Chulo

x2. E36 is too old, E46 is a great car, too. E39 M5 is my favorite of all of them. I keep looking at E60s, and just can't get into them. E39 M5 would be interesting in the snow. I don't drive mine in the winter, so I can't comment. RS4 is no faster, but does have awd. I'll agree with Mike and Gary.. look at the 335 xi. With some mods, they are very fast, newer, and have awd. Fun problem to have, doc..

Mark Dreyer

While you're at it, test the 335D. The torque of a diesel engine is intoxicating to a motor head. The car has over 400 ft lbs of torque. I've purposely avoided the test drive of the 335D as I'm sure I'd have to get one. I'm happy with my Jetta TDI with it's 234 ft lbs.

Gary R.

Is that available in the US now Mark? I know Paolo is into the AWD but I bet that is a monster. How about the 135d? I saw a 135i a guy was having a 135i converted to full track use, I bet the 135d would be awesome! When my wife's 335 convertible went in for service they gave her a 135, I liked it...

J richard

+1 on the 335... The dealer gave me a 09 paddle shift sport package 4 door as a loaner for a week (BMW electrics SUCK, window regulators and modular lighting are crap reliability, I don't know why they can't improve such common issues, it's so frustrating because the cars really are just about the best sedans available...) that car is a rocket out of the box, fantastic sport suspension, and the paddle shift puts the audi's to shame. I would do it in a minute...back seats not too large but fine if a RS4 was big enough. The Bimmer is a much better handling/feeling suspension than the Audi which I always felt was a little vague by comparison, and on the track the 335 will give your racecar a run for it's money...you could win all your DEs too!..

bauerjab

As for snow, the M3s (E36 and E46) and M5 (E39) are worthless. I got caught in some snow in the M5 and it turned out to be an extremely dangerous adventure just to go 15 mph.

Is the Cayman S a good snow car?

Mark Dreyer

The 335d is available. I don't believe the 135d is however.

cgomez

Did you use snow tires? That makes ALL the difference! Or how do you think human kind made it through before today that marketers convinced the population that unless you drive AWD you will die!

Nevertheless, P-cars are better in the snow (RWD) than front engine cars due to weight distribution where it counts. I always put snows on all the daily drivers I had and I'm still alive!

BostonDMD

Taken the Cayman out for a spin today, and I got to admit, it is an awesome car......

I am putting everything on hold till next spring then, I will have more time for test drives......

I thank you all for your comments and experiences.......

P.S. JimmyLew....I will definetly take you up on your offer to test drive your E46 M3 next spring..... I will buy lunch....

Gary R.

Good idea. In thinking about it I wouldn't get an AWD either way. Buy and extra set of cheap wheels from Tirerack with Michelin X-Ice tires mounted for the winter. Regular 335i, even a convertible like mine, though it's heavier with less room in back. Can't beat top down driving in the summer!

BostonDMD

You poser, you......

Honestly, I will give the M3 a try even if I am not so......preppy..........

Gary R.

Still say an E90(?) 335i is better than an E46 M3 for you... now a NEW M3, that's different!

BostonDMD

But are they still lean, mean, raw, figthing machines as the older models (supposedly) were ?

Gary R.

No

BostonDMD

J richard

My (the wifey's) 330; sport package with the big 19" wheels, blacked out windows, lowered, sport exhaust, mean looking sedan...she comes back smiling after a trip to the dmv... a "Pets enrich our lives" plate, with a cute little dog and cat on the corner... couldn't of gayed the car out more.... I only drive it with her now...a fine line to be walked with the little bimmers....lest you be a Tad or Biff...