was gonna suggest some but then i saw your comment "I'm trying to keep it under 20K if possible" - yeeaaahhh that's not happening with the better cars you had mentioned...

Thinking about holding onto the 540 as there is only 170K on it...but I like to have an idea of what I'll be getting next in case I have to make a quick decision.

i will throw out there that you will hate the audi if you value response, feel and feedback. it's a competent chassis and great car, but feels galaxies away from an e39.

I think the throttle response is adequate for a street car that's not cable, but the clutch engagement is atrocious. I can't wait to do the delay valve delete.

Risky I don't have any picts on my comp or phone but it's a Oxford Green with Tan inside. Unfortunately it's not a facelift model or Mtech bumpers...however because it's a 98 it's pre vanos and makes more power than the Vanos models.

4age thanks for that feedback if I do test an audi (not a ticking time bomb v8) I'll keep that in mind so I won't be totally shocked if I hate it...I was very disapointed with the F10 535 - it was even the sport model with paddles but I was so distracted by the process of getting it into gear releasing the brake and friggen with the signal lights that I forgot to push the sport button it might have sharpened things up but it felt huge.

Sport button is not magic. No feel through the wheel and zippier throttle won't make it a nice driver unfortunately. You will like an Audi more than an f10 (more feel), but it's leagues different from an e39

Any thoughts on a C63 AMG sedan? I've seen some examples in the mid to high 20s

That TLX doesn't look too bad, I tested an early 2000s model with 6 speed like 8 years ago and it did nothing for me, but this doesn't look to bad from the pictures.

Just buy an 335i and be done with it. A few mods and you'll be happy I'm sure.

^ Hatorade is banned?

http://forums.clubsi.com/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/9026353

The only other person who could afford such a lease has been banned and has a gt3 thread written about him XD

My mechanic that only works on BMWs tells me to avoid the 335 (he said maintenance on them can be brutal) and recommends a 09 - 10 328. He told me basically anything after 2010 has lost the feel - minus the M3

Rage lots of assumptions - the 335 is a 6 with turbo(s) = Maintenance, the shop is a BMW only shop so I would imagine they have most of the tools needed.

87 you are correct with 09-11s generation my mechanic recommended

Yeah being in the BMW and testing everything out you realize that what you have is still pretty nice...compared to most sub 20K cars out there.

That M3 looks fantastic

+1 on 335 not being the best.
HPFP issues, injectors, turbo(s), carbon build up to name a few...

When I impulse bought my S4, I was 90% set on the e92 m3...like I was going to get it the next day. Also a great contender and if you up your budget it would probably be the best replacement for you.

But because I daily the car I felt the S4 was the better fit for me and I kind of like the more subtle look of the S4. The e9x m3 is already a bit of a boy racerish car, still awesome though. If I had found a 4 door m3 in the specs I wanted then I would've gone that way over the s4, but those are hard to come by. Mostly coupes out there and I am not a fan.

+1 on 335 not being the best.
HPFP issues, injectors, turbo(s), carbon build up to name a few...

I haven't heard of similar problems for the S4 - if anyone is aware please share.

RB, image no worky

shit that looks good. but i can't for the life of me understand why they chromed those mirrors.

RB issues are overblown. Plenty of high mileage examples. As far as throttle actuators go. It is what it is, the gears/motor just wear out over time. Budget brakes? They work ok with better fluid and pads, but why do you care unless you plan to track it?

I always find it funny when ppl complain about brakes when the car is street driven.

or some media outlets over exaggerate the situation. Last week on ABC, there was some report about 54 cases of BMW's catching fire while parked.

Turns out, the cases span 15 years of BMWs, and all vary from 80,000 miles to 200,000 miles. They try to imply that something is wrong with them. 54 cars out of 4.5 million BMWs on the road (given the span of 15 years of models).

I generally get pretty disappointed with that, I miss analog power delivery, the M3 and S4 are great at that relative something like a 335. I love the overall driving experience of the S4, won't be as raw as the 540, but it's really good for modern day standards.

Audi has been doing the chrome mirror cover on all the S3,S4,S6,S8 cars for years

The stock tune bleeds boost above 3k RPM.

Yes the seat is off Centre. BMW gay shit.

compared to 911 offset pedals?

Yes the seat is off Centre. BMW gay shit.

I agree with proportions working better on sedans, especially with the beefier fenders.

Just curious how do you know this? source?

Nailed it. B8 S4 is superb for modern day standards.
It's a brilliant car and can be as dynamic as you wish - as long as you go ham with the alignment. I got that pig to drive real nice on the track - and stop real nice too (with stoptechs XD).

Motor could sound nicer though. It makes a very boring sound. Exhaust sounds nice. With a tune (Risky - you should do it), you unlock a lot of magic. The stock tune bleeds boost above 3k RPM. A tune keeps boost on, and optimizes fuel maps and spark maps. We're not talking about upping boost beyond what the motor was designed for here - we're talking about keeping the boost it was designed to work with to begin with. And with a stage 1 tune, it keeps up with an RS5 in the 1/4. Very fast, tons of torque. Transforms the car. It's nuts. S4 is the 1 car that does everything well - if that's what you're looking for.

Just buy it in a manual, and with the sport diff. The rear diff is magic.
The motor is robust as hell (mine was over-revved...as me why!), and later on had a tune on it. No problems. Motors with larger pulleys and stock internals survive season(s) of racing without rebuilds. It's solid.

Clutch on the 997 is off centre by about an inch. Doesn't bother me except for how damn heavy it is!

Where the 911 requires you adjusting your entire lower body towards the center.Yet no one complains about it. I find it to be more awkward than any bmw. Part of the charm though imo.

FWIW for my E91, i have to do exactly this. I adjust my body to line up with the center line of the controls. It is VERY off on the E9x. Off enough that I drive touching the left seat side bolster only.

Buy the hardtop for it?

I've considered it, but won't feel pure. lipstick on a pig thing....basically 911 all the tings.