OK, since:

1) the S5 is at least 6 mos. out in terms of delivery date and selling at MSRP
2) the S4's B7 body style is about to be end-of-life in favor of the B8

Has anyone test driven and/or bought a 335i? I read they are much quicker 0-60 than the numbers stated officially by BMW, handle very well, and have a decent looking interior.
I'm driving one tomorrow to check one out first hand.

and can prob knock off a grand or so to boot... You might have to buy it from an out of town dealer though..

I want a tip and they only just became orderable from AoA. (some dealers told me it still can not be ordered, but it can)
Even if I ordered tomorrow, that pushes me out to (at the earliest) an August delivery.

I have had it for almost 4 years. It's dated, feels old to me even though it really isn't.
This is the longest I have owned a car since the late 90's, usually I go no more than 3 years max.
It's just time for a new one.

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53054/new_wheels_2_006.jpg"></center><p>335i is definitely different than the S4 but in many ways not that different. You can get a coupe or sedan with RWD or AWD. None has LSD. I believe the 335i is a little quicker than the S4 in stock form but not that much. Add a piggyback chip, and it is significantly faster. 3 series BMW have made C&amp;Ds top 10 list for over 10 yrs There is an obvious reason for this. It has become THE car that is the benchmark to which all other cars in the class (and others not in the same class) are compared.

Car handles very well. Mid range power and acceleration are unmatched in the class and even the E46 m3 can not match the mid range pick up . Also the E46 M3 is only about .1 sec faster in the 1/4 mile VS a stock 335i.(sedan, coupe, RWD or AWD,6Mt or Step. It doesn't much matter) Figure 0-60 @ 4.8-4.9 secs. Actual HP is between 320 and 330 HP even though BMW rates it at 305HP.

The interior is a SLIGHT downgrade. Seats are not near as comfortable as the Recaros, but the Sports seats are not that bad. Only a single Cd player but there are jacks standard for your I pod. Don't have the I drive or have any experience with Audi's Nav. Ride is much less harsh with the stock tires which are runflats that most people hate. I, like many others, have replaced my RFs with non RFs and new 19" wheels and tires. Lots of mods available for the E92/90s.

BMW still has the free maintenance and lease rates residuals and resale values will be higher than on the Audi. I'm getting 19+ MPG in suburban driving and close to 29 mpg on the highway.

The 335is have been in pretty high demand. Some dealers are still selling at close to MSRP, but some will deal. some real fanatics will not consider the 335i because it is a BMW. You may like it or not. Only thing that I can say is that I don't really miss my B6 S4 except when we get snow and ice. If the 335xi coupe had been available in 4/07 I would have gotten the X drive model. But AWD is now available in both the coupe and sedan . One thing to keep in mind. Your first impressions of the car with only a 15 min test drive will not allow you to accurately assess the car.

when you spend all your time inside the car that looks and feels the same, it won't be any different.

Wait for an S5 or B8 S4, or move on to 335 if you like.

First, it needs to be Steptronic. (wife only drives auto) Any idea on 0-60 and 1/4 times for the auto? I'm assuming maybe .2 or .3 slower than manual?
Second, how is the iPod integration in the 335? i hear the integration in the B7 is kinda cheesey.
Lastly, you say you miss the S4 in snow and ice. How bad/good is the 335 with good snow tires vs. the S4 with quattro and snows?

the Steps have recorded the faster times since most drivers cannot shift fast enough to get better times figure on 4.9 or better. Also no drop in boost when shifting the Step. Im not an expert on Ipod, (I don't have one myself) but there is an standard AUX Jack in the console. Also there is a $400 Ipod USB adapter option. There is no comparison with the 335i and the S4 in snow, but put 4 snows on the BMW and it will go OK in the snow. The 335Xi with AWD will go just as well in most snow situations.

I used to own a BMW and got 3-series sedans as loaners on numerous occassions... The B7 is simply a nicer built car..

Either way, you cant go wrong with a 335i especially if you lease.. the residuals are very attractive and BMWs simply hold their value better..

Thanks for the concern for my co pilot.

that the residuals and the financing (I am a lease customer for business reasons) are poor, (never mind the incredibly long wait) I am seriously looking at the 335xi. I have looked at the Infiniti G37, but the lack of AWD has given me reason to disregard that car. The car is comfortable and fast and very stiff.

My biggest concern for the 335 is the interior, I love my B6 S4, so maybe that comparison is not a wise one.

Doc, I am considering one very similar to yours, you know, black, I do love the wheels.

I have owned seven audis before that.