The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[stephenkirsh]

Seems odd that BMW has no problem sticking AWD in the e46 platform but Audi had to stick the engine so far forward.

[slater]

I’ll second packaging issues. I watched our mechanic work on our ‘93 S4 and dear lord that did not look fun. The V8 S4s are basically engine out for timing chain issues.

Maintenance difficulties aside, I will state I LOVED our C4 S4 in the snow. It was nothing short of a beast when it had a good set of winter tires.

Icy inclines? Hit that locking differential and scramble up that bitch with aplomb.

Deep powdery snow? Use those four rings on the grille as a snow plow and practically glide over the slow with that decent ground clearance.

Your tushie too cold? Blast your bottom in the front OR back seats with 6 levels of heat that goes from “is this thing on?” To “sear your ass like a nice filet mignon”

Handling in the dry was not perfect, and nose heavy is an understatement.


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the C4 was the easiest audi to work on, for me. i had my C4 S6 for 4 years. and for all 4 of those years i spent way too much brainpower trying to figure out how to re-engineer the front suspension to work properly. i should have bought an E46 and enjoyed myself.

in my mind, BMW can do all of those good things above with their XI platform, while maintaining good handling.

.....i guess you could say that i'm not a fan of audi anymore.

Seems odd that BMW has no problem sticking AWD in the e46 platform but Audi had to stick the engine so far forward.

well, BMW ran the half shafts through the oil pan, so that they could keep the engine and trans where they should go... an ingenious solution in my opinion.

[az3579]

well, BMW ran the half shafts through the oil pan, so that they could keep the engine and trans where they should go... an ingenious solution in my opinion.

Ingenius only until you have to replace a halfshaft.

[slater]

Ingenius only until you have to replace a halfshaft.

still easier than replacing one in an audi.

[az3579]

still easier than replacing one in an audi.

Won't have to worry about the half shaft because you'll have a slew of other things CEL-related to work on.

[L0veZHP]

You live in NYC - keeping two cars isn't very practical. Parking is damn near impossible most of the time.
Stick with one car, IMO.

I actually have space for parking at my parents place so I don’t mind


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[johnrando]

I like the way Audi's look but a mechanic friend of mine swears off them.

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[John in VA]

I like the way Audi's look but a mechanic friend of mine swears off them.

A mechanic buddy of mine loves VAG products because they need so much work! He says all German cars out of warranty can eat you alive though.

[joeybananaz18]

Does anyone know if M3 seat covers fit over the standard sedan seats? There are upper and lower cinnamon covers for a drivers seat that need some good leatherique treatment and if they would fit over my sedan driver, tracking down a second one for the passenger side would make my ultimate goal of a cinnamon interior more attainable.

[704sw]

Does anyone know if M3 seat covers fit over the standard sedan seats? There are upper and lower cinnamon covers for a drivers seat that need some good leatherique treatment and if they would fit over my sedan driver, tracking down a second one for the passenger side would make my ultimate goal of a cinnamon interior more attainable.

The ones on eBay down in Gainesville? If so, those look pretty rough to me (this is coming from someone lusting over a cinny interior). I don’t think they’ll fit non-M seats though.