Bimmer Praise....

[brianc21]

So I'm driving along and this guy in a black 320i xdrive slides up next to me and starts mouthing something I can't understand. So I roll down my window and he proceeds to tell me how sweet my car looks. I thanked him and proceed on my way. Car is totally stock, 2014 black optics monsoon grey. Sounds like someone has a little buyers remorse with their bimmer....

[Amorphic]

320i is a far cry away from an S4, no wonder he complimented it.

[levigarrett]

320i is a far cry away from an S4, no wonder he complimented it.


Head over to the F30 section of Bimmerpost and you'd be surprised how many of those guys think the 320/328 compete with the S4. Most of the experienced folk over there know better but for many of the 320/328 crowd, this is their first post Civic experience and they're not quite up to speed on the model lines from any of the German brands. It's entertaining.

[roadkillrob]

I have a 335i and an S4 and they both have their strong points - the 335i m-sport is a little more sporting, handling and ride, the S4 interior blows it away hands down. The 335i feels faster, but part of it is all the low end torque and part is the GIAC stage 2 as it makes more power than the S4, but we will see how that is when I throw a tune on the S4. 335i feels a bit more raw, the S4 much more refined.

Both are great brands in their own rite and I am a big fan of both brands. The S4 feels a little more special in my book than the 335, not as special as an M3, but you can buy a 320 or 328 and put the right options on it and almost not tell the difference besides the drivetrain. The S4 has bespoke seats and some other interior exterior things that make it feel more special.

[Sundowner]

Always good to see cross brand compliments. The 3 series and A4/S4 cars are so close in spec and performance that you kinda have to respect the the guy on the other side of the lane lines. I wish we saw more of that.

Except for M3/M4 drivers. It's a dick car made for dicks and driven pretty much exclusively by dicks. I've seen a lot of these cars on the road, never seen one driven responsibly. :)

[bpang1]

I'm a fan of both...BMW has taken a huge step back on the current 3 and 4 series which is really sad. I tried one out and it handled so poorly...no longer has the liveliness you would expect out of a BMW. It's like BMW is chasing the money of people who aren't enthusiasts by offering big straight-line power and tuning out all the oversteer.

That's why I ultimately went with the S4 over the 335i...both have a tendency toward understeer these days but at least the S4 has AWD and the sport diff. Not to mention the Audi is way nicer inside and just feels more solid.

If BMW had just updated the e90 chassis I would've likely went with the BMW but this new chassis is horrible.

[EBS4]

Couldn't agree more bpang. I drove the 335 3 times...just couldn't believe the 3 series had finally become so sedate. The magical steering feel of past BMWs was completely gone...and even in M sport trim the ride/handling wasn't sporty. Engine was silky smooth and powerful...at least they didn't mess that part up.

EBS4

[BzzzBom]

I had a 2009 335i M-sport with a GIAC tune and OEM suspension. I currently drive a 2013 B8.5 (see my mods below). Clearly the BMW won hands down in the fun and emotional department and the steering feel was awesome. However, Audi is the better all around car. The new BMWs suck big time. I hope the B9 sheds a bunch of weight and Audi improves their steering. It could be a very hot car.

[BzzzBom]

The steering on new BMWs makes Audis seem like a Porsche. I drove a BMWS 535i. It felt like a Camry.

[roadkillrob]

Couldn't agree more bpang. I drove the 335 3 times...just couldn't believe the 3 series had finally become so sedate. The magical steering feel of past BMWs was completely gone...and even in M sport trim the ride/handling wasn't sporty. Engine was silky smooth and powerful...at least they didn't mess that part up.

EBS4

One of the reasons I bought an S4, new 3 series just doesn't do it for me.

I also received an interesting compliment at a light, guy pulls up and I see him making some gestures from the corner of my eye, roll down the window and he says nice car - he is driving an S4, same color, 1 year older otherwise identical - before that hardly see an S4, never seen one the same color while driving.

[jygesq]

I test drove a 435 xi two times, once before I took s4 stronic home for a weekend and once after that. The 435 Xi look cheap , the dash was plain, the display screen was tacked on to the dashboard, the controller was not intuitive. It was just ok in handling. My 2000 528 handled like a true BMW. DESPITE it's lack of power. So I oredered my s4 and have not looked back.

[roadkillrob]

I test drove a 435 xi two times, once before I took s4 stronic home for a weekend and once after that. The 435 Xi look cheap , the dash was plain, the display screen was tacked on to the dashboard, the controller was not intuitive. It was just ok in handling. My 2000 528 handled like a true BMW. DESPITE it's lack of power. So I oredered my s4 and have not looked back.

I agree with you on the tacked on look of the screen - looks terrible and not even integrated. As for idrive - once you use it for a bit, it is way better than MMI, my Audi takes like 4 different buttons to get some places and I constantly have to look down to find the right button even after using it for a while - the idrive is harder to learn, but much quicker and easier to use once a few weeks into using it. MMI is easier the first time, but never gets easier I find. I also hate how I can't enter the state in Nav in MMI, so searching a town name searches the country, in idrive, I just leave the state the same mostly all the time, so the search for a town is only state wide and is faster and gives a shorter list (maybe this was update in 3G+).

If I could take a few things from my 335 and my S4 I could make the perfect car!!

[MaX PL]

The steering on new BMWs makes Audis seem like a Porsche. I drove a BMWS 535i. It felt like a Camry.

and are you trying to make a comparison of the 535 to the S4?

you drive the A6?

[Dr GP]

BMW has been resting on its laurels for some time now. I went from a B6 S4 to an E92 335i. the 335i was way ahead of the B7 S4. BUT I am now on my 3rd B8 S4. Far and away better than the 335i with or without AWD. I fully expected the new 3/4 series to up the ante vs B8 S4. But BMW is not on on par with the B8 Audi yet. I have also noticed that I see many more Audis as I drive around and more B8 S4s as well. It seems that the public is also noticing what BMW is/isn't right now. Both BMW and Audi will always have their fanboys. I will admit that the current M3/M4 is much better than an Rs5 in that market. Otherwise , the B8 is far superior to the F30. All we can hope is that the B9 S4 is an improvement and miraculously they keep the 6mt. Not holding my breath.

[jonpark]

I currently own 2013 328 x drive and 2014 s4.
As an owner of both cars... f30 328 won't never catch up with my s4 unless I heavily modify it. But I like the balance of my bimmer and mpg. Hahaha

[Dr GP]

If you are looking to compare gas mileage, perhaps an A4 might be a better comparison. 328i and s4 are really not direct competitors.

[B8Addict]

If you are looking to compare gas mileage, perhaps an A4 might be a better comparison. 328i and s4 are really not direct competitors.


True, but having driven the A4 and the 328i I can definitely say the 328i is more fun to drive, is better on gas(looking at EPA) and is more powerful for sure. The S4 on the other hand in my opinion felt more fun to drive then the 335i and the instant delivery of power was much better then the turbocharged N55.

[Dr GP]

True, but having driven the A4 and the 328i I can definitely say the 328i is more fun to drive, is better on gas(looking at EPA) and is more powerful for sure. The S4 on the other hand in my opinion felt more fun to drive then the 335i and the instant delivery of power was much better then the turbocharged N55.

I agree and the basic engine /drivetrain of the 335i has been unchanged since 2007. N54 to N55 engine is actually a slight downgrade. Steering has definitely not been as good. 3.0 SC engine is a terrific performance engine

[Brandon@VTR]

I sold my 135i that I was using as a daily and picked up a B8.5 S4 - the 2 don't compare. The S4 is much more enjoyable and comfortable. I also have a c6z06 and I enjoy driving the S just as much.

[bpang1]

Couldn't agree more bpang. I drove the 335 3 times...just couldn't believe the 3 series had finally become so sedate. The magical steering feel of past BMWs was completely gone...and even in M sport trim the ride/handling wasn't sporty. Engine was silky smooth and powerful...at least they didn't mess that part up.

EBS4


One of the reasons I bought an S4, new 3 series just doesn't do it for me.


If the current 335i was still as fun as the last generation I think I would've overlooked the interior styling and bought one. Hell, both are way nicer than the 2004 Subaru I came from.

[stoked_S4]

So I'm driving along and this guy in a black 320i xdrive slides up next to me and starts mouthing something I can't understand. So I roll down my window and he proceeds to tell me how sweet my car looks. I thanked him and proceed on my way. Car is totally stock, 2014 black optics monsoon grey. Sounds like someone has a little buyers remorse with their bimmer....

I got a praise from a Lambo Huracan owner who said "that's a sweet ride". He used to own a silver R8.

[135burner]

I sold my 135i that I was using as a daily and picked up a B8.5 S4 - the 2 don't compare. The S4 is much more enjoyable and comfortable. I also have a c6z06 and I enjoy driving the S just as much.

I've gotta disagree with this. Had an '08 135i and then went to a B8 S4. Initially I was very disappointed with the switch. The 135i was an absolute riot with all its torque and rear wheel drive. However, I do agree that the two don't compare. Ultimately the S4s versatility and class won me over and I ended up with another (B8.5) S4 last December.

[LawDawg]

I had an '89 325i (e30) and a '95 Dinan M3 (e36). I've had 3 Audis since. I've always wanted an excuse to go back to Team BMW, but they've never checked all the boxes for me that Audi has in the years since. Going on my 17th year as a BMW CCA member. Sold my Dinan M3 to my dad and he still owns it. Goes like hell.

[Thumper3]

Head over to the F30 section of Bimmerpost and you'd be surprised how many of those guys think the 320/328 compete with the S4. Most of the experienced folk over there know better but for many of the 320/328 crowd, this is their first post Civic experience and they're not quite up to speed on the model lines from any of the German brands. It's entertaining.

Actually, most of them laugh at the 320 period. Saw one guy once say "Well, you drive a 320, so you pretty much have nothing of use to add to this conversation." LOL

The 320 would be more like an A3, so no surprise on the S4 love.


I currently own 2013 328 x drive and 2014 s4.
As an owner of both cars... f30 328 won't never catch up with my s4 unless I heavily modify it. But I like the balance of my bimmer and mpg. Hahaha

Out of curiosity do you have the DHP on your X-drive? If not that's your issue. While Audi uses AWD natively and within it's performance line, on a BMW when you get an X-drive they remove the standard suspension and replace it with a softer one. If you want the performance suspension back you have to add the DHP package.

Certainly my 328d X-Drive Touring is not in the same performance class as the S4 and on the track that would be clear. But that said, on the street, it's amazing how close it is considering the gap.

Never cared about BMW before, but as the only company offering an AWD diesel wagon in the states I had to look. And now I find myself really torn as there is a lot they do very well. Still like the look of the Audi's best, and the better AWD system, but BMW has my attention now.