I've recently decided to trade in my 03 325i for a Roadster. I have been intensively researching this for the past week or so and just wanted to get some advice from the pros (that's you guys;) before I make a final decision on the model. I want to get the most horsepower for the money... It is definately going to see some track days and I've been known to blow off work for some long weekend down at deals gap. Price range is the around $20k, so an M seems out of my range from the research I've done. Also, what year did they start doing the hardtops?

ps. I just test drove an S2000 today, and it immediately sent me running back to the bmw dealership... maybe if i was an little asian girl... ;)

For around $20k you will end up with a 2.5, or a 3.0 w/ higher miles. I went from a E46 328 to a Z4 2.5 and I honestly miss the torque driving around town, but the car still has enough power to get you in trouble.

LOL When I test drove the S2000 same thing, tires squealing all the way back to the BMW dealer.

... Price range is the around $20k, so an M seems out of my range from the research I've done. Also, what year did they start doing the hardtops?

Best of luck with finding a coupe in the low 20K range. After looking for several months for coupes I decided that the best way to go with the dealer incentives was a new one. The difference between a decent used one and a new car was only 3-4 K difference with the dealer incentives and some serious dealing. If I'm correct MY 2006 were the first coupes. Good Luck