Replacing the M3 with a fast, comfy DD ~$100k

[the_road_less_traveled]

Originally Posted by NikB316

Thanks for the input!

RS7 - will consider it but Audi not going with the DCT really put me off.

CLS63 - considered it as well but it wasn't that comfortable. Maybe I need to revisit it as I love the looks of it!

S6/S7 - doesn't really do it for me. If its an Audi would need to be an RS.


I've driven the MCT and well it still felt like an auto. It kind if felt like the transmission in the X5M X6M which was in between DCT and Auto. The negative part of all the E63 reviews seem to be the transmission :/

Keep the suggestions and comments coming. Very useful! Thanks again.

How about a slightly used CL63. The pillarless design is so sleek and the car itself is piece of art with wheels! Interior is world class, especially with the designo option. I think its the best looking interior of nearly any car I've ever seen.

[NikB316]

The M6 GC is gorgeous but I drove an M6 the other day and wasn't happy with the comfort. The M5 is more impressive to me and if I want a heavy "pig" of a car, I want more of a roomy feel. It felt a bit cramped.

Chris,
Consider it yours bud. I have a feeling this parts will be sold very quickly lol.

Lenz,
Most likely parting it out. I think it's just easier to sell overall and would get more money back this way. I'll sure miss 600whp with an 8k redline . I have been talking about a high HP AWD car for some time and now may be the chance to go for it...without buying a UGR TT Gallardo lol. If I want to build this beast the AMG would be the best platform. Man I'm just imaging those Weistec tuned AMG with the benefit of AWD. Most of my driving is on highways so traction isn't a huge issue, but still. In the winter snow tires + AWD and I'll be able to get around with confidence. The confidence AWD gives you even in wet conditions is awesome.

So I know I ruled out the S6 and S7 earlier but just found out they come with DCT. Why on earth would an S7 have DCT (S Tronic) but an RS7 have a regular automatic? Man I remember Audi did something similar with the RS4/5 and S4/5. I don't remember exactly what but it wasn't logical as well.

The S7 is very sexy and I am definitely going to take one for a spin now. V8 TT AWD + DCT. Well priced too - plenty of room left to get it looking and performing great. Anyone more familiar with Audis know the highest I can take it to HP wise with keeping the stock turbos? What are some good Audi forums to check out?

This thread is very helpful. I would have never revisited the S7 if it wasn't mentioned on here. Thanks again everyone.

[Longboarder]

Bummer. Won't be able to come close to the dynamics of the M3 with any of those choices given how yours is modded. It was nice having you here providing input on the various S/C topics.

Here's my view...not trying to change your mind...but....my M3 sits in the garage other than track/airstrip days and the occasional drive up Pacific Coast Highway to work and back...but agree the e92 M3 is not as utilitarian as your other choices. That said, instead of having one car that does it all (none do), I also have a 2013 STi and a 2013 X5. Driving these cars is still fun, but makes me appreciate the M3 so much more every time I get into it. Maybe the right "beater" is out there and it can also keep you in your badass M3.

But if not, my vote is the S7

Good luck with your search/decision.

[AlteredBe4st]

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by NikB316

The M6 GC is gorgeous but I drove an M6 the other day and wasn't happy with the comfort. The M5 is more impressive to me and if I want a heavy "pig" of a car, I want more of a roomy feel. It felt a bit cramped.

Chris,
Consider it yours bud. I have a feeling this parts will be sold very quickly lol.

Lenz,
Most likely parting it out. I think it's just easier to sell overall and would get more money back this way. I'll sure miss 600whp with an 8k redline . I have been talking about a high HP AWD car for some time and now may be the chance to go for it...without buying a UGR TT Gallardo lol. If I want to build this beast the AMG would be the best platform. Man I'm just imaging those Weistec tuned AMG with the benefit of AWD. Most of my driving is on highways so traction isn't a huge issue, but still. In the winter snow tires + AWD and I'll be able to get around with confidence. The confidence AWD gives you even in wet conditions is awesome.

So I know I ruled out the S6 and S7 earlier but just found out they come with DCT. Why on earth would an S7 have DCT (S Tronic) but an RS7 have a regular automatic? Man I remember Audi did something similar with the RS4/5 and S4/5. I don't remember exactly what but it wasn't logical as well.

The S7 is very sexy and I am definitely going to take one for a spin now. V8 TT AWD + DCT. Well priced too - plenty of room left to get it looking and performing great. Anyone more familiar with Audis know the highest I can take it to HP wise with keeping the stock turbos? What are some good Audi forums to check out?

This thread is very helpful. I would have never revisited the S7 if it wasn't mentioned on here. Thanks again everyone.

ECU alone will get you to 560hp/580lb-ft.

Quattroworld & Audiworld

Top tuners:

APR
MTM
AWE

[NikB316]

Longboarder,
Thanks man - I'll still be arouns. Wish I could contribute a bit more but I will at least get my Vbox times in - that I promise lol. Tried using it the first time around (Vbox sport) and it just didn't read properly for whatever reason. I hear the weather is going to be nice this week

I've thought about getting a nice second car to cruise in like an AWD 7 series or X5 V8 but it just doesn't work for me. I know I'd hardly touch it knowing the blown M3 is sitting there. Gave it a shot.

This S7 with DCT is sounding very appealing. 420hp definitely won't cut it but a TT V8 sounds like it has some room to work with. It may even work out a bit better than an RS7 comfort wise and of course with the DCT. Provided I increase the power significantly of course.

Lenz,
Sooooo gorgeous!

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by NikB316

Longboarder,
Thanks man - I'll still be arouns. Wish I could contribute a bit more but I will at least get my Vbox times in - that I promise lol. Tried using it the first time around (Vbox sport) and it just didn't read properly for whatever reason. I hear the weather is going to be nice this week

I've thought about getting a nice second car to cruise in like an AWD 7 series or X5 V8 but it just doesn't work for me. I know I'd hardly touch it knowing the blown M3 is sitting there. Gave it a shot.

This S7 with DCT is sounding very appealing. 420hp definitely won't cut it but a TT V8 sounds like it has some room to work with. It may even work out a bit better than an RS7 comfort wise and of course with the DCT. Provided I increase the power significantly of course.

Cool good luck bro.

Don't even worry about the VBox times. It's a game of finding the right slope and DA. The exact same car that runs a 6.9 second 60-130 on a -2.5 slope (upslope to the begin the run and a massive downslope to end the run) on a 40 degree, zero humidity evening will run a 9.0 time on a flat slope in the daytime at 75 degrees.

[NikB316]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

ECU alone will get you to 560hp/580lb-ft.

Quattroworld & Audiworld

Top tuners:

APR
MTM
AWE

Thanks man!

Wow just looked at APR's web site. Can get those gains of much more than 100+HP & 100+TQ for only $1500. Gotta love these stock turbo cars! I'm sure with the right exhaust, etc. 600hp (crank) will be close. I'll definitely check out those forums to see what other options there are but a little ECU tune is a great start.

[NikB316]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Cool good luck bro.

Don't even worry about the VBox times. It's a game of finding the right slope and DA. The exact same car that runs a 6.9 second 60-130 on a -2.5 slope (upslope to the begin the run and a massive downslope to end the run) on a 40 degree, zero humidity evening will run a 9.0 time on a flat slope in the daytime at 75 degrees.

Wow no way! I assumed there was some difference but that is gigantic. Ah I already bought this thing which I'll probably never end up using now. $500 waste for me. I'm sure someone would want to buy it as it just came out and isn't discounted anywhere.

[pkimM3r]

///M6 GC?

Alpina B7?

[TunedM2C]

Originally Posted by NikB316

Thanks man!

Wow just looked at APR's web site. Can get those gains of much more than 100+HP & 100+TQ for only $1500. Gotta love these stock turbo cars! I'm sure with the right exhaust, etc. 600hp (crank) will be close. I'll definitely check out those forums to see what other options there are but a little ECU tune is a great start.

Exactly why I'm considering it after I sell my 1M. Looking forward to your test drive impressions.

[the_road_less_traveled]

Originally Posted by NikB316

The M6 GC is gorgeous but I drove an M6 the other day and wasn't happy with the comfort. The M5 is more impressive to me and if I want a heavy "pig" of a car, I want more of a roomy feel. It felt a bit cramped.

Chris,
Consider it yours bud. I have a feeling this parts will be sold very quickly lol.

Lenz,
Most likely parting it out. I think it's just easier to sell overall and would get more money back this way. I'll sure miss 600whp with an 8k redline . I have been talking about a high HP AWD car for some time and now may be the chance to go for it...without buying a UGR TT Gallardo lol. If I want to build this beast the AMG would be the best platform. Man I'm just imaging those Weistec tuned AMG with the benefit of AWD. Most of my driving is on highways so traction isn't a huge issue, but still. In the winter snow tires + AWD and I'll be able to get around with confidence. The confidence AWD gives you even in wet conditions is awesome.

So I know I ruled out the S6 and S7 earlier but just found out they come with DCT. Why on earth would an S7 have DCT (S Tronic) but an RS7 have a regular automatic? Man I remember Audi did something similar with the RS4/5 and S4/5. I don't remember exactly what but it wasn't logical as well.

The S7 is very sexy and I am definitely going to take one for a spin now. V8 TT AWD + DCT. Well priced too - plenty of room left to get it looking and performing great. Anyone more familiar with Audis know the highest I can take it to HP wise with keeping the stock turbos? What are some good Audi forums to check out?

This thread is very helpful. I would have never revisited the S7 if it wasn't mentioned on here. Thanks again everyone.

or not

[NikB316]

Originally Posted by xfirer1guy

How about a slightly used CL63. The pillarless design is so sleek and the car itself is piece of art with wheels! Interior is world class, especially with the designo option. I think its the best looking interior of nearly any car I've ever seen.

Sorry, missed this as I was writing another post. I actually look into the CL63 prior to getting this M3 and was pretty set on it based on how it looked on paper. Then I drove it. It was extremely dull to drive. Definitely a comfortable car with amazing seats, finishes and exterior. However I did not like the dash at all as it felt outdated and boring. If I am going to give up the performance and fun of an M I would need something like AWD to make up for it. The E63 / CL63 are much more fun to drive.

[Majin Buu]

What about an Audi RS6?

[Majin Buu]

Originally Posted by Team Plutonium

That car is awesome, but will it make it to the US?

I think so. This link says it will be available later this year.

http://www.highsnobiety.com/2012/12/...udi-rs6-avant/

[FVM3]

Get a slightly used F10 M5

[highmodulus]

I drove the new M5 in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a BMW event- it was fantastic. That engine combine with DCT=

While it was a bit too heavy for track duties, on the road it was the best car I have driven. When they start coming off lease in a few years that may be my next car.

[signes]

See the bottom of the Autoweek article: "Correction: The RS6 Avant is not coming to the United States and will not be revealed at the Detroit auto show, as originally reported."

I would be all over this. Considering an E63 Wagon depending on whether I can deal with the auto.

[CSanto]

Lots of options here, I think the M6 GC/RS7/Panamera Turbo are all 125+

For 100 def check out the M5, E63 or S7 with a tune. S7 is like 88 loaded and its a great all around comfy luxo sedan.

For me money no object in this segment its RS7 all the way with the M6 GC and Panny turbs closely behind.

[Alex07M3]

Audi S7 FTW!!
Cheaper then M5, better looking IMO, AWD and 600lb-ft of torque with a simple tune, there's no better deal then this car I think!! One day I'll have one!

... and the interior

[325rider]

M6 Gran Coupe

[NikB316]

The S7 has sure as hell caught my attention especially with the DCT and an option of comfort seats to replace the sport seats (which are gorgeous though). Massaging seats . I would love to be cruising with solid power and massaging seats, miss the Bentley for that. The BMW seats on the 550/M5 are active meaning the bottom moves around a bit for circulation but def not massaging. I was surprised at how fast the options added up though. I went into the configurator thinking I'd be in the low mid 80s but with all the bells and whistles + $6k for the B&O sound system I was in the mid 90s. ECU tune is only $1500 so that is a plus.

I could go up to $120 or so as mentioned, it just depends on the car.

I think I've ruled the Panamera out. I drove the Turbo when looking at cars before getting the M3 and it was a little too dull for me - and big. Felt like a 7 series and not very sporty. I hear the GTS is sportier but its too slow for my needs.

Audi RS6 isn't making it over here. The more I think about RS7 or S7 for my needs, I would figure the S7 would be more comfy. Power output would be the same pretty much with a nice tune.

I will drive an S7 very soon and if it blows me away then I'll probably jump on it. At least I will be able to rule out the S7 or M5 based on the current models. If it doesn't, I will wait for the AWD AMGs to make a decision. Right now I am just under 30k miles in my current car. If I wait until September it will be over 40k miles so I'd be taking a hit.

F10 LCI M5 vs. E63/CLS63 4Matic vs. S7

I'll keep you guys posted as I drive them. My dealer is getting an F10 M5 any day now that I'll be able to take for a decent test drive.