BUYING

Model Year differences

There are a few differences between the MY99 - MY01 models and the MY02 - MY03. The MY04-MY05 and MY06-MY07 have further changes and a slight facelift from the earlier models. Note: The wind deflector became standard from MY01 onwards. 


MY02 differences

• Glass Rear Screen
• Cd player with tweeters built into the door
• Slightly restyled polished alloys
• Chrome rings around the rear lights and chrome front light surrounds
• A softer suspension setting which makes the car slightly less "pointy"
• Repositioned headlamp washer switch

Some like the suspension changes and others do not, it is probably best to try both cars if you are in the market for a used S2000.


04 Differences 

• New front and rear bumper design
• 17" wheels with different Bridgestone tyres
• New front and rear lights
• Facelifted interior
• Some suspension changes which include a slight ride height change and a little softening of the rear end.
• Colour coded headlamp washers
• Factory fitted alarm
• New colours...





06 Differences 

• New Colours - Deep Burgundy Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic
• New Interior Colour - Brown Leather
• Drive-By-Wire Throttle System. Ues a computer sensor to input throttle as opposed to pulling on the throttle cable
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control option on MY06, standard on MY08. A combination of computer controlled throttle and individual wheel braking to control sudden changes in vehicle behavior. VSA has a turn-off switch where the defrost button (moved) used to be. 
• 20 lbs heavier
• Redesigned road wheels
• Redesigned steering wheel
• Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation via the ABS actuator. Braking pressure is maintained momentarily after the driver's initial braking action to help the driver stop promptly. It deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal
• Exterior temperature gauge
• New seats (interfaced to air bags for weight and position)
• 4 of the 8 speaker audio system are integrated roll bar speakers
• New intake manifold, fuel rail, intake support bracket, and injector cover
• Only one cam sensor
• New style map sensor
• IAT sensor has moved to the rubber intake tract
• Fuel line at engine is now a quick-release type
• Air pump, associated lines and and control valve, have been eliminated
• Fan switch in the radiator has been replaced with a second CTS, in turn the fans are now computer controlled
• HO2S in the header is now referred to as an Air fuel ratio sensor
• New exhaust center section 


Full paint codes colour list including USDM and JDM:

NH630M=Silverstone
NH565=GrandPrix White
NH547=Berlina Black
R510=New Formula Red
B66P=Monte Carlo Blue
Y52P=Spa/Indy Yellow
B513M=Suzuka/Nurburgring Blue
YR536P=Imola Orange
GY19M=Lime Green
R508P=Monza Red
NH552M=Sebring Silver
Y65P=Rio/New Indy Yellow
NH676M=Moon Rock
B523P=Royal Navy Blue
B518P=Midnight Blue
B000P=Laguna/Bermuda Blue
YR564M=Deep Burgundy
B554P=Apex Blue
NH745M=Chicane/Synchro Silver
RP42P=Sunset Mauve
NH609P=Platinum White

UK PDI Check Sheet

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Recalls


The following recalls should be done on MY99 – MY01

Roof tonneau cover Pre MY01? check with dealer / Honda UK
Seatbelt safety recall Pre MY01? check with dealer / Honda UK
Spark plugs replaced
Engine oil bolt replaced Honda should extend your engine warranty by one year after the oil bolt recall

Recalls can be checked on the Honda UK website https://www.honda.co.uk/owner/cars/qasPUD.jsp

Recalls Guide: https://dogandlemon.com/site/safety-recalls/japan

Warranties

The current Honda manufacturers warranty on a UK sourced S2000 is 3yrs up to 90000 miles.


The EU warranty for parallel import cars is 3yrs up to 60000 miles.

Some of the new cars available from certain car supermarkets are sourced from outside the EU and therefore Honda UK do not have to honour the warranty. Please take this into account when you buy a non-UK sourced car

The best way to find out the warranty situation on any non-UK sourced S2000 is to ring Honda UK direct and quote them the chassis number. Their contact details can be found here https://www.honda.co.uk/contact/contactForm...ontactType=CARS I have dealt with Honda UK myself on two occasions and found them very helpful in these matters. 

I would recommend contacting Honda UK about any S2000 you are looking at buying unless you are 100% sure of it's history. Honda should then be able to tell you the car's origin, warranty details, and recall information. If the chassis number comes up with No Trace the chances are that this car has not had any recall work, does not have a warranty, and is imported from a non-EU country. You have been warned!

Imports

EU Imports

RHD EU/Parallel imports are identical to UK cars with the following exceptions:

No Alarm fitted (04 model now comes with a factory fitted alarm)
No Locking Wheel Nuts
3yr 60000 mile warranty instead of 3yr/90000

You should register your EU import at your local Honda dealer, who can provide you with an English warranty/Service book and inform you of any recalls.

Due to the strength of the pound over the last few years there are a lot of EU imports around. They command a slightly lower price than UK cars. Parallel importing has become less common since the start of 2003 because of the weakening pound.

JDM Imports

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Imports have a few more differences, such as cloth seats as standard (leather is an option), but are essentially the same cars that are sold over here.

You should be aware of the following points when buying a JDM S2000

Make sure its had its SVA before you accept it.
This means the speedo will read MPH and they should have fitted a rear fog lamp. They will also have to get around the lack of headlamp washers. 

At your cost you will have to :-

Have the speed limiter removed
A Cat 1 alarm fitted
Replace stereo
Check for recall completion (Spark plug one in particular)

Insurance costs, are about same but you must inform your insurer that your car is a JDM import.

UK Main dealers seem happy to do service and recall work on these cars.

Further information relating to JDM imports can be found on this thread https://www.s2ki.com/...rts-vs-uk-cars/

How Can I tell if my Car's an Import?

The key to telling the origin of the car is in the service book. Use it to check for the PDi stamp of the supplying dealer. If your service book does not have a stamp, the chances are that the book has been updated to English on registering in this country. I would now phone Honda UK with the VIN to see if they can confirm the origin of the car.

Other signs of an import are...

JDM imports have a smaller square space for the rear number plate. And don't always come with full leather seats.

EU imports are unlikely to have a Honda alarm. UK cars come with a Honda alarm and should therefore have Honda badged alarm fobs.

Other differences can be found earlier in this section.

OEM Wheel Fitments
For reference, the OEM MY00-03 (16") wheel sizes and offsets are as follows:

Front:
16" x 6.5", +55 offset, 205 tire
Rear:
16" x 7.5", +65 offset, 225 tire

and the OEM MY04+ (17") wheels are as follows:

Front:
17" x 7.0", +55 offset, 215 tire
Rear:
17" x 8.5", +65 offset, 245 tire