I'm a big fan of Audi/BMW/Mercedes and it's about time to retire my daily driver, a 2001 A6 4.2. I have two other cars, an A4 and a BMW M Roadster.

I like the power / torque in the A6, and I'm looking to get at least that level of performance (300 hp, 295 lb-ft torque, 9 trillion lb car) from my next car. I've decided that I don't need a midsize sedan, and I want to keep my purchase price < $40,000.

I don't like buying new- I prefer to buy an excellent example after about 2-3 years of depreciation. That being said, I am looking at the following vehicles:

2005 Mercedes C55 AMG:
5.4L V8, 362hp / 376 ft-lb torque. RWD, 4-door.
I've never driven one of these and I've never seen one in my neck of the woods (Minnesota). I like that the styling is a bit understated (doesn't look much different than a standard C class) and I love the power output. I'm less enthralled about the lack of a manual transmission, but my wife does not like driving a manual transmission, so that's a +/-. Perhaps more problematic is the fact that it's a high-torque vehicle with rear wheel drive. Even with snow tires it might be a bit of an adventure in the MN winters.

2005 Audi S4:
4.2L V8, 340hp / 302 ft-lb torque. Quattro (AWD- woohoo), 4-door.
I've always been a big Audi fan. I like the interior styling, I like Quattro. I definitely know what I'm getting with an Audi regarding winter performance, maintenance, the whole deal. That being said, they're a bit boring and there are a ton of S4s out here. I can get this as a manual, but I'm not sure I would. This feels like the most "sane" choice.

2005 M3 w/comp pkg:
3.2L V6, 333hp, 262ft-lb torque. RWD, 2-door.
I love M3s, but this is probably the least practical option for me. It's only 2 doors, it's RWD, and I already have an M Roadster with nearly identical performance. Still, it's tempting because these cars are so darned fun.

I will likely choose between the 3, above, and right now the C55 AMG is winning me over only because I really like the idea of the car (I've never driven it) with the S4 being a close second because it's perhaps the most practical and the best blend of power / practicality.

Stuff worth noting: I live in the St. Paul area of Minnesota. Winters are harsh and snow-filled (6-10" on its way today). I have 2 other cars as noted. The car I'm choosing will be a daily driver. I enjoy manual transmission but am leaning against it for a daily driver.

I would be greatly appreciative to hear your opinions on any / all of the cars above - I'd be really interested to hear how your RWD cars hold up in inclement / winter weather. My local BMW dealer told me he has a fair number of clients that throw snow tires on their M3s. Based off of how insane it was to try and move the roadster (granted, they were Pilot Sport tires, not winter tires) in and out of the garage in icy conditions, I don't really see it.

Lastly, are there any other cars that I should be considering given my parameters (<$40,000, northern climate, good power - as good / better than the A6 4.2)?

Thanks!

snow = audi
dry = amg
bmw = i love the M3 but its gotten so played out its ridiculous. still a great car nonetheless but if your in a snow filled area audi should win hands down.

ya if you are plowing through snow...AWD and snow tires will be much safer

All you need are a good pair of Nokian tires, studded is the way to go if they're legal in Minnesota, if they are, AWD is pretty much worthless.

I would choose the MB or the Audi, no use having another M car that is pretty much the same performance as the M-coupe. Also, I wouldn't bother with the S4 if you're keeping the A4, seems like a waste to me. If you get the m3 or s4, then I would sell the m-coupe or A4 as well as the A6. So IMO, the logical choice here is the C-Class, then you have one Benz, one Bimmer, and one Audi, and they're all different enough to warrant keeping all three.

I think among those three choices you have, your A4 looks more into daily beater car because those three are high performance car which has low MPG. Considering current gas price, A4 is a good daily beater.

Then, listen to Hakk403, buy the AMG and your garage is filled with various big brands.

Snow consideration = the 4 wheel drive Audi

The most comfortable as a daily driver might be the MB

The M3 is really the odd one out here, IMHO. As a daily driver, too uncomfortable; the most purely sporty of the 3 models here

Of those three choices, my favorite is the M3. Unfortunately, I don't think it would be a good daily driver in Minnesota. With the winters you get, I think AWD is almost mandatory for an all-season car.

So.....how about an "almost" M3, but more practical?

Specifically, a BMW 335Xi. 300 horsepower is almost as much as the M3 has, and it is AWD. Available in sedan or coupe. Unfortunately, it is a bit above the $40k price point (around $45k). These just came out, so new is probably the only option right now. Leave off the "junk" options to keep the price reasonable. Yes, available with a 6-speed manual.

Too much money? Then how about a slightly used BMW 330Xi? Available for various prices depending on age and condition. Still AWD, but with less power. Get the manual transmission to maximize power and mileage.

Audi S4? Really fine machine. I would view it as a serious contender.

The AMG Mercedes is a very nice car, but I am not sure it meets your goal here. Not practical in the snow, and no manual transmission available.

I'd go with the A4. You know its going to happen. One rainy November morning you drive the C55 or M3 in to work. Next week you're swapping out to the snow tires. During the middle of the day the weather takes a turn for the worse. Rain becomes wintery mix crap. Now you're up a creek with no snow tires. The A4 would have gotten you home with little worries. Now every corner is your nemesis. Unless you're running snow tires half the year then I'd go with the C55.

M3 is sooo played out.