Yup, I'm still straddling the fence. I'm undecided between an 07 G35 6MT, 04 - 06 Audi S4, or an 03 - 05 M3.

I like the G, and getting a brand new car would be a nice change. I didn't like the vibrations in the stick and the fact that my wife drives an 05 G35. I'm worrying she'll get new car envy and either Bogart mine or feel she needs a new car that much sooner!

I have yet to find a used S4 to even drive. I have driven an A4, and the interior was second to none but small. The transmission was very smooth, and AWD with that much power seems like it would be tons of fun.

I have driven a few M3s, and was very dissappointed with the transmission (too notchy) and the interior looked cheap for a car that costs that much new. I guess BMW puts all of their R&D into the SMG, but I haven't tested an SMG yet. I was very pleased with what happens when the pedal on the right is put down to the floor. Blistering speed, stupid fast! The last car I drove that could casually jump up to 100+mph like that was a 98 Twin Turbo Supra (why the hell did Toyota quit making that beast?!?!)

Anyone have any free advice, pointers, or a helping hand to push me off of the fence and onto the field to play ball?
Thanks in advance for your 2 Cents.

 

Lots of variables. I looked at all of the same choices, and got the G S for its far superior sedan "presence" in normal use and abilitiy to git er done when the time comes.

You are comparing the mid size G sedan with a compact sedan (any Audi 4) and a nice size coupe. So apparently the size/comfort aspect is not relevant to you. I've been happy with the feel of my G when tooling around, being stuck in traffic and when pushing it some. Maybe its the "new" but the car is a grin.

The old body M3 has to be one of the nicest BMWs ever for looks and performance. It is a sports car in a different class than the others (price aside). If you really liked the M3 you drove, try the 335i Coupe- its damn near as fast and a lot more comfortable, but so smooth it has a totally different character than the M3. The manual is inferior to the G's, but the auto is superior, faster shiftting more positive and perfectly matched to the motor. There is real room in the back seat and the fold down rear seat gives almost enough rationale to believe that 8k premium is for "practicality". Also, chances are that a new one will last longer than a used M before you get to learn about the joy of German car repair prices.

The Audi is outstanding for a compact car. (That is a "period" at the end of the sentence). In the right circumstances (slick road) it will run away and hide; else i thought it was a bore.

 

If your wife already has an 05 G35 ... definitely get something else. Don't be one of "those" couples that drives the same car - haha. Seriously though, I agree with Chuck, go check out the new 335i ... either in coupe or sedan form. It'd be one great way to end the debate on which is better - just own both!

 

In your case, I would suggest the G35. I'll admit it's a bit weird to do the his/hers thing, but again, you don't sell a stock for tax reasons, lease a car for tax reasons, you do what makes sense. You need the proceeds, have a shortage of cash, you sell the stock and take the loss. You need cash flow, you lease the car and don't care about comparing it to buying. So you buy a car with the same principles. A new G35 will be more suitable for most than the M3/S4 option.

My current purchase is my first foray into German cars. It will be 4 yrs. before I get a taste of what it costs to maintain them. When you go used M3 or S4, you get that taste up front. Like $1800 for brakes not incl. calipers. Nearly a thousand for the major service. And since BMW has free maint. for 4 yrs., that is a serious incentive to consider new, and a lower model than an M Power.

Then again if, and a big IF, you do have money and you don't have to get the best value, I would go for the M3, it's incredible to drive. The S4 still to me is heavy and the V8 doesn't really do THAT much torque, and I'd just as soon skip the AWD.....my .02

 

I have driven all three. One friend has an 04 M3, one has an 05' S4 V8 and I have my SC G. If I were to get a stock car it would be the S4. If I were to get one and mod it (FI), I would get the G.

 

and you only get 4 oil changes in those 4 yrs.

 

It's funny to think that, isn't it? If you lease the car that's more than enough. But if you buy it, you'll want to at least do it every 7500, which means an extra $85-$90 per change out of your own pocket. Great point.

 

there are of course other ways to go if you like driving

 

Ttrank - you'd go with an S4? More detail please? I still haven't even found one to test drive.