Ugh, Audi FS...why do you do this to me?!
 

It's getting close to order time for me.

A Prestige with sport rear diff and side assist is going to run me $915/month on a 36 month lease.

A 335i sedan loaded up pretty well is $756.

Accepting the extra $160/month for the S4 is still a long way off for me!

Can't go wrong with either car. I've had two Bimmers (330xi and 535xi) and two Audis (A4, A6) and liked all of them. However, I just got the S4 and LOVE IT!

You always have options...I don't know your situation but a few things that came in to play with my purchase was the cost benefit of the prestige vs Premium +...also, the 335i will have new body styling in 2012 so you would be buying a brand new - old model car if that makes sense.

Good luck!

Good points.

I have a 535xi right now, I like many aspects of the car but NOT X-Drive. In the 335, I'd get RWD.

The part about having an old body style is key.

There's been enough luxury stripped from the Prestige that I don't think a Prem + would work for me.

I might need to get a job at Wal-Mart or Home Deport working the night shift... :) :) :)

Keep in mind that a brand new outgoing model of 3 series may be sold at $5-6K off MSRP. You may want to wait for a few months if you like 335i more.

I don't know where you live and what your needs are, but for those of us that lives the snowbelt, the Quattro system easily justifies the extra $160/month.

Chicago. No doubt Quattro is far superior to the garbage that is X-drive on my 535xi. But I live downtown, and to be honest, when it's snowing I just hop in cabs anyway...it's much easier.

A good set of snows on a RWD car is fine. Besides, Chicago itself doesn't get a ton of snow...everything east of the lake does.

If X-drive = Quattro, I'd consider a 335xi, but I made that mistake once. :)

What was the quoted sale price for the S4 and 335? The S4 is more expensive and you would need to add x-drive to get at the same price point or a 335is in coupe version. The 3 series is so easy right now to get at or close to invoice. My former BMW dealer is constantly contacting me, since I've bought 2 from them before, for a new M3 at invoice. Audi didn't cut my much slack other than the advertised incentives and some discount off MSRP.

I didn't get any quotes, I just did KBB invoice + $750 (for the S4) and +$500 for the 335i.

You're right about that, adding X-Drive to make the S4/335xi a more apples to apples, but in the BMW, at least IMO, adding X-Drive makes the car less valuable! :)

True, I mean...there is value in exclusivity with the S4 (whereas every Tom, Dick, and Harry have a 335). I guess the question comes down to is it worth $160 more a month, especially given that most of my driving is on urban, pot hole-laden streets where going more than 50 mph can get you a ticket for 20 over!

Also considering the Q5/X3/X5.

Really wish the new A6 was here!

Mark, what dealer is quoting that price? If its Flechter, you can definately do better; they were the least helpful and least willing to negotiate. I found the best price in the area at The Exchange. They also have the highest allocation so you might be able to get something thats already inbound.

You can still service at Fletcher if needed. Even if they don't give you a loaner (which they might) you don't really need one if you live downtown.