Has anyone driven a BMW with the S54 engine? I have a 2001 M coupe (same engine as the new M3), and am contemplating a RX-8 (not to replace the M coupe - that's staying). I was wondering what people felt about the differences in those engines, since the redline is pretty high in the new S54's and power keeps coming on to the end. I know in the end I have to go test drive the 8 and plan to do so, I was just curious if anyone had any experience?

 

By the way, the last post wasn't by lilda8615 - I came here from a link, posted a reply not knowing if you had to be a member, and it went through and came up with that name. Don't want to step on anyone's toes, but I didn't expect it to happen. I'll have to register so it won't again. Still, at least the post got there.

 

Thanks Carguy. The reality is that there are a bunch of really neat cars available today. Not like it was a few years back when there were two or three choices for guys like us. I think it's great that the manufacturers themselves may be morphing in to our pattern and looking at the marketplace from our perspective. One reason for my earlier post was that some of the comments from RX8 owners indicated that their engines seemed sluggish from a rev standpoint, not that you had done anything wrong. I really welcome your input. You may have the best of both worlds-your BMW, and an RX8 in the family for when you want a change of pace.

 

Hello Dave
You hit the nail on the head, it's almost like todays cars have changed perfectly with my lifestyle.

Also I don't want to mislead anyone, the RX8 I was driving for a few days was my Step fathers car not mine. He was nice enough to lend it to me so I could see if I like living with it on a daily basis.

Not just from a performance stand point but also I needed to see how my kids would fit in the backseat, etc.

As of now, I have the Bimmer back and will hang tight and if I still feel the desire to get the RX8 in a few weeks, I'll trade the Bimmer in.

I will tell you this, when the MY2005's come out at the end of this year I will be trading in my car and the choice will be either the RX8 or the redesigned 3 series (if it comes out)

 

I have some seat time with the S54 M3. The power delivery is very similar to an 8, you just get a heck of a lot more of it in the S54. The S54 is head and shoulders a better motor.. more flexible, more power everywhere in ther rev range, better throttle response, etc... but for a car 20 grand more than an 8, it should be.


///M-Spec

 

Carguy - some great posts, and very perceptive too (especially comparative thoughts on the G35 - 3 months and 3000 miles later I am still complaining to my wife how much more fun the RX-8 was). If you do get the RX-8 I would suggest the red with black/red interior and a rear spoiler as it is better/faster than other RX-8s . I am sure someone here can help you qualify for S-plan pricing...

 

As far as the S54 engine goes that is what I was test driving in the '03 M3. I wanted an '04 but the dealer didn't have them in yet. It is a faster more powerful car. It also weighs more and is quite a bit more expensive. I love a true sports car feel and will make up for the torque and hp with a turbo when Mazdaspeed puts it out. Then for quite a bit less money my car will be just as quick. The trade offs were worth it in my opinion. I didn't like the 4 door M3 and the two door can be tricky to get in and out of.

 

There is no four-door E46 M3.

The M3 is much, much quicker than the RX-8 (0-60 in 4.8s) and is IMHO a completely different level of car.

Then again you can buy two RX-8 Sports for the same price as a reasonably configured M3...

That having been said, in three years a used M3 will still be a BMW where a used RX-8 will likely look a bit dated and passe. The question is whether that matters, and that's something only each individual can answer for themselves...

 

I stand corrected. There isn't a four door option on the '04 M3 I just looked through my brochure. It still seems like I had seen an E-46 4 door M3 but I believe that it was an '01. I will check with my dealer.

 

There has never been an E46 M3 with four doors.

There's a ZHP "performance package" option for the four door E46 330i, but that's it.

The older style (E36) M3 was available in a four door version that sold well in the U.S. but absymally in Europe, thus the reason BMW didn't want to introduce one for the E46; it's too expensive for them to redo the M3 as a four door just for the U.S. market...

 

I guess it's kinda a mute point since I wouldn't buy one that was a 4 door anyway and wasn't looking at one. But after talking with the dealer they also confirmed that there was no 4 door M3 but that they did have a 4 door 330ci on the lot while I was looking at the M3's they had. I got confused.

 

IMHO...

i guess the pull you get from 330ci (w/221lb torq.) will never be felt in a 8 (159lb torq.) . . .

i was driving a IS300 before i got this 8 . . .

those bigger displacement engines are more focused at Low-end ... whereas our 8 is going for high-rev...

but honestly, i wish i could feel that Pull when it goes from to 7k to 9k rpm

i only drove my 8 for a week or so... so i cant comment on it yet =P

 

oh by the way,
RX8 i believe is a SPort sedan... not a pure sport car ??
RX7 would be a pure sport car...

 

Moot. Or a moo point if you're Joey Also the c in 330Ci indicates "coupe" (ie two doors), so what you saw was a 330XiA, 330Xi, 330iA or 330i (X=four wheel drive, i=fuel injection, C=coupe (can also be a convertible), A=Automatic).

Sorry for nit-picking but I just started laughing when I read mute :D

 

BMW = Break my wallet

 

Huh? How can someone here "help you qualify for S-plan pricing?" I thought that was only for employees of Mazda and realted parts companies and their immediate family...

 

5Gen Prelude,

Wow tough crowd sometimes... I spoke with the dealer about it and it was there comment I was posting. Maybe the salesman didn't have it right (I know it's never happened before). And I did mean moot not "mute". By the way which one of us actually owned an M3??? It always seems like the Honda guys are so high strung... could it be that they are always dreaming about these other cars? Just kidding :p .

 

An update to this thread (as the thread starter :D )

I am joining the RX8 club !!! I put the deposit down tonight and should be picking it up by thursday or friday.

It was a tough choice but that RX8 is DAMN HOT !!!!!

Bye bye BMW ... Hello RX8

 

great choice, congratulations.

 

Congrats!! Hope you like your new 8:D

 

WOOHOO!!!!

 

Holy cr@p, Al!!

Cool!!

Congrats!!!

I think that decision should help speak volumes about the 8 too... if it can make a man give up a 330i, it's *got* to be good.

Different yes, but damn good.

Way to go! I'll be joining you in a few months!

 

One week and it's not broken in yet? I was up at 3 am driving the highways to put the miles on! I think I hit 600 miles in 3 days.

As far as the 7k to 9k pull. I'm spending more and more time in 3rd gear:D

To Carguy, congrats and welcome to the club!

 

Took me over two months.

And WTG Carguy!

 

Welcome Carguy.
Stop at the drug store on your way home and get some wrinkle remover 'cause you're gonna need it get the grin off your face.