M3 Maybe.....or S4/6

[jimbers45]

I'm thinking about buying an M3 Coupe as a motorway muncher. Got to be auto (which I'm guessing is achieved by the SMG thingy?) but outside of that if anyone has any general buying advice like when the facelifts/uogrades were, any well known issues or direction to any online resources I'd really appreciate it.

Also if anyones had any comparative expereince with the S/RS audi's be great?

[xtr2steve]

I had an S3, now on my second M3. What I don't like about Audi, is that they share engines and gearboxes with Skoda, Seat and Volkswagen (and not enough Lamborgini - LOL); which ultimately leads to some form of engineering compromise. You won't get that with BMW. Early SMG's are reputedly (spelling?) a bit dodgy, so go for a later one with some warranty, if you do choose M3. I borrowed an S4 for a few days last year, slightly more relaxed than M3. All the mentioned cars are great on motorways, very stable at speed. M3 is more highly strung for those insane moments of B road mayhem, but Audi's deliver 'easier' power due to turbo's 'low down' characteristics. Hope that helps!

[Zod]

Don't buy an M3 as a motorway muncher. That would be a waste. Furthermore, the SMG box is crap as an auto (brilliant as a sequential). If you want a motorway muncher, buy a 330 or an Audi or Mercedes.

[xtr2steve]

xtr2steve said:

I had an S3, now on my second M3. What I don't like about Audi, is that they share engines and gearboxes with Skoda, Seat and Volkswagen (and not enough Lamborgini - LOL); which ultimately leads to some form of engineering compromise. You won't get that with BMW. Early SMG's are reputedly (spelling?) a bit dodgy, so go for a later one with some warranty, if you do choose M3. I borrowed an S4 for a few days last year, slightly more relaxed than M3. All the mentioned cars are great on motorways, very stable at speed. M3 is more highly strung for those insane moments of B road mayhem, but Audi's deliver 'easier' power due to turbo's 'low down' characteristics. Hope that helps!

When I said sharing engines and gearboxes, of course Audi's and BMW's share these components through out their ranges, but whereas Audi do with their S/RS range, BMW don't with their M range. Just wanted to make myself clearer on that point. One more point to add, you will never understand the iconic status of an M3 unless you hit a race track; dream on Audi! For Audi's case, four wheel drive is virtually idiot proof and very safe in all conditions. For everyday driving, I think you'll get where ever you are going, more relaxed, in an Audi S, especially considering your auto requirement and the SMG/auto options offered by the BMW and the Audi.

[robinellard]

I have 75K on my e46 m3, mainly motorway and even after 3 years it still a pleasure to drive!
If you can do without the rear doors go the M3, nothing like a naturally aspirated engine on full song!

[Robertb]

Another option, if you can stomach the insurance (similar or less than an M3 if you shop around) is an Alpina B3S- I have just bought one and it is great! It has a handbuilt 300bhp engine, and a proper auto. The suspension is softer riding than a Sport, but seems much more composed to me over bumps- none of the pogo-ing feeling that Sport specced cars seemed to have (I ran a 330Ci Sport before)

You can get it in Cabrio, Saloon or Touring guises. They are very rare, and something a bit different...

An M3 would be fantastic to drive, but the SMG is by no means an auto.

An Audi S4 would be good too, and comes with a V8 and available with a proper auto.

An AMG C32 Merc would be nice, but build quality a bit suspect.

Edited by Robertb on Wednesday 19th July 16:37