Hi guys,

I currently have a 1996 BMW 318 convertible. Decided I want to do with a small sport luxury sedan, and something newer than what I've got.

Naturally, my starting point was a BMW E46 sedan. Decided I love the 2001 323/328 sedans. So, everything else I look at will be compared to that.

Price range is also similar. So, we're talkin about 10 to 13 grand.

I had a look at some Saab 9-3 turbos, 2003-2005. Decided I like them... but nah... still not a match for the bimmer.

Now I've got the S40 bug in my head. Saw one the other day and liked it. Did some research. It seems the 2004 S40 sport is very appealing to me. So, I want you volvo heads to fill me in on what I should know about that model, and about the S40 in general. Whats good, whats bad, what I need to look out for when shopping for a used S40, etc.

HELP ME OUT! Who knows, maybe I'll be a volvo guy soon too...

 

I would go with the BMW in the 2000-2004 range. JMHO.

EDIT: changed 2004.5 to 2004 to distinguish between older and newer models.

 

was it a 2004 or a 2004.5?? I own a 2004 before they gave them a face lift. Great cars. If you're into tuning and performance, the s40s have great capabilities but you better have a thick wallet and a lot of patience. If you don't do any kind of tuning upgrades and just maintain them well, they'll last a long time and are pretty fun when stock. If i had the opportunity to buy an 04 bmw 3 series or an 04 s40, I would definitely buy a bmw, and thats coming from a s40 enthusiast.

 

read my post guys, i said 2001 bmw or 2004 S40

and i said i want to know as much as you can tell me about the S40... what common problems i should look out for, what features i should look for, etc.

 

read my post- I want to know if its the earlier 04 or the 04.5. There aren't many common problems with the s40 as well as its maintained. It needs trans fluid flushes every 15,000-30,000 miles to avoid problems with the trans. I dont know what else you want to hear. Try being more specific with what you're asking.

 

LOL. I love this forum. You guys make me laugh. The reason he is asking, Benny, is because in 2004, they changed the car big time. Calling the next generation 2004.5. Big difference. I own a 2000 S40, so I can only speak from there. In general, Volvos can be a pain in your a**. Bulbs, brakes, motor mounts, CEL that blink light Christmas lights, etc. Read through the S40 forum for evidence of this. But for some reason, and one recent string asked this, "Why do you drive Volvos?," Vovlo owners are EXTREMELY loyal. Even though they told you here to go BMW, I believe you will come to like the Volvo also.

 

Although I haven't owned a 2004.5 and newer, I really like the looks of the turbo version. Sure would like to see how they run.