View Full Version : Talk me out of it - 2009 E90 M3!
jimf15e
10-03-2009, 06:55 PM
I have a 2010 B8 S4 on order, due for delivery in November. But the 0.9% financing offer on 2009 M3's is really hard to ignore. For the S4 I'm buying (Prestige, everything except active cruise control) and my planned down payment, the montly payments are within a few bucks of each other. What are everyone's thoughts? It will be my daily driver. Anyone have experience with both? I've driven the M3 and like it a lot, but the better mileage, driveability, and newness of the S4 is still inviting. Arghh!
highPSI-S4
10-03-2009, 07:06 PM
I'm sure you just want to hear others peoples opinions, but you also make it sound like your going to use it as a decision maker. If you already ordered the S4 then go with the S4. These 2 cars are diff, and you'd be comparing apples to oranges.
You seem to know what you like, and with that in mind hopefully you did your research on both cars. If you want to mod the car the S4 is the obvious choice, although i too do like the E90 M3. Like i said stay with the S4. But good luck with whatever you choose as they are both excellent cars.
S4Olympics
10-03-2009, 07:12 PM
They are two completely different cars.
It's like saying should I buy and S4 or RS4 if they are about the same price?
If you want performance and a fun weekend drive, you go for M3.
If you want a more practical car giving up the performance of an M3/RS4 and that fun weekend drive of an M3/RS4, then you go for S4.
If you can afford such a car as an M3 for a daily driver, then go for it.
I honestly wouldn't take it over a 335/s4 for example because I don't like the power curve and the type of drivability the M3 requires.
However, this is taking into account the gas that I would waste driving the car the way I drive my 335.
If I was making $20-30k extra a year, I would take the E90 M3 and keep it as a daily also.
nick71692
10-04-2009, 06:41 AM
I am currently debating the same situation. After driving the M3 I would say it is the way to go. The new S4 doesnt do much for me.
riegeraudi
10-04-2009, 07:34 AM
Don't need 4 doors go Porsche. Get a 1 year old Cayman S for roughly the same price as a new M3 and get extended warranty.
Cargo8
10-04-2009, 08:21 AM
Get the S4. Spend a fraction of the difference in price to chip it and bump the S4 up to ~430 HP. Down the line pulley it and you'll have a beast that can rip it all times of the year.
bmw has great offers on 09s for sure. I think it was top gear that mentioned that there is a 3000.oo dollar rebate program on M3's to offset the slander to your professional reputation while driving one. That is incentive enough to salvage some sale figures for 2010.
toaster
10-04-2009, 09:20 AM
for daily driving the audi will be a far better choice.
i can't imagine driving the m3 in poor conditions, that thing will be a deathtrap. the s4 will feel almost indistinguishable from when you're driving it in good conditions.
SourDieselS4
10-04-2009, 11:14 AM
Were you looking at the M3 sedan or 2 door?
Go with the S4 and get a chip when they come out. I like the M3's but i think the S4 would make a much better daily driver and with a couple mods probably just as quick.
ultra
10-04-2009, 12:12 PM
fear the cock-o-meter
Ryan_T
10-04-2009, 01:05 PM
The cock-o-meter has been realigned to recognize Audi drivers as the biggest male chicken. But yea, Quattro and chip+engine mode potentials should sway you from the M3.
On the other hand, it is one gorgeous car. It is a coupe, and it's a BMW.
S4seksi
10-04-2009, 01:08 PM
The e90 is actually not the coupe, it's the four door...and it is the one with the new lights, LCI...it actually looks really nice. The only reason I would advice you against it is because of the GAS you're going to be killing. On top of it, it has very little torque, I like the M3 a lot, but the coupe. The four door is ok. I would go with the S4 it's more practical and with some work you make it quicker, and also far better looking. Only thing is you will never have the handling of the m3.
Stone825
10-04-2009, 01:14 PM
E90 = 4 Door
E92 = Coupe
E93 = Drop Top Coupe
legbend
10-04-2009, 01:45 PM
Drive them back to back. Of course, anything that you're asking people to talk you out of doesn't really sound like too confident of a decision.
smohr33
10-04-2009, 03:42 PM
The M3 is a special car. If you don't need awd, I think it's the car to have. Its fine as a daily, there's nothing thats not practical about the e90, and its easily one of the best cars to drive short of $100k. 300lb-ft isn't "no torque", its not like it's an e30...
However, the S4 is a great package also. Maybe not quite as raw, and a little more understated than the M3, but the quattro, forced induction, and much nicer interior are major pluses.
The .9% and free maintenance outweigh the mpg difference imo. So it really comes down to what you like more, and like everyone says drive them back to back.
Ryan_T
10-04-2009, 04:57 PM
Oh, my mistake. Nevermind then. Go get the S4. I'd only put the M3 over the S4 if it's the 2-door. The S4 looks much better than the e90 if you're comparing sedan bodies.
Stone825
10-04-2009, 05:26 PM
The S4 looks much better than the e90 if you're comparing sedan bodies.
I'm going to disagree. While the S4 has the better interior, the M3's exterior is far more aggressive.
aznpxdd
10-04-2009, 05:40 PM
I'm going to disagree. While the S4 has the better interior, the M3's exterior is far more aggressive.
Yeah, the E90 M3 looks very aggressive. Its the E90 328i/335i that are fugly.
8000kms used 2008 m3 in auto trader is 78500.00 bucks, my loaded S4 was 73,000 on the road. the M3 with taxes will be in the 84000, and 2 years old. So in Ontario the M3 is a different snack bracket....even a 2009 335x loaded is only 2k less than a loaded 2010 S4. Not sure of the 2010 pricing for the 335s, it might make them more than the S4s.
new M3s can be 100k on the road here.
So if you can get a 2009 m3 for a decent price, maybe thats not so bad...especially for resale.
ibiski
10-04-2009, 05:42 PM
Like others have said, you're comparing apples to oranges, even though they're very similar cars. I've had 3 M3's in the past and 2 of them were my daily drivers. Neither the S4 nor the M3 will offer practicality of a Q5, so it really comes down to what you're after. If it's blistering track performance, more aggressive body style, uniqueness and street cred, go for the M. If you'd like a slightly better fuel economy (albeit with less stellar performance), better gadgets, better interior (subjective) and AWD, stick with the S4.
qu@ttr0
10-04-2009, 05:55 PM
8000kms used 2008 m3 in auto trader is 78500.00 bucks, my loaded S4 was 73,000 on the road. the M3 with taxes will be in the 84000, and 2 years old. So in Ontario the M3 is a different snack bracket....even a 2009 335x loaded is only 2k less than a loaded 2010 S4. Not sure of the 2010 pricing for the 335s, it might make them more than the S4s.
new M3s can be 100k on the road here.
So if you can get a 2009 m3 for a decent price, maybe thats not so bad...especially for resale.
You could get a < 20k 2008 M3
in US for 48k. If the OP will get the M3, 0.9% couldn't resist though. that's almost like free financing.
IllusionalTA
10-04-2009, 06:03 PM
Hands down M3... Ultimate Driving Machine.. How many years in a row?
Voltrons_Head
10-04-2009, 06:25 PM
i've been struggling with the same question. Already put down a deposit and placed the order as well.
MTLA4
10-04-2009, 06:53 PM
Would you get a 335 over an M3...if so get the s4(it's audi equivalent)
I would get an m3 over any modded 335I-S4
Even if the m3 has less potential, I like N/A better and I enjoy high reving engines.
Not a torque guy at all.
Put it this way an M3 is not a rational choice if your worried about $ just get the S4.
Gas mileage is not worst in the m3 in fact it can be better if you stay off high revs.
ItsDubC
10-04-2009, 07:06 PM
Quattro in rainy conditions is awesome.
riegeraudi
10-04-2009, 07:39 PM
Would you get a 335 over an M3...if so get the s4(it's audi equivalent)
I would get an m3 over any modded 335I-S4
Even if the m3 has less potential, I like N/A better and I enjoy high reving engines.
Not a torque guy at all.
Put it this way an M3 is not a rational choice if your worried about $ just get the S4.
Gas mileage is not worst in the m3 in fact it can be better if you stay off high revs.
But the M3 needs the high revs to be enjoyed, that is where the powerband is. If you aren't going to rev it than better off with the 335i or S4.
The S4 is relatively new so not sure about reliability but definitely the 335i has lots of problems with the HPFP and it seems like the 09 ones are the worst. Wonder if they tried to change something and it made it worse or not.
To me it seems like either the M3 and rev it or take your chances with the new S4. But I would definitely think twice on the 335i just because of the HPFP unless you don't travel far or keep your cars for long.
But like I said consider the Cayman S.
M3 is too raw for everyday but that's just me. I had a B7 RS4 before and I didn't really want to drive that everyday. Gets tiring after awhile, especailly after a long day in the office.
MTLA4
10-04-2009, 07:43 PM
But the M3 needs the high revs to be enjoyed, that is where the powerband is. If you aren't going to rev it than better off with the 335i or S4.
The S4 is relatively new so not sure about reliability but definitely the 335i has lots of problems with the HPFP and it seems like the 09 ones are the worst. Wonder if they tried to change something and it made it worse or not.
To me it seems like either the M3 and rev it or take your chances with the new S4. But I would definitely think twice on the 335i just because of the HPFP unless you don't travel far or keep your cars for long.
But like I said consider the Cayman S.
I would stay within the VAG family and get the cayman s or m3....the s4 is a nice car but Im more track oriented.
I'd get an s4 over any 335 thats for sure.
NWS4Guy
10-04-2009, 08:34 PM
Quattro in rainy conditions is awesome.
And especially snow/ice :)
I drove a 335i x-Drive right before the S4. I had driven an A4 for a day back in the summer and loved everything but the lack of any real power, so i decided to wait. I wanted to love the BMW, and expected to - I had gone to that dealer first and just was not blown away by any part of it except the brakes (they were quite awesome).
After going to see and drive the S4, I was sold, I put my deposit down and ordered on the spot.
What it comes down to is what others have said here - what YOU want, like and prefer.
golfvdude
10-04-2009, 08:40 PM
Have you factored in insurance on both vehicles? both are great cars but for two different purposes.
M3 sedan - All out performance with tolerable comfort.
S4 - Comfort with tolerable performance.
I would think cost of ownership would be the major deciding factor (insurance maintenance, etc.). Either car is great in my book! Good luck!
Irish311
10-05-2009, 07:17 AM
And especially snow/ice :)
What it comes down to is what others have said here - what YOU want, like and prefer.
^^2nd that.
Valix
10-05-2009, 07:23 AM
a corvette coupe costs less and blows both away [drive]
schmally
10-05-2009, 07:44 AM
Buy the M3 and jump out of the Audi forums. Is anyone else tired of hearing this question? Its asked like 8 times a week. Man up, buy the car you want.
Snarlynx
10-05-2009, 09:56 AM
Yeah. If the payments are close... I'd go with the M3 personally. What you lose in gas you'd make up in not paying for maintenance and higher resale value...
and what you have left is a much more engaging, if less comfortable car...
sakimano
10-05-2009, 10:44 AM
I have a 2010 B8 S4 on order, due for delivery in November. But the 0.9% financing offer on 2009 M3's is really hard to ignore. For the S4 I'm buying (Prestige, everything except active cruise control) and my planned down payment, the montly payments are within a few bucks of each other. What are everyone's thoughts? It will be my daily driver. Anyone have experience with both? I've driven the M3 and like it a lot, but the better mileage, driveability, and newness of the S4 is still inviting. Arghh!
S4 mileage is not turning out to be as groundbreaking everyone thought. Even if it was 4mpg better than the M3 (it's not) that's about $35/month...not worth swinging the decision one way or another.
If I lived in NC...and had between zero and 10 days of snow each year, I'd DEFINITELY get the M3 over the B8. This shouldn't be a hard decision, but it is...that shows how great the new S4 is. Surprised that you're not throwing an RS4 option into the debate. There are a few zero mileage or ultra low mileage RS4s around the country that would fit in reasonably close pricewise.
Check this thread if you want some interesting feedback about RS4 vs. B8 S4
There are about 200 replies so far, sparking lots of great debate.
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314151
Finally don't let 'payments' cloud anything...just think about the total cost of each car if comparing their 'value'. This payment talk has messed up the country, and when I hear it I shudder, because it often means someone is buying at or near the margin of affordability.
jimf15e
10-05-2009, 03:11 PM
Thanks for (most) of your opinions. Can't say I really got much from the guy that told me to 'man up' but I've been on enough forums to learn there's always that kind of guy waiting to post comments like that. Really I was just looking for opinions of both cars if given the choice between one or the other. I've only driven the M3 as I still have been unable to find an S4 near by to test drive. However, I did previously own a B6 and loved that car. As to the RS4 I'd really only like to stick with current generation cars. That though alone though chalks one up for the S4 since the E9x series is a little long in the tooth. Another issue I'm battling with is I currently drive an E90 330i so I'd REALLY like something different. I do appreciate the fact that the M3 will be more rough and gritty vs. the comfort and potential of the S4. That plus it's tunability is intriguing.
I know I'm the only one who knows what 'I' want but unfortunately right now I don't. However, I'm thankful to be in the position that I can decide.
It turns out the decision may be made for me. I can't seem to find any M3s that match the option list that I'm looking for. And man does the B8 look good to me - a perfect blend of non-boyracer looks yet high performance. We'll see...
HobbesA5
10-05-2009, 03:12 PM
Finally don't let 'payments' cloud anything...just think about the total cost of each car if comparing their 'value'. This payment talk has messed up the country, and when I hear it I shudder, because it often means someone is buying at or near the margin of affordability.
Agree with that. If the size of the payments are seriously impacting your decision, you are most likely spending more than you should on a car.
edmunds test has the S4 at 13.2 1/4 mile, and a 4.6 0-60 with 1 foot roll out. that is fast for a stocker.
jimf15e
10-05-2009, 03:37 PM
Agree with that. If the size of the payments are seriously impacting your decision, you are most likely spending more than you should on a car.
Payments are not impacting my decision. Financing rates are a factor in my decision. I made the comment to show how much money can be saved with a lower finance rate if you choose to go that route and how it can be an equalizer in my decision making process. I think all would agree that 0.9% is a pretty darn good rate. Trust me - I'm 36 years old, an officer in the military, and am fairly well educated on finances and how to live well within my family's means. I'd be the first one to tell you how to lower your monthly payments to $1 per month - by putting a 99.99% down payment. It was just one more factor I was adding to my personal equation.
TURISMO
10-05-2009, 04:09 PM
The new S4 should not be compared to the new M3. The new S4 was meant to be in the same class as the 335i and the RS4 to compare to the M3. I havent driven the new m3 but Ive driven the new s4 and it feels faster than the b6/b7 s4's even though it has less HP. Id be interested in seeing a dyno graph of the b8.
easy to talk you out of an M3.......75% of the world that knows nothing about cars will think you are a boner driving a Pontiac with a busted muffler, but cool headlights.
My wife saw one and exclaimed....boy GM has really made the new Pontiacs look nice this year.....I chuckled, didn't correct her, and told her they upped the price to 100k though to get there.
KareemA4
10-05-2009, 05:05 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ge84DQzqD8
this should be enough
lol
highPSI-S4
10-05-2009, 05:15 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ge84DQzqD8
this should be enough
lol
[confused] MTM Tuned and still got reeled in. I'd figure the torque alone would keep the S4 pulling but guess i'm wrong. But they had to be doing what 140mph when the M3 started to pull? Street light to street light, and on a race track the S4 will dominate in that form.
I still think the top end of the M3 was [o_o]
the 6th and 7th gears of the s-tronic are very tall. Once into the crazy gears, the M had the advantage. The 6 speed manual would be better at those speeds. 250km/hr through awd is a lot of loss as well. At normal speeds, the S4 was way fast. 0 to 200km/hr must be a good number, vs. stock.
Stearnsy
10-05-2009, 05:38 PM
After having read 0 posts in this thread, all I have to say is that the only thing that I would talk you out of an E90 M3 in that price bracket for is the E92 M3. [>_<]
MTLA4
10-06-2009, 08:41 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ge84DQzqD8
this should be enough
lol
You would own a BT A4 over an S4 or 335 over an M3?