I thoroughly enjoy my C2S -- the looks, handling, sound, smell, visceral enjoyment, etc., and I want to keep it as my special weekend ride. However, I need something which will accommodate a set or two of golf clubs and the occasional bodies and luggage which come with family visits. I drove a BMW 335i 6MT coupe, which I understand now mimics the M3 with the Dinan chip while maintaining the factory warranty, and I just read a review of the 2010 MB E63 AMG in which the reviewer (Michael Austin of C&D) approves of the new 7-speed auto and the car in general (as good as PDK?). I'd appreciate all opinions, realizing of course that the necessary practicalities will cause the daily driver to fall short of Porsche gratification.

 

check out the 2010 audi S4

 

why not to wait for panamera?

 

I haven't driven a panamera yet. (who has?) But for the money the S4 with limited slip is a very good buy IMO. And competes well with the 335i.

I do not consider MB's but thats just me.

 

BMW M3... E46 or E90/2 depending on budget and desire for four doors
BMW 335i
BMW E39 M5 or 528 wagon
Audi S4 or RS4

Jason

 

As I understand it, the S4 power train fit between the 335 and the M3, but the Dinan chip takes it to around 370 hp for a piddling $1,200. Did you drive an S4? Was it the auto or manual? I find it a good looker, even in 4-door mode. I don't care for the aesthetics of the 335 sedan, but I like the coupe very much. Any thoughts on how it outshines the BMW?

 

The new S4 and 335i are very comparable. If there is not already, there will be plenty of easy power mods for the SC'd S4. But, keep in mind even the Dinan chip for the 335i voids the factory warranty and you are trusting that Dinan will stand behind their product. Its a gamble. A 2010 S4 with LSD would be a sweet DD and fast.

I think you can actually get a BMW LSD for the 335i now but in reality how often are you even going to use the LSD in a DD??

Jason

 

Test drove one with audi's duel tranny...alot to like for the price. But I did not push it.

I'm going to go for another test drive soon.

I haven't driven a 335 in a couple of years. But I think S4 stacks up well with the 335i. And thats what its aimed at.

 

I missed my chance to drive one at a PCA event in Monterey, but I did sit in on and check them out. Completely incredible and far better looking than the photos would lead you to believe. It would be a fantastic DD.

 

And how much are they gonna cost, say again?

 

about 2-2.5 S4's

 

Well optioned S4 is $55K. So panamera gonna be at $130K? Seems a bit too high to me.

 

Fair point. A cubic boatload of money. One can dream....

 

I think they start around 100k and the models move up to about 130K w/o options.

 

I hope preliminary price expectations on panamera will have to be adjusted if they do want to be able to sell this car. It has to be somewhat comparable with cayenne, however it sounds, both cayenne and panamera are carrera substitutes for family folks with kids, so, it would be odd to see panamera above carreras on price ladder.

But it`s just what I think. Porsche may have (and as it seems it has) a different opinion about this, I am just not sure to whom they plan to sell panamera anyway.