Bmw 320d coupe M sport or Audi A5

sgds

Getting treated to something I've always wanted for my birthday next year, a nice sporty car of my own. I have between 15k & €20k to spend. I have always loved the look of a white 320d m sport in a coupe version but as I am browsing for cars the Audi A5 is desirable as well.Which would be the better buy? I am looking at 08 or 09 to get the lower tax.

sebastianlieken

well lucky you!

My vote is for the A5. The 320d is the last word in tedious predictability these days. Although it is a lovely car externally and the engine is solid - i'd prefer the A5. Better looking in my opinion, less common, fresher interior, better equi[ment as standard (although you'll have to do the comparison between the cars you look at).

Some might chime in that the BMW will be the better handling car, but at the end of the day it's gonna have a 2 litre diesel so I wouldn't get too caught up pretending you're buying a corner-smashing sports car. The A5 will handle more than adequately and more importantly, it'll be more comfortable when trundling down the motorway with all your additional optional extras.

Sobanek

325d and you're good to go. Still cheap enough tax like.
If you can afford €20k to spend on a car, I'm sure you can spend €570 a year on tax :P

bazz26

08 onwards 325d is €390 to tax afaik, well it must if the 330d is.

sgds

Thanks for that. Yeah I didn't realise until lately that a 3litre costs €390 to tax.
I'm only looking at the moment, sold out of a business I've had for a few years and will be getting rid of two vans and the costs that went with them. I will be getting a company van now and after years of struggling can now see myself affording my dream at last!

pablo128

Look up the timing chain issue with that model BMW. The 2.0d between 07 -09 is well known for an expensive fix. Basically if the chain starts rattling, it's a 2k fix. If the chain breaks, it's a 3k fix. there's a few threads here on Boards about them.
I personally think the A5 is a nicer looking machine.

Blazer

2008 BMW 325D LCI...3L and it's down to 18K.
Looks fantastic and the guy really looks after it. That engine is practically bulletproof. I've it in my 525D but mine is 07 and so paying €1494 a year on tax http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89713


actually he's down to 17.5K for it to a BMW member on that forum...lot of car for that money..

staples7

Hey Sgds,

I was in a similar position 2 months ago. Went with the A5 S-line (2010) coupe and extremely happy. I would have gone for the sports back too would the right one have come up.