i say m3 all the way man.

 

The E46 M3 has a limited slip differential so with a set of winter tires you can expect pretty decent performance. Maybe not as solid/tank-like as a Quattro equipped audi with winters but still quite good.

Make the decision after a test drive! (And of course availability of the 'car you really want at the time of purchase)

 

another to consider is if this car is going to be purely a daily driver/fun car or is this just a fun car? because your on the east coast winter's are more of an issue i didn't see that when i posted from my phone earlier. with those winter's in mind and daily driving duties i'd suggest the s4 but if this is still purely a fun car then m3 no questions

 

The M3 was my first car, I drove numerous S4 and M3. You can clearly see where I ended up. Then again, my car doesn't leave the garage in the winter.

 

Well currently I have an 86' SVO Mustang that my brother left me after he passed, but the thing has a totally rebuilt engine so I dont think I'll be using that until I get some driving experience.. Unless I use that for a fun car I would be looking for an everyday driver. But I dont think that I'll be using that car so I'd like a car that would be good for driving in the rain and snow, and still be able to track on the weekends.

 

In general, '03.5 are more desirable with the LED's etc... Nothing wrong with buying '01+ M3 as long as you check that the rod bearing recall was performed. Also, stay away from SMG as 6 speed will be more reliable outta warranty. Other than that check inspections I & II (depends on mileage) and you're set. Also, it's ///M car so budget little extra for maintenance.

 

I say M3 all the way I bought a 25th Anniversary S4 and traded in a 545i for it I hated it by the end of the first day car drove like **** and drank gas like it was free. Even my 545i Handled much better then that car. But the build quality was nice and it was a nice LOOKING car especially with all the Carbon bits. In the end I got my 545i back especially since the S4 didn't want to start on multiple occasions.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZX8aUG2zRw

This should help.

 

2 years man! damn... Already have It all planed out huh?

Sounds a little familiar

The M was my first car, got it when I was 15 after I got my permit. I've almost had it for 2 years, living in a very busy city and have had no accidents or close calls for that matter.
I have NEVER felt overwhelmed with power, I mean 333 crack hp isn't huge power and with the low tq numbers, Its very manageable WITH DSC ON. Things change when you decided to switch it off. As long as you respect the car, remember it is a RWD car with a good amount power, and don't drive like a nut you should be fine.

 

Yup, Loved cars ever since I was 4, and now I'm only a few years away from driving, I'm looking into my first car. And from all the comments and the video I'm starting to lean back over to the M3, but I'm still not sure.