I think I found my XI replacement

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publi...cle_2831.shtml



For a long time, there hasn't been anything on the market that would replace my enthusiasm for my e46 XI. It's the smoothest, nicest looking awd sports sedan on the market for me.

But now, with the introduction of an R with a 6 speed manual, that has changed.

The XI will be driven another two to four years, then it's being swapped out for a vw.

It's a Golf dude, your going to trade your e46 for a friggen Golf.

If I went vw/audi, I'd end up with a A6/S6.

Why would you trade your e46 in for a shoe box?

Aesthetically I dont see the attraction really. But to each thier own. Its not my car. Whatever works for you, I say.

Looks wise--It reminds me of the car we came from to the XI. A fun car in its own right and maybe a little faster as well but doesnt hold a candle in the handling/ride/Looks dept.

Mazda Protege 5--


Zoom Zoom

I'm really anxious to see the 4-door R!! I LUV the mkIV R's... I'm a huge fan of the VR6... just sounds so mean. However, I have never liked the mkV styling. I thought about picking up an R32, but opt'd for the xi for several reasons... primarily 4 doors (I have kids), comfort, and reliability. I hope the new 4-door R's don't dissapoint!

That said, I really wanted a new 'rocco, but they didn't come state side. Now they're bringing back the Coupe Quattro!!!! I hope it finds its way over to this side of the pond!

VW R is a sick car... and I dont doubt their AWD system is not only superior but can also put out more power to that of an e46.

Looks awful, just a Golf.

It truly does look like an economy car with big rims and big bumpers...

^ But its got LEDs in the bumper!!! (sarcasm)

No love for the dub, huh? That's surprising. An r32 wipes the floor with an e46 on the track. The new one is even better and has 4 doors and a manual. It's more practical than an e46 and the awd system is superior. Parts are cheaper and, because it's a turbo, it'll be much easier to tune.

Top gear approves:


r32 beats 135i in side by side comparison. even beats it on the track. so all this mumbo jumbo about an e46 handling better is a joke.

Originally Posted by lotar_6

I'm really anxious to see the 4-door R!! I LUV the mkIV R's... I'm a huge fan of the VR6... just sounds so mean. However, I have never liked the mkV styling. I thought about picking up an R32, but opt'd for the xi for several reasons... primarily 4 doors (I have kids), comfort, and reliability. I hope the new 4-door R's don't dissapoint!

That said, I really wanted a new 'rocco, but they didn't come state side. Now they're bringing back the Coupe Quattro!!!! I hope it finds its way over to this side of the pond!

Yeah. I wouldn't be interested in the new one if it didn't have 4 doors.

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

It's a Golf dude, your going to trade your e46 for a friggen Golf.

If I went vw/audi, I'd end up with a A6/S6.

Why would you trade your e46 in for a shoe box?

Sure an A6 would be nice. But that's a $50k+ car. I'll probably never spend that kind of cash on a car.

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

It's a Golf dude, your going to trade your e46 for a friggen Golf.

If I went vw/audi, I'd end up with a A6/S6.

Why would you trade your e46 in for a shoe box?

Come down from there... you are way too high up

My gf has a jetta... not gonna lie but vw's are the closest feeling car to a bimmer... runs great, tight steering, stiff suspension, solid car.

But to each their own... if you can't justify trading in a used entry level bimmer for a really nice newer vw, well then something is terribly wrong.

May god bless you and have mercy on your soul, I pray for you my child.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using BimmerApp

Originally Posted by JJR4884

Come down from there... you are way too high up

My gf has a jetta... not gonna lie but vw's are the closest feeling car to a bimmer... runs great, tight steering, stiff suspension, solid car.

But to each their own... if you can't justify trading in a used entry level bimmer for a really nice newer vw, well then something is terribly wrong.

May god bless you and have mercy on your soul, I pray for you my child.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using BimmerApp

I go whit a Mini Cooper S of a Clubman S them u would be way closer to a BMW ..man a hate those VW..

Originally Posted by JJR4884

Come down from there... you are way too high up

My gf has a jetta... not gonna lie but vw's are the closest feeling car to a bimmer... runs great, tight steering, stiff suspension, solid car.

But to each their own... if you can't justify trading in a used entry level bimmer for a really nice newer vw, well then something is terribly wrong.

May god bless you and have mercy on your soul, I pray for you my child.

I'm not trying to be pretentious. I don't even care about the badge, seriously. The only reason I have my car is because it ended up being $2,500 than the loaded Accord I was looking at. Honestly, IMO, one of the best looking and feeling cars is the new Hyundai Sonata...Living in Minnesota, so long as I only have one vehicle, it does need to be AWD.

My friend has a 2010 Jetta TDI with leather, etc. I don't like it; the seats are too small, uncomfortable and its the little things. For example, when you lock the e46 the lights fade, in the Jetta, it just shuts off...and the buttons, all the freakin buttons! Little touches make the difference and I honestly feel that my friends 2010 Jetta, although 9 years newer than my car, doesn't feel as nice as mine.

The other thing I really look at is cost. Say the xi you have is worth 10k, and you buy a new Golf and its 25k optioned the way you want. Is the Golf really worth the extra $15,000? Are you really getting $15,000 more car?

I'm not sure what I'll be getting when I replace my car, but a used Audi A6/S6 or a Lexus GS350 or a Infiniti M35x or a BMW 535xi/335xi are all contenders. All are big steps up from the XI in terms of luxury and all can be had for ~$20k.

One of my favorite cars I have ever owned was a 1989 Volvo 740 GL Turbo Wagon. A set of Blizzacks and I was happy. The car cost only $1,300.

I just feel as if VW's still feel a bit 'economy' to me. The e46 however, is starting to show its age.

HAHAHAHAHAHAH R32 Beating a 135i !!! Is that a joke.

Originally Posted by SalM

HAHAHAHAHAHAH R32 Beating a 135i !!! Is that a joke.

Which part is the funniest? The part where the much cheaper AWD vw wins, or the part where the overpriced goofy looking 135i loses?

Just gotta point out that is a 130i vs the R32.. 135 has more juice than that 130i. I do agree that the 130/M is wickedly overpriced!

Originally Posted by colo330xi

Just gotta point out that is a 130i vs the R32.. 135 has more juice than that 130i. I do agree that the 130/M is wickedly overpriced!

Oops my mistake. That makes a pretty big difference.

golfR is gonna be a sick car. i'd give my xi up in a heartbeat

Nice choice, definetly a fun car. As for me, since my accident in '08 I need something bigger to protect me. 4 shoulder surgiries & 1 spinal procedure-and they're not done yet...I should be driving a Kenworth...LOL