[fpblue]

I moved out to Wisconsin from Long Island, NY last spring. Before this winter my lease was up on my 06 M3 Vert. I faced the same problems/questions that you did. I was assured by a fellow M3 owner that the car is fine in the snow with good winter tires on it. Since I think Audis have lousy reliability (everyone I know that has had one has had problems), I took the chance and went with the E90 M3. Since they had 100 inches of snow last winter in Wisconsin, I was a bit nervous. So far this winter we have had about 75 inches of snow and my M3 has been my daily driver (45 miles a day)the whole winter except for one day. I live up on a big hill and the M3 has gotten up the hill with no problems every time. The advanced traction control systems have navigated the BMW through the snow without problems. The only day I left the car home was when the snow fell fast and furious and there was supposed to be 14 inches. I was worried about clearance issues on the side streets and took my wife's SUV.

If I were you and you can afford it, I would go with the M3. I am not sorry about my decision and we certainly get worse winters than the Tri-State area of NYC.

[lucky_doggg7]

A RS4 daily driver would be a very nice car. As for snow, if the snow plows always get to your area late (or not at all because they're on the highway), then absolutely get a Quattro and snow tires; you will be unstopable. Then again, snow is seasonal and if your first priority is to have the dynamic driving experience of a rwd car, you will not be happy in a Quattro. Of course, there is plan "B," move to SoCal and you can enjoy a M3 all year around!

[ryem3]

Hey, I grew up in SoCal, sometimes I miss it
Funny thing is, 4 years ago I went through the same debate - get rid of my E36 M3 - get an S4 or an E46 M3. When I read about twin turbo disasters and $7k repair bills I convinced myself to stay with BMW. Others are right, you always know someone that's had a problem with an Audi. Maybe I'll wait until next year, but I'm leaning towards staying with the M3. I'll need to drive an RS4 and see if I get hooked. The RS4 is a lot more car than the S4 was. On the other hand the V8 S4 is quite a car for a lot less money. It just totally lacks the styling. The DTM packages on those cars are hot, but they are just so rare.

[01'325rip]

its a toss up, i havent driven either. Money wise rs4 is your best bet. your going to be looking at high 60's for the m3 no?
thats a huge factor.

Being in snow i think id make more sense to have the RS4 granted you would take it out in snowy conditions.

And the RS4 is a pretty rare car dont see them too often i see these new E90's all over.
which always alters my decision just my 2 cents.

[newtonm3]

Originally Posted by juanpescado

Get a winter beater. Snow trashes a nice car. Your nice RS4 is still going to need winter tires to stop, your front spoiler will become a snow plow ......... If you have $40k to spend, drop $10k on a nice 4wd and $30k on a low miles Lotus.

not true. my family has an RS4 on all season high performance eagle 1's. I drove the car in a blizzard on one of those friday storms and the car just rips to much traction. I was on snow covered roads trying to get the car to slide and everytime it would just grab and go. this was on streets which are not plowed. the car has crazy grip and is faster than the E46 (with slight mods) not sure about the new E92.

we do have some concern about the cost over the years of ownership

[juanpescado]

Originally Posted by newtonm3

not true. my family has an RS4 on all season high performance eagle 1's. I drove the car in a blizzard on one of those friday storms and the car just rips to much traction. I was on snow covered roads trying to get the car to slide and everytime it would just grab and go. this was on streets which are not plowed. the car has crazy grip and is faster than the E46 (with slight mods) not sure about the new E92.

we do have some concern about the cost over the years of ownership

Just don't use your brakes because a RS4 with all season tires is not going to stop any faster than a M3 with the same all season tires. With 4wd on all season tires, you can go faster but stop no better.

[Robo Squirrel]

m3 ftw!

[yemenmocha]

M3's are selling for invoice, so make sure you're factoring in an invoice price for a new one. No sense in looking at used for a few K less when new is going at invoice.

[MCarRacr07]

FWIW...the RS4 right now is a great deal...though I have my doubts on its ability in the snow with those tires....however it is def. better than the M3.
As far as performance....sorry guys...the M3 is hands down faster...in every aspect....I had to re-educate an Rs4 driver just recently...lol.
I like the RS4 dont get me wrong..but not at the 65k+ price tag when new.
If you want to drive an E92 let me know I'm in Harrison.
Regards
S

[DMS]

My RS4 is my winter car. I put a set of Blizzaks on it this year and I've never had so much fun. This thing is unstoppable in the snow. It is hard to believe that these cars are selling in the 40s. I paid 70+ for mine only a couple of years ago. BTW, my RS4 has been bullet proof. It has never been in the shop.

RS4 vs E90M3:
Exclusivity.......RS4
All weather driving....RS4
Speed and agility......M3
One with the road.....M3
Price.........RS4(Used)
Appearance......RS4
Resale.........M3
Maintenance......M3 although they included it for three years on my RS4

Good Luck