Hey guys. Currently I have a 2002 BMW 325XI AWD. Great car. I live in PA where the winters can get pretty nasty. Luckily this is a warm one. I was looking to get a little more power and it seems that Audi S4 B5 or Volvo S60R is the way to go. Tons of power stock but a chip for 500 gets you over 300hp easily. The only thing is is that turbos are typically much much more to fix and break easier then naturally aspirated cars. I could go the route of a 330XI with 235hp and be safe and not worry or go with an S4 turbo and run the risk of blown turbos, or something along that line. Bottom line is this...What would be in my best interest if I am going to be in college for the next four years? I need something reliable but yet fun to drive and have some speed to it. Let me know guys. Thanks a lot in advance.

 

S4 would be most fun and has best AWD system (bar none)...but in your case - with reliability the #1 concern (and not all out performance)- I would go with the BMW. BTW M3 not AWD in any configuration....

 

Yea I'm aware. I figured since the winters are so mild up here I can go RWD. I really like the S4 but reliability is #1 like you said. Can't go wrong with BMW

 

let me tell you if your going to be in college.... go with the s4..... let me tell you the pimp status you will get from that car......reliability is still in the s4 just when you buy one have the turbos checked with your own eye check for oil anywhere that is your first sign of a blown turbo...other then that these damn cars are definitely reliable...as well as drive nice and damn do they got somepowerand control..but remember this .....you need to have a little money on the side to maintain an s4....if you dont want to maintain and take good care of your car then the s4 is not for you go with the bmw...but this is only my opinion....

 

I love my S4 - but I still can't consider it as reliabel. Too many things have broken and required attention and even the little stuff seems to cost way too much. My CD player is out now for instance...just died. A few months ago it was a suplemental water coolant pump ($500 later..) and various CV joints (just recently had an inside one [boot] replaced...)...and the K03s are just unpredictable...sure if one has the cash to handle it - and the patience with the car being in the shop - sometimes for extended periods - then the S4 is no problem...otherwise...