Wanting to change cars
Isn't the RS4 already here in the USA? I'm not bull*****ting you, but I could have sworn that a teacher at my highschool was driving one. It's white and I didn't think too much of it until I saw the RS4 badge on it. Imagine that, a teacher (female and old!) driving a RS4! No bs there.
As for the decision, this part might come to offend some, but i'll keep the offensive material down. I don't own a C32 but since it's a Mercedes, I'm going to assume the C32 and the SL55 handles atleast some what alike. On my board, a guy has had two SL55's and he said that the steering and road feel isn't there. He says that the steering is too "electrical." This might seem completely off topic, but I've heard that the RS4 has the exact same problem. Like your C32, it's plenty fast, but it doesn't offer the "feeling" of the road. So... I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you want a car like what you have now, that's a pretty big sleeper (wagon!), go for it. If you're looking for a car that'll give you the bumps and the feel of the road, look elsewhere.
Hope this doesn't offend anyone. I'm keeping my BMW bias down to a minimal. Just trying to offer some advice.
. The RS4 was never sold in the US through AUDI USA. Some people might get the car through independent importer, but fat chance you'll see them in CA especially in Diamond Bar area. In Florida, maybe. Even if you bought a RS4 from one of those importers, you still won't be able to register the car at DMV because of emission restrictions. It would make it illegal to drive it on the street. the only one I've seen from the magazine had a manufacturer plate for demonstration purposes only at Audi USA's headquarter.
btw, go download and watch TopGear's test on the RS4 with Tiff Needle as the driver, and then come back and say that the RS4 lacks of steering feedback.
anywayz, back to the topic. There's no word yet on the new RS4.
Edited...
Last edited by FrankW; Jul 5, 2003 at 01:06 AM.
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The C32 isn't quite 'on rails' as my E36 M3 was (the best handling car I've ever owned) but up to 8/10ths it's very very very good. It has plenty of road feel although it does get a bit hairy toward the limit. The car communicates well, is fleet on it's feet and is very tossable... the SL55 is formidable but it's a different animal entirely.
As far as the RS4 goes, no, it's never been imported by Audi NA. In fact it looks like Audi isn't even selling an S4 here anymore. Either it was a grey market import or more likely it was 'badge engineering'.
Look, let's get this on the table. Your M3 is a fine car. I've not driven one but it's likely one of the best handling cars produced today. That does not make it the end-all be-all of cars. I suggest you experience ownership of a few cars beyond your M3 before you pontificate on the characteristics of cars you've never so much as set foot in. It'll give you respoect for those attributes you may not appreciate but are important to others.
Annnd, as to the original post... I haven't heard a thing about an upcoming RS/S4 but I know the outgoing RS4 Avant was legendary... were it me I suppose I'd have to wait for some details but I'd seriously consider trading.
Last edited by kaneman; Jul 4, 2003 at 10:51 PM.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




SL55 has steering by wire, C32 has rack&pinion steering.
. The SL55 has SBC "Brake by Wire". The steering on a SL55 as with all the current R230 SL's is Rack-and-pinion with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist and integrated hydraulic damper.
Hope this doesn't offend anyone. I'm keeping my BMW bias down to a minimal. Just trying to offer some advice.
Your advice is utterly worthless. My dog knows more about cars than you. At least he's been in an M3, a C32, and an S4.
Frank, I think you got confused.
. The SL55 has SBC "Brake by Wire". The steering on a SL55 as with all the current R230 SL's is Rack-and-pinion with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist and integrated hydraulic damper.
You don't believe me? It's summer so I doubt you'll see it in the teachers parking lot, but there is summer school going on. So... since you are very local, I suggest you come to DBHS and check the car out for yourself. It's the parking lot closer to the gym (closer to the gas station) and it's white. It usually parks closer to the street too. Maybe you should check it out. I've seen it with my own eyes. I'm not going to force you to believe me. I quite frankly don't give a crap. Just thought you might want to check it out for yourself. It could be a real kick in the nuts seeing a RS4 in the US.
Kaneman...
I didn't base my information on magazine articles. I fact, if you go on the BMW board (I'll assume you won't) you'll find quite a few people who own SL55's who complain about the steering. And quite surprisingly, they also complain about the feel of the RS4. And yet quite surprisingly again, they compare the steering of both of the cars and say that they are both very "dull" if you will. Sorry, but I'm going to trust my fellow board members. Afterall, he has been in two SL55's and he has been in the Gumball twice and the Player's Run once. Guess what? Doesn't like the SL55. Guess what? Thinks it handles like the RS4. Not very "inspirational." Take it for what you will.
Ugh. This is what I get for trying to be friendly? Not my bowl of soup...
post a link where you got all your info from.
anyhow, talk is cheap...lets see some more picture of your M3.
TF
Last edited by two.face; Jul 5, 2003 at 07:00 PM.
Frankw...
You don't believe me? It's summer so I doubt you'll see it in the teachers parking lot, but there is summer school going on. So... since you are very local, I suggest you come to DBHS and check the car out for yourself. It's the parking lot closer to the gym (closer to the gas station) and it's white. It usually parks closer to the street too. Maybe you should check it out. I've seen it with my own eyes. I'm not going to force you to believe me. I quite frankly don't give a crap. Just thought you might want to check it out for yourself. It could be a real kick in the nuts seeing a RS4 in the US.
Kaneman...
I didn't base my information on magazine articles. I fact, if you go on the BMW board (I'll assume you won't) you'll find quite a few people who own SL55's who complain about the steering. And quite surprisingly, they also complain about the feel of the RS4. And yet quite surprisingly again, they compare the steering of both of the cars and say that they are both very "dull" if you will. Sorry, but I'm going to trust my fellow board members. Afterall, he has been in two SL55's and he has been in the Gumball twice and the Player's Run once. Guess what? Doesn't like the SL55. Guess what? Thinks it handles like the RS4. Not very "inspirational." Take it for what you will.
Ugh. This is what I get for trying to be friendly? Not my bowl of soup...
I'm not doubting the veracity of your source on the Bimmer messageboard. I spend quite a bit of time on Roadfly and was very active back when it was bimmer.org on the E39 M5 board... all I'm doubting is your ability to recognize when a car has had a fake badge stuck on it (Ever seen a CLK32 ///AMG? They don't exist but some feel the need to stick an emblem on their car anyway. THAT'S what I'm talking about.). I'm also taking issue with your 'assumptions'. I'll try to be nice here too... kid, you assume too damn much.
FrankW...
I'm pretty darn sure that that RS4 is a genuine RS4. Just like those Skylines that I "thought" I saw about 6 years ago. Remember those? That was before Motorex was that well known and you wouldn't have believed me back then. Check it out for yourself. My cousin would be really happy to see your car also, since he is a big AMG nut. My name isn't Ben BTW. This is his account. Check out the RS4 when you have the time. It might not be there now, but it'll be there for sure during the regular school year.
Kaneman...
Reread what I wrote please. I didn't base what I wrote on "assumptions." I based it on true words said by a trusted board member that has more automotive experience than you and I combined. I'm going to trust his word about what he had to say. Sorry if you can't feel the same. It's your loss. Not mine.
And for you FrankW... here are the requested pictures.
second, if it is indeed ur car, why would you or your cousin bother to pshop his name on the pictures?
third, I'm not doubting that this could be really your car. For all we don't know, your parents could be rich as hell and spoiling you with all the things you want because you are their only son. that's just my guess, you tell me!
edit: BTW THANKS FOR THE LINK "I don't even have my license yet. =[ Oh well, I have the M3 to thrash around when I'm ready.
"
Last edited by FrankW; Jul 6, 2003 at 06:02 AM.
As for the decision, this part might come to offend some, but i'll keep the offensive material down. I don't own a C32 but since it's a Mercedes, I'm going to assume the C32 and the SL55 handles atleast some what alike.

You're a better argument for birth control than sitting next to a screaming baby on a plane for 45 minutes.
Last edited by kaneman; Jul 6, 2003 at 07:35 PM.


