drmnlateef

Hey guyz, I'm new to the forum, I've been browsing around recently.

Anyhow, I just recently came off lease on 04 Acura TSX. Things luckily have changed and I'm lookin for a european sports sedan/coupe.

Yesterday I drove a 05 B6 S4, 05 BMW M3, and 04 BMW 545i. My general impressions, the M3 is an awesome car, but in my opinion a little less refined than the other two. There are practical limitations to the car as well. The 545i was an extremely nice ride as well, very strong motor, good handling, high level of refinement. Lastly I drove the S4. Honestly I felt the safest driving the **** out of this car. The quattro inspires aggressive yet safe driving. The motor was strong, but I did feel the M3 out accelerates it. Thats not the only thing i'm lookin for in a car however. They're all similar in price with the exception of the M3, which was almost 10 grand higher.

I just wanted input from you guyz on what made you go with the S4 and other attributes the s4 has that the other two don't. Right now i'm thinking #1 S4 #2 (close second) 545i, then the M3

Thanks guyz

Imola Ghost

Interior/Exterior Styling and as you put it more "refined"

Mike B

quattro, styling, fit and finish.

Karrera4

Obviously, the S4 has quattro which makes it instantly more practical than the BMW's...and living in the midwest, I see a need for quattro.

The 540i however is one of the best all around cars I have even driven. It was quick, fun to drive, and had the room to hold 4 people comfortably. The S4, although it has 4 doors, does not have much rear seat room (about the same as the M3 actually).

The M3 was just a sweet car. A daily driver you can take to the track on weekends. The motor was amazing and it handled great. I prefer rear wheel drive, so I love the way I could throw it around and steer it with my right foot. I think it just comes down to if you need quattro. Also, I will say that the Audi interior is far superior to any Bimmer.

If you dont need the room of the 5 series, then its a toss up between the M3 and S4. I love the S4, but depending on where I end up at school, I am tempted to get another M3...so that is how close I think they are.

Parikh1234

I think the S4 is one of the best total packages ive ever owned. If you live where it can snow, the s4 is the way to go. Its harnessed lunacy for all seasons.

sayemthree

could you really live with the i-drive and the ugly but styling of the 545i?

klingan

IMHO, the ultimate v8 engine and incredible overall refinement. I sold mine several months ago and I miss it. My s4 sounds so whiney and high-pitched in comparison. But, the m5 had too many problems in the snow w/ its high torque rwd and heavy weight. It also received some bad attention.... had my front bumper stolen, my rear lip spoiler stolen twice, and an attempt made to steel my wheels. My s4 avant is much more utilitarian, especially in inclement weather of new england, and it grabs less attention. You can probably pick up a used M5 w/ low miles for around 40k.

sayemthree

if you dont need AWD.

Redfoot

Values of the E39 M5's have been falling fast since the intro of the E60 M5.

This time last year, you were hard pressed to find a 2000 for under $50k. They can be had in the high/mid $30k range now.
I'm still looking and find the occasional seller who hasn't got the memo and is still asking $50k. LOL!

That said, awesome car if you don't need AWD.
The E60 is even better! At least from a drive train POV. You can keep the styling.

drmnlateef

Yeah, I forgot to mention this as a viable choice. I haven't had the opportunity to drive one yet, but hear its amazing. I've been reading about them as well and there have been problems with the secondary air intake system on those cars, but from what i understand the problem was taken care of in 2002. You can find 02 M5s in the mid 40s to low 50s. I can imagine that the quattro will save ones *** numerous times in a car with such power...my friend lost control once of his 540 (i was in the car with him) and we ended up spinnin around and stopping in the opposing lane! This may have been avoided with AWD!