Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Well I Currently have a 2000 Audi S3 with an overbored 1.9 20V and a TD05 20g big turbo with supporting modifications, getting it on the rollers to sort a custom map in the next couple of weeks, hoping for 400+

Most things will be better on fuel than that!

So up for sale it goes as its too tempting to boot it and the Fiancee is pregnant so cant be messing about with stupid HP cars and a little one in the back.

Not keen on the aesthetics of the C5, the A4 is a good shout, really like the look of the B6 Passat.

Anyone had any experience of BMW's or Merc's?

The 5k region is a bit dangerous for Mercs. The build quality drooped for a while.

Bimmers should be good. E46 touring, can't go wrong. 330d will be better economy than your S3 but still good at munching miles.