Coming to the Dark Side

[rjd598]

Hey guys,

I'm really interested in the new B9 S4 and want to get this forum's opinions on the new model. I'm coming from the BMW world and I've always been a BMW fanboy. Currently own an E90 M3 and F30 328i. I want to sell the E90 as I'm over that stage in my life and a family member has shown interest in taking over my F30 lease. I love the F30 believe it or not just because it is so damn comfortable and much more well built than the E9X generation. However I still have the itch for some performance in my daily driving and I've always liked the S4. Drove the B8 S4 a few years back and was pretty impressed. Wasn't a fan of the steering, but other than that I was pretty much in love with the car. I think the S4 is the best balance of comfort, luxury, tech, and performance in that price point. BMW doesn't really make a competitor to the S4 currently so that's why I've ventured over here to the "dark side"

I would like to lease the car, but I'm not sure it will work out with my budget due to the low residuals for the car. Clearly you guys would know more and can offer more advice so please ask away with questions and give your honest feedback! Actually excited to join a new forum and step out of my comfort zone.

[demonmk2]

when are they coming out? end of this year/next year?

[rjd598]

when are they coming out? end of this year/next year?

july 16 if i'm not mistaken? i know it will not be sc'ed and it will not come with a manual. more upset with the lack of a manual transmission, but i'll live.

[b6onboost]

An F30 340i x-Drive /M sport is pretty much a direct S4 competitor. BMW lease rates are much better with inflated residuals, to an S4 will be quite a bit more expensive to lease. However I still agree that the S4 is a better overall package.

BTW...BMW is the dark side. Its not just a term for switching brands.

[rjd598]

An F30 340i x-Drive /M sport is pretty much a direct S4 competitor. BMW lease rates are much better with inflated residuals, to an S4 will be quite a bit more expensive to lease. However I still agree that the S4 is a better overall package.

BTW...BMW is the dark side. Its not just a term for switching brands.

Believe it or not I don't see the 340i as a direct competitor. The 335is would have been more suitable of competition, but that's just my opinion. I actually think the S4 to be more special since it already comes with extra bits and pieces whereas the 340i in its base form is not that impressive. Just a different engine than my 328i. I was just joking about the dark side lol. I'm not one of those to bash other brands. I try to give credit where it's due.

[b6onboost]

So that's more of a perception thing.

The S4 being its own nameplate coming with all the performance options standard feels like a 'more special' car, whereas you have to check a lot of options boxes on a 340i to make it comparable. However it ultimately does end up being extremely comparable, almost to the point where its a pure preference decision based on Brand or Style.

[rjd598]

So that's more of a perception thing.

The S4 being its own nameplate coming with all the performance options standard feels like a 'more special' car, whereas you have to check a lot of options boxes on a 340i to make it comparable. However it ultimately does end up being extremely comparable, almost to the point where its a pure preference decision based on Brand or Style.

I see your point. I want to try something new and from what I remember about the B8 I test drove, I was blown away by the tech and fit/finish of the car. I saw the new B9 A4 in person the other day and was very impressed. That's really how this whole thing started in my head.

[rjd598]

Also anyone have any opinions on getting a slightly used 15/16 by the end of this year versus leasing the B9? I feel like payments would basically be the same...

[vwblackb5]

OP, FWIW when I cross shopped my B8.5 S4, I compared it with a W205 C450 AMG and F30 340xi. Interior, options available, fit and finish of the S4 not to mention the available torque vectoring sport differential was what sold me. From price point however, the F80 M3 was not comparable, but was surely an upgrade path should I chose to do so. Also, not sure what you're time frame for purchase but the B9 S4 will not be available for ordering until Q4 16' - Q1 17'.

Always thought the comparison to be this way:

E9x 335xi M Sport vs B8 S4
F30 340xi M Sport vs B8.5 S4
F80 M3 vs B8 RS4

[rjd598]

OP, FWIW when I cross shopped my B8.5 S4, I compared it with a W205 C450 AMG and F30 340xi. Interior, options available, fit and finish of the S4 not to mention the available torque vectoring sport differential was what sold me. From price point however, the F80 M3 was not comparable, but was surely an upgrade path should I chose to do so. Also, not sure what you're time frame for purchase but the B9 S4 will not be available for ordering until Q4 16' - Q1 17'.

Always thought the comparison to be this way:

E9x 335xi M Sport vs B8 S4
F30 340xi M Sport vs B8.5 S4
F80 M3 vs B8 RS4

I would like to make this happen by the end of the year. I must sound crazy saying I don't think the 335/340 are direct competitors being a BMW guy my whole life, but it's just the way I see it. I have debated just getting a 340i in the configuration I would like, but I can't bring myself to do that as I feel like I'll be getting into somewhat of the same car. My mistake clearly for not doing this the first time around, but oh well. No harm done because at the end of the day I'm okay with sticking with my F30 alone. I always try to keep my options open and I still want to have something slightly fun to drive around on the roads. S4, to me, still seems like the best package, but the damn lease deals are too high for me :/

[emnahum]

BTW...BMW is the dark side. Its not just a term for switching brands.

This. You're not coming *to* the dark side, you're coming *from* the dark side.

[rjd598]

This. You're not coming *to* the dark side, you're coming *from* the dark side.

Let's find out! Definitely want to make this transition at one point for sure.

[dbuxton13]

I'm currently stationed in Germany and as you might expect the place is fairly swarming with BMWs and Audis. Both brands are great, however it is the legendary Quattro system and the focus on leading-edge technology that has pushed me towards Audi. I have had my heart set on an S4 for nearly 8 years, and the upcoming B9 setup is fantastic. I'm presently driving an older BMW 320d wagon to save up (hey, it will do 200kph on the autobahn no problem).

I was able to attend the Frankfurt Auto show in September where the S4 made its debut, and I had a chance to climb into one for awhile. The interior, fit and finish is remarkable. Then you add in the performance details like improved 0-60 time, torque band, huge weight reduction, and the optional sport differential that throws you around corners... let's just say I feel like I am exercising enormous restraint holding off on purchase until next year (MY 2018), especially when I have the Nürburgring just a 30 minute drive away.

Trading this


For this

[rjd598]

I'm currently stationed in Germany and as you might expect the place is fairly swarming with BMWs and Audis. Both brands are great, however it is the legendary Quattro system and the focus on leading-edge technology that has pushed me towards Audi. I have had my heart set on an S4 for nearly 8 years, and the upcoming B9 setup is fantastic. I'm presently driving an older BMW 320d wagon to save up (hey, it will do 200kph on the autobahn no problem).

I was able to attend the Frankfurt Auto show in September where the S4 made its debut, and I had a chance to climb into one for awhile. The interior, fit and finish is remarkable. Then you add in the performance details like improved 0-60 time, torque band, huge weight reduction, and the optional sport differential that throws you around corners... let's just say I feel like I am exercising enormous restraint holding off on purchase until next year, especially when I have the Nürburgring just a 30 minute drive away.

Trading this

For this

That'll be one nice upgrade :)

[The Fat Kid]

Audi leases usually suck.

I own a '15 DSG S4. Personally, I would not own the first MY of a new Audi body style; let other people be beta testers.

The B8.5 S4 is a great all-around car, but it is sporty luxury car, NOT a sports car. I would suggest checking out a CPO F80 M3 (can be found for mid-$60k range) if you do not need AWD and want something sportier.

[cameraz]

Audi leases usually suck.

I own a '15 DSG S4. Personally, I would not own the first MY of a new Audi body style; let other people be beta testers.

I have owned four A4s -- B5, B6, B8 & B9. Bought them as soon as they were available in the U.S. They had their problems, but most stuff was fixed under warranty.

BTW, A4s are sold in Europe before they come to the U.S., so we're not exactly "beta testers."

[The Fat Kid]

I have owned four A4s -- B5, B6, B8 & B9. Bought them as soon as they were available in the U.S. They had their problems, but most stuff was fixed under warranty.

BTW, A4s are sold in Europe before they come to the U.S., so we're not exactly "beta testers."

That is my idea of a beta tester

Some people love to have the latest version of everything, and are willing to accept warranty fixes as part of that pleasure. I bought my '15 S4 specifically because most of the kinks were worked out of the B8s; it is ridiculously difficult for me to get my car to the dealer mid-week (no diagnostics done on the weekend), so "free" warranty fixes are a major turnoff.

I understand that Europe gets the new models first, but the US cars still end up with issues.

[rjd598]

Audi leases usually suck.

I own a '15 DSG S4. Personally, I would not own the first MY of a new Audi body style; let other people be beta testers.

The B8.5 S4 is a great all-around car, but it is sporty luxury car, NOT a sports car. I would suggest checking out a CPO F80 M3 (can be found for mid-$60k range) if you do not need AWD and want something sportier.

I've thought about a CPO F80, but a slightly used 15/16 B8.5 S4 sounds much nicer. Prices are good for them, but not sure if payments will be what I can "afford". Depending on what the lease deals are like I wouldn't be opposed into getting into a new B9 S4. It all depends really on a lot of factors.

[The Fat Kid]

I've thought about a CPO F80, but a slightly used 15/16 B8.5 S4 sounds much nicer. Prices are good for them, but not sure if payments will be what I can "afford". Depending on what the lease deals are like I wouldn't be opposed into getting into a new B9 S4. It all depends really on a lot of factors.

I just mentioned a CPO F80 since you might get bored with the S4 if you want "sportier". The guys running dual-pulley setups on S4/5s are putting up some great numbers, but then you do other mods like suspension, cooling, etc. and you are basically looking at CPO F80 price territory.

You might also want to see what happens with the RS3 (some dealers are taking deposits) if you like smaller sedans.

The bottom line: There are a lot of great options for car enthusiasts

[rjd598]

I just mentioned a CPO F80 since you might get bored with the S4 if you want "sportier". The guys running dual-pulley setups on S4/5s are putting up some great numbers, but then you do other mods like suspension, cooling, etc. and you are basically looking at CPO F80 price territory.

You might also want to see what happens with the RS3 (some dealers are taking deposits) if you like smaller sedans.

The bottom line: There are a lot of great options for car enthusiasts

I appreciate the suggestion. I don't think I'll get bored with the S4. It'll be the perfect balance for me and I would lightly mod it with some aesthetic items and tune/exhaust. My current M3 is great, but I'm over having that sporty of a car. Don't want anything smaller than my F30 right now.

[dbuxton13]

Can't really compare a F80 M3 to an S4 though, it has an extra turbo. It has nearly the same stats and pricing as the RS4 (which *might* return to the US for MY18, according to Audi reps I spoke with at Frankfurt recently).

[AZ-S4]

[QUOTE=dbuxton13;11617150]I'm currently stationed in Germany and as you might expect the place is fairly swarming with BMWs and Audis. Both brands are great, however it is the legendary Quattro system and the focus on leading-edge technology that has pushed me towards Audi. I have had my heart set on an S4 for nearly 8 years, and the upcoming B9 setup is fantastic. I'm presently driving an older BMW 320d wagon to save up (hey, it will do 200kph on the autobahn no problem).

I was able to attend the Frankfurt Auto show in September where the S4 made its debut, and I had a chance to climb into one for awhile. The interior, fit and finish is remarkable. Then you add in the performance details like improved 0-60 time, torque band, huge weight reduction, and the optional sport differential that throws you around corners... let's just say I feel like I am exercising enormous restraint holding off on purchase until next year (MY 2018), especially when I have the Nürburgring just a 30 minute drive away.

+1

[The Fat Kid]

Can't really compare a F80 M3 to an S4 though, it has an extra turbo. It has nearly the same stats and pricing as the RS4 (which *might* return to the US for MY18, according to Audi reps I spoke with at Frankfurt recently).

You are correct if doing a new-MSRP comparison, but that is not being discussed.

2015 CPO F80 M3s are starting at $62k on BMW's website; I did not pay MSRP but think the sticker was about ~$57k on my '15 Prestige S4, and B9 S4s will probably be more expensive. Someone looking at sports sedans in this price range would be nuts to not check out a CPO M3.

[rjd598]

You are correct if doing a new-MSRP comparison, but that is not being discussed.

2015 CPO F80 M3s are starting at $62k on BMW's website; I did not pay MSRP but think the sticker was about ~$57k on my '15 Prestige S4, and B9 S4s will probably be more expensive. Someone looking at sports sedans in this price range would be nuts to not check out a CPO M3.

If I wanted to pay that much I would go the F80 route. I love my F30, which shocks me so I would naturally assume the F80 will be relatively perfect.

[JMG]

If I wanted to pay that much I would go the F80 route. I love my F30, which shocks me so I would naturally assume the F80 will be relatively perfect.

OP, I was in your boat not a few months ago. I just returned my leased F30 328i and was shopping for a car. I test drove the C450AMG and the 340i M Sport. Admittedly , I did NOT test drive the S4 mainly because I have already had an S4 and I wanted something else, plus I don't like Audi residuals.

The 340i is actually the spiritual competitor to the current S4. I ended up getting the 340i M Sport with the Track Handling Package, fully loaded MSRP was $61k but I got almost 10k off. That's right in S4 territory, but let me tell you, BMW underrated the new B58 engine. I'm not sure why, probably so they wouldn't step on the M235 or the new M2, but there is a consensus that it actually puts out more than 340-350hp, which is the same as the S4. Given less power train loss to the wheels, but the better grip of the S4, it makes sense that their 0-60 times are identical: ~4.6s.

You are not going to find a CPO M3/M4 for under $60k, but the F80 is more visceral than the S4, and after you build out our options on an S4 you are easily in that price range. On the plus side you get a nice long 100k warranty. On the downside you get a stripped M3/M4 with little options... plus it's used. I think you need to test drive the 340, the S4, and a CPO M3 to make an informed decision, but understand this: This is a great problem to have because I think all 3 cars are spectacular.


EDIT:
This article claims their dyno read 371 to the crank. Not 100% sure that is real world or just used a comparison to the Dinan 328i in the article.
http://www.tflcar.com/2016/02/2016-b...arison-review/