M630- thanks for the detailed response, a ton of great points all around. I'm actually up in Syracuse, and I currently run my S4 with Dunlop Winters, it handles great but like you said, being so low to the ground it can be tough at times when the plows haven't hit the roads. I actually prefer my wife's A4 in the snow because it's a few inches higher....
So back to the discussion...first and foremost is the leasing sitaution. I was lucky to find my S4, used with 5k miles on it, I got a steal for $12k under the sticker about 4 months after the guy bought the car - nothing was wrong with it but his wife was pregnant with twins. Needless to say you're right, I just don't want to deal with getting in and out of owning a car if I'm not going to hold on to it for more than a few years. Now, I must admit I know nothing about leasing. I constantly hear about residual value, loan rate, etc but I wouldn't know if I'm getting ripped off or not. At least with purchasing I can check Manheim auctions to get an idea (friend does private sales) to see what the cars are going for. With that being said my budget would be under $1000 a month. Do dealers do 24 month leases? more expensive?
Now back to the car discussion. I am aware of the new 335i coupe that has yet to be revealed. I've seen the new F30 328i reviews and I must say the sedan looks pretty appealing. By that time the N55 engine will probably have the ability to be tuned like the N54 is today. Next car, 550xi, I appreciate the heads up, I haven't driven one before but I don't know if it's worth the money to me. Again, I could get a fully loaded A6 2012 for $65k, but I'm compromising for power. However that 3.0Tfsi can be tuned - same engine as my S4. Getting to the 6er. I've driven a 2008 650i conv a handful of times and loved the car. Heavy but quick, and cruises effortlessly. The new 650xi would be great, but like you said I'd be looking at 100k+ and the gran coupe even more.
I don't know! Maybe I just keep the S4 (which is a great car and fun) and tune it in the spring. Then lease the new 335i coupe when it comes out - keeping it garaged in the winter and S4 year round.
How do you like the M6? stupid question
when is the new one coming out? Cheers