- #245 of 275
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Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4
by rdemasi
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Jun 15, 2006 (6:30 pm)
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Hi all -
I need some help in deciding on a 2004 CPO S4 loaded with 20K miles for 40K vs 2005 M3 loaded with 10K for 50K. Any hellp is appreciated. I have kids 11 and 12. I usually drop 1 in morning to school and pick one up in evening at soccer. I want a car with great performance but also practical for my situation. I am only 3 miles to BMW but 30 to audi.
Instead of M3, I am also thinking of 2007 330i or 350i twin turbo coupe.
Any thoughts?
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- #246 of 275
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Re: Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4 [rdemasi]
by rjlaero
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Jun 18, 2006 (6:22 am)
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Replying to: rdemasi (Jun 15, 2006 6:30 pm)
I think the S4 is a nicer every day driver. And if you need 4 doors with kids, the S4 adds a bit more utility. The M3 is rear wheel drive. Having Quattro for rain and all season traction is a plus for me, but you might not care. And I love the sound of Audi's 4.2 V8. A 6 speed S4 is one of the most fun and enjoyable 4 door performance sedans on the market. And the S4 is $6-8,000 less expensive new, so you can pick one up a lot less than a used M3.
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- #247 of 275
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Re: Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4 [rjlaero]
by rdemasi
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Jun 18, 2006 (6:23 pm)
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Replying to: rjlaero (Jun 18, 2006 6:22 am)
Thanks for your response.
The audi dealership here actually sold the S4 I had picked out. So it looks like I have more time to think about this. I live in NC so not sure I need the AWD. Rains here a fair amount in winter and spring. Barely any snow or ice/sleet. I realize the S4 is probably more practical with the kids, but the M3 just seemed more fun to drive. Not sure what I will do.
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- #248 of 275
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Might
by dhamilton
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Jun 20, 2006 (7:46 am)
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I suggest making a decision based on how much track time you'll put in with either car. If it is a lot, then the M3 IMO. If not very often, I would think that the S4 is superior
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- #249 of 275
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Re: Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4 [rjlaero]
by tla1963
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Jun 21, 2006 (7:41 am)
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Replying to: rjlaero (Jun 18, 2006 6:22 am)
I think that when looking into buying a used car, the s4 or an m3, you should really be very careful. These are performance cars and the previous owners might have driven them very hard so if the dealer or person has ALL service records that would be a good start. I LOVE my s4 and get many compliments plus audi's service is excellent. Love not paying for anything except gas and tires.
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- #250 of 275
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Re: Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4 [tla1963]
by rdemasi
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Jun 21, 2006 (8:32 pm)
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Replying to: tla1963 (Jun 21, 2006 7:41 am)
All cars I am looking at are CPO '94 or newer with < 20K miles. They also have all service records. I probably will not spend much time at the track. I loved the M3 for speed and handling. I live in NC and there are lots of hilly, twisty roads around here where I would think this car would be really fund to drive. Audi is 45 minutes from me vs 5 for BMW. I really don't think I need AWD drive here since I am in the Raleigh area. Here is how I look at it: - looks -- M3 wins - interior -- S4 wins - speed -- M3 wins - handling -- M3 wins except in rain and snow/ice (the latter are very rare here) - practicality -- S4 wins due to 4 doors - service -- this is a draw but BMW is much closer - depreciation -- M3 wins - reliability -- M3 wins - cost S4 wins - snob factor -- M3 wins since this car looks much less like a 3-series than the S4 looks like an A4. So, I think I am leaning toward the M3, but still not sure. Let me know if anyone has any other thoughts.
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- #251 of 275
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Re: Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4 [rdemasi]
by tla1963
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Jun 22, 2006 (6:24 am)
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Replying to: rdemasi (Jun 21, 2006 8:32 pm)
Well the distance to the dealer does make a big difference. Here in LA, every other BMW is A M3 but there aren't too many S4's around. I like the ride quality of the S4 vs the M3. One of the co-workers is a big BMW fan and has had M3 coupe and sedan but after riding in my car he feels that the S4 is a better everyday car, especially the transmission, ride quality and overall realworld performance. However, if you are going to track the car the bimmer is the way to go.
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- #252 of 275
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Re: Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4 [tla1963]
by rjag2034
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Jun 26, 2006 (9:17 am)
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Replying to: tla1963 (Jun 22, 2006 6:24 am)
Perhaps you should watch the Top Gear comparo of these 2 cars. The S4 slammed the m3 on their track. The general consensus was for 1 spin around the track they'd choose the m3, but for everyday driving the s4 hands down.
top gear
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- #253 of 275
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Re: Need Help with CPO M3/330/350 vs S4 [rjag2034]
by rdemasi
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Jun 28, 2006 (5:42 pm)
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Replying to: rjag2034 (Jun 26, 2006 9:17 am)
Thanks for all of the advice. In the end I went with the M3, for the following reasons:
1. M3 is a more fun to drive, hands down
2. M3 is faster and handles better, especially in the climate/terrain around here (NC piedmont region)
3. M3 looks much, much better then S4
4. M3 is more reliable than S4
5. Bimmer dealership is much closer than Audi
6. Depreciation is much better on M3
S4 is probably a more practical car for my situation, but.....
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- #254 of 275
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good choice
by borno
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Jul 10, 2006 (3:52 am)
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I own m3cic and an a6q 2.7t 6sp. really love both, but I would give up the audi way before i let the bmw go. the m3 is a fantastic car...congradulations!
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