Canceled S4 Order. Ordering E92!

[1sikbmr]

congrats and welcome the the better side of the grass...

[positiveions]

even though Audi has an advantage of all wheel traction, an M3 is still "fun" to drive; going out of a turn and doing a fishtale is an awesome feeling
I considered an S4, test drove one, fell in love with it; however, something about an M3 that remains in my mind.
Well congrats either way.

[BMWBoss]

Congrats...you made an excellent choice.

[PKL]

I was damn close to pulling the trigger on an '11 S4... then I woke up! M3 is such a better car!

[Nelrock]

Originally Posted by Money2536

Well, I ordered an Audi Exclusive Sepang Blue Pearl S4 on November 17th. Fast forward three months to late February. Not only do I not have the car, but I still don't have a build date.

I've been back and forth with my wife about allowing me to keep the S2000 and get an M3. The S4 was going to replace the S2000. I didn't want to put 20,000 miles a year on the M3, and the S4's practicality advantage over the M3 made me try to buy it.

So I can't sleep last night, I log onto M3Post and see the video from top gear of the M3 spanking the RS5. Even with the APR tune and exhaust and Stasis suspension; the M3 is still going to be a better car that the S4.

I woke up this morning, put the hard sell on to the wife, canceled the S4 order (they completely understood that I wasn't willing to wait 9 months to get my car), sent email to David Aviles to get the PCD order started.

I guess I won't have to lurk around here unwanted any longer.

I'm ordering Le Mans w/ Competition Pkg.

Congrats man!
My first order was damaged in transit, so I had to wait out a 2nd car...so I know how you feel.
I think you'll be glad though. The car kicks ass. I drive mine all the time for no other reason than to just drive it.

[gr8000]

at last a man of sound mind

[ADV.1 Matt]

Great choice! I'm sure you'll love it. Also - great color. Lemans is amazing!

[J-9]

This just made my day. Congrats. And based on the options, it looks as if you'll be a fellow "single-hump" dash. You will be satisfied with this car from the moment you press the starter for the first time. Don't be afraid to put miles on it; IMHO this one of the nicest daily drivers in the world.

[Cold Steel]

Originally Posted by Money2536

Well, I ordered an Audi Exclusive Sepang Blue Pearl S4 on November 17th. Fast forward three months to late February. Not only do I not have the car, but I still don't have a build date.

I've been back and forth with my wife about allowing me to keep the S2000 and get an M3. The S4 was going to replace the S2000. I didn't want to put 20,000 miles a year on the M3, and the S4's practicality advantage over the M3 made me try to buy it.

So I can't sleep last night, I log onto M3Post and see the video from top gear of the M3 spanking the RS5. Even with the APR tune and exhaust and Stasis suspension; the M3 is still going to be a better car that the S4.

I woke up this morning, put the hard sell on to the wife, canceled the S4 order (they completely understood that I wasn't willing to wait 9 months to get my car), sent email to David Aviles to get the PCD order started.

I guess I won't have to lurk around here unwanted any longer.

I'm ordering Le Mans w/ Competition Pkg.

Excellent decision. I owned a 2004 S4 (v8 model), and while it was a very fine car, the M3 is far superior. I remember first getting my S4 after owning an A4, and that was a fine moment. But seriously, driving the M3 is a totally different experience, no comparison. The RS5 may come close, but they don't even sell that here. The S5 is far below in performance. The only drawback to the M is that unlike the Audi, which I drove all winter, the M is not as stable in the snow. I have winter tires on my M, but don't drive it during poor winter conditions. You will not regret your choice.

[ploo]

Congratulations! APR S4's are quick too - must've been torture waiting, I know I would never have had that kind of patience.

Did you order an E90? LeMans and Interlagos Blue look awesome on the E90, well LMB looks great on all E9x but IMHO Interlagos and the sedan are meant for each other.

Finally the "wet noodle" is no S2000 gearbox but does improve with time. Now that I'm 10000 miles in, I notice a lot less notchiness/grinding feeling from 1-2 or 3-2. A lot of people on the forum are big fans of replacing the stock knob with a ZHP knob (can even be lit). This requires buying another shift boot to cut, but you may want to look into it if you end up being unsatisfied with the shifting feel.

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by ploo

Congratulations! APR S4's are quick too - must've been torture waiting, I know I would never have had that kind of patience.

Did you order an E90? LeMans and Interlagos Blue look awesome on the E90, well LMB looks great on all E9x but IMHO Interlagos and the sedan are meant for each other.

Finally the "wet noodle" is no S2000 gearbox but does improve with time. Now that I'm 10000 miles in, I notice a lot less notchiness/grinding feeling from 1-2 or 3-2. A lot of people on the forum are big fans of replacing the stock knob with a ZHP knob (can even be lit). This requires buying another shift boot to cut, but you may want to look into it if you end up being unsatisfied with the shifting feel.

I was reading about doing swapping the shift knob. I'm sure I'll end up doing a Rogue Engineering short shifter with ZHP knob.

[adc]

Originally Posted by Money2536

I was reading about doing swapping the shift knob. I'm sure I'll end up doing a Rogue Engineering short shifter with ZHP knob.

Try one before you buy, if at all possible. Maybe go to a local BMW event?


I agree with some of the other folks here saying the wet noddle actually fills the belly. When you are shifting in a hurry (say at high speed on track), the BMW shifter just magically works, meaning it gets out of the way and you lets you think about other things. As it should be.

A short shift kit might increase the mechanical feel of the system and shorten the throws - but I am not 100% convinced that it will result in better shifting when I need it most, hauling ass on track.

I might try it (as an experiment) if I can find a super-cheap used one.

[ChiTownM]

I went through the same process about 1 year ago - Audi S4 with quattro just makes sense in Chicago, drove it and really liked it, modern feel and nice interior. Fast forward a couple of weeks and 2 M3 test drives later I end up with a an e92 M3 with DCT as the only option - never looked back! The S4 was just not in the same league in terms of driving dynamics IMO.

[dmw16]

OP, I saw your post debating this subject over on Audizine (yes, I'm a car forum addict). I think you made the right choice. I don't have an M3 (yet...) but as nice as the Audi is it just doesn't compare to a BMW in terms of the driving experience.

Welcome aboard!