After almost waiting a month my dealer called and got a new m3 in so I am going to go drive both the m3 and s4 today and choose one. What does everyone think are the key things to look for during my drives. Also, any words of advice on the type of sdiscount to get on an s4 (both a 04 on the lot and an ordered 05)Thanks

 

m3 - is it one with the engine recall....if so has the work been done?

 

I owned a slightly modded 2002 330i (and before that a 1980 320i and a 1996 328i) and have had the opportuntity to drive an E46 M3 a couple of times (actually had a deposit down on one before I went with the 330). Bottom line is that they both are incredible cars. In my personal opinion, the M3 would make a great weekend/sunny day car as it does it's job of driving extremely well, but lacks in the functionality department. To me the S4 does everything very well and makes a better daily driver. To me the S4 is more mild in terms of drivability, yet can do anything the M3 can do, if not better. If you are looking for a manual transmission, pay attention to the clutch. The E46 has a clutch delay valve that really takes away from the feel. Since I did not drive a manual S4 before I bought mine, I can not compare the two, but the clutch was the one thing I really disliked about the 330. You can remove the CDV - check bimmerfest.com or roadfly.com for instructions. Also, if you decide on a manual tranny, go ahead and order a UUC SSK - best $ I spent as the BMW shifters are decent, but not what they should be. All in all, you can't go wrong with either one - just go with the one that feels right. By the way, if you do go with the M3, join the BMW CCA. Great organization, great people who are willing to help. Local chapters in almost every major town. I have just joined the Audi club, but have not received anything yet, so I don't know how to compare the two.

 

both are brand new...I am on my way so I will post when i return!

 

Brandon, I have a deposit down on an S4 and the dealer just told me the car he was getting me fell through. i am getting a little frustrated and am think about looking at the 330i or 330xi if he does not resolve this. Can you compare the handling, suspension and ride quality between the S4 and 330i for me. I think the M3 would be too rough for me as a daily driver. Thanks

 

The 2001's had the engine problems. I think they carried a 6yr/100,000 mile warranty to remedy the problem.

 

Well, the drive was great. The saleswoman had us take about 20 min drives in each car on the same great windey mountain road. I was truly suprised by the s4, while the m3 has been my dream car, it felt like a raw version of my 325i. The motor sounds cool with the raspy exhaust note, and it has less body roll than the s4, but actually seemed harder to drive fast. The s4 was amazingly torquey and although I did not love the pedal placement (kept catching my foot on the brake when i was removing it from the gas), the shifter was so much smoother and the fit and finish inside was second to none! Also, the sound of the motor was amazing and the clutch was nicer. What truly suprised me though was the s4 felt faster, and the m3 just felt more unhinged and raw. So for the money and the feeling I chose an s4. I am just waiting on pricing, and have to choose the color. Any help...In stoc they have 4, but I am down to a dolphin grey with black(grey) leather or a noragoro (sp) blue with silver interior. They also are going to give me some pricing if i order one, but i think that will be much more!

 

One question, with the silver interior i would rather titanium trim, does anyone know how hard this is to install and about how much it costs?

 

if its new then no worries.

 

is more edgy and better for track/autocross (IMHO)-the S4 is better daily driver, and has four doors or wagon option AND AWD if you need it - cant go wrong with either,