S4Lynx

My wife has been thinking of trading in (or selling) her CLK55 and getting an M3 or B7 S4. Well, yesterday we drove the stock B7 and also the 25th Anniversary version, and this is the quick verdict: The stock version wasn't really comparable (especially in a Tip), and the 25th Anniversary model (manual), although it had an "amazing" suspension and was much sportier in the manual, it did not feel as fast as the CLK55 and the interior on the CLK55 is "incomparably" nicer. We both felt that the B7 was simply not worth that kind of money. The only way to get the car the way we want it would be to custom order it exactly as we want it, which is not the 25th Anniversary model, but that same color (Avus silver), because it's the only color we're interested in, with the same upgraded suspension package, with true black interior and nice wood trim (the Carbon Fiber trim is teh suck IMHO) and then also with the nice wheel / tire package. So basically the exact same car as the 25th Anniversary model, but with better interior. Still I don't think the interior would compare with the CLK55, but it would be Ok, but then custom ordering the car in that way would put it at at least $60K+, and maybe even closer to $65K. Concusion: I think we're gonna keep the CLK55 another 2 years (still under warranty) and maybe put some sweet wheels on it and possibly even improve the shocks and springs. As for the E46 M3, that car is amazing but they are becoming more and more rare so the money factor is horrible, therefore making it very expensive, even to lease. Ps. The B7 S4 may be as fast or even slightly faster than the CLK55, but it sure as hell doesn't feel like it when you're driving it. Through the turns the B7 is much better, at least for someone who isn't good with rear wheel drive cars.

Godfather | Jay

Any other comments on the M3 in comparison?

BASELINE

I'm sure the CLK55 would house a B6/B7 straightline...no contest!!

BASELINE

yeah...M3 is faster than the B6/B7 too, although not by as much as the CLK55

S4Lynx

the front end on the 25th Anniversary is WAY BETTER IMO, with no fogs and that special grill setup, but again we can't get that version, because the interior IMO (and my wife) is terrible, so even if we did spend $60+ on a B7 it wouldn't have the nice front end. Seriously, an E46 M3 "loaded" with competition package, etc. is the same price or less than a B7, which is crazy. I would buy the E46 M3 in two seconds over the B7.

S4Lynx

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/60476/happinessdefined.jpg"></center><p>For one, it looks amazing, IMO one of if not the nicest looking cars ever made (not just BMW). It also handles like you wouldn't believe and it's fast. Not sure what else to say, except it's the only thing out there in my view that compares to a modified B5 S4. If I had to chose between one or the other, I chose the B5 for sure, obviously. These cars can be modded to have true individual style and also to be WAY faster than an M3, plus the interior of the B5 is also nicer IMO. As the picture suggests, owning a modified B5 S4 and an older body style CLK55 is "happiness defined."

1-pippin

yeah i drove a b7 s4 avant 6speed and i really didnt like it. my car was stock when i drove the b7 and even compared to my stok b5 it felt alot worse, the steering was loose and unresponsive, and the cluth and everything else just didnt feel as good as the b5.

S4Lynx

than the stock suspension on the B5, especially on the 25th Anniversary B7 with the tighter suspension and sweet wheel package, but even on the completely stock B7. I'm not sure why you had that experience. I personally thought the stock suspension on the B7 was incomparably better than my B5 when it was stock, but then again the B7 is WAY more expensive so the suspension should be better.