Your opinion please? A5/335

MarkN

Lads, would value a lot of your opinions on these two cars and which you would go for.

I've done up a poll - wheels on both cars are the ones I would spec on each one. I would also go for the colour of the 335 but would spec meteor grey on the Audi. Just to clarify, the Audi is the 3.2 petrol and the BMW the 335i.

Please don't start the "you could buy this with that money", I just want to know, of these TWO options, which you would go for and briefly why?

Henry Ford III

Octavia

conneem-TT

Thats a tough one. But a nice choice to have. Hmm.

What engines are we talking about, 335d or 335i, A5 3.0Tdi Quattro, 3.2Fsi or S5 4.2Fsi (probably a bit pricey compared to a 335)

The 335 would probably suit a younger person better that the A5.

I'd have a hard time choosing one, however I have been tempted by the 3 series coupe but I promised myself I wouldn't give in to the dark side

MarkN

conneem-TT wrote:

Thats a tough one. But a nice choice to have. Hmm.

What engines are we talking about, 335d or 335i, A5 3.0Tdi Quattro or S5 4.2Fsi (probably a bit pricey compared to a 335)

The 335 would probably suit a younger person better that the A5.

I have been tempted by the 3 series coupe but I promised myself I wouldn't give in to the dark side just yet

Engines are 3.2 petrol and 335i petrol. S5 is too much for me, we're talking around 90k by the time you put the essentials on it (a 335i with what I want is list €76,000) so my options are the above but I would 'drop' to a 325 too but would like the out and out performance of the 335.

I'm not actually not too familiar with the trim of the A5 (I know there's an S Line but that's about it) but the BMW would be an M sport.

Biro

I'd go with the 335i. You're getting a brand new engine, fresh from the design sheet, with twin sequential turbo and the vanos variable valve timing to give consistant power delivery from well below 2000 rpm all the way to the red line, and it's 300bhp rear wheel drive. It also looks the better of the two I reckon.
The Audi will have the exclusivity factor over the beemer, due to the fact that everyone with money seems to go for the beemer, but the drawbacks are less power for more road tax, and the engine while nice isn't mind blowing.
The fact that it's 4WD would make it sure footed, I haven't driven it but I'd be willing to bet that it won't be as sharp as the beemer. I'd also reckon that the beemer will hold more value simply because Audi fans tend to think about nothing other than the diesels, where as you do find plenty of petrol beemer drivers.

ninty9er

BMW

If it was my money I'd have to go with the Audi....it's just an aesthetically beautiful piece of engineering, plus with a 3.2 it's not going to be difficult to overtake safely :D

ninty9er

BMW

Only downside being an S5 is €86k list and a 335d M Sport is only €74k in comparison

Mister-M5

hope you've loadsa money for petrol lol

MarkN

My current car would be the same on petrol as the A5 and the 335 only slightly heavier than my car. Anyway, if petrol was a concern, I wouldn't be looking at these cars

conneem-TT

Have you gotten bored of your S3 already

The 335i would be a step up in performance and the 3.2Fsi A5 would be a step down in performance and fun factor compared to what you have.

However the A5 does seem to be the classier of the two.

It's totally a personal choice in my opinion, but both are very good cars.

ciarsd

The 335i gets my vote - it looks so much better IMO and the engine is without doubt the best addition to that class of car.

bazz26

I'm not gone on the looks of either car but that's a personal choice here and not the question asked. Given the choice between the two I think engine wise and driving pleasure the 335i would get my vote. The BMW's 3.0 litre twin turbo would surely top the VAG 3.2 FSi though? Has to have the M Tech kit though.

I would actually consider buying the TT Quattro with the same engine over the A5. Better looking and a bit cheaper allowing you to choose a few more optional extras.

Andrewf20

335i because it won engine of the year 2007. 29mpg and 305bhp aint bad, hardly any turbo lag apparently etc etc. I think the 335i looks nicer too. Road tax slightly cheaper too. 4 wheel drive I think is a little pointless in the A5, and it will punish the mpg's and adds to repair bills and overall weight.

E92

BMW. BMW. BMW. Get the picture?

Havent driven either, but I just know that a straight 6 offers better refinment(to a V6), plus no amount of twisting can deny that the Beemer will be a much faster car. Since you are an S3 owner, which has 265 bhp, the A5 will be a step backwards(252 bhp), whereas the Beemer has an additional 41 bhp on top of the S3. And any car, particularly a petrol, that can produce 295 lb ft at 1300 rpm right through to 4900 rpm is going to make very short work of overtaking. Indeed the 335i is so fast they say it hits the limited top speed of 250 km/h with remarkable ease. Hence why presumably the speedo reads to 280 km/h. Another reason to choose the Beemer is that they are much more common than an Audi, and are easier to sell on. I've never seen a 6 pot Audi larger than a 2.4 in this country(last year apparantly Audi sold the grand total of 0 3.2 litre A6s, I've seen plenty of 530is in this country, and already I've seen 5 335i's in this country)

Lastly, even though this is hardly on the list of priorities, the new Efficient Dynamics technology will mean that when driven sensibly:D the 335i will deliver fuel consumption equivalent to many rival diesel cars. Talk about having your cake and eating it:D .

IMO, and as you can tell from above, I not biased at all:D , the Beemer looks better inside and out too, just make sure you avoid the Godawful iDrive.

galwaytt

BMW

....an quite apart from me being unbiased, either, I'd say..........

A5.
335 is super, no doubt, but it'll suffer the 'is it a 1.8 with a bodykit' syndrome at some time in it's life.

And, leaving out the exterior for a mo, Audi make the best interiors, full stop.

And contrary to what it says up above, but you probably know this already, but there is no penalty for having quattro, and in the real world, it's a big plus - don't mind the cortina/rwd club thing......:D

Saw an S5 in June.........yummmmmmmm, I'll have two, thanks......:rolleyes:

OTH, though, I wouldn't pay extra for the A5 over the BeeEmm. Essentially there the same market, so, all else being equal, price is a factor. If the price difference is as big as you say in favour of the BeeEmm, well no contest, really............

MarkN

Don't worry GalwayTT - It'll take more than a few opinions on how much fun RWD is to sway me from Quattro, it's fantastic and makes my car far quicker than the 265bhp it has in the real world when it comes to corners.

That said, maybe it'll be time next year to try something different.

Audi do make lovely interiors but I felt a little let down by the interior of the A5/S5.

Yes, lots of bits are lovely but some are not. The centre console is not quite right. There's too many shiny plastic bits surrounding the climate buttons and there's a slot for a CD and that's it. The only way to avoid this is to spec the better radio. The indicator stalks are the same as my car, the electric window switches feel cheaper than my car - all not what the car is about, or is it?

Is it the power and driver enjoyment plain and simple or moving into this class of car, is it the overall package?

I suppose it's not fair to compare the M sport to anything less than the S Line in the Audi but Audi are not exactly open when it comes to prices on their new A5 - even the website doesn't have a price list from what I can see.

BTW, just from a few comments people have made, am I not right in saying road tax levels off at 3.0L so the two cars are the same in that aspect.

Dish

I picked the 335 because I dont really like the Audi. The BMW wheels are nicer also you can get M-Tec kits for BMWs haha! Saying that there is probably the RS kit for the Audi. But still the BMW lol!

jayok

BMW

Well I'd pick the A5. And that's me with a 325Ci. There is motoring life beyond BMW people.

Don't know, I think a poster here was right. The 335Ci while a great engine will be eventually dragged down to the 318Ci level later in the cars life. It just won't "look" special - even though its quicker.

The A5 seems to be a classier looking design and the whole quattro system really swings it for me. TBH 265 vs 305 (40bhp) bhp at this level isn't the real difference - both cars will move quick enough.

On a real shallow note, I prefer the Audi "L-eyes" (or whatever they are called) to the BMW Angel eyes. But that's just me.

Ice_Box

BMW

Buy the Audi if you want people to allow you to change lanes and get out of side roads.

RobAMerc

I picked that BMW because I believe its a better drivers car than the Audi (magazine reviews). But I wouls have to say the Audi looks better and from what I have seen the interior looks better and feels of better quality - which is Audi's forte.

I don't think either would be the wrong decision.

Theboinkmaster

BMW

Mark I've been in both but haven't driven them so all I can comment on is the aesthetics not driving experience.

I agree the audi a5 interior is a massive letdown, it's like a step backwards - I actually prefer your s3 interior so that immediately would put me off. On the other hand with the right alloys I think the exterior is great looking - better than the BMW.

So to surmise I can't help

Just know the A5 interior would put me off a bit - especially for that money (eg what happend to the cool round air vents - they've gone backwards to the rectangular ones - makes the interior seem a bit dated IMHO) but compared to the BMW I still think it's much better.

I voted for the audi

MarkN

Yeh I agree with you re the things about the interior.

However, on the A5 I love the dials, the vertical needles, the way the centre console is slightly biased to the right to the driver - 1980s BMW style but at least they got there

The BMW has lost that, it's completely straight.

After the Audi launch in the IFSC I drove a 335i in Keanes the following weekend. Now it was a soft top so the car was a little wobbly but the pull and the sound off the exhaust was just gorgeous and the interior, although not as special around the dials etc did feel the nicer place to be.

I specced up a 325i M sport and with the paint, M sport, auto and bluetooth it came to 71k. Drop the bluetooth but keep rest of the above on the 335i (adding paddles for nothing) comes in at 5k more - before discount and I'm fairly sure I could hammer a deal with a dealer outside of Dublin who I spoke to on the phone so initial purchase price over the 325, the 335 is not that much more.

E92

I forgot to mention that the Beemer will be cheaper to tax too, its in the 2901-3000 cc category(at 2979 cc), whereas the Audi will be in the 3001 cc + category.

And also, I wouldn't be seen dead in a BMW with an M Sport bodykit, unless its the real thing. It has ginormous wheels and if the E60 5 series is anything to go by, the M Sport has a vastly inferior ride. And the M Sport bodykit to me suggests that someone is in a midlife crisis.

I had the 335i SE model in mind. I'm not so sure if I'd want the 335i over the A5 if its the M Sport model. I'd probably still choose it(the Beemer), but it would be very difficult indeed. Give me the SE anyday over an A5. But still, all that said, giver me an A5 over a CLK, or any of its rivals(apart from the BMW).

If I were buying an A5, I'd be buying the 3.0 TDi Quattro. For the sake of 23 bhp, the superior torque and better fuel economy makes it. Apparantly the 335i sounds like a V8 at low revs too. I know I definately would choose a TDi A5(3 litre V6) over an M Sport 335i. But I'd still have the SE version of the 3 series.

Gatster

335i. Having now seen a few A5's (two of them S5's) I'm still not convinced. If it was the S5, it would be more difficult, as they do look very good but from what I've read the dynamics of the 335 are better than the 'lesser' (3.2) A5's, and the pricing of the S5 is IMO excessive, to say the least.

MarkN

E92 wrote:

I forgot to mention that the Beemer will be cheaper to tax too, its in the 2901-3000 cc category(at 2979 cc), whereas the Audi will be in the 3001 cc + category.

And also, I wouldn't be seen dead in a BMW with an M Sport bodykit, unless its the real thing. It has ginormous wheels and if the E60 5 series is anything to go by, the M Sport has a vastly inferior ride. And the M Sport bodykit to me suggests that someone is in a midlife crisis.

I had the 335i SE model in mind. I'm not so sure if I'd want the 335i over the A5 if its the M Sport model. I'd probably still choose it(the Beemer), but it would be very difficult indeed. Give me the SE anyday over an A5. But still, all that said, giver me an A5 over a CLK, or any of its rivals(apart from the BMW).

If I were buying an A5, I'd be buying the 3.0 TDi Quattro. For the sake of 23 bhp, the superior torque and better fuel economy makes it. Apparantly the 335i sounds like a V8 at low revs too. I know I definately would choose a TDi A5(3 litre V6) over an M Sport 335i. But I'd still have the SE version of the 3 series.

Why so anti M sport and pro SE?

I know you can spec the sports seats and sports suspenion on the SE but do you not think the M kit from BMW suits the car and makes it look a bit more special?

E92

I dont like the look of the M Sport. It is supposed to resemble an M3 to a certain degree, and at even the faintest glance, it looks so different. I dont think it looks special enough, or perhaps more to the point, different enough. I know from the E60 that M Sport models have a vastly inferior ride. Now admittedly, this was in part due to the fact that the non M Sport E60 was on 16 inch wheels, which have non run flat tyres, and the M Sport has I think 17 inch wheels and most certainly does have run flat tyres. But nevertheless, a non M Sport model does have a better ride. I think that the money spent on the M Sport model could be saved to get something like the Bluetooth preparation, an extra that is still expensive, as Bluetooth kits are available for as little as €45. If it were me, I'd just save the money, or buy some of the other nice extras like the memory seats, and the upgraded upolstery.

I also like the fact that a 335i SE is a complete wolf in sheeps clothing, I dont like the idea of shouting about the place that I spent just under 4 grand, so that my car can resemble 'an M3'(in any case anyone who's even remotely interested in cars will know straight away the difference, as there are so many areas on the outside that are different). Now of course, each to their own, some people dont like the idea of the 'wool in sheeps clothing' phenomenon, and I have no problem with that.

I'm just giving my €0,02 worth:D

Dwilly

I agree, 3.0 TDI would be a much better option than the 3.2 petrol if you're going for an A5 and not stretching to the S5.

I think I saw 4 or 5 beemer coupes yesterday in the space of 40 minutes, only time will tell if the a5 becomes as ubiquitous (I doubt it). I think they're evenly matched visually (though the S5 would be the clear winner).

Out of the two you listed though Mark I'd probably go for the BMW as much as I'd hate to admit it. I'd only drive it after dark though on empty roads where no-one knows.. :rolleyes:

MarkN

Dwilly wrote:

I'd only drive it after dark though on empty roads where no-one knows.. :rolleyes:

LOL.

E92 - thanks for the detailed reply. It's mad how other people view things, I would never have thought the M sport pack tried to make a car look like an M3.

I would just be interested in it for the suspension, the big chunky steering wheel, the little bits of trim, the alu dash, nicer wheels, the sportier looking version. At lot of the above can be added to the SE but if you are doing that then why not get the M sport anyway.

The M sport has 18s as standard, I'd be going for the 19s. I drove a 320i M sport last week and the car is firm but I can't say it was too firm.

Mr. Larson

Easy choice for me - the Beamer. Love the shape and the Audi, in fairness while quite pretty, is a bit of a cog on the Beamer shape. Plus the Beamer I'd imagine, is way better to drive, certainly more powerful.

byrner1

Having driven btoh S5 and A5 3.0 tdi Quattro, I would recommend the 3.0 tdi quattro

Cyrus

mark id go for the bmw, the audi is an overly fussy looking car.

so what if there will be a raft of 318 sports, most the a5s sold with be 2 litre or lower aswell. the noise off the 335i is immense and i reckon it will hold its value better.

for me it has to be the 335

38psi

As a 335i driver I would give my vote to the BMW of course. Mine is in the SE trim and thats what I prefer, the only option from the Msport version I would really want would be the steering wheel as I dont think the spoiler kit does much to the look either way. The SE has the sports suspension and sports seats already . Not sure that the 19 alloys would be best suited to our roads IMO. The car is a great drive and I am enjoying it more and more everyday,the paddle shifters on the steering wheel take a bit of practice but are a blast. If I had to choose an A5 (God Forbid) I would go with the diesel and avoid MSL....

rebel.ranter

I like both but I would plum for the BMW in the end. I just think that Audis look great for the first year or two & they date badly after that. Was looking at a 335i Convertible the other day, just thought it was classy.
Don't think the Audi has the same kudos.
I have never driven either so I can't comment on the driving experience. With regard to the rough ride on 19s, it's really subjective as to what people find "stiff" or "rough". A friend of mine bought a 530D in 2004 but specced a set of 16' alloys because he READ that the ride was rough! Roll on 3 years later he has now jst bought a 2006 M5 v10 with 19s & obviously the M/// suspension is far stiffer than an M Sport would be. He doesn't find the M5 rough, funny that isn't it?
On the M Sport versus the SE, I would be in the other camp to E92. I prefer the looks of a Sport. They also have better residuals because they are more in demand than the SE. I suppose it boils down to what you prefer.

I really like the Le Mans blue with a Cream Beige Dakota leather interior. It would also have to be auto with the paddles (Currently contemplating an SMG wheel/paddle retro fit to my steptronic auto, just for the craic!)

Forget about BMW bluetooth, there are plenty of aftermarket systems available for the €300 mark that will completely integrate with the steering wheel controls, speakers etc. OK you won't have the phone book on screen but to have this you have to use specific handsets. Maybe Ned78 will correct me on this?
Tge auto dim mirror shoudl really be standard at this stage, don't forget to spec it.
Of course everything is personal choice.

MarkN

Thanks again for the replies lads, really good opinions/personal choice type comments coming up

Anything else on the E92 looks too small I think- 19s are a must for me, I know the roads are sh1te in Ireland but I rarely leave Dublin so I'd put up with it. I cycle to work too so it's gonna be an evening and weekend thing. I'd also prefer the M sport and would also agree that the M sport will always be worth more come resale time.

I don't think it's possible to say what an A5 will be worth in two or three years time yet, Audi cars do seem to hold their own fairly well though from my experience of them.

Biro

Even reading comments from Audi folk reaffirms in my mind that Audi fans and buyers really do tend to want the diesel models, suggesting that the 3.2 A5 will struggle to hold as much value as the Beemer. However, you'll more than likely be trading it, so you won't be left with it.
You mentioned the 325i, if it's a toss up between the 325 and the A5 then I'd roll with the A5, no question. The 335i is a different ball game. If I were going A5, I'd also test drive the 3 litre TDi before making a call, however, that will probably be quite nose heavy.
I'd also prefer the M tech kit on the beemer, however I would remove the M badge from the car, as I only like to see an M badge on an M car. It's the kit that does the visuals, the badge only serves as an indication to a better, more expensive car.
On the 19" rims, it would affect the handling noticably, which would make me not choose them despite the asthetic advantage. 18's are fine on it.
You really should forget the convertible experience and test drive both coupes for a while, and see. It's a lot of money, so insist that you bring them for a proper spin before placing the order. You can't go far wrong with either, so best of luck!

copacetic

BMW

Has to be the a5 mark, you should start the same poll on audi-sport to get a proper result from audi men! I'm actually surprised it is so close considering the amount of bmw fanboys on here.

Although I was dissapointed in your pics of the A5 interior when I actual went to my local launch I was actually impressed enough. It might not be a big step up from other audis, if anything it isn't much nicer than the A3/S3 however it is a lot nicer than the BMW interior. It's a big deal for me, after all it's where you spend all your time and I love the interior in mine.

Personally I much prefer the audis looks and it will always be a bit rarer than he bmw. There is nothing wrong with the bmw but as an audi driver I don't know how you could go with one over the audi, I'd say you would regret it every time you either saw an A5 or yet another bmw drive by.

.Longshanks.

I seen a dealers A5 parked in the petrol station today. To be honest i was expecting more - i mean it didn't blow me away.
It was navy and the wheels looked undersized - multispoke 16"s? Both the colour and wheel choice didn't suit the car.

Still wouldn't say no to one thou;)

E92

rebel.ranter wrote:

With regard to the rough ride on 19s, it's really subjective as to what people find "stiff" or "rough". A friend of mine bought a 530D in 2004 but specced a set of 16' alloys because he READ that the ride was rough! Roll on 3 years later he has now jst bought a 2006 M5 v10 with 19s & obviously the M/// suspension is far stiffer than an M Sport would be. He doesn't find the M5 rough, funny that isn't it?

This is because the M5 unlike every other E60/E61 5 series bar those on 16 inch wheels doesnt have run flat tyres. The run flats on the E60 are yucky. I dont imagine that the 3 series would have the same problem, because it was designed from the off to have run flats and unlike the E60, the suspension was designed specifically for run flats. Not having been in a 335i, which has sports suspension, I can't say for sure, but the E90 on 16 inch wheels has a fine ride.

MarkN

I'm all for the poke of the TDI in the A5, I'm just not sure I would enjoy it as much as I enjoy the pull the S3 has all the way to the red line. I had a chipped 2.0TDI 140 bhp and it was nice and torquey but I don't know if I'd go diesel again but I think it would probably be the right option in the A5 listening to your opinions and using my head.

I just don't do the kms to justify buying diesel but the price of the two A5s is so close it's probably not as much a factor.

I'm heading to Grange this weekend for a drive in an A5 (if they have an S5 too I think it would be rude not to ) but without a doubt if I do decide I'm going for either, I'll be asking for 24 hour test drives in both. I had one with an M3 before and it's the only way of seeing what it would be like to live with the car.

I think the upgraded 19s on both cars are lovely, I appreciate what some of you are saying about the ride and handling but if an M3 can come with 19s, they can't do a huge amount to the handling.

Both cars do it for me on the outside, the BMW probably a little more for me on the inside but handling on the A5 and the drop in power is going to be what I really will be focusing on.

copacetic

BMW

just a note on the M3 with 19s, my undertanding is that the proper M series cars all have normal tires whereas all the std cars have runflats.

There is a review of the new M3 in one of this month car mags and they reckon it is more comfortable than the std coupe for that reason..

MarkN

I have Car magazine with the M3 in it, it's a good read.

Wish I was in the market for this though :cool: If someone was to say to me that car will be 75k in Jan, I would put a deposit on it but I can't see it dropping that much.

E92

Apparantly the E92 M3 is not BMWs M Division's finest hour. People say its a great car yes, but its not the leap forward people were expecting, and apparantly the steering is not the best.

TheBazman

Mark

Just a couple of thoughts

I'd imagine trading in an Audi v and Audi might get you a better deal but that may not concern you. I must say I'm surprised your thinking of changing so quickly (even tho I know how quickly the new car itch strikes) as there are still very few of the S3's around. You could wait an extra year and plump for a second hand S5.

But anyway back to your question - I would go for the BMW - I think it looks slightly better than the A5 but I cant comment on the drive as yet. I have been thinking about this dilemma myself, or more specifically which would I go for the 335i or a 1 - 2yr old M3.

As regards the M- Sport question. I think the days of the M-sport pack being seen as a substitute for a real M car are gone. I also dont think that most M-sport owners are trying to fool anyone. I think in most cars it just looks more complete. I drive a E60 M-sport and love the look, but I would not dream of it without the M-sport pack. On the new 3 series coupe I'm not actually sure it makes that much difference. However as regards bluetooth I would definitely go for that. I know you can get aftermarket kits but I love the way it intergrates on the idrive screen

MarkN

I'm not changing til 2008 if I do change anyway, at that stage I will have the S3 a year, don't get me wrong, very happy with the S3, it's a fantastic car to be behind the wheel of but I just can't get coupes off my mind!!

I am hoping that the rarity of the S3 even now towards the end of the year will help me sell it on quickly and with the extras on it, very close to the list price of a standard S3. I will do my best not to trade it in whatever car I go for as I believe someone will snap my hand off for it (already had someone show interest via PM on it if I choose to sell) particularly when I have looked after it so well, there is not a mark on it.

Gatster

If you're going leave it until next year, and aren't that bothered about the 'new car' smell I'd give serious consideration to the S5 as a second hand buy. Large engined cars depreciate badly here as you know, so you could be happy in the knowledge someone took a hit for you.

Also, although Audi's obviously hold their value well, most of Joe Public, I think even with €65-75k to spend (taking into account a hopeful €10k depreciation on either), would lump for the Beemer for various reasons (be they right or wrong), so the S5's that do come onto the 2nd hand market may be more susceptible to price negotiation. Well worth waiting a few months to see how things pan out...

Still, I'd wait and get an RS4 over either (there's one on CBG for €87k), but I'm over coupes I think :rolleyes: (despite the fact I may get an E46 M3 next, if I can come to terms with -2 doors, and the tax & fuel costs of a 3.2 again...)

Locutus

Isn't it obvious? the BMW, I can't understand why the 3.2 Audi is even getting close in the poll. With the exception of the RS4 and the R8, Audi makes dull understeering cars with playstation level feedback steering, classy interiors and .....I forget what I was going to say next. At €76k, though, will you end up with a strangely poverty spec car? I was looking at a 335i Cabrio to change for my elderly 911 cabrio but decided not to just because, while it was nearly as good to drive (numb BMW steering rack aside), it just didn't offer enough to justify the extra money, but I didn't even think of Audi.

MarkN

Gatser - I would be into a 07 demo S5 in Jan but I don't think they will suffer RS4 style depreciation as they are not at that price level to begin with but it would be great from a buyers point of view if they did.

Locutus - I don't think you'd end up with a poverty spec no. For that money you get M sport, leather, metallic, upgraded wheels and auto box. What else do you want in an already well specced car which has sports seats, PDC, bi xenons, climate, Cd player, arm rest, auto dip mirror etc

The only thing I can think of is Sat Nav and although I have Audi Nav Plus in my S3, I use it once a week if even.

Dwilly

Mark I've been hankering after an RS4 for a while but I think they're beginning to look dated. There was a navy RS4 in Avoca's car park the other day and I hardly noticed it, the gear knob is a little chrome overload too.

I'm beginning to really like the look of the S5 and I think I'd prefer a fast GT cruiser over a hardcore saloon. Being based on the new MLP platform it's a lot more technically up to date too. I think it definitely has more visual presence over the beemer and surely there wouldn't be much practical difference in power than the RS4.

Might head down to Grange for a looksie also

Locutus

Fair enough, Sat Nav probably not worth it because you have to get the iDrive binnacle and then you will have dead end options on the screen unless you get the bluetooth, cd changer and tv options, or in other words that will be €5k please sir. Eh I know you don't want alternatives, but really for that money a secondhand RS4 or M5 beckons. I've tortured an M5 on a test drive and briefly driven an RS4 and they are both in a different class to the 335. Sorry, couldn't help it.

ninty9er

BMW

Dwilly wrote:

Out of the two you listed though Mark I'd probably go for the BMW as much as I'd hate to admit it. I'd only drive it after dark though on empty roads where no-one knows.. :rolleyes:

My friend's dad is the same, won't drive the 325ci in daylight..seriously!! Even his mom prefers to drive the S-Class when it's there. not that she doesn't like the 325, but prefers the S. I told her she should have gotten the new C70 D5, but she'd ordered at that stage!!, she could even have saved €10k and gotten a nicer car (for what she wanted)

Ice_Box wrote:

Buy the Audi if you want people to allow you to change lanes and get out of side roads.

SO TRUE

apple_danish

E92 wrote:

BMW. BMW. BMW. Get the picture?

Audi sold the grand total of 0 3.2 litre A6s, I've seen plenty of 530is in this country, and already I've seen 5 335i's in this country)

I have to ask E92 where he is getting his sales figures from??? I know for a fact that Audi sold a number of 3.2s lat year.