G35, E46 M3, or S4

[Guida Veloce]

I'm in the market for a car at around 25K, give or take a few thousand. I have driven the G35 and loved everything about it except the backseat is horrible (why didn't they put in an armrest?) and it doesn't handle like a BMW.

A S4 is in my price range but have never driven one and don't know much about them and there are some E46's in this range as well. I have never driven an E46 M3 but have driven the new 335i on a track and hear its similar to the E46 M3 so I have an idea what it'd be like.

So, with that said, what do you guys like the best and why? I know this is a G35 forum and there may be some biased answers but I appreciate any input.

Thanks

[///M32G35]

I prefer the M3. I've previously owned an E46 M3 as well as a B5 S4, and the M3 was just more fun to drive. However, being in Chicago that Quattro may come in handy and actually be more practical. The Audi interior is better than the other's, but the G's is not bad. The M3's is very simple but very driver centric. For a fair compromise for less money, look into the G35 or G35x for the AWD. For more power, a nicer interior, and Quattro AWD look into the S4. For the absolute best driving experience of the 3, go with the M.

[sammy_G]

the 335i is waay softer than an M3...especially on a track. but you cant go wrong with any of those cars!

[Guida Veloce]

I have an e39 528i right now. That will be my winter car so AWD isn't really a big factor. haha, i'd feel like such a fool driving an M3 around in the snow we get here. I'd be made fun, especially by the ricers at school. And that's just dangerous.

///M32G35, you make good sense. I really need to test drive an M3 cos ultimately, I want a driver's car but I'm not going to be taking it onto a track.

Thanks so far, keep the comments coming please cos until I test drive, I don't know these cars too well!

[O HELLA OEM]

m3 for sure

[BKZJAYY718]

most will say M3, but ima ride for the G35

[Sbeck]

M3. Slap some Dinan stuff on it and wammmm

[DriftDreamzSS]

Eh, they are all slow. Get the M3 since at least it will handle well.

[t1328]

I've previously owned an E46 M3, and have driven the S4. I now drive an '07 G35x.

The E46 M3's setup is very sports oriented and is completely different to the 335i because it is significantly harder on bumps/ridges in the road and it feels much faster even if it isn't. I live in the DC area, and driving on DC's roads with potholes, etc., made me sell my M3 after only 4 months of ownership (I bought it just as they were coming out, had my name on the waiting list for 1.5 years prior to that, and didn't have a chance to test drive it until I got it - it was intoxicating but very uncomfortable on rough roads).

The S4 is a much better compromise of comfort/sport. Definitely not as fun as the M3, but it won't give you a headache and back ache every time you drive on roads that aren't perfectly smooth. It also has by far the nicest interior of the bunch. The G35 is pretty close to the S4 in terms of performance and not very far off interior wise. I think is one of the best deals on the market. For $25k you could get one with lower mileage than the other 2, and with many more features, some of which were not even available for the other 2 (like a very useful rear view camera).

You really can't go wrong with any of them at the end of the day, but if you live in an area that has lots of roads that are not great, I would avoid the M3. In addition, I would definitely test drive all 3 very thoroughly before picking one of them.

Good luck
T1328

[HenryLee]

For the fun factor go with the M3.. but dont be suprised when you take it in to the shop for some service and repairs. But I still prefer the G35 over looks alone.

[BlueDevilBAMF]

Reliability the G35 wins hands down

Styling the G35 and E46 M3 are close IMO, but I prefer the G

Practicality the B5 S4 wins hands down

Performance? Well with stock bi-turbos the B5 S4 is VERY easy to make into a beast that will smoke either the M3 or the G35 unless you go FI. APR does an ECU reflash for the S4 which does wonders.

They're all fun cars and you really can't go wrong.

I was initially considering an E46 M3 and a B5 or B6 S4 when I bought my G. In the end the G was more affordable, and because I was starting school again soon I couldn't afford to have a car that might cost me a lot in repairs once it was out of warranty.

[///M32G35]

Originally Posted by Sbeck

M3. Slap some Dinan stuff on it and wammmm

Dinan is crap and extremely overpriced.

[OBG35]

As much as i <3 my G!! i would have to say an M3 after riding in my friends car... The M3 and the S4 are in a different league than a G35.

[Klubbheads]

2002 and up M3.

[Guida Veloce]

seems like the M3 is the car to get. Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it and will be test driving soon and will keep these things in mind.

Why not an '01 M3?