- #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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- #255 of 275
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Beauty, my friend is in the eye of the beholder.
by lazyt
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Jul 13, 2006 (11:31 am)
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Replying to: rdemasi (Jun 28, 2006 5:42 pm)
I actually prefer the looks of the S4 a little to the M3. I can't wait to see the S5. From the spyshots of the A5 & the new M3, the A5 alone is a much better looking vehicle. On looks alone, you were smart to get the current M3 v. the new M3. Bangle's design style has made the newer BMW's fugly.
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- #256 of 275
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Re: Beauty, my friend is in the eye of the beholder. [lazyt]
by mdhauke
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Jul 23, 2006 (1:26 am)
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Replying to: lazyt (Jul 13, 2006 11:31 am)
A M3 will beat an S4 off the line and win a straight line race. But in a slalom, the S4 will beat the M3 due to its superior handling from the Quattro drive. So it's a choice on whether you want speed or quickness.
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