- maciek -

hey guys,

I am new on this forum and I would like to ask for your help. I live in Germany (moved here almost 2 years ago) and I am looking to buy a car.

I recently found 2 and I can't decide which is the better car. here are some details:

2001 E46 M3, 6 spd. manual, carbon black on black, all possible options, 50,000 km since new, immaculate condition, all records, 2 owners, current owner BMW fanatic who work at BMW. only upgrade is 19" CSL wheels

2006 Audi RS4, 6 spd. manual, black on black, all options except ceramic brakes, but it has the really cool recaro seats, 79,000 km, 2 owners, all records, only upgrade: Supersprint catback.

the price difference is about 5000 euro. The RS4 is more expensive. Can you guys please let me know your opinions? is the M3 the better car? do the RS4's have many problems?

please give me all possible feedback

thanks

ELEVENS

Welcome to the forum. They are both great cars so whatever you end up with I'm sure you'll be happy. Of course you'll pay more for the Audi, it's worth more being five years newer. Personally, I abandoned BMW once Chris Bangle messed up the styling but the E46 was before that whole mess. IMO, Audi currently has the best styling of any automaker.

ArthurPE

I own one of each...
if I had to pick one, RS4 no doubt...
it's a better everyday car, all season, better ride, more practical...
it's faster in most situations, except tight, slow roads, then it's ~even

M3
better mpg
slightly better 'feeling' handling (in reality they are evenly matched), it's 600 lbs lighter, 50/50 balance...

it comes down to needs/wants, neither is a 'better' car, only more suited to the specific application....imho the RS4 has a wider range of capabilities, so in most cases will be the better choice for the daily driver

if you search this and other forums all you questions will be answered...
just take some time and do research, and note you will get some depending on the forum you ask the question, so research it yourself...there really is no 'wrong' choice

YRS

Not lucky enough to have one of each at the same time, but have had E46 w/Competition package, a few M Coupes (98, 01, 07) and then settled in with the RS4. Would offer that it likely comes down to how you drive and what you enjoy most when you do. Believe the steering (sensitivity and turn in) and overall vehicle balance is better on the E46. If you're a track boy, might lean M3. Aside from those areas, the RS4 is more car, a more special-feeling car...and for me an more enjoyable car day-to-day. Bottom line, I just had to make the decision to either keep the RS at lease end or get a new M3 (CTS-V was on the table too, to be frank) -- decided to keep the RS.

JMSIV

Not to derail, but the M5 seems more of a lateral move. Anybody have experience?

It's a smidge bigger (we often have another couple in the back). A few luxuries like AC seats and heated steering wheel. I was told it didn't have folding rear seats, but it was an option (gotta have it for my bike).

There must be 10x the number of M5s vs RS4s in the US. But anybody tried them side by side?

Reggie

My neighbor just got a 2006 M3 comp. Several things came to mind with the car:

1. No heated seat option - but yet the seats were almost identical to the regular M3 so no weigh savings because of recaros.
2. No cruise control???? Why ?????

3. Bolsters on the seats kind of a wear issue but the new RS5 has similar looking seats.

Audi S5 TC

With a few exceptions, the 2006 to 2010 M5 and M6 break down like mad. They make the 2007 and 2008 RS 4 look like the 2006 and prior Toyota Motors vehicles by comparison. I would stay as far away from the 2006 to 2010 M5 and M6 as possible. Not only are they trash, but they are super ugly.

RS4bro

I agree w/ ArthurPE and others...do some research and check other forums. You will obviously get biased answers (except for Art's maybe) here on AudiWorld.

That being said, it really depends on what you plan on doing with the car you purchase. If you plan on tracking it a lot then the E46 would be better suited (cheaper track parts and good 50/50 balance for racing). Other than that you would have to pick the RS4 hands down: Newer, newer technology, V8 engine, monster straight line performance and handling. Plus if this means anything, RS4 is VERY rare.

GregB7S4

Here is a decent comparo between RS4 and M3;

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sedans-feature

Also since you are in Germany you get the real deal RS4 seats (edit: just realized you pointed this out in your original post)and flat bottom steering wheel. In my opinion the RS4 is worth the 5000 Euro premium, but I don't think you can go wrong with the E46 M3 either. Are you going to consider the new E90 V8 M3? This is probably more comparable to the RS4.

kskpsu

I have both as well. The M3 is raw, and a blast to drive. If you are looking to track as previously mentioned, I think it's tough to beat.

The RS4 for me is superior...the rarity, the AWD (I live in a cold climate), the V8 and its glorious sound, and the creature comforts (the E46, no matter what model year, is a little lacking in some of the latest advancements). My RS4 is about to roll the 4 year mark (and no warranty...yikes!), and it still drew the attention of several Audi mechanics while getting its new coil packs...it is a special car.

I sold my M3 tonight (2001 6 speed with 30k miles), I can't ever see parting with the RS....hopefully that says it all :-)

Good luck!