I was curious and checked out dragtimes and it looks like the 545i and V8 S4 are almost identical in times. Obv the S4 60’fts a lil better and the 545i had 1-3 more mph. I am not sure if the 545i comes with a limited slip or not. I would not enjoy one without it though. Looks like you will just have to go drive them both!
Yea it is not going to be an only car for me and I deff keep a budget for mods/replacement parts. Mine is under ~70k miles too. Would probably not buy one with intent of it being my only car. However there is nothing close to its price range i would even consider maintenance included. I would rather sink 10-15k into it over a few years over any newer cars lol. Can’t fight love I guess. Hard to beat high 12 second stock cars that also turn and have amazing interiors(IMO).
Shit, an S60 R, but wait until I find one first!
The newer style G35’s are probably one of my favorite 4 doors.
:word:
Thats what I was going to suggest.
VW Touareg is one pimp SUV (even though its not a sedan).It just seems like a lot of automobile for the price,luxury,4.2 V8,AWD…
have you looked into “ZHP” package e46 330s?
4 doors 6, speed, aero package and a bunch of other stuff to make it as close to a 4 door E46 m3 there is avail. in the US.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/images/330_main_photo.jpg
http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/5200zhp.jpg
ZHP - Performance Package
The performance package was available on 2003-2005 330 sedans (330i) and 2004-2006 330 coupes and convertibles (330Ci/330Cic). In 2003, it was only available with the 6-speed manual transmission and WITHOUT the premium package. In 2004, all performance package cars were also available with the automatic (steptronic) transmission as well as the premium package.
Obviously, the Performance Package is a level above the Sport Package, so they’re not available together.
Per the BMW press release, this package included the following changes. However, many of these claims have been found to be misleading:
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Engine mods (new camshafts, electronics, & lighter flywheel) for 10HP & 8 ft/lb of torque increase & 6800 max RPM (from 6500).
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6 speed short throw shifter (for manual transmission equipped cars)
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3.07:1 Final drive ratio w/ manual trans instead of the standard 2.91:1. Convertibles retained the already installed 3.07 ratio.
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Max Speed Limiter set to 155 mph (instead of 128)
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New M suspension, more “sporty” than standard sport package:
[LIST] -
Firmer springs (front +6%, rear +8%)
[LIST] -
There are no “ZHP” specific springs. The same springs are used for comparably equipped 330’s for both the ZSP and the ZHP. In both cases, the spring rate for the post 4/01 build ZSP and ZHP is believed to be slightly less than that of the pre-4/01 ZSP
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Firmer shocks (Jounce: front +50%, rear +20%), (Rebound: front +35%, rear -8%)
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ZHP does use different dampers than the ZSP. There is a shortage of shock dyno data, but based on the SACHS damping parameter values it is believe the jounce damping is the same but rebound damping is stiffer on the ZHP. Pre-4/01 sport package cars had similar damping values to the ZHP but used the higher grade SACHS “Advantage” dampers rather than the “Super Touring” model
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Larger diameter anti-roll bars: 23.5 mm front (v. 23.0), 18.5 mm rear (v. 18.0)
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Sway bar diameters are 23.5 mm and 18.0 mm for all post 4/01 build 330’s. There is no 18.5 mm rear sway bar offered by BMW for the E46.
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More rigid forward bushings
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Front Control arm bushings are the same ZHP/ZSP
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ZHP control arms are different and use a stiffer ball joint
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Lower ride height by 15 mm (.6 inches) utilizing shorter auxiliary springs
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Since both the ZSP and ZHP use the same springs, they have the same ride height. Both are 15mm lower than a non-sport E46
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-.5 degrees of camber (for a total of -1.1 degrees)
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Alignment settings are the same ZSP and ZHP
[/LIST]
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BMW M exterior trim elements (front & rear fascia, side sills, & trunk lid spoiler)
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Special exterior trim: Anthracite (charcoal) headlight & foglight surrounds, High-Gloss
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Shadowline (black gloss) trim
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Large diameter stainless steel dual exhaust outlets
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Extra thick Alcantra steering wheel (later switched to perforated leather)
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ZSP Sport Seats
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Alcantra & cloth upholstry to replace leatherette and standard trim (leather still optional)
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Choice of “Black Cube” or “Silver Cube” interior trim
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Anthracite headliner
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Red needles on the instrument cluster
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Unique 18" Wheels (style 135M), 18x8.0" front, 18x8.5" rear
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Wider Tires: 225/40ZR-18 in front and 255/35ZR-18 in the rear.
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Quicker steering rack ratio. 13.7:1 versus 15.4:1
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All post 4/01 330’s use the same part number steering rack. The ratio of this rack has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be different from that used on the 325’s
[/LIST]
ZHPs are cool, but I thought you hated e46s?
I think you can get a used CTS-V for around $20k
If you are gonna get an S4 do yourself a favor and go B7 2005.5 or newer. The B6 look is very dated and IMHO looks terrible, most Audi enthusiasts would agree the B6 front end is the worst of all S4’s.
B7’s…
Just examples, not suggestions. Just showing the difference in body style I know 2 of these are Auto and 1 is an Avant.
I forgot about the cts-v. I would rock one of those for sure.
Yeah, V’s are in the high teens in some cases. No major issues other than the diff and you can hear that on a test drive. If you look for a while you can find one that has a cadillac certified warranty to 100k for less than $20k
Here is a quick example of an 05 for less than $20k, but no warranty
http://www.cadillacforums.com/cadillac-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=5239&sort=1&cat=23&page=1
I have never driven mine in the snow, but I know how it acts in rain and I don’t know if it is an all season car. Maybe with some snows it would be managable. I would suggest a G35 if this is a DD for Buffalo.
i’d get an S4, whatever the newest you can afford :tup:
e39/e46 cars look dated to you? really?
Get an STi(god I am such a boy racer).
Didnt the cadilac cts-v have alot of issues? and yes i think the e46/e39 cars look very dated since the e60/e90’s have zero similarities to there older brothers.
i agree very much but the b7’s are just a touch outta my price range. I may have to save up some to get something i realy like it seems. well if i want to live within my means that is.
ctsv
damn it… I wanted to be the first to recommend a ZHP E46 sedan… they are just great cars.
you know who else makes great cars:
BUT I WANTED A FERRARI CAKE!!!
as bad as it sounds the majority of sub $20k M cars are beat, no maintenance records and usually need a suspension and bushing overhaul. There are a lot of unknowns which could end up costing you the difference between a sub $20K car and a much better example that costs upper $20’s to low $30’s
I just got a 2006 e90 325i with the 6 speed transmission and I love it. Very comfortable ride and quiet inside but still handles quite well.
It has the 3.0L I6 engine and can get moving pretty good. So I would say go test drive an e90 either the 325i or the 330i even though they both have the 3.0L engine.
Awh I got you. I really don’t see what the allure of a new car is. I personally don’t think many new cars have the style, the quirks, the awesomeness of many older autos. If I was to buy another 4 door it would probably be a CTS-V, an older M5 or a 190E. Have you thought about a G8?
](http://i.ebayimg.com/07/!!e1B6t!BWE~$(KGrHgoOKiQEjlLmZ!24BJ+5,TyjYw~~_4.JPG%5D(http://i.ebayimg.com/07/!!e1B6t!BWE~$(KGrHgoOKiQEjlLmZ!24BJ+5,TyjYw~~_4.JPG)){kind=link}
2002 C32 AMG
MERCEDES BENZ
LET STAGE 2
SUPERCHARGED
403.2 HORSEPOWER AT THE FLYWHEEL
336.8 SAE HORSEPOWER REAR WHEELS
(SEE 5/16/2009 DYNO SHEET)
~12K
