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Audi S4 vs BMW M3

275 messages,  Last post on Nov 17, 2008 at 11:27 AM

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What is this discussion about? Audi S4, BMW M3, Sedan

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#6 of 275 m3 or s4 by jlmagicarethus Feb 06, 2004 (3:13 pm)
Well...I don't really have a preference on the body style. I test drove both cars and I like both of them. Power, options, luxury. All I want to know is the positive and negatives of both vehicle like which one is probably more reliable. Which one is the most likely to breakdown the least times.
#7 of 275 by pat HOST Feb 06, 2004 (3:17 pm)
Okay, well I going to move this to the Sedans Comparisons board and make it a full-fledged comparo instead of just a question. It doesn't belong on the Sedans board and I don't really know where else to put it if you haven't decided on a body style.   I would like to suggest that you'd help yourself out a lot if you did some research to help you narrow down your own preferences and thoughts. That would give you a basis for us to try to assist you.   And don't forget to use the Make/Model search on the left side of the page to find our existing and previous discussions on these vehicles. There is a lot of information here already that will benefit you greatly. The "Search This Discussion" feature on the page bar is very helpful in finding posts containing relevant keywords.   And if I can help you find any specific resource, don't hesitate to drop me an email.
#8 of 275 M3 Reliability by scotth6 Feb 07, 2004 (8:54 am)
The M3 now has a 6 year 100,000 warranty on the engine. When they initially came out in 2001 there were a small amount of engines that blew up, BMW changed the oil to 5W60 weight to correct the problem. I have not heard of any problems on the 2002 or 2003 models. The 3 series is a very reliable car, I owned a 2001 330cic that I put 32,000 miles on with 0 problems and previously owned a 328ci and 325i. This is a proven highly reliable car and the only issues could be the SMG option. I can not speak for the Audi but any new model usually goes through a small amount of problems. The M3 has a 4 year 50,000 mile warranty, they even replace lights and wind shield wipers and all maintance is free. You can get it certified for about $1,000 which gives you a 6 year 100,000 warranty on most parts. The M3 also has a high resale value.
#9 of 275 S4 by markcincinnati Feb 09, 2004 (12:11 pm)
For some of us, the S4 doesn't shine in any one area but does very well in all areas.   Sound perhaps like a "YAWN?" -- yes, until you factor in that the S4 is all wheel drive.   And that makes a big difference.   Both cars go, both cars are very quick, fast, nimble, etc.   When the road is dry.   The Audi, however, goes when the road is not dry.   And that makes a huge difference here in the southern part of the north when we have lots of moderate snow days that basically paralyze a 1.5MM population metropolitan area. The Audis go, most BMW's sit and spin.   An "M3x" from BMW would probably be an Audi beater -- for my money, right now, it is the other way around.   My next car, based on what I know TODAY, will be an S4 Avant (I currently have an 03 allroad 2.7T 6spd).
#10 of 275 Here's a wierd thought... by lovemyclk Feb 28, 2004 (2:44 pm)
Given the relative excellence of both, which one can you see yourself in that will give you that "buzz" that can only come from a limited production high-performance car?   It's early Saturday morning and you enter your garage to take it for a spirited drive... which one makes YOU feel the best?... gives you that certain pride of ownership?... begs you to hand wash it lovingly?... begs you to drive it like you stole it to put that huge grin on your face?   Choosing the best for YOU should engage both halves of your brain Make mine the M3!!
#11 of 275 M3 v S4 by diver110 Mar 13, 2004 (5:34 am)
FWIW, I have tested 2004s of both and (everything else being equal) would take the S4 over the M3 in a heartbeat. 0-60 the M3 wins, but most people are not driving these cars on tracks. The S4 has significantly more low end torque, something I am fond of, handled great, and I felt had better internal appointments than the M3. You can also drive it in the winter. The once concern I have heard is that the 2004 S4 has had some engine problems, and it does not seem that Audi makes as a good a quality car as BMW.
#12 of 275 Diver110 - by kevin111 Mar 13, 2004 (8:52 pm)
Does the S4 need special Oil, when giving it an oil change? I believe the M3 does, which you can only (or mainly get) get at a BMW dealer.
#13 of 275 1997 M3, Check Engine Light by 97bimmerm3 Mar 24, 2004 (6:29 am)
I recently purchased a 1997 M3 with 72K miles in what seemed like excellent condition, but after driving it for a month and putting less than 1000 miles on it the "check engine" light came on. I checked the gas cap and it was tight. The car seems to be running great otherwise. What do you think? Also, the car did not come with an owner's manual. Any idea how I can get my hands on a copy? Does this car require special engine oil? Do you recommend service at a BMW dealership or a foreign car service center? Replies to this message: jackreid (Apr 17, 2006 10:28 am) esf (Jun 12, 2006 10:18 am)
#14 of 275 by kevin111 Mar 24, 2004 (11:07 am)
"Does this car require special engine oil? "   - I think this is the only one I can answer. The Special engine Oil, I believe, is only recommended for the '01 ('02?) models and later (this last model year).   As long as you are using Synthetic (Mobil 1) you are fine.
#15 of 275 bmorofsky by bmorofsky Apr 26, 2004 (1:42 pm)
I have the m-3 convertible and a friend of mine has a s-4 up north. For my money the M-3 has it hands down. Yes, they both go like stink, but only the M-3 puts that smile on your face and the approving nod, even from guys who drive Camaro's , 'vettes, and Mustangs.(And girls ,too)

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