[misterjim]

Been looking for a used, preferably CPO, f30 335 or possibly 340 x-drive with a manual tranny. I also opened my search to include Audi S4s. What I was surprised to see is that S4s seem to command a higher price by as much as a few thousand $ compared to the same year 335 or 340 x-drives.

Not sure why the pricing difference, but I have to say I was impressed when I test drove a 2015 S4 the other day. It was a 6MT with the sport diff. The engine seemed to rev/pull better than the 335 (and still be silky smooth) while the suspension was a great compromise between sport and comfort - much better than the x-drive (yes, I know it is well known the x-drive suspension is way too soft). I will say, however, the steering in both cars is awful. In any case, I'm surprised to read some of the negative comments about the s4 posted in this forum. It's definitely on my list as a possibility though the higher cost is a turn off.

What I need to do next is drive a 340 and see how that compares. I am hopeful with the new engine and tweaks to the steering and suspension I will like it as much, if not more, than the s4!

[vooonoo]

they do have 34 more HP, and start at $3k more... might have something to do with it

[Logicoeur]

Id say the pricing difference is highly affected by the region is being sold in, as well as how many are manufactured and resold. BMW definitely sells more 3 series than the A/S4. Rs4 would be the equivalent M3. The s4 definitely commands a higher price in the NE because snow. Quattro is gold out here.

That price diff is definitely a big reason why I ended up in this 335i. I really wanted a cayman but snow, and I wanted to try something new. I had a 1.8t 5spd A4 for the better part of a decade with coilovers being the most hardcore mod. Since all the S4s below 70k mi were still commanding 29K+ I jumped into an A6 prestige with the same engine. Bad move lol, so comfortable but so boring to drive compared to a 5spd turbo on coilovers.

Had that car for 8 months before I decided to trade it in for this car. So far it's fun, even on cottonball soft suspension. Took a downgrade as far as the interior and comfort but definitely an upgrade in fun factor. Throwing on coilovers and tuning it will definitely bring out even more. All for 25k and less than 50k mi. Couldn't beat it really.

[Savageenterprise]

Originally Posted by misterjim

Been looking for a used, preferably CPO, f30 335 or possibly 340 x-drive with a manual tranny. I also opened my search to include Audi S4s. What I was surprised to see is that S4s seem to command a higher price by as much as a few thousand $ compared to the same year 335 or 340 x-drives.

Not sure why the pricing difference, but I have to say I was impressed when I test drove a 2015 S4 the other day. It was a 6MT with the sport diff. The engine seemed to rev/pull better than the 335 (and still be silky smooth) while the suspension was a great compromise between sport and comfort - much better than the x-drive (yes, I know it is well known the x-drive suspension is way too soft). I will say, however, the steering in both cars is awful. In any case, I'm surprised to read some of the negative comments about the s4 posted in this forum. It's definitely on my list as a possibility though the higher cost is a turn off.

What I need to do next is drive a 340 and see how that compares. I am hopeful with the new engine and tweaks to the steering and suspension I will like it as much, if not more, than the s4!

I had this same exact debate when shopping for my car. I couldn’t justify the extra $$ for the car though in the used market and, to be in my budget,to lease a new s4 was out of the question. Not to mention I wanted a 6spd. So here I am waiting for my 340i xdrive to come in September lol.

[Cyanfall]

According to the research i did before the purchase i made, bmw has the worst resale value among luxury brand at least in the category of car i was searching for in my region, but thats also why i got a good deal. Only 1 year and 10k mile, no accident and perfect condition, cpo, ii got my car for only 63 percent of its msrp. I feel bad for the guy bought it new.

[BillD1953]

Originally Posted by Savageenterprise

I had this same exact debate when shopping for my car. I couldn’t justify the extra $$ for the car though in the used market and, to be in my budget,to lease a new s4 was out of the question. Not to mention I wanted a 6spd. So here I am waiting for my 340i xdrive to come in September lol.

I'm "so close" to ordering a RWD bare bones 330i or 340i 6MT before the order window closes in the next few weeks.

If I get "cold feet" ordering an outgoing F30 6MT before test driving the new RWD M340i and miss the window....my fall back could be a 440i 6MT...except for the two doors I loved my 2016 228i 6MT RWD coupe.

Or if I want to "go cheap"...but maybe fun.....a new Accord 2.0T Sport 6MT

[Savageenterprise]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

I'm "so close" to ordering a RWD bare bones 330i or 340i 6MT before the order window closes in the next few weeks.

If I get "cold feet" ordering an outgoing F30 6MT before test driving the new RWD M340i and miss the window....my fall back could be a 440i 6MT...except for the two doors I loved my 2016 228i 6MT RWD coupe.

Or if I want to "go cheap"...but maybe fun.....a new Accord 2.0T Sport 6MT

If you’re considering the 340 don’t get a 2.0 Honda, you’ll be like ahhh I wish I had more power. I ordered mine pretty much bare bones
, got some hefty discounts and got a great deal

[Savageenterprise]

Originally Posted by Cyanfall

According to the research i did before the purchase i made, bmw has the worst resale value among luxury brand at least in the category of car i was searching for in my region, but thats also why i got a good deal. Only 1 year and 10k mile, no accident and perfect condition, cpo, ii got my car for only 63 percent of its msrp. I feel bad for the guy bought it new.

Yeah it’s one of those things. Any new car depreciates like a boulder drops off a cliff, it’s just the nature of the beast not just BMW.

[Cyanfall]

Originally Posted by Savageenterprise

Yeah it’s one of those things. Any new car depreciates like a boulder drops off a cliff, it’s just the nature of the beast not just BMW.

Bmw depreciate more. For the same price i got my 440, i could only get c300 or base engine a4 for the similar mileage. Im not complaining. I feel thankful for i could afford the car i desire.

[misterjim]

Can anyone comment on the b58 vs n55 motors compared to the S4s? I assume the 340 will close the power gap with the s4?

[goj]

Originally Posted by misterjim

Can anyone comment on the b58 vs n55 motors compared to the S4s? I assume the 340 will close the power gap with the s4?

The b58 has slightly more torque than the S4 and any hp difference cannot be felt.

Engine is smoother and incredibly efficient. Power kit bumps it to 355 hp and 369lb ft which would smoke a B8.5.

The b58 pulls to the redline holding peak 320 hp from 5500-6500rpm. It's one hell of an engine. The n55 was really good but the b58 in something else

[misterjim]

Originally Posted by goj

The b58 has slightly more torque than the S4 and any hp difference cannot be felt.

Engine is smoother and incredibly efficient. Power kit bumps it to 355 hp and 369lb ft which would smoke a B8.5.

The b58 pulls to the redline holding peak 320 hp from 5500-6500rpm. It's one hell of an engine. The n55 was really good but the b58 in something else

Sounds good. I'm going to test drive a 2016 340 x-drive next week. I am anticipating I'm going to love the engine but still be disspointed in the suspension. But I suppose I can always modify the suspension.

[goj]

I am not a fan of Audi that much but honestly if I needed AWD in a sedan I'd probably lean towards the S4.

Bmw really messed up the X-drive suspension on the F30 in a sense that the RWD handles better.

I don't think anyone here that looks at this objectively would fault you for going S4 as a sportier choice.

That being said the 340i does everything a little better than the pre LCI 335i

[xlover]

I had a B8 S4 with auto/dct and followed that with an n55 f30 6 speed and I always thought I got the tranny choice backwards.
Yes the s4 has a bit more power but the more linear supercharged engine fit the 6 speed manual much better than the single turbo 335 where the auto's much faster shifting and more gears do a better job keeping the turbo on the boil.

[R.I.P. Grandma]

I had a similar experience when shopping for an ST/ST/335/435. I got a good deal on an S5. Sweet car. Very nice interior and the engine was fantastic. I needed a 4 door and went with a 335. The resale value on the the S5 allowed me to get into a similar year and milage 335 for a slight increase. With that said, I'm enjoying the 335 as each car has its pros and cons. Once you have a chance to drive all the cars you're considering, you'll see if the premium of the S4 is worth it to you.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by goj

I am not a fan of Audi that much but honestly if I needed AWD in a sedan I'd probably lean towards the S4.

Bmw really messed up the X-drive suspension on the F30 in a sense that the RWD handles better.

I don't think anyone here that looks at this objectively would fault you for going S4 as a sportier choice.

That being said the 340i does everything a little better than the pre LCI 335i

If you want a f30 or f32 xdrive, and don't plan to modify the suspension, make sure it's got the adaptive msport suspension. Having driven an xdrive with and without the adaptive msport, it's a night and day difference with everyday driving.

[BMWILUVU]

Originally Posted by misterjim

Can anyone comment on the b58 vs n55 motors compared to the S4s? I assume the 340 will close the power gap with the s4?

I beat my friend's B9 S4 but noone will believe it on the forum. The B9 S4 is turbocharged.

[misterjim]

Originally Posted by Fuller

If you want a f30 or f32 xdrive, and don't plan to modify the suspension, make sure it's got the adaptive msport suspension. Having driven an xdrive with and without the adaptive msport, it's a night and day difference with everyday driving.

I've read that from many members. Unfortunately, for some reason, adaptive is extremely rare even among the rare 6MT cars. The car I am going to look at doesn't have it. But if I buy it I will modify the suspension as I tend to keep my cars a long time.

[Logicoeur]

Originally Posted by goj

The b58 has slightly more torque than the S4 and any hp difference cannot be felt.

Engine is smoother and incredibly efficient. Power kit bumps it to 355 hp and 369lb ft which would smoke a B8.5.

The b58 pulls to the redline holding peak 320 hp from 5500-6500rpm. It's one hell of an engine. The n55 was really good but the b58 in something else

Smoke is a strong choice of words here. Mppk would be equivalent to a stage 1 tune on the b8.5 and they are supposedly hitting 433/364 from what I've seen.

[Sea-Tac]

Well, there are fewer of them as compared to the 3 series and they are a bit more powerful and handle nicer too. Just my opinion.

[goj]

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Smoke is a strong choice of words here. Mppk would be equivalent to a stage 1 tune on the b8.5 and they are supposedly hitting 433/364 from what I've seen.

Smoke might have been a bit strong of a word but I'm talking OEM vs OEM. What the S4 would make with a stage one tune is irrelevant to my statement

[Logicoeur]

Originally Posted by goj

Smoke might have been a bit strong of a word but I'm talking OEM vs OEM. What the S4 would make with a stage one tune is irrelevant to my statement

Kind of does because you mention the mppk. It's offered by BMW but it's still a tune on top of the stock software. This is why I mention the stage 1 tune from APR, though not offered as an Audi tune, it is offered at certain official dealers as an add-on, last I checked. Apples to apples.