5 series touring vs a6 avant

ballooba

I've been looking at 2011/12 5 series touring m sport but am having concerns about the cost of maintenance and some reports of problems with timing chains and air suspension. I'd be worried about the run flats too cost wise. I currently have a 2006 A4 and hence started thinking about an A6 Avant sport. I can save a little money versus the BMW, but I find the A6 less exciting and lower specced in terms of toys. Are my concerns about the running costs of the BMW founded? I'll buy from the UK and I only do about 10 to 15k per year

bazz26

BMW timing chain is a concern alright, BMW are replacing alot of them under goodwill but it's not a given and depends on service history, mileage, etc. Buying from a BMW dealer is probably the most sensible as get the 2 year warranty

Run flats are expensive but I've come from a VW car with 18" non run flats to currently an F10 5 Series which has 18" run flats and the run flats are about €40 per tyre more expensive than the non run flats on the VW. I don't have a spare wheel or room for one in the boot but I'd still have to buy a space saver from BMW which is about €300 for the 5 Series, so cost wise it's not worth me switching.

I'd say all other running costs would be similar between the 5 Series and A6, parts, servicing, etc will always be more expensive from main dealers. Remember these cars cost the bones of €50k new so maintenance can work out expensive.

Are you thinking auto or manual? If going 5 Series then the auto is the preferred choice. If going A6 I'd probably chose the manual over the multi-tronic or try and find a S-tronic but I think they are mostly Quattro.

ballooba

Current A4 is multitronic, wife prefers manual but I prefer Auto. Haven't decided yet.

I see last month BMW initiated a recall for the N47 but only on the E61.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/5-series-touring-e61-2004/?section=good

I also see reports of failure on the F11:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/5-series-touring-f11-2010/?section=good

bazz26

They are not replacing them over there free of charge, I know of someone who's 2008 E60 was refused by them.

If you are going to the UK why not consider a 525d/530d? While they have the same chain issue it's not as common on them.

Seweryn

ballooba wrote: »

I've been looking at 2011/12 5 series touring m sport but am having concerns about the cost of maintenance and some reports of problems with timing chains...

There is only one engine in the 5-series line that has the timing chain problem - the N47 in the 520d. Just avoid that particular model and you should be safe at least on the chain side.

ballooba

Yeah, I think it's just that the 520D is a lot more reasonable than the other models for this reason. Going to look more into the A6 and possibly A4 I think. Thanks all.

RedorDead

Just make sure A6 Avant is the new C7 model - should be plenty of nicely specced launch models in the UK with 6 cylinder and quattro and all the goodies. S Line >>>> SE and worth the premium.

drunkmonkey

Should the Mercedes not be in the running as well, the e series is a 7 seater. Depends what your using it for but if it's kids it has to be a serious contender?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/9279782 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 220 CDI BE Elegan

ballooba

I had another look at the A6 and decided it's too big for my needs. I then thought about A4 Avant, then A5 Sportback. And that is where I am now.

5 seats would be nice to have, but 4 is plenty. I like the sporty look of the A5 and it has the boot space for the dog etc.

Is it a bad time to be buying the A5 with the new model out next year? Obviously I am not looking at the new generation, but the current generation might come down in price?

ballooba

I bought a 2011 A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI in the UK on the weekend. I won't know for a few weeks whether I have saved any money, but I'm happy with the value I got versus what I was seeing here. Thanks for the tips, even if I did go off the reservation in the end.