e36 m3 vs e46 330 vs Audi allroad. Gaah!

[evandael]

The 2.7t is notorious for chewing up turbos around the 100k mark. Coupled with the complex air suspension and all other Quattro complexities, you best do your homework on a potential buy before taking the plunge.

I love VAG products, really do. I think the Allroad is sweet. But they are not kind in terms of service and maintenance (a ZHP 330i is your best bet here).

[Emre]

Considering the pseudo-AWD system on BMWs is unimaginably sucky and you live in Buffalo, I would avoid an XI. Audi's AWD system actually works in snow and ice. Since AWD is something that matters to you, that's the natural choice.

I would just skip the All-Road and get a normal Audi with normal suspension. Air ride is a gimmick.

[MattAvino]

Despite the little problems, I'm a huge fan of the Allroad.

[livetheride]

I'd also go with the 330... I'm looking to possibly get one myself. Extremely reliable vehicle if you keep any sort of regular maintenance with it.

[A_Whelan]

I'm with the majority on this one, 330 is the way to go. Although people have had hits and misses with the Audi, it could happen to you and be a shitty time.

[Kershaw]

i actually think e36s are really nice cars. and really cheap too. most for sale in my area are much cheaper than e30s when they are comparable condition. but when i sell my e30 i'll go straight to an e46 or maybe an e90 if enough time has passed.

awd makes your gas mileage suck.

[gkobez]

The Audi is nice to drive but from my experience they are complete pains in the ass to fix. Not hard but everything seems to require extra effort.

[ColdAccord]

r3v hates e36's.

if I decide RWD manual it's going to be tough to choose between e36m3/4/5 or 330i/5sp/sport pkg

[mikeb23ft]

Surprised that the M3 option didn't get more love in this thread, especially compared to the Audi. I think of the Audi as a "nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there" car. Then again I don't have the money to have an opinion on any of this.

[Zasz]

Audi or 3.0 E46.

[OniKyan]

M3.

[Brezzi]

I know the kid in that first e46 pic that thing was fucking slammed he just sold it. Anyway I would go with the zhp but for you sound like you leaning away from that and since you have a shop I say find a allroad with good maintenance history. If it breaks just fix it and in the mean time drive what ever your fun car is for awhile.

[ColdAccord]

my business partner has a 2.7t a6 s-line. When he bought it he did the timing belt, water pump, cam seals, etc. He hasn't had any trouble with it in the past 1.5 years. The two prior owners were friends of mine, they both had a good experience as well

[nrubenstein]

The Allrad is a complete piece of shit. If you're willing to spend quite a few multiples on maintenance vs. the E36/E46, then maybe, but the thing has the worst Audi engine, a horribly complex suspension and the usual Audi issues with everything else.

(K bought one for her mother, so yes, we do have some experience with them.)

[alB5]

yeah 2.7t + air-ride suspension would be a nightmare. would be great if you had really really deep pockets.