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11-26-2009, 07:47 AM | #1 |
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Noob Question: S5?
OK, here it is...
I have been in love with the M3 since my early teens. I have driven the last two incarnations of the M3 (and recently driven an Audi S5). This spring I will finally be able to buy my own. HOWEVER, I now find myself living in Indianapolis (raised in CA) and will have to deal with snow and ice in the winter. The cautious side of my brain says I should rather buy the Audi S5 because I fear the M3 will be too much of a monster when the weather gets nasty. I enjoy driving but I am no expert on cars. I have never owned a car as powerful as either of these two. This car will be my daily driver. I acknowledge that by posting in a BMW forum I am asking a biased group, but I would appreciate as much of a balanced response as you guys can muster. I also am purposely posting in the Canadian forum because, well, you guys deal with more weather than most of us Yanks; but along those lines, weather that doesn't phase you may worry me. Thanks, -s (yes, I have read the recent post on M3 winter tire options) |
11-26-2009, 07:58 AM | #2 |
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i drive my m3 in the winter, it is exremely capable. 2 of my friends do also...
the s5 with quattro will be better, but not necessary except in heavy snowfall. the lsd in the m, works wonders. i made a thread a while back about how good our cars are in the winter, it was a pleasant surprise when i bought it. good rubber is key |
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11-26-2009, 08:47 AM | #4 |
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The biggest problem for both cars is clearance. I had the chance to drive a new S5 two weeks ago and it really is a great car - but honestly it is no M. I say if you have your heart set on an M go for it. You really should compare the S5 to an Xdrive 335 though (personally I would take the S5 over a 335 - S5 has an awesome interior). Good luck - either way you wont be dissappointed.
As the others mentioned. Snow tires will be the key on either car for winter. |
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11-26-2009, 10:23 AM | #5 |
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I've had both cars, albeit I only drove the M3 in real winter conditions. I picked up my S5 towards the tail end of winter with a dusting of snow on the ground. From my POV, the M3 handles well enough in the winter with proper winter tires of course. There were times last year when the back end was giving out significantly in a good amount of snow - manageable but you have to work extra hard to control. I ended up garaging it after a month or so.
If given the chance to choose again, I'd take the S5 as an all year round vehicle - it's got the looks, interior, performance (not an M3 but still better than most cars out there) and it gives you the comfort of being AWD. The S4 as well is just as good - with 2 extra doors!. |
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11-26-2009, 01:38 PM | #7 | |
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What do they know I have not driven my E92 M3 in the snow but my E46 M3 was driven for 3 winters with no great problems except for ground clearance issues.With the M-diff and proper selection of snow tires,you will be OK.My wifes 335 without the diff is not nearly as good as the M was. |
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11-26-2009, 01:38 PM | #8 | |
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I guess people parked thier cars for the winter before AWD was around. Can't believe my dad used to drive a 67 charger in the winter without snows - I guess he must have been some sort of driving genius... Absolutely no problem Driving the M3 around last winter. My neighbour with his S4 (prev gen) used to plow the snow with his front bumper just like me after a heavy snow fall. I see a lot of people driving AWD in the ditch because of this sort of thinking.... Besides AWD is not nearly as much fun! |
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11-26-2009, 04:55 PM | #9 |
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This is also my first winter with the M3 and have a 328XI as backup.
I had a 330XI for the last 2 seasons with no issue. As everyone said AWD is not the ultimate winter ride...you still have to drive smartly. I suspected clearance will be an issue for the M3...we'll see. |
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11-26-2009, 10:37 PM | #10 |
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We could both be right. In the hands of the drivers in this forum, driving the M3 in the winter is not an issue. In the hands of the drivers in the audi forum...
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E90 BMW M3 interlagos blue / silver novillo - vrs type ii diffuser, ape performance air filter, ind ib reflectors, RAC RG63 gunmetal, 2 car seats and a baby on board sign
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11-27-2009, 07:25 AM | #11 |
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I drove mine last winter (with winter tires of course) and there isn't really any issues. I mean onces in a while you want to have a little fun and step on it a bit and the tail end gives a bit but if you're driving normal it shouldn't be a problem. I only see problem if I'm sitting on a icy hill and need to start moving from there
In the city clearance shouldn't be a problem if these damn city workers cleared the road before you head out |
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11-27-2009, 09:51 AM | #12 |
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I've has a 200 kilometer commute for the past five years. I did the first two winters with an E46 M3 and the last three with a 335i. In addition I do a great deal of winter wildlife shooting (ducks, owls, etc.). I've driven nothing but BMWs in the winter for the past 14 years. Many winters there are three or four days when the snow is just too deep, but otherwise it isn't a problem. Of course you need to respect the dynamics of a powerful rwd car in wet, snowy and icy conditions. The lack of an LSD with the 335i worried me because of some of the parking situations I get into with the wildlife photography.
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11-27-2009, 10:41 AM | #13 |
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11-27-2009, 11:29 AM | #14 |
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More stuffed saw-whet anyone?
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11-27-2009, 12:06 PM | #15 |
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11-27-2009, 12:32 PM | #16 | |
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Link to gallery.
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11-27-2009, 12:41 PM | #17 | |
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11-27-2009, 01:37 PM | #18 | |
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11-27-2009, 02:01 PM | #19 |
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I don't think anyone here would deny that the AWD S5 will be superior in the snow, but it all depends on whether the snow is heavy enough or if it stays for long enough periods to again warrant the winter tyres. If the answer is yes then a sensible driven M3 with winter rubber would be fine, but if it's light snow and comes and goes then probably the S5 would be the wiser decision.
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11-27-2009, 02:08 PM | #20 | |
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i especially like the beaver ones on page 4 or 5... i'm keeping your website open in my browser for those times when i get bored... congrats! |
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11-27-2009, 02:19 PM | #21 |
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thanks guys...
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