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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 7,917
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Ok, E46 M3 or CLK55 or Audi S4 B6
Looking for another fun machine. The E46 I've had before. The one I'm looking at has had the subframe replaced, the vanos locked down and the SMG pump and actuators replaced so probably good for quite a few miles. The CLK55 has 100,000kms on the clock and has FSH. The Audi S4 6sp auto has 80,000kms and also has FSH. All three good cars but worried about Audi reliability. Pointers anyone?
Scott
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In Heaven… the mechanics are German, the chefs are French, the police are British, the lovers are Italian and everything is organized by the Swiss. In Hell…the mechanics are French, the police are German, the chefs are British, the lovers are Swiss and everything is organized by the Italians. |
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05-18-2015, 04:40 PM
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Hell Belcho
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Oz
Posts: 9,249
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All three are terrible choices. Especially in Australia with increased parts costs and availability.
Get an E46 M3 with a 6 speed. Even then, prepare to spend a bit keeping it on the road.
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Saved by the buoyancy of citrus. |
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05-18-2015, 05:25 PM
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Location: Australia
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I never buy parts from here (Oz). I get them from the site owner.
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In Heaven… the mechanics are German, the chefs are French, the police are British, the lovers are Italian and everything is organized by the Swiss. In Hell…the mechanics are French, the police are German, the chefs are British, the lovers are Swiss and everything is organized by the Italians. |
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05-18-2015, 06:10 PM
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Did you get the memo?
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 32,368
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Sounds like the E46 is sorted, at least by BMW standards. The CLK55 is a German muscle car and really solid providing the transmission fluid has been changed by 80k-ish. If the S4 hasn't had the timing chains, guides, and tensioners replaced, walk away. It's a super expensive engine-out fix that can take out your engine and they all seem to eventually suffer from it.
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‘07 Mazda RX8-8 Past: 911T, 911SC, Carrera, 951s, 955, 996s, 987s, 986s, 997s, BMW 5x, C36, C63, XJR, S8, Maserati Coupe, GT500, etc |
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05-18-2015, 06:23 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Honolulu, HI
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What is FSH? I had a CLK500 and loved that car! It drove great, very comfy, sporty and had a good firm ride. The E46 M3 was fun, but ride was harsh compared to the Benz.
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'24 Tesla Model 3, '22 Tesla Model Y '19 Tacoma '06 Carrera, '79 930 '06 S4 Avant |
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05-18-2015, 11:07 PM
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Location: Australia
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Quote:
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In Heaven… the mechanics are German, the chefs are French, the police are British, the lovers are Italian and everything is organized by the Swiss. In Hell…the mechanics are French, the police are German, the chefs are British, the lovers are Swiss and everything is organized by the Italians. |
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05-18-2015, 11:15 PM
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Location: Honolulu, HI
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The CLK does not handle as well as the M3. I would characterize the CLK as a more mature ride vs the brash M3.
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'24 Tesla Model 3, '22 Tesla Model Y '19 Tacoma '06 Carrera, '79 930 '06 S4 Avant |
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05-18-2015, 11:21 PM
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Misunderstood User
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I had a CLK500 and I loved the 5L engine. Sadly it got totaled. My problem were the trans and converter. These things are pricey to repair.
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Jim 1983 944n/a 2003 Mercedes CLK 500 - totaled. Sanwiched on the Kennedy Expressway |
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05-19-2015, 03:34 AM
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Too big to fail
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M3
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"You go to the track with the Porsche you have, not the Porsche you wish you had." '03 E46 M3 '57 356A Various VWs |
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05-19-2015, 04:24 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,231
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Get the B6 S4 if you would enjoy this type of routine maintenance.
 
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05-19-2015, 09:11 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Carmichael, CA
Posts: 617
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I'm a fan of variety, go for the CLK.
Except. . . The M3 will be more fun to drive, much more performance oriented. The good about the CLK, Coil spring suspension, torquey-ish, don't need too many special tools to work on. The bad about the CLK, doesn't have the blower motor, has german electrical gremlins, C-class build quality. For similar money as the M3, I think you could find an E55, or CL55. For a little more money, an SL55. All of which have the supercharged engine which is a terrific power plant in its own right, and a great starting point for making big power.
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1960 356 Super 90 - EFI'd 1989 190e 2.6 1991 964 |
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05-19-2015, 09:23 AM
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Location: CA
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Not the Audi on reliability, not the Merc based on its driving style.. Maybe the M3 since the subframe is done, but it's SMG, ugh.... so how about a used 996 with a replaced IMS bearing instead ? ;-) Sorry...
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05-19-2015, 01:48 PM
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Quote:
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In Heaven… the mechanics are German, the chefs are French, the police are British, the lovers are Italian and everything is organized by the Swiss. In Hell…the mechanics are French, the police are German, the chefs are British, the lovers are Swiss and everything is organized by the Italians. |
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05-19-2015, 01:57 PM
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Location: Valencia Pa.
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Quote:
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No left turn un stoned |
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05-19-2015, 02:46 PM
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Quote:
__________________
In Heaven… the mechanics are German, the chefs are French, the police are British, the lovers are Italian and everything is organized by the Swiss. In Hell…the mechanics are French, the police are German, the chefs are British, the lovers are Swiss and everything is organized by the Italians. |
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05-19-2015, 02:48 PM
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Registered
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Location: Australia
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Quote:
__________________
In Heaven… the mechanics are German, the chefs are French, the police are British, the lovers are Italian and everything is organized by the Swiss. In Hell…the mechanics are French, the police are German, the chefs are British, the lovers are Swiss and everything is organized by the Italians. |
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05-19-2015, 02:49 PM
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Did you get the memo?
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 32,368
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Quote:
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‘07 Mazda RX8-8 Past: 911T, 911SC, Carrera, 951s, 955, 996s, 987s, 986s, 997s, BMW 5x, C36, C63, XJR, S8, Maserati Coupe, GT500, etc |
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05-19-2015, 05:15 PM
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Registered User
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My advice? A Lexus IS-F.
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1986 911 Targa We affirm that the world’s magnificence has been enriched by a new beauty: the beauty of speed. A racing car whose hood is adorned with great pipes, like serpents of explosive breath - a roaring car that seems to ride on grapeshot.... |
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05-19-2015, 08:27 PM
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05-19-2015, 10:10 PM
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Location: trumpistan
Posts: 9,882
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I haven't had to pull the engine yet, but I love my B7 S4. And it actually seems to oversteer a bit, although it has coilovers and that may have changed the dynamics a bit. Also I've read it only takes 10-11 hours to get to the chains, lol.
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Brandolini’s Law: It takes hours more time, research, and writing to debunk misinformation than it takes to spread it. |
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05-20-2015, 09:50 AM
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