[stl2chi]

Hello all....
I currently own a 06 e90xi (330)..... auto with zhp. This is my daily driver.. 4doors not needed.. but I have them. AWD is needed for chicago winters..

I would love to have a convertible with v8 power and AWD..... BMW doesnt make such an animal.

I recently drove an Audi S4 cabriolet..... Loved the v8 rumble, loved having the top down on a nice day... The handling was OK... not like my zhp e90 with the oem 17 wheels... but a little smoother since it didn't ride on run flats.

I am torn.... need opinions... I could trade mine for a similar year and mileage s4 without a lot of out of pocket difference.

I just wonder will I hate this move... especially since this is a daily driver.. I'm sure the 340hp v8 sucks alot more gas than the 330xi. I've never owned an audi.. but I've heard as they age.. the steering get even more "floaty".

thanks for your thoughts and opinions...

[oneluv0715]

I'm not biased against Audi or anything, but all the people I know who switched from an Audi to BMW say they don't regret a thing. My friend's S4 coupe used to have many problems. Cars w/ soft tops like the one you are considerng, the noise when you drive at high speeds can be really annoying as well. Plus, there is new S4 out there, I don't know when they are coming out with convertibles but something to consider.

[chaz58]

Well, you are SOL with BMW and AWD. The only problem I have with Audi is they are crap reliability wise (and great otherwise). If you are leasing or getting rid of the car under warranty, OK. Just don't own one out of warranty, or more than 3-4 years old. The reliability is horrible.

They are wonderful to drive though!

[Master Deep]

They aren't terrible. They shouldn't leave you stranded...but my gf's audi seems to have quite a few electrical problems...

[Master Deep]

911 C4S Cabriolet
RS4 Cab

[scheherazade]

They're german, they'll both have lots of problems :P


For BMW,
I think you're forgetting HPFP, wastegate issues, electronics failures galore, low oil in cam lifters...

And a comparatively crappy AWD implementation.


AUDI is no worse. Each mfg has their issues.

If you want a sexy car, get german...
If you want reliable, go japanese...


-scheherazade

[FastLane]

If money isn't really an option and you love handling, go Porsche AWD: C4(S), Turbo. As long as there isn't 2ft of snow on the ground, the nose will not act like a shovel. Volvo and Saab both have AWD convertibles too I think. There is an Audi A/S5 convertible comin out (if it is not already) that might suit your needs, but it still has a soft top which wont help out with the noise or those cooold winters. There is a Bently Conti GTC (Speed) AWD convertible too but, lets not go there...

I know how you feel about the Chicago winters here...An 335i/M3 convert with Blizzak tires will work fine, as long as you drive on plowed, salted roads.

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by FastLane

If money isn't really an option and you love handling, go Porsche AWD: C4(S), Turbo. As long as there isn't 2ft of snow on the ground, the nose will not act like a shovel. Volvo and Saab both have AWD convertibles too I think. There is an Audi A/S5 convertible comin out (if it is not already) that might suit your needs, but it still has a soft top which wont help out with the noise or those cooold winters. There is a Bently Conti GTC (Speed) AWD convertible too but, lets not go there...

I know how you feel about the Chicago winters here...An 335i/M3 convert with Blizzak tires will work fine, as long as you drive on plowed, salted roads.

I can attest to the shovel affect. I have an older C4 cabriolet (1991) and it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It's 18 years old and I still get compliments every time I drive it. It is a tank in the snow as you can lock the front and rear differentials. It is an amazing car. You could look for a used 993 C4 cab or 996 C4 cab in that same price range. I have never gotten bored of that car. It sill looks mint.

[D0WNxiSH1FT]

S4 V8 gets 13/20 MPG. That is the only reason why I wouldn't get one.

[UdubBadger]

an e93 335xi sound like it'd be what you want. AWD, check. Vert, check. V8, no, but with a tune like JB3, Proceed, Dinan or an LET ecu flash... you're right up there with an M3 and pushing much more torque than one which will make it feel like a big V8.

oh plus its a hard top vert so you're covered in winter too.

[Master Deep]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

an e93 335xi sound like it'd be what you want. AWD, check. Vert, check. V8, no, but with a tune like JB3, Proceed, Dinan or an LET ecu flash... you're right up there with an M3 and pushing much more torque than one which will make it feel like a big V8.

oh plus its a hard top vert so you're covered in winter too.

Only Problem is that they don't make an e93 335xi...

[Master Deep]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

I can attest to the shovel affect. I have an older C4 cabriolet (1991) and it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It's 18 years old and I still get compliments every time I drive it. It is a tank in the snow as you can lock the front and rear differentials. It is an amazing car. You could look for a used 993 C4 cab or 996 C4 cab in that same price range. I have never gotten bored of that car. It sill looks mint.

Hey my neighbor has a Red 964 C4 Cab too! He drives it everyday through everything: Sun, Rain, Snow, Ice. That thing is a beast in the snow.


I saw a S5 vert today. Looks kind've like a Bentley CGTC with the top up. That's the rough overall shape. I liked it.