Thinking about buying an E430 4MATIC

[ss109]

Alright, I have done my research, looked at several cars, and have narrowed it down to the E430 4MATIC and the 540i AWD. Being that my first car was a MB, and my second is also one, I think I may have to stick with the MBs =) Anyway, the one thing that is pulling me away from the 4MATIC is the fact that I cannot get the AMG sport styling package with it. I was thinking about getting a 4MATIC, and then getting the sport package put on at a later date; would this be impractical? How much would I be looking at spending? Antoher queestion: what kind of "real-world" performance would I expect to see in this car?

Thx

[cerbomark]

How important is the AW drive to you? The E430 sport is a great car but does lack the bad weather handling. On my 98 the sports option costs about $4000. You could add the bottom spoils around the car,but I don t think you would go with the rims and low profile tires on the 4matic. That would be counter productive to the AW drive. There is a very differnt look to both cars.You ll have to answer that first question for yourself. Good luck,
Mark

[ss109]

I currently have M+S tires on my car, and I can not get out of my driveway with 2" fo snow. I will be going to college even farther north this fall, so I need something that I can get around in. I was thinking of having an 18" set on during the summer, then some 16s with M+S tires during the winter.

[cerbomark]

If money is no object you could run the standard wheels and tires that come with the vehicle and 17 or 18 in. for fair weather.

[Dr. Julio Fuentes]

what's this I hear about a BMW 540i AWD?

[ss109]

BMW started making a 540 AWD to compete with the E430 4MATIC I guess. I forget what BMW calls their AWD...

[Dr. Julio Fuentes]

Interesting. I'd love to see more info on this... there's nothing listed on bmwusa.com -will this option be available for the 2002 models?

thx,
-Doc

[ss109]

They have one setting over at my delearship. I think it's a 2001.