 CSL had numb steering. I didn't enjoy mine, back in the day, and wouldn't buy one. Just my view.)
It's not and will never be a beautiful car I have to say, the front looks weird and a bit weak but I like the muscular rear and arches. The interior is pretty cool though in two tone. Definite shades of E30 which is now cool.
Pix to come when I am back in the car next week. I would love to hear views from other owners. It's an occasional use car and in great condition. Appreciate all the insights I have already read on this forum.
So naturally I bought another fun car, and after buying and selling a few 911s which were just not fun enough I bought a 2001 S54 engined M Roadster this week. I drove these cars when they were new and they were just fun. Noticed that Chris Harris just bought one and says the same, his is an S50.
I wanted an S54 because back in the 90s I had a E36 M3 Evo with the S50 and found it a bit peaky. S54 has a bit more power and muscle lower down. Also the S50 in mine had all sorts of problems with Vanos, misfire, etc.
Anyway I've just driven it back from the dealer which was an absolute joy. What a great car. I remember the reviews at the time pointed out its flaws. Less fluid than Boxster, lively in the wet, etc. all true but now we know it's the flaws that make a car fun, which is why my 911 Turbos were brilliant but boring! Great for a daily but not for a weekend. Also, this is an absolute bargain by comparison.
I even love the bits that were considered annoying when they were new. The pull out knob for the lights, from an E30, very retro now. There was talk of body flex but it doesn't bother me and it's not shaky like some older cabrios. It sounds fantastic, real sound not piped. It's pretty fast still and feels faster. Lively tail is the suspension from the E30 M3, now a Good thing! And that engine. Love that engine. And the handling is so engaging and alive. Unlike so many cars, including M cars, it's enjoyable to drive rather than simply capable. It doesn't have the numb steering so many BMWs have been given over the years since. (Even the E46 M3 CSL had numb steering. I didn't enjoy mine, back in the day, and wouldn't buy one. Just my view.)
It's not and will never be a beautiful car I have to say, the front looks weird and a bit weak but I like the muscular rear and arches. The interior is pretty cool though in two tone. Definite shades of E30 which is now cool.
Pix to come when I am back in the car next week. I would love to hear views from other owners. It's an occasional use car and in great condition. Appreciate all the insights I have already read on this forum.
Edited by Venosta on Wednesday 25th June 21:39
Great to hear. Did the carbon airbox make a noticeable difference? I know there is very limited room under the bonnet of these as the engines are kind of shoehorned in. Would be interested to know.
Chris Harris has stated that he is getting a shorter diff fitted. The gearing on these and so many other German cars is crazy long. That’s tempting but I’m not sure I would want to mess around that much with mine. Again any experiences would be welcome. Thank you.
Chris Harris has stated that he is getting a shorter diff fitted. The gearing on these and so many other German cars is crazy long. That’s tempting but I’m not sure I would want to mess around that much with mine. Again any experiences would be welcome. Thank you.
Venosta said:
Great to hear. Did the carbon airbox make a noticeable difference? I know there is very limited room under the bonnet of these as the engines are kind of shoehorned in. Would be interested to know.
Chris Harris has stated that he is getting a shorter diff fitted. The gearing on these and so many other German cars is crazy long. That s tempting but I m not sure I would want to mess around that much with mine. Again any experiences would be welcome. Thank you.
Decent CSL style induction noise, mine was running around 345-ish bhpChris Harris has stated that he is getting a shorter diff fitted. The gearing on these and so many other German cars is crazy long. That s tempting but I m not sure I would want to mess around that much with mine. Again any experiences would be welcome. Thank you.
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