"Long time" owners - is anything good enough to replace this car?

[_Delaware]

I have had my 2005 B6 S4 with 6spd since 2008. Only mod is exhaust. This is the first car I have owned for which I do not get the itch to get another car. Even if I did, what would I buy? I want a V8 or bigger, four doors and a manual transmission. I am not interested in having a car with a turbo (a supercharger maybe).

Previous generation M5 (getting old now)
Previous generation M3 (too similar to S4 to have a car payment?)
Cadillac CTS-V is too big for me

I am interested to see what the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV might be like...but it has two things i do not want: a V6 and a turbo. However it is a Ferrari sourced engine...so maybe I can overlook those things?

What do other folks like?

[JDillon15]

I have had my 2005 B6 S4 with 6spd since 2008. Only mod is exhaust. This is the first car I have owned for which I do not get the itch to get another car. Even if I did, what would I buy? I want a V8 or bigger, four doors and a manual transmission. I am not interested in having a car with a turbo (a supercharger maybe).

Previous generation M5 (getting old now)
Previous generation M3 (too similar to S4 to have a car payment?)
Cadillac CTS-V is too big for me

I am interested to see what the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV might be like...but it has two things i do not want: a V6 and a turbo. However it is a Ferrari sourced engine...so maybe I can overlook those things?

What do other folks like?

What about a B7 S4 or RS4? A lot of similarities, a few years newer, a bit more HP and depending on your finances, may make sense financially.

[tmh88]

Previous generation M3 (too similar to S4 to have a car payment?)

The E90 M3 is an entirely different animal than the S4; a significantly better one in my opinion. Honestly, it's much better than even the B7 RS4. It feels of a higher caliber overall. It handles better, the interior feels more modern and the engine responds much differently than the S4's and I think the styling objectively looks more modern compared to the B6/B7 S4. If you can manage to get a test drive I think you'd change your mind. My S4 is my beater and while I love it, I'd swap it for an E90 M3 in a second.

[_Delaware]

What about a B7 S4 or RS4? A lot of similarities, a few years newer, a bit more HP and depending on your finances, may make sense financially.

I do like the RS4 - however it seems too similar to have a car payment. I love not having a car payment for the first time in my adult life (for a few years now). So a new car would have to be something that really excites me.

Also worth noting I only have about 75k miles on my S4. It looks and smells like a new car still. So I would want something fairly new to replace it (CPO preferably).

[_Delaware]

The E90 M3 is an entirely different animal than the S4; a significantly better one in my opinion. Honestly, it's much better than even the B7 RS4. It feels of a higher caliber overall. It handles better, the interior feels more modern and the engine responds much differently than the S4's and I think the styling objectively looks more modern compared to the B6/B7 S4. If you can manage to get a test drive I think you'd change your mind. My S4 is my beater and while I love it, I'd swap it for an E90 M3 in a second.

I have a feeling the E90 would be really nice. There are still some low mileage CPOs out there. I take that back...I cannot find one on the BMWUSA website. But the max search is 500 miles.

[TEB]

Same boat here. I love my B6S4. What else can I get with a V8, AWD, and 6-speed that my 3 kids can still sit in the back? The only sacrifice I had to make over the years (fuel economy) isn't even a big deal anymore.

[LINDW4LL]

E90/92 M3 and RS4 are both on a different level, as is the E60 M5. Those are the three cars I would look into.

[earhythmic]

The E90 M3 is an entirely different animal than the S4; a significantly better one in my opinion. Honestly, it's much better than even the B7 RS4. It feels of a higher caliber overall. It handles better, the interior feels more modern and the engine responds much differently than the S4's and I think the styling objectively looks more modern compared to the B6/B7 S4. If you can manage to get a test drive I think you'd change your mind. My S4 is my beater and while I love it, I'd swap it for an E90 M3 in a second.

Mine has turned into my beater also. Sad to see that these awesome cars are going down that path

[gaben2racin]

There is no replacement!
Unless you get yourself a classic

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[Slow4]

Nothing.

This is the honest truth. You can find something similar but it's not the same. After the loss of my Avant, I decided to look into an e90 M3...and like others have mentioned, it's a totally different type of car.

RWD, high-revving V8 4dr sedan


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[DreDay]

I replaced my B6 S4 with my B8 S5... And I still miss the B6 to this day haha mainly the color and interior... But like others said, there isn't much to look at... I wanted a V8 too, and settled for 2 doors when I wanted 4... I love the S5 though, so overall happy... I'll go four door next... I'm hoping S5 sport back!


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[Tinpusher]

My 04 has gone from 120,00km to 306,000km in the 6 1/2 years I've had her. Sure she's had her breakdowns, can be high maintenance at times and she likes a little more oil than in the past, but what older lady doesn't like a drink?
I would like something a little bigger (Q5/SQ5, ML550 maybe) to help in transporting bikes and boats, but I just can't make myself do it. I've spent hours on the internet looking for a suitable replacement and have driven the other lady in my life crazy.
Every time I step on it a little, a big smile comes across my face when I feel that v8 rumble and I remember why I love her.
I want to keep her but would never call her a beater even though, as a third car, that's what she would become. I can't face letting her go cheap either, she's worth way too much to me.

[jdmnomore]

I agree that there is no direct replacement for the b6 s4. The styling and overall package are too unique and the money youd gain parting with would probably not be enough to offest the value of the car. If not for the issues with the timing id say my b6 was my favorite car.

That said i went from the b6 to a b7 rs4 which i must say was the favorite car ive owned. It took everything i loved about the b6 and made it 5xs better. When i traded that for a b8.5 s4 i had immediate buyers remorse although i did appreciate the Stronic and updated interior.

Needless to say this weekend i traded yet again for a 13' RS5 in suzuka grey my favorite audi color. It really is the best of both worlds imo and you wont find what youre looking for without a car payment so id highly suggest to check one out.

[4point2]

I've been on this merry go round a couple times now, looking at getting into something newer with more power possibly, but when you add the avant factor to the equation, you rapidly run out of options. The only thing that I've seen that may pull me away in a couple years would be the E63 AMG-S wagon, but for now it's out of my price range as I also live without payments. Funnily enough though, the wife has granted the option to get a car payment again, but only if it's for an RS avant makes it to this side of the pond, she know's I've wanted one since before I met her and we could not afford it when we lived in Europe...

[quattroism25]

I've been considering this as well as. There's nothing out there like the S4. Not having a car payment is nice but I want something newer now. The main reason I haven't gotten rid of S4 yet is the low mileage. Got it in 2010 with a brand new engine. I've only put 30k on it since then. I figure I'll go for another 20, might as well get my money's worth.

The E90 M3 is at the top of the list, followed by B8.5 S4. Love the RS4 but I'm bored with the b6/b7 interior. Plus I want something with keyless entry and push button start. Before I didnt care for such conveniences but the wife's A6 kinda spoiled me.

[Concavitor]

2016 C63 or C63s, 2014+ RS5

Turbos are here to stay, might as well get used to it.

[LINDW4LL]

2016 C63 or C63s, 2014+ RS5.

No manual.

[s4ski]

For me, Avant, V8, AWD - nothing compares to it, only compromises.

[Mr.Wrong]

B7 RS4 - I know you said it seems quite similar, but I'd suggest test driving one and you'll be excited in no time
E90 M3 - that's RS4 rival right there.
E60 M5 - theres nothing quite like it outthere, throw in an exhaust on this beast and you'll forget what radio is

I highly urge you to actually drive coupe of each species.

[cmd4]

another for RS4….or M5

[Tugboatguy]

Nothing, I bought my 07 new in early 08 and have loved it since.
I've always had a second car and until 2012 spent half the month at sea so she has always been a weekend/road trip car and has low miles.
Just bought a new daily to replace my Cherokee and I really only went look for another Audi this time, I found a 04 A4 Avant 1.8t w/sport suspension and 87000 miles.

[Slow4]

E60 M5 - theres nothing quite like it outthere, throw in an exhaust on this beast and you'll forget what radio is

E60 M5 6spd combo is also uber rare, I couldn't find one for sale when I was actively looking.

Anther option if you're into SAVs, e70 X5 xDrive 50i or e70 X5 M; 4.0L V8TT ....but with added drama

[Axel-]

The only car I'd consider is the E63 AMG-S wagon and I'd have to give up on the manual tranny. I might look for one in 3-4 years seeing as the first AMG-S were 2015.

[SuperAvant]

The only other car I've been pondering as a replacement is a V10 R8 6 spd.

[wednesday]

What do other folks like?

F80 M3.

I have B7 RS4 side by side with F80 M3 and while RS gives me a buzz every day, the tech and updated power in M is just incredible and that dsg is phenomenal. Shifting from 6th to 2nd in one blip alone brings the little kid out in me. And yet, it's also a sedan. It is also able to put power down very well. It is jackyll in comfort mode with family in the car on the way to the movies and will become hyde with just a switch to sport plus mode. No exhaust or chip needed. I have never felt the need to not modify something stock. And I love this in stock form. There is a reason why Chris Harris bought this as well.

It's just right, for me. Heck, I can even give it to my wife or mom (not in to cars I mean), and feel comfortable that she won't go sideways since I told her to never turn traction control off and that does a great job of keeping you on the road by itself - an all rounder is what I am trying to say.

R&D in tires have come a long way in the last 20 years. I find that even RWD cars with good tires - Summer/All weather/Snow, do very well. Since we only get total of six snow days out of the year in my area, snow is not really a concern. Heck, there is a non-sensical video test on YouTube of a guy with 4wd Tacoma vs BMW M4 tow. Look it up. At the same time, turbos have improved quite a bit over the last decade as well. They are more efficient, perform better and reliability has gone up quite a bit.

Actually, forget everything I said. Test drive one just for kicks. Just my .02c. Good luck!

[VroomTT]

I've been drooling over 1st gen allroads lately Car plus some mods for less than the selling price of an S4. Plus the level of utility it can handle just itches my inner nerdness.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love an F80 M3 or B8 RS4, but those really are in a different price league compared to our S4's

Just sayin...

[Mr. Corey]

I replaced my B6 S4 with my B8 S5... And I still miss the B6 to this day haha mainly the color and interior... But like others said, there isn't much to look at... I wanted a V8 too, and settled for 2 doors when I wanted 4... I love the S5 though, so overall happy... I'll go four door next... I'm hoping S5 sport back!


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Before I read your signature I knew you were coming from a Noggy on Noggy!


I went to test drive a S5 before taking the plunge and rebuilding my engine in my B6 and for the 65k it would of been to own a S5 in my fav color I didnt feel it was worth it....... If I had to find a replacement I guess it would be between a 911, RS5 or M3 but your still giving up AWD, Manual trans 4 doors regardless.

[_Delaware]

No manual.

Manual tranny is my #1 must have.

[_Delaware]

The only other car I've been pondering as a replacement is a V10 R8 6 spd.

Dangit why did I not think of that one! I can strap both kids in the front seat...

[_Delaware]

After reading all the posts...it is really just the E90 M3 with the 6spd that is out there and relatively new.

[_Delaware]

2016 C63 or C63s, 2014+ RS5

Turbos are here to stay, might as well get used to it.

I am hopeful the fuel economy concerns change. Not sure how it will happen though. It bothers me that so many cars are turbocharged and have no manual transmission. Car guys/gals are screwed.

Does anyone else think it is crazy that you can purchase a high-end expensive car with a 4 cylinder. I do not care how much power it has, I would not spend $50-$60k+ on a car with a 4cyl engine. Maybe it is just me...

[LINDW4LL]

After reading all the posts...it is really just the E90 M3 with the 6spd that is out there and relatively new.

Even the E90 is pretty old though despite the M3 being produced through 2013... The platform first began production in 2005; I don't think it really feels newer than the B7. That does not in any way take away from how great a car it is, but it does not feel new, if that's what you're looking for.

I think the B7 RS and E9X M3 will always have a timeless sense to them if you need something naturally aspirated. The F80 M3 is a great option for something that feels new if you can get over turbocharging, but is $$$ in comparison to the other options.

[Slow4]

If you're serious about an E90, look into some of its maintenance issues as it can get pricy, ask me how I know .

ALSO consider an aftermarket warranty as well.

Otherwise, if I could get myself a 6spd e90 M in Melbourne Red w/ Platinum interior or Arctic White with Red interior for under $32K w >75K, it'd be my unicorn.


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[s4ski]

I drove V8s back in the muscle car days, then the automotive industry went to sh*t. The last several years has been another golden age of V8 goodness, that is rapidly waning. Coming attraction: Self drive turbo/electric hybrids...

[Nillamb]

When it rains, which is often, I really miss the quattro of my S4. It can be frustrating to have to paaaainfully meter out the power. In the dry, however, the XFR is a 500BHP beast which feels much, much quicker than my lightly modded S4 did. And with a simple slip on exhaust is has a fantastic deep growl that this video doesn't really do justice:



The R rides very well on 20" wheels. It's less solidly sprung than my S4 was but it certainly doesn't wallow. I took mine on a track day which was easily the most fun I've had in a car (my first and thus far only track day), although it did do a good job of melting the brakes in 2 laps - the XFR and S4's both being weighty beasts.

+V8
+not turbo'd (it's supercharged)
-only in automatic
-dealer hourly rates (here in the UK) can be horribly expensive - I've spent quite a lot in maintenance in the last 2 years.

I also really like that it's a pretty rare car (especially in kyanite blue), although it's not such a sleeper like the S4 was (I could do without the couple bits of extra chrome on the bonnet and front bumper), but it's not too shouty (exhaust aside, haha).

EDIT: Ah, I just noticed your "Manual tranny is my #1 must have.".