Alright, I need to buy a new car for the daily use. I can not decide on what I should get? 1.E46 M3 I love bmw, I had a m3 before simply a amazing ride. I kinda want to get out of the coupe's thow. And im also scared if I got this I would go mod crazy and start buying things I would not need. (but still my fav) 2.CLk 430 Dislike how it is only auto. But I really like how they look! 3.S4 Has the 4 door which I would like. Also has twin turbo!!!! which if i bought i know I would start to do stuff too the day of. downside- to me looks like a jetta not cool. Anyways any suggestions will help alot! If anyone thinks I should maybe look at something else tell me please.
If it was for me i'd get the M3, if not the S4 but i wouldn't get the Merc they feel too big and heavy. If you want a sportier feel go for the M3 it may only be a little faster but it is much more fun.
S4 if you live where it snows... M3 if it rarely or never snows... CLK430 if you're lazy and want to just cruise in heavy rush hour traffic...
I'm not impressed with the build quality of the current MB's. They are also overpriced. I have just gone thru the same process, looking for a daily driver, and plan on picking up an M 3 SMG convertible later this week. Granted, it is not a snow car (have the Suburu WRX if needed), but its the right size, is built and finished well and has sufficient performance, out of the box, for a daily driver.
the current S4 isn't turbo. It has the normally aspirated A8 engine. It's awesome; I testdrove it two days ago and loved it. I'm also in the northeast and thus need AWD.
Haven't driven the MB or the new S4, but I've driven the old S4 and the E46 M3 extensively, and there's no comparing the two -- the S4 drives like a stiffer and heavier Jetta, and the M3 drives like a true BMW. I'd get the M3 hands down.
The new M3 looks like a good car ... if it were $10K less overpriced. The new V8 S4 looks interesting, depending on how well they managed the suspension. I was severely unimpressed by the massive body roll in a '99 A4, but the S should have a stiffer ride. For four doors, four real seats, good handling, and turbo power, you might want to consider the Subaru STi or Mitsu EVO. My EVO handles almost like a Ferrari, accels quicker than the 328, brakes shorter than an Enzo (below 80, at least), is a blast to drive in the snow, and is cheap enough to be a "beater". The interior on the ricers aren't up to Euro standards, but you could replace the stock Recaros in the EVO with top end leather Ergomeds and still have money left over, compared to the Audi or Beemer. But then, quite a few older drivers are self-conscious about the big carbon fiber wing. I don't mind, because I know it's functional, and I don't really care what the uninformed think about it. But in our conformist culture, it does bother those who worry what the Jones' would think.
These are all great cars - would look at your requirements - what exactly are you looking for and do you need? To me the perfect practical daily vehicle to complement a Ferrari is an optioned out extended cab 4x4 truck, but everyone's different.
If you want a 4 door BMW and love the M3, I suggest you get either the 330 Performance package or a used M5. Although I am biased, the M5 is a great daily driver that delivers a lot of driving enjoyment.
Agreed as long as back seat is not for adults (little crampt in there) But fantastic car and you don't look like EVERYONE else who has a BMW (lots and Lots of them)
I have an E46 M3 Convert. that I use everyday. I have put on 30K miles since new. I love it. I have not had a single problem and it is maint free for 3 years. The only issue if I had to do it over again is SMG vs. 6 speed. I have a 6 speed. Am not sure what I would get today. I think the M5 is great if you want 4 doors. You can haul 4 people in an M3. Just not 2 big ones in the back or if you do - keep the distance short. However, the rear seats are def. useable.
You guys might think this is crazy, but one of my employees just bought a fully loaded Acura TL. It really rides and handles pretty well for 30k and the stereo and all the electronics are amazing. His is a six speed, short throws, easy clutch.
Here is my Daily...........I love the looks of car, it has plenty of power....moderate handling(lowered mine so it is pretty decent now), but like you I really want a manual. I've owned 2 e-36 m3's and driven several e-46. For pure performance this is your best bet. A friend has a 2001 S4....nice car nothing wrong with it, but nothing jumps out at you either. Stock S4 vs Stock CLK430 is identical accel, but he chipped his car and now smokes me hahaha. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Totally agree - the TL is a great car. Probably more like $35K with the appropriate options. Lots of space for 4 adults - and 4 doors.
Well I took the picture and drove the car Set up Tripod mount with tiedowns to the roll over hoops and back bumper tow hook and used a remote release.... Image Unavailable, Please Login
New S4. 4.2 liter 5 valve per cylinder V8 with 340 hp at 7,000 rpm and 303 lb ft torque at 3,500 rpm. 0-60 in 5 seconds flat. It is not the quickest of the three but will run with anything. All three had 1/4 mile et's of 13.6 seconds. Recently ( May 2003) picked by Car and Driver (and I thought BMW had them in their back pocket) over the C32 AMG and the M3. In their comparison testing they gave it a rating of 96 over the 2nd place M3 at 90 and 87 for the 3rd place M/B. Base price right at $50K. One quick quote. "This four door is all about mainlining adrenaline to the left front seat, and it delivers three bags full. We predict the S4 will soon become famous for the trusty way it carves up the back roads. The V-8 rumble and its generosity of torque just add to the joy. Here's your chance to catch a rising star". Just my opinion, of course........