[rjd598]

So a quick background of where I'm coming from and what I'm looking for right now:

- I used to daily an E36 M3 for about two and a half years until I totaled it this past December.
- I have an E90 M3 sitting in the garage.
- I picked up a 2016 F30 328i built the way I wanted it as my new daily and absolutely love it.

When I bought the 328i, I was originally set on keeping the M3, but my preference changed. I've just come to realize that I don't care about having a car like the E90 M3 anymore because it's too much for me. The 328i is fitting my needs much better than the M3 because I want comfort first then some performance. So, I plan on selling the M3.

But at the same time I do still like to have some performance. So, I'm also ditching the 328i - giving the it to a family member. I'm not a track guy at all, but I would still like the performance factor in the car I drive.

M2 was high on the list, but I've decided I need four doors. And, honestly, I want something that has comfort first then "performance". I was thinking about the 340i, but I feel stupid getting another F30. It was my fault for not just going 340i with msport the first time around.

What do you guys recommend? I feel like the market has nothing to offer me due to my budget mainly. I wouldn't go past the $50k-$60k range.

Ideally I think the S4 is what fits the bill best for me, but I've always heard the lease deals on them are really bad. I'm not trying to pay $700-800 for that car. If any S4 owners would like to chime in please feel free. I know I should be banned for trying to switch to the dark side, but I've always been a sucker for the S4. Drove a B8 a few years ago and while I love the tech, interior, and looks I wasn't blown away with how it drove. Apparently the new B9 should be improving the car in many aspects.

I would like to stay german because I'm a snob, I admit. Don't see myself really moving away from the German crowd even though I've admitted other car companies have come such a long way from even five years ago. It's getting harder to justify paying a premium for cars like Audi/BMW/MBZ.

If I can't find anything that fits the bill then I will keep my 328i happily. I really don't care as I don't let cars run my life

[FriskyDingo]

If I took this correctly, my decision would be super easy RS5 or S5. Gorgeous looks, impeccable interior, all-weather capability, high comfort and refinement levels, but still good performance.

[Mywifes335]

If you want the S4, then get it. Competitors or alternatives are:

BMW 340i
Mercedes C450 AMG
Lexus IS350
Infiniti Q50 400 (whatever it's called)
Cadillac ATS 3.6
Jaguar XE 3.0T
Dodge Charger RT Scat Pack
Chevy SS

I'm partial to the BMW 340i, C450, Dodge Charger.

[mremg]

The new Jaguar XE. It got rave reviews and to my eyes it looks beautiful. It's not German, but still Euro.

The S4 is good choice too. I would get the B8.5 with a manual, instead of the B9.

[///M Power-Belgium]

My friend don't forget you are the driver of no matter what kind of car , and we are not.
So my personal advice is...."Follow your heart"

But to read about the planning of your beloved ///M3 , makes me sad .

[David70]

Less than $60k, performance but also comfortable, a car, has to be German = seems like the choices are knocked down pretty good.

Personally don't see enough of a benefit to get rid of a 2016 328 to get anything else on the list and if a family member really needed a car I would buy them a reasonably priced, practical car.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by rjd598

....it was my fault for not just going 340i with msport the first time around....

If only somehow you were in the situation to fix that second time around.

Seems to me you know what you want, and if you love 328 and don't "need" M3, seems like a natural (and good in my opinion) choice.

[BEM-S4]

Spend $2k to get Dinan stage 1 on the 328 and call it a day. I drove one the other day as I'm getting the Dinan treatment for my father's wagon once break in is done. Really really nice upgrade.

[mkoesel]

What I would do next is absolutely anything other than test driving an F80 M3. Because if you do that, you'll be driving one by summer.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

What I would do next is absolutely anything other than test driving an F80 M3. Because if you do that, you'll be driving one by summer.

It's already crossed my mind. Lease deals for S4's are near M3 deals, which is so stupid. If I want to have that type of monthly payment I will definitely be getting into an F80 no question.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by David70

Less than $60k, performance but also comfortable, a car, has to be German = seems like the choices are knocked down pretty good.

Personally don't see enough of a benefit to get rid of a 2016 328 to get anything else on the list and if a family member really needed a car I would buy them a reasonably priced, practical car.

Agreed. Nothing is fitting the bill and I'm very happy with the 328i as is. After the lease is up I hope my financial situation is better and I can move into something more fun. At the end of the day it's not a big deal to me, but I like having my options open when possible.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by mremg

The new Jaguar XE. It got rave reviews and to my eyes it looks beautiful. It's not German, but still Euro.

The S4 is good choice too. I would get the B8.5 with a manual, instead of the B9.

Very tempted in the B8.5, but want to have something will full warranty and definitely only want to lease. I did think about picking up one of the last ones sitting on the lot, but I doubt they will go for anything reasonable. Also someone mentioned on an Audi forum there are barely any B8.5 manuals left . Sucks so much the B9 won't come in manual, but I have read that the zf transmission is pretty awesome.

[Mywifes335]

That's cool. If it's any consolation, we've got 3 BMWs in the house; one is an early F30 335 and it's coming up on lease. If the price is right, will move right on into an F30 340i.

Tunes for the N20/N26 are great but won't REALLY bridge the gap with the N55/B58. We have the X3 28xdrive and it has the BMS JB Stage 1. It's pretty decent but still not as powerful as the X3 35xdrive we test drove. This is especially evident under part-throttle...the difference in mid-range torque.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

That's cool. If it's any consolation, we've got 3 BMWs in the house; one is an early F30 335 and it's coming up on lease. If the price is right, will move right on into an F30 340i.

Tunes for the N20/N26 are great but won't REALLY bridge the gap with the N55/B58. We have the X3 28xdrive and it has the BMS JB Stage 1. It's pretty decent but still not as powerful as the X3 35xdrive we test drove. This is especially evident under part-throttle...the difference in mid-range torque.

A friend has an f30 340i and he loves the b58 engine. i might just go that route especially if i can get a good deal on one off the lot or something.

[FriskyDingo]

I'd buy a new 6MT Chevy SS Sedan and be done with it. Better interior than a 3 Series, awesome V8, manual trans, good ride, and not much more than a 328i.

[Mike00]

Originally Posted by rjd598

Very tempted in the B8.5, but want to have something will full warranty and definitely only want to lease. I did think about picking up one of the last ones sitting on the lot, but I doubt they will go for anything reasonable. Also someone mentioned on an Audi forum there are barely any B8.5 manuals left . Sucks so much the B9 won't come in manual, but I have read that the zf transmission is pretty awesome.

B9 A4 won't come manual but I don't think they've announced that on the s4.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Mike00

B9 A4 won't come manual but I don't think they've announced that on the s4.

Actually it's the reverse. A4 will have a manual soon, but the S4 likely won't at all.

[theriz]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

What I would do next is absolutely anything other than test driving an F80 M3. Because if you do that, you'll be driving one by summer.

what happened to your other post? i liked that one better.

[991GT3]

A CPO 2015 Macan S

[WreckerX5d]

Originally Posted by theriz

what happened to your other post? i liked that one better.

I know I was looking for that one as well lol.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

If you have to go German, the Macan is a great car. The Jag XE is also getting very good reviews.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by theriz

what happened to your other post? i liked that one better.

What other post?

Anyway, just want to complement the OP on his amazing and refined communications style. Quick turnaround on that too!