Dealer bought back my '96 A4 (sans Bose) and I ordered the '99.5. I test drove it first (99) and noticed that the engine still has no low end oommpphhh... It is a little better than the 2 valver. The sport suspension adds a new dimension to the handling as opposed to the standard suspension on my '96. A few days later I passed the BMW dealership in Glen Cove, NY. I was offered a test drive in the '99 328. I must admit, the car is a major improvement over prior years. It is more similar to a "5" series. I was VERY impressed with the smoothness of the engine and the immediate response with the go pedal. It makes the tipper Audi feel S-L-O-W. Quality/Packaging is similar but I feel in love with the Bimmer. It felt much sportier and the interior was quieter than the Audi at speed. The brakes were exemplary as well. The lease price was $449 (loaded except no sports package) with $1750 cap cost red. I am now leaning toward this deal. Quattro does not factor in the equation since I have an SUV and the BWW traction control is pretty sophisticated. Please give me your thoughts on how I should proceed.

This is the best advise that you'll get here...trust me. Better put on your flame retardant clothing now. 8^)<p>CraigB

I have a 94 530 w/Traction Control and it does horribly in the snow. These cars need snow tires if you want to go anywhere in the white stuff. If you plan on driving in the snow, take it to a parking lot and learn it's slick weather characteristics. It's the tradeoff you get with RWD. My Bimmer stays in the garage when it snows.<p>Mick<br>98 2.8qm

Sounds like the payment is kind of low to me. I test drove one too without the sport package (would not buy a std suspension), loved the brakes, power, but too quiet for my tastes. In the end, you have to make the decision. Despite what people say on these boards, the A4 and 328i are both great cars as evidenced by the passion displayed by their owners. <br>

Why get the same car again when you can try out a different one? The new A4's are not that much different from the older ones. If you like the BMW as much or more than the A4, and can afford it, then give it a try. Also, go test drive some other brands. I'd love to drive a new car every year or two, I just can't afford it. How do you get one of those car review jobs? <p>Mark (98.5 2.8 QMS)

I got the offer to lease a 323i which had a MSRP of $31k for the same amount (3 yr/10K miles/year). But you are getting a $36k+ car, which I believe is a tremendeous deal. I would not even think about it!

people actually managed to drive in the snow Without AWD or FWD!<p>through a combination of lazyness and *dumbing down* everyone is<br>now convinced that they are *helpless* with RWD in the snow...silly them.<p>one look at whos off the road or involved accidents in snow and the majority<br>of vehicles are AWD.<p>I would keep a Bimmer off road for other reasons during the snow ie. salt, sand damage ect.<br>

I'm in Vermont almost every weekend and whenever there's snow on the roads I ALWAYS see Jeep Cherokees spun out on the side of the road in ditches. That's because these idiots that have never driven in snow before think "Yo man - I got four wheel drive. I can drive anywhere and go as fast as I want."<p>I know it stereotyping, but I think that Audi/BMW drivers are much more conscious of their cars performance and ability, and therefore better drivers.<p>Last weekend I saw the perfect stereotype. A Jeep Limited spun out in the snow and smashed into the guardrail. The driver was out inspecting the damage, beer in one hand, cigarette in the other, yelling at his girlfriend!

The traction control in the new E46 is VASTLY different from what you have in your 94 530. Engine management works together with the brake control and the result is that you do move in snow. Not as fast as an AWD, but better than FWD without traction control to be sure. Driven in quite a bid of snow with my 323i equipped with 16" Conti 225/50 M+S tires (NOT snow tires!) and I haven't yearned for Quattro. <p>My wife's A4 1.8TQM certainly has the edge in the snow, but realistically, it is overkill for road conditions we have in Minneapolis 98% of the time (INHO!).

Even with quattro there's a need to modify your instincts. When the car starts to lose traction, you have a tendency to take your foot off the gas pedal instead of letting the quattro work its way out of the spin. Took me a while to get used to it. I learned winter driving with RWD (74 Nova) then graduated to FWD, 4WD, and AWD. In each case, vehicle dynamics are different.<p>I know what you mean about the 4x4s. I see them on the side of the road all the time in the DC Metro area. We don't get enough snow here to keep people in practice so they freak out and forget what to do.<p><br>Mick

Your referring to ignition spark retarding (+T) in addition to the ABS anti-wheel spin (ACS) system. You may be right, mine may only be equipped with ASC. I'm curious so I'll check the Owner's manual tonight.<p>Mick

I think you've already decided. Go with what makes you comfortable, however, the comraderie of A4.Org will not tolerate "how great the BMW is". You can't have your cake and eat it too I suppose.<p>I'm will not add any more to the BWM vs A4 debate.<p>HermanH<br>98.5 Passat 1.8tm

I believe both are the same ASC<p>I think he is referring to the CBC which is new on the '99<br>and implying that it works in combination with the ASC.

(nt)

I testdrove both a 328i and an A4 2.8 Q. The BMW dealer actually gave me the keys and I was<br>on my own for 45 min or so. I liked both cars very much but I fell in love with the A4. BMW's traction control worked suprisingly well on icy roads (we had freezing rain that day) but I don't<br>think it was a match for the Quattro. With the A4 you could actually accelerate on snow and ice<br>and feel the g-force. With the Bimmer I just didn't get stuck. In some instances BMW's traction control cut the throttle as both wheels lost traction, then slowly regain some engine rpm. With<br>the Audi this never happened. Regarding the noise level I found 328's engine quieter but at <br>speed the A4 was significantly quieter. I clouldn't tell which car felt sportier, they both felt sporty. The A4 although an AWD still feels like a rear wheel drive car (oversteers) but you have<br>complete control of the car on slippery roads, not quit so with the Bimmer. I live in Ottawa and<br>traction on slippery roads was number one consideration for me. A4's traction plus its looks and <br>lower price bought me. I ordered a 99.5 A4 30V.

I am driving a Toyota Supra for 13.5 years. I got stuck countless times and I always<br>carry a shovel with me in the trunck. I always drove on city roads (no more than 5-6" of snow). I never had an accident but I had enough. I will never buy<br>a rear wheel drive sports car again and drive it in the Canadian winter! I am not a SUV fan and I found BMW's traction control a partial solution. I was impressed by the Quattro and I ordered an A4.

You've been listening to your BM salesman, haven't you. In snow or wet, BM's rwd, traction control or no, is not better than any fwd. That's just a load of crap. the last thing you want in poor traction conditions is oversteer. It is far less predictable than understeer and much easier to lose control with than understeer.<p>Try driving both for yourself - you obviously have never compared the two.<p>Darryl<br>98.5 1.8T qmsb<br>

Was a great car, but I remember you getting into more trouble in that car than losing traction on wet and snowy roads!!!<p>Darryl<br>