[tbonez3858]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. I've driven both cars but with a few weeks in between so it's hard to compare. I really need four doors but I'm ripe for making my once a decade stupid decision..The cars seem to both have impressive performance and the performance numbers are on par...

Have any of guys owned both cars and outside of the difference of one having four doors do you have input?

[nike001]

I have some decent seat time in S4's and I can say the M235i blows the S4 out of the water in every aspect, IMO.

I've also had 2 try their luck with me and it didn't end well at all for both of those cars..

[BD_F22]

I owned a 2013 B8.5 S4 before this, its no comparison in my opinion. I got bored of the Audi very quickly and it did nothing to excite me. Almost a year in and the 235 still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[Transfer]

I've test driven a B8.5 a few times and I own an SQ5 (S4 in SUV form). It's a fantastic car and if I you want a 4 door sedan, it should be a top choice if not #1. However, the larger size, 4 doors, better stereo (B&O), and marginally better interior/exterior are the only aspects that are potentially better than a 235i.

So you need to decide how badly you need those 4 doors and if you need the Quattro of the S4 or could consider RWD vs xDrive on a 235i.

[grc]

I owned a 2013 S4 for two years. Then it was lemoned because of steering issues (that terrible electromechanical steering) and it was replaced by a 2016 S6. I kept the S6 for less than 2 months, I disliked it so I switched to a 2015 M235i. So I have plenty of experience with Audi S line plus a month of BMW driving.

The S4 is a smoother daily driver. The m235 is sportier.
Both have amazing powertrains. Audi's 3.0 supercharged + the dual clatch is probably a little better than the Bmw inline 3.0 turbo + 8 speed, but the differences are hardly noticeable.

S4 wins:
- Quattro. You can floor it from a complete stop and there is no wheel spin power loss. It is awesome with launch control. Also I liked that I could accelerate in the middle of a turn and the rear sport diff would send the power on the rear exterior wheel.
- S4 interior was hands down nicer and more luxurious. The napa leather in the S4 is a must and so much nicer than the hard Dakota leather in the BMW.
- S4 has 4 doors and usable rear seats.
- S4 exterior looks nicer (in my opinion) and it really stands out in Misano Red. I received a lot of compliments for the S4 but neither for the m235i . People at work used to ask me "are you the one with the red Audi?"

S4 loses:
- S4 has a lot of body roll that you can feel in fast turns. M235i has less roll and still provides a comfortable hwy ride.
- S4 is heavier than the m235i and you can feel that extra weight while driving. It also negates the S4's powertrain advantage. As a result the m235i is a little faster.
- Comfort mode in the S4 was too lazy and you have to drive to Dynamic mode all the time, otherwise it is too slow. On the other hand, the m235i comfort mode is very usable.
- Audi's steering was lifeless and provided no road feedback.
- Under full accelaration, Audi is upshifting from 1st to 2nd around 4000 rpm and 2nd to 3rd around 6500 rpm. Bmw is upshifting at 7000rpm for all gears and it feels sportier.
- the most important issue I had with Audi was the software bugs. They ruined my ownership experience completely so I finally gave up. The S4 had steering issues that were introduced by a software update. The S6 has problems with downshifts in dynamic mode and tons of other small bugs in the active lane assist and the the navigation/multimedia system.

Keep in mind that the a new A4 (and probably S4) is released next year. The new model will be lighter and it will have more power. Early 2017 A4 reviews mention that Audi has eliminated understeering. I might consider the next generation S4 a year after its release (to iron out first year defects), but I will stay away from the advanced electronics (f.e. active lane assist, collision warning + auto brake, heads-up display, Internet connection) since I found they were not working as expected in the S6.

Here are some photos of my S4 and m235:


http://www.2addicts.com/forums/album...ictureid=58224

[tbonez3858]

Thanks guys great info...I really need the S4 but I really want the m235i. I think the straw that breaks the camels back is going to be the convertible option...

Again...I really appreciate the responses.

[CONTROL ONE]

I own both. Modded 2010 Audi S4 6 speed and a modded 2014 BMW M235i 6 speed.

[TreDirtyFive]

Originally Posted by CONTROL ONE

I own both. Modded 2010 Audi S4 6 speed and a modded 2014 BMW M235i 6 speed.

And?