Talk me into it - trade 2010 Audi S4 for 2012 E92 M3

[jimf15e]

I admit it, the M3 has always been my dream car (that and a 911). I'm seriously considering trading my 2010 S4 in for an E92 M3.

A few rational reasons why I should buy the M3:
- I don't need four doors
- If I lease the M3 for 3 years, then I'll be in the heart of the model year for the next gen M3
- I'm a little bored with the S4
- Better in-car tech on the M3
- Better performance on and off the track

Rational reasons not to buy the M3:
- Added cost
- I still love the S4
- I've had bad luck with BMW quality with our last 3
- Buy a car in it's last model year?
- Worse gas mileage in the M
- I don't track cars (yet)
- I did a lot of work on my radar/laser countermeasures - hate to have to tear it all out

Irrational reasons to buy:
- It's an M3. No matter what you say in the BMW v Audi argument, it's still a sweet car
- Love the V8
- Just because it's time for something new

Irrational reasons not to buy the M3
- I love Audi's relative 'exclusivity' - but I don't live in SoCal so not EVERY 19 year old here has an M3 (or a crappy 328 modded to look like one)
- I still like the 'sleeper' aspect, although this could be a reason for both

I'm cross-posting this on Audizine and on M3post. Let's see what the interweb has to say! Thanks.

Jim

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

You love your S4....Nuff said

[3XTR3M3]

You always get the best car at last year to two of production, especially on BMWs. This has been my experience in the last 6 I've owned. So that takes care of having problems with the car, and a gives good reason to buy last year production.

The difference between a S4 and an M3 is gigantic. This is not a fanboy statement I'm making. I spent a lot of time behind the wheel of an S5 and to even put these two cars in the same category is unreasonable for the S4 and M3.

If you want the same caliber car as the S4, consider a 335xi (you'll get a sweet deal on one since new one is on its way) or wait and get the F30 335 in a few months.

But if you are considering an M3, you're stepping into a completely different realm of car and ownership, not just an apples to apples switch. So higher costs all around are going to be associated (aside from free service).

[BMW Fanatic]

S4 < M3 in every aspect possible, this isn't just from my biased point of view, for example.. A very good lady friend of mine was set on buying an A4/S4 for a good 6/7 months but then after a test-drive of those and my M3, she admitted she would much rather own an M3 as it feels like the S4 is 'old' and yes we both know the M3 is 'old' too but even up to this day it competes with newer cars in magazines and always comes out triumphant. Anyways to finish that story, due to the harsh climate for 5/6 months here in Calgary, she decided to pick up a Range Rover Sport SC, with that said it's very hard to deter a woman once she has her eyes on something but if the M3 did then you already know what to do.. GL

[BMW Fanatic]

Originally Posted by 3XTR3M3

If you want the same caliber car as the S4, consider a 335xi (you'll get a sweet deal on one since new one is on its way) or wait and get the F30 335 in a few months.

But if you are considering an M3, you're stepping into a completely different realm of car and ownership, not just an apples to apples switch. So higher costs all around are going to be associated (aside from free service).

+1, even still S4 < 335xi IMO. RS4 is more on the same level as the M3 and yet like I stated in my previous post, M3 always comes out triumphant.

[h4nh]

e92 m3 to me looks a lot better than an S4. As far as gas mileage.. lol I don't think anyone buys an M cares for gas mileage

[DOUT]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

Irrational reasons not to buy the M3
- I love Audi's relative 'exclusivity' - but I don't live in SoCal so not EVERY 19 year old here has an M3 (or a crappy 328 modded to look like one)

LOL so true

[matthewk]

I have owned 3 S4's.. B5,B6,B7 - the M3 is IMHO a million times the car. My S4's were totally unreliable. 1 was even lemoned by Audi..

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

I admit it, the M3 has always been my dream car (that and a 911). I'm seriously considering trading my 2010 S4 in for an E92 M3.

A few rational reasons why I should buy the M3:
- I don't need four doors
- If I lease the M3 for 3 years, then I'll be in the heart of the model year for the next gen M3
- I'm a little bored with the S4
- Better in-car tech on the M3
- Better performance on and off the track

Rational reasons not to buy the M3:
- Added cost
- I still love the S4
- I've had bad luck with BMW quality with our last 3
- Buy a car in it's last model year?
- Worse gas mileage in the M
- I don't track cars (yet)
- I did a lot of work on my radar/laser countermeasures - hate to have to tear it all out

Irrational reasons to buy:
- It's an M3. No matter what you say in the BMW v Audi argument, it's still a sweet car
- Love the V8
- Just because it's time for something new

Irrational reasons not to buy the M3
- I love Audi's relative 'exclusivity' - but I don't live in SoCal so not EVERY 19 year old here has an M3 (or a crappy 328 modded to look like one)
- I still like the 'sleeper' aspect, although this could be a reason for both

I'm cross-posting this on Audizine and on M3post. Let's see what the interweb has to say! Thanks.

Jim

I had the opportunity to have an S4 for the entire day as a loaner while my Cayenne was in for service. The torque of the engine is nice and quattro allows you to virtually forget about any traction issue. Other than these two aspects, the M3 simply is in a different league entirely. That said, an RS4 is much more similar to the M3 driving experience although still not as sharp or precise.

If you don't need or care about the AWD issue, and have the financial means, then go for the M3 without question. Cars like this are about emotion and passion, not about what is "rational". If you want "rational", get an A4 or 328.

In the meantime, I recommend Quattroworld or Audiworld as venues to frequent. Unless of course you haven't yet developed any pubic hair, in which case Audizine may be the appropriate place for you.

[Poofyo101]

I just got a new 2012 M3. Go with the M3

[ericjay56]

Love the M3, but I have to admit it does get boring after a bit, especially in DCT. Look for an alternative car first

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by matthewk

I have owned 3 S4's.. B5,B6,B7 - the M3 is IMHO a million times the car. My S4's were totally unreliable. 1 was even lemoned by Audi..

I was lemoned by a B5 S4 - switched to M3s and never looked back.

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

I admit it, the M3 has always been my dream car (that and a 911). I'm seriously considering trading my 2010 S4 in for an E92 M3.

A few rational reasons why I should buy the M3:
- I don't need four doors
- If I lease the M3 for 3 years, then I'll be in the heart of the model year for the next gen M3
- I'm a little bored with the S4
- Better in-car tech on the M3
- Better performance on and off the track

Rational reasons not to buy the M3:
- Added cost
- I still love the S4
- I've had bad luck with BMW quality with our last 3
- Buy a car in it's last model year?
- Worse gas mileage in the M
- I don't track cars (yet)
- I did a lot of work on my radar/laser countermeasures - hate to have to tear it all out

Irrational reasons to buy:
- It's an M3. No matter what you say in the BMW v Audi argument, it's still a sweet car
- Love the V8
- Just because it's time for something new

Irrational reasons not to buy the M3
- I love Audi's relative 'exclusivity' - but I don't live in SoCal so not EVERY 19 year old here has an M3 (or a crappy 328 modded to look like one)
- I still like the 'sleeper' aspect, although this could be a reason for both

I'm cross-posting this on Audizine and on M3post. Let's see what the interweb has to say! Thanks.

Jim

I'm a current B7 RS4 owner and a former B6 S4 owner. I've never driven a B8 S4 but I assume its on par performance wise with the B7 RS4.

I ordered a 2012 M3 ZCP after test driving a 2010 manual. I actually think the interior is better than my B7 RS4. The Nav is better and the radio in both stock and EPS is superior to the BOSE system in the RS4. The RS4 is quicker out the gate but quickly loses steam past 55 mph.

I was becoming tired of Audi. My car constantly needs a carbon cleaning and consumes oil. The suspension was recalled as well. With that said, I never had this problem with the B6 S4, and I don't believe the B8 S4 is an FSI engine so you'll most likely never have the problems I had.

This may be the first and last M3 V8. Buy it while you can.

[jimf15e]

To answer a few questions:
- very little snow where I live so Quattro not a big factor. I use summer tires anyway
- not looking for a 335xi
- reliability on the B8 has been good so far (knock on wood)

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by VVG

I had the opportunity to have an S4 for the entire day as a loaner while my Cayenne was in for service. The torque of the engine is nice and quattro allows you to virtually forget about any traction issue. Other than these two aspects, the M3 simply is in a different league entirely. That said, an RS4 is much more similar to the M3 driving experience although still not as sharp or precise.

If you don't need or care about the AWD issue, and have the financial means, then go for the M3 without question. Cars like this are about emotion and passion, not about what is "rational". If you want "rational", get an A4 or 328.

In the meantime, I recommend Quattroworld or Audiworld as venues to frequent. Unless of course you haven't yet developed any pubic hair, in which case Audizine may be the appropriate place for you.

What he said....

[jimf15e]

Ha ha, missed that comment about Audizine, but very true.

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

Ha ha, missed that comment about Audizine, but very true.

I have to agree with VVG. Use Quattroworld or Audiworld.

[mmm def]

My dad owns a B8 S4 6sp and I have an E90 M3 6sp. I really like them both, but they are very different cars. The S4 is easier to drive but also doesn't give as much back. I feel the M3 is more demanding and requires a bit more focus to drive it smooth, but you are rewarded much more than with the S4. The steering is super (too) light in the S4, the gearbox is butter, it's still a nice car. The M3 is more engaging, more exciting. If there were no E90 M3 I'd be in an S4. We both love our rides. His has 25k, no issues.

[Cold Steel]

I did that swap. I had a 2005 S4 with the V8 ( not the newer V6 turbo ) and now have a 2011 M3. HUGE difference. The only downside is the winter driving , so I bought a cheap 4x4 pickup for those bad winter days otherwise still drive the M on winter tires.

I don't regret the change one bit. In fact I had 2 previous Audis, and although great cars, nothing beats the drive of a BMW especially the M. I am now tracking the car and haven't looked back.

My feeling is that even the RS4 is not a fair comparison, realistically the RS5 is pretty equal to the M3 although I don't want to start a whole argument on this blog. Hands down however the S4 is not even a fraction of the car the M3 is performance wise although I admit I liked the interior more on the Audi. Hope this helps.

[mmm def]

You guys comparing B6/B7 S4, the B8 is a bit improved especially with the sport diff. The older V8 nose heavy cars are no comparison. Although the B8 S4 competes directly with the 335, it's still good to look at them next to the M3 especially when it is a good $10k cheaper, and you can't even get an E90 M3 new anymore (order).

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Hurricane

I have to agree with VVG. Use Quattroworld or Audiworld.

There are a number of people who are on the Quattroworld RS4 forum that were former RS4 owners that made the jump to the M3. I am also a former RS4 owner and am still on the QW RS4 forum from time to time.

RS4 is a solid car. It is better than the M3 in certain aspects, worse in others. Where the M3 simply dominates is in its overall dynamics, sharpness, feel, and steering responsiveness. M3 is basically a cross between an RS4 and a Cayman S. Not a bad combo.

[540gone]

I came out of an RS4 into an E90 M3 (did ED and doing PCD on Wednesday). Based on the ~2000 miles I drove it in Europe, it is a WAY more enjoyable and engaging car. Other's comments about it being "more lively, sharper, more involving, etc." are all spot on - of course its about 400 lbs. lighter, so it should handle better, and it does.

I always found the RS4 to be a bit nose heavy and dull from a handling standpoint (and I had changed out to a Stassis coil-over suspension after the damn "whatever it's called" cross-linked hydraulic system leaked). I also feel the M3 (mine is a DCT) is faster, both in a straight line and certainly when things get twisty. In the snow, I would take the RS4.

Admittedly, a lot of this is subjective and you are the only one that can judge those things, but it should be pretty obvious that an M3 > S4, and as a former owner of an RS4, I would never look back.