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      07-23-2011, 05:35 PM   #1
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Cant decide on my next ride...

Love my M3 sedan, however I'm up for a change. I have a manual, and want to go back to a DCT. I prefer the paddle shifting, and LOVE the throttle blips even around town. I just cant get good enough to heel / toe in the manual around town. I'm also looking for something a bit more comfortable to drive around. The M3 can get very twitchy on the bad roads in the north. However the M3 engine still makes me giddy after 3 years. The SOUND of the M3 is just to die for as a DD.

So cars I'm thinking about:

Audi S4: comfortable, a little larger, plenty quick, DCT. However very conservative looking and no cool noises.

New 550i: comfortable, luxury. However very expensive, no cool noises, a bit to Lexus vs. BMW.

Used M3 coupe: I love the look of the coupe, even more now that the sedan. I could pick one up with the DCT, and put it away as an eventual 3rd car. Downside is the cost to sell mine then buy a coupe (taxes, etc). Plus the new M3 will be out in 2 years, which means the E9x will take a massive depreciation hit.

S5: Sounds amazing, a real looker.

Others? I love the Maserati GT - that is my first choice however its just too far out of budget. I'm also very concerned about the cost of maintenance.

What else am I missing?
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      07-23-2011, 05:57 PM   #2
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I have to say, if you like motor sounds (pretty sure all of us here do) there arent a ton of choices. C63, Cayman S? I mean, you can put an exhaust on an S4 and it might sound better, but it will never be anything like the S65 goodness.Probably a good choice for where you live though, my old S4 (B5) was unstoppable in the snow.....until I lowered it a little too much. Cayman is a great drive and surprisingly capable with a set of snows. Makes good noises too. Not sure how open minded you are but a 5.0 can be had for half an M3 and I am pretty sure they move along pretty nicely. This could be way out there, but if you really dig performance and a nice automated trans, how about an EVO MR?
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      07-23-2011, 06:21 PM   #3
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Get an 09 M5, C63 or E63 used. There's a used 2010 E63 I saw for $70k with 20k miles on it on cars.com. You do like engine sounds so these are the best I could think of in your price range.
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      07-23-2011, 06:22 PM   #4
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An Evo MR is also a possibility for this guy as it is DCT....
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      07-23-2011, 07:15 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08 View Post
Get an 09 M5, C63 or E63 used. There's a used 2010 E63 I saw for $70k with 20k miles on it on cars.com. You do like engine sounds so these are the best I could think of in your price range.
I WISH I could get an E60 M5. However they are horrible reliability, in particular the SMG. You cannot own one out of warranty. In addition, they are free falling in value with the new 5 out and the M5 on the way. And... the MPG is pretty bad.

I think I will look into the C63. I heard one the other day and it was insane!
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      07-23-2011, 07:16 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Sleeper View Post
I have to say, if you like motor sounds (pretty sure all of us here do) there arent a ton of choices. C63, Cayman S? I mean, you can put an exhaust on an S4 and it might sound better, but it will never be anything like the S65 goodness.Probably a good choice for where you live though, my old S4 (B5) was unstoppable in the snow.....until I lowered it a little too much. Cayman is a great drive and surprisingly capable with a set of snows. Makes good noises too. Not sure how open minded you are but a 5.0 can be had for half an M3 and I am pretty sure they move along pretty nicely. This could be way out there, but if you really dig performance and a nice automated trans, how about an EVO MR?
Cayman is awesome, but for a 3rd car. Just too impractcle for a single DD.
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      07-23-2011, 11:57 PM   #7
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How soon do you need to make the decision? Why not wait and see what the F30 offers?
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      07-24-2011, 01:42 AM   #8
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I traded my E60 M5 for an AUDI. F the Audi S4 sold mine after 3 months of ownership. If you like your M you will hate the AUDI trust me. I own a new loaded out ZCP M3. Hands down its a better car.

Here is my AUDI Its up for sale. I guess the BMW dealer sold it to another dealer to sell
http://www.ecarlink.com/web/used/Aud...as-TX/1580982/
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      07-25-2011, 01:29 PM   #9
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2012 STR8 Jeep, maybe a GTR? def not more comfortable but neither is the C63
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      07-25-2011, 03:22 PM   #10
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Out of the choices, S5 or 550i. Personally, I love the look on the 550 and the S5 never really appealed to me. So, 550i.
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You sound like my buddies who have AMG's - Slam the gas, slam the brakes...
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      07-25-2011, 03:24 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
2012 STR8 Jeep, maybe a GTR? def not more comfortable but neither is the C63
That's all changed for 2011/2012 my friend.
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You sound like my buddies who have AMG's - Slam the gas, slam the brakes...
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      07-25-2011, 06:01 PM   #12
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I'm cross-shopping the M3, Porsche Panamera 4S and C63 at the moment. Only driven one of those before. I don't know if they'll excite me as much as an M3 though but I sure do love the Panamera's styling and C63's engine rumble.
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      07-25-2011, 08:01 PM   #13
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Take a look at the 2012 C63. With the inclusion of a MCT and new interior you might want to give it some thought.
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      07-25-2011, 09:40 PM   #14
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i love my M3 manual coupe and when i did the midpipe and diff it really woke the car up and where the gears were so long and i felt always in btw one or not enough room the diff really helped that out alot and made the car much more fun

however out of those other cars my friend just got the new 550 and it is really nice car. Dinan even has a tune for it that really gives it a power bump to 495hp and 573tq


http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D900-4...de.aspx#page=1

Quote:
Originally Posted by MojorisinM3 View Post
Love my M3 sedan, however I'm up for a change. I have a manual, and want to go back to a DCT. I prefer the paddle shifting, and LOVE the throttle blips even around town. I just cant get good enough to heel / toe in the manual around town. I'm also looking for something a bit more comfortable to drive around. The M3 can get very twitchy on the bad roads in the north. However the M3 engine still makes me giddy after 3 years. The SOUND of the M3 is just to die for as a DD.

So cars I'm thinking about:

Audi S4: comfortable, a little larger, plenty quick, DCT. However very conservative looking and no cool noises.

New 550i: comfortable, luxury. However very expensive, no cool noises, a bit to Lexus vs. BMW.

Used M3 coupe: I love the look of the coupe, even more now that the sedan. I could pick one up with the DCT, and put it away as an eventual 3rd car. Downside is the cost to sell mine then buy a coupe (taxes, etc). Plus the new M3 will be out in 2 years, which means the E9x will take a massive depreciation hit.

S5: Sounds amazing, a real looker.

Others? I love the Maserati GT - that is my first choice however its just too far out of budget. I'm also very concerned about the cost of maintenance.

What else am I missing?
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      07-26-2011, 06:55 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gblansten View Post
Take a look at the 2012 C63. With the inclusion of a MCT and new interior you might want to give it some thought.
Agreed. Looks great, however I'm not looking to spend that much. I think I'll check it out now, and if it the car I want, I'll have to wait until one comes down into my price range
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      07-26-2011, 07:19 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by H Bomb View Post
i love my M3 manual coupe and when i did the midpipe and diff it really woke the car up and where the gears were so long and i felt always in btw one or not enough room the diff really helped that out alot and made the car much more fun

however out of those other cars my friend just got the new 550 and it is really nice car. Dinan even has a tune for it that really gives it a power bump to 495hp and 573tq


http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D900-4...de.aspx#page=1
I am considering a 550i. The car already has plenty of power for me, but lacking in the emotional end - engine noise, exhaust, DCT, etc. I've found there are some good exhausts coming out so that is good. Basically how do you make it sound like an M car
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      07-26-2011, 07:22 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gblansten View Post
Take a look at the 2012 C63. With the inclusion of a MCT and new interior you might want to give it some thought.
Just an FYI... The MCT in the Merc is not a dual clutch like the DCT or DSG or PDK transmissions. I don't know all of the details but this was discussed in other threads. If you want a true dual clutch manual, the Merc is not an option. Having said that, I believe the MCT is a great tranny option from everything you read at least.
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      07-26-2011, 09:26 AM   #18
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go with the M3 coupe in DCT, you'll be surprised how different it will feel from a 2008 6MT e90.

Within the next 3-4 years, you will then have PLENTY of options. Right now, I don't think you can beat the overall M3 package.
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      07-26-2011, 11:50 AM   #19
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I started a thread a couple weeks ago about the new s4. I have driven a dsg and manual a couple of times and have to say they are both very good. Seem to be built well and handle pretty good also. In normal around town driving the s4 feels quicker than my m3 and pulls harder for sure. It may not be as capable overall on the track and may not be quite in the same league but as far as being a fun and practical option it is the only car I would go with if I was doing something different than my m3.
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      07-26-2011, 09:20 PM   #20
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The S4 makes a nice little blip when it shifts gear. Subtle and gave me a smile when I rode in one

This video might help emphasize it once modified



Personally, I would hold off for the RS4. I don't know if it's coming but i'd assume if it is, you could put a deposit down and get in line.
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      07-28-2011, 02:11 PM   #21
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Looks like you want a 2+2 with a DCT.
In that price range your looking at the M3 DCT, Audi S4/5 DSG, and V6 Panamera w/ PDK.
Dropping the M3 because you want something different, the only thing I add is the V6 Panamera. It's no straight line performer but the interior is rediculously good, with the exterior polarizing. I didn't like the Panamera in pictures but when I saw one up close and sat in one (S model) I was in love.

I drove an S4 and liked it as a cheaper option. I personally love the look of the S5. If i could get away with 2 doors I would get the S5 (actualy I'd get the Caymen S but you said you didn't want that).

On a side note, I'm not sure the M3 is going to suffer some terrible depreciation when the next M3 comes out in a couple of years. The last NA M3 and a V8 one at that will probably carry on in popularity with M3 enthusiasts (even though there aren't all that many). A lot will depend on the welcome an FI V6 in the M3 recieves.
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      07-28-2011, 02:34 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Onurleft View Post
The S4 makes a nice little blip when it shifts gear. Subtle and gave me a smile when I rode in one

This video might help emphasize it once modified



Personally, I would hold off for the RS4. I don't know if it's coming but i'd assume if it is, you could put a deposit down and get in line.
I sure hope so. The RS4 would be the ideal choice. I've heard its not coming over though.
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