BMW 520 / AUDI A6/ Merc E200: Best option

viper006

Hi all,

Seen some really good advice in other threads and hoping i could get afew tips on what people feels about the above 3 cars.

My budget is 5k so i know im looking around 2003-2005 mark. Im looking for a comfortable auto trans version and having drove a 2004 A6 auto is was a very smooth and comfortable drive same with Merc and BMW but i preferred the A6 Overall..


Does any know the of MPG youd get from an auto A6 2004. Im abit put off by the 2.2 engine of the BMW for tax wondering would it even be heavier on the gas? The merc has a smaller engine (1.8) and would be cheaper to tax as well as prob better MPG and i know the 520 & A6 are heavy cars.

Any advice or feedback on the above would be appreciated.

bazz26

Just be aware of common problems on all those cars.

Audi's multitronic box of that era is known for being troublesome so make sure it is in tip top shape.

The timing chains on the Merc petrol Kompressor engines are also known for stretching so check if there are documents confirming if it has been replaced.

Common problems on the BMW E60 of that generation included the I-drive user interface and ABS/TC system. 2.2 petrol is sluggish enough especially in auto form, might be worth stretching to a 523i/525i instead as there is not a huge difference in running costs.

porsche boy

out of all I'd ave the A6, opt for a diesel if your budget stretches. It will be the most cost effective to run and it will depreciate very slowly.

_Kaiser_

A6 every time - and not just cause I have one

I've driven all 3 for extended periods and it's just the best of those options. A decent spec is a must with a car in that segment but I don't rate the E60 5 series at all - iDrive is terrible and clunky (literally), suffers from poor control layouts and the autos were extremely slow and laggy by comparison even to my previous B6 DSG Passat. The 5 is also a lot smaller than the A6.

I know this forum is BMW heaven but I have said before that that generation 5 series is more a A4 competitor than an A6, regardless of what the marketing people would have you believe. The newer F10 5 series however does improve things but is outside the budget you're talking about.

The E class is a nicer place to be but more like driving a couch than the other 2. That's not a bad thing but it makes no pretense to be any way sporty is what I mean. I also never really liked the handbrake arrangement myself. Pedal on the floor with a handle to pull to release? Just make it one or the other

But test all 3 anyway and see what you think yourself .

viper006

Thanks for some very good replies.

Im wasnt expecting so many votes for the A6 but i have to say it was my favorite to drive as well.

Im looking at one with 90k miles, a good service with leather interior. dealer looking for 3700-3800 cash id say.

Is there any particular auto gearbox issues i should be looking out for?

lomb

Drove a 2007 220e diesel recently and was very disappointed. You have big expectations but they aren't really met , although everything looks nice its very plastiky, the diesel engine was not good either. It is definitely built to a price.

Burning Eclipse

Not personal experience, but rather that of my dad. Drove a 2002 A6 sport 1.9tdi for a while. Loved it. Sold it for an E60 525D. Thing has 170 bhp, lovely spc, and I personally love it. He currently has it for sale because he said it couldn't compare to the A6 in almost any respect. Currently shopping for a 06/07 A6.