Audi A5 or BMW 5 Series

fundjanitor

Planning to buy a new car within the next few months and stuck between a Audi A5 tdi 3.0 quattro or BMW 5 series, i know this is the right place to come to settle this so folks which should i go for ?

Year 2008-2012

Audi A5 TDI 3.0 Quattro

or

BMW 5 series 2.5 litre


Budget 15-20k and will be importing from the UK


Any advice is much appreciated, cheers

OldMrBrennan83

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corglass

Patww79 wrote: »

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Can you share any specific bar the usual driving dynamics stuff everyone mentions?

mfceiling

Patww79 wrote: »

BMW, they are real class and just a step ahead in every way. Even looks-wise it's far ahead, they should never have made the 5 door A5 (presume that's the one you're looking at when you're comparing it to a 5 series).

*looks outside at 5 door A5 and weeps*

I like our A5...nice to drive, nice to look at and the interior is as good as any car we've owned.

Had a 2007 BMW 520d years ago and it was the most unreliable motor we've ever had. I'm sure the quality is improved now.

fundjanitor

Patww79 wrote: »

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Heard they're not very reliable , also forgot to add i'm looking at 2 door A5

Geniass

fundjanitor wrote: »

Heard they're not very reliable , also forgot to add i'm looking at 2 door A5

The A5 gets some stick in reviews, I think it's a lovely looking car with some great engines. Quite different to a 520d I would have thought.

Summer wind

I recently changed my 2012 520d for an 2015 Audi A6. The 5 series never gave me any trouble and was fantastic to drive. It truly does corner like no other but I drove the Audi with the s tronic auto box and 190bhp and was impressed by how quite it was and how smooth the gear changes were. Also the Audi doesn't have the thump of the run flat tyres so the ride is lovely and feels well cushioned if that makes sense to you:)

I would have a good test drive in both before you make up your mind. Both are fantastic cars though so I don't think you can loose no matter which one you pick. Best of luck.

fundjanitor

Geniass wrote: »

The A5 gets some stick in reviews, I think it's a lovely looking car with some great engines. Quite different to a 520d I would have thought.

Yes i was a bit worried looking at the reviews but i suppose there is always going to be some cons in a review section.


There the only 2 options really for my budget i can think of, you got any other suggestions??

Geniass

fundjanitor wrote: »

There the only 2 options really for my budget i can think of, you got any other suggestions??

I like both of your suggestions and would consider them myself. Currently driving a 159 2.4l JTDM.

I'd love a CLS

RedorDead

corglass wrote: »

Can you share any specific bar the usual driving dynamics stuff everyone mentions?

mfceiling wrote: »

*looks outside at 5 door A5 and weeps*

I like our A5...nice to drive, nice to look at and the interior is as good as any car we've owned.

Had a 2007 BMW 520d years ago and it was the most unreliable motor we've ever had. I'm sure the quality is improved now.

Dont mind PatWW79 - he'll have a cut at Audi any chance he gets. The BMW is not a step ahead in every area. For example for the cars you are comparing the Sportback would be ahead in terms of:

Power
Grip
Traction
Looks
Interior finish and ergonomics

BMW will have probably more boot space however and will probably be a little cheaper to tax. If it was my money it would be the A5 - particularly with quattro and even more so if its an S Line. Both fine cars however.

OldMrBrennan83

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Jjiipp79

Your lucky to have the choice OP!

Both cars had good and not so good! You have to drive both and get a feel for what you like!

If it was just between then two cars I think I would go with the Audi.

Now I've had the Audi... Then I got a merc and I have to say this car is another level..... Try one out!

Best of luck for whatever you go for..

They are all lovely cars.

goz83

I just had my fuel pump replaced in my E200. When talking to the garage owner about cars (who has over 30 years experience) he described Audi and BMW as ****e and unreliable. He said I should stick with the merc. Was a bit disappointed to hear that, because I much prefer the look of both cars over the merc.

freddieot

goz83 wrote: »

When talking to the garage owner about cars (who has over 30 years experience) he described Audi and BMW as ****e

Strange, I had a similar experience in the following dealer garages, Volvo, Kia, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Ford - All their sages thought any competition was sh**e and not a patch on their range.

Most also proclaimed that the quality went out of Mercedes years ago as well, with newer cars being far less reliable than BMW or Audi, especially on the electrics.

I tend to take all that with a grain of salt. I think all brands have their good and bad points. In the modern age of fast moving information, any company making sh*** cars loses sales fast.

Interestingly, when I was searching recently, I found BMW and Audi dealers did less competition knocking that others, maybe just my experience. Maybe they just rely on the quality of their own products and the customer either buys or they don't, no need to negatively attack other brands.

Slattsy

Go with the A5 - have one myself. Better looking motor imho, a real head turner.
Now its a 1.8 TFSI model but zero hassle other than normal wear and tear.

Bootspace is fine, i can fit my golf clubs in no problem

what a day

I own both, 520d msport 2011 model and Sline A5 coupe model. If i had to sell one it would be the A5.

Both amazing cars but as said before there is just some thing about a nice BMW that is very hard to compare.

Good luck with the new purchase!!

OldMrBrennan83

This post has been deleted.

Tea 1000

There's no 2.5 in the F10 5-series. It would be a 3 litre in the 525d up to around late 2012, then changed to a 2 litre. 3 litre is the one to go for.
I don't like the A5 to look at or to drive, so I'm not best placed to comment on that, although the V6 diesel is good and interior is decent.

James Delaney

I dont know bout the Audi A5 but I've never heard any complaints bout them.

Wherewas with the BMW - Nothing but complaints esp. bout their N47 Engine, which they 'claim' to ave sorted. Based on probs experienced, several of my mates would never buy a Bmer again & they now drive Audi.

BMW have lost a lot of business over the N47 mess up & their 'past' customers no longer have confidence in them because of the way BMW handled it - or rather didn't handle it. They feel they were left to drive death traps.

bazz26

Audi are not impervious to problems either. A good few years ago the VAG 2.0 PD TDi engine in some of their models had major problems too. The oil pump balance shaft was a big problem. I think swapping a BMW for an Audi because of concerns around reliability is a bit comical to be honest.

I've been lucky and unlucky with German cars, had a BMW a few years ago with no issues, had a VW that needed a new clutch/flywheel and gearbox after 50k miles while my current BMW has been trouble free also. Of course I know people too who have had the opposite experience to me of both marques. So if reliability is a huge concern then buy something non German.

James Delaney

BMW pride themselves with their cars being the Ultimate Driving Experience - Hence their Price.

The prob with the N47 Engine was around from 2008 to 2011 (or so we are led to believe).

With paying such a premium price for these cars, I would have expected BMW to recall these cars & put them right.

They didn't.
Hence consumer confidence is lowered - I wouldn't buy 1. And any person buying them 2nd hand, would b a fool - unless the fault(s) were rectified, documented & guaranteed.

To attempt to brush this dangerous problem under the carpet & not perform a recall, is Unforgivable.

I like to think when driving, that my family & myself are safe - especially after forking out huge money for a 'premium car'.

bazz26

James Delaney wrote: »

BMW pride themselves with their cars being the Ultimate Driving Experience - Hence their Price.

The prob with the N47 Engine was around from 2008 to 2011 (or so we are led to believe).

With paying such a premium price for these cars, I would have expected BMW to recall these cars & put them right.

They didn't.
Hence consumer confidence is lowered - I wouldn't buy 1. And any person buying them 2nd hand, would b a fool - unless the fault(s) were rectified, documented & guaranteed.

To attempt to brush this dangerous problem under the carpet & not perform a recall, is Unforgivable.

I like to think when driving, that my family & myself are safe - especially after forking out huge money for a 'premium car'.

Yes they have handled it poorly and should be made fix every one of them but it is a bit naive to think that BMW are the only ones at this game. The problem is that consumers have less power in this part of the world and these big corporations know it.

Regarding perceptions of premium, well Audi have been the masters of this for years selling their bread and butter models. Using platforms and from their "lesser" premium branded VAG siblings while charging a mighty premium for the privilege of the 4 rings and a bit more attention to detail.

As for safety, I think you are being a bit over dramatic here, a stretched or snapped timing chain is as much danger as a timing belt snapping in any other type engine.

MarkN

Since 2007 I've had a BMW E92 335i, E92 M3, E46 323ci, E63 630i, F10 520d and an E60 520d. The only one that ever had a hint of trouble was the 335i which needed a new fuel injector, under warranty. I don't know how many miles of trouble free driving that has been but I can't just be lucky with 6 cars, all different models from different production runs. I have a mate currently getting €7,000 worth of work done to his 2009 Audi A4 after the fuel pump went and caused other damage as a result. You can be unlucky with any brand I'd imagine but I think stories about BMW/Audi and their unreliability can be highly exaggerated!

Between the two cars you mention, a nice M-Sport F10 would be the winner for me by the way. The A5 is a smart looking car but it just does not drive as well.

toyotamechanic

Bye the Way if you consider buying car like Audi here's most faulty engines(on UK roads)
Percentage of cars with major issue(only engines):
1. MG Rover (7,88%)
2. Audi (3,71%)
3. Mini (2,51%)
4. Saab (2,49%)
5. Vauxhall/Opel (2,46%)
6. Peugeot/Citroen (2,26%)
7. BMW (2,20%)
8. Renault (2,13%)
9. Volkswagen (1,91%)
10. Mitsubishi (1,70%)

and best 10
1. Honda (0,29%)
2. Toyota (0,58%)
3. Mercedes (0,84%)
4. Volvo (0,90%)
5. Jaguar (0,98%)
6. Lexus (0,99%)
7. Fiat (1,17%)
8. Ford (1,25%)
9. Nissan (1,32%)
10. Land Rover (1,38%)

If I good remember 2013 lexus were third Jag fourth,Mercedes fifth.
From my experience worst Audi engine is 2.5-A6 for example and 1.9TDI expecially in A4 with all rest of it(turbo,injectors,timming)
Have to agree that they are nice cars anyway,but nice,comfortable,very good materials inside,run so smooth,quiet wont mean good car-for me anyway.

Tea 1000

James Delaney wrote: »

BMW pride themselves with their cars being the Ultimate Driving Experience - Hence their Price.

The prob with the N47 Engine was around from 2008 to 2011 (or so we are led to believe).

With paying such a premium price for these cars, I would have expected BMW to recall these cars & put them right.

They didn't.
Hence consumer confidence is lowered - I wouldn't buy 1. And any person buying them 2nd hand, would b a fool - unless the fault(s) were rectified, documented & guaranteed.

To attempt to brush this dangerous problem under the carpet & not perform a recall, is Unforgivable.

I like to think when driving, that my family & myself are safe - especially after forking out huge money for a 'premium car'.

Don't be a drama queen! A timing chain loosening is not a safety issue!
As said above, you want reliability, you don't buy German.

toyotamechanic wrote: »

Bye the Way if you consider buying car like Audi here's most faulty engines(on UK roads)
Percentage of cars with major issue(only engines):
1. MG Rover (7,88%)
2. Audi (3,71%)
3. Mini (2,51%)
4. Saab (2,49%)
5. Vauxhall/Opel (2,46%)
6. Peugeot/Citroen (2,26%)
7. BMW (2,20%)
8. Renault (2,13%)
9. Volkswagen (1,91%)
10. Mitsubishi (1,70%)

and best 10
1. Honda (0,29%)
2. Toyota (0,58%)
3. Mercedes (0,84%)
4. Volvo (0,90%)
5. Jaguar (0,98%)
6. Lexus (0,99%)
7. Fiat (1,17%)
8. Ford (1,25%)
9. Nissan (1,32%)
10. Land Rover (1,38%)

If I good remember 2013 lexus were third Jag fourth,Mercedes fifth.
From my experience worst Audi engine is 2.5-A6 for example and 1.9TDI expecially in A4 with all rest of it(turbo,injectors,timming)
Have to agree that they are nice cars anyway,but nice,comfortable,very good materials inside,run so smooth,quiet wont mean good car-for me anyway.

The only reason Land Rover are in the top ten best for engines is because the rest of it spent so much time broken the engine didn't get a chance to break!

sunnysoutheast

fundjanitor wrote: »

Planning to buy a new car within the next few months and stuck between a Audi A5 tdi 3.0 quattro or BMW 5 series, i know this is the right place to come to settle this so folks which should i go for ?

Year 2008-2012

Audi A5 TDI 3.0 Quattro

or

BMW 5 series 2.5 litre


Budget 15-20k and will be importing from the UK


Any advice is much appreciated, cheers

If getting an A5 try to get a facelift (I think 2012 model year on) as it should come with the latest crown gear quattro system if S-tronic. Absolutely regular oil changes every 40k miles are needed for the S-tronic box too.

Try a couple of each and then decide!

Pity BMW don't bring the 5-series X-drive to the UK. I saw a 550d X-Drive in Holland over the weekend. A 550d!!!

James Delaney

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Don't be a drama queen! A timing chain loosening is not a safety issue!
As said above, you want reliability, you don't buy German.


The only reason Land Rover are in the top ten best for engines is because the rest of it spent so much time broken the engine didn't get a chance to break!

DRAMA QUEEEN
Crank Shaft Probs,& Timing Belt.

U go down d M50 full 120KPH & ur engine goes blah - consider the consequences.

DRAMA QUEEN MY ARSE.
U're obviously a 3 / 5 Series Owner.
There is no way, I would allow myself or any of my family travel in such a car & nor would I advise another person to buy 1 unless d probs were rectified.

These cars are death traps.

So much 4 UR Drama.

magentis

James Delaney wrote: »

DRAMA QUEEEN
Crank Shaft Probs,& Timing Belt.

U go down d M50 full 120KPH & ur engine goes blah - consider the consequences.

DRAMA QUEEN MY ARSE.
U're obviously a 3 / 5 Series Owner.
There is no way, I would allow myself or any of my family travel in such a car & nor would I advise another person to buy 1 unless d probs were rectified.

These cars are death traps.

So much 4 UR Drama.

I thought that engine had a timing chain not a belt?

Tea 1000

James Delaney wrote: »

DRAMA QUEEEN
Crank Shaft Probs,& Timing Belt.

U go down d M50 full 120KPH & ur engine goes blah - consider the consequences.

DRAMA QUEEN MY ARSE.
U're obviously a 3 / 5 Series Owner.
There is no way, I would allow myself or any of my family travel in such a car & nor would I advise another person to buy 1 unless d probs were rectified.

These cars are death traps.

So much 4 UR Drama.

Lol!!

marathonic

James Delaney wrote: »

U go down d M50 full 120KPH & ur engine goes blah - consider the consequences.

The car comes to a rolling stop...... the horror!

Tea 1000

marathonic wrote: »

The car comes to a rolling stop...... the horror!

One thing's for sure, I won't let my loved ones in a car that might come rolling to a stop... think of the carnage... The annoyance and surprise on their faces, followed by the dismay at the realisation that they won't get to their destination on time... Oh the humanity...

bazz26

James Delaney wrote: »

DRAMA QUEEEN
Crank Shaft Probs,& Timing Belt.

U go down d M50 full 120KPH & ur engine goes blah - consider the consequences.

DRAMA QUEEN MY ARSE.
U're obviously a 3 / 5 Series Owner.
There is no way, I would allow myself or any of my family travel in such a car & nor would I advise another person to buy 1 unless d probs were rectified.

These cars are death traps.

So much 4 UR Drama.

Ha, ha. You are simply overeating big time. Can you point to any information or links around how many BMW drivers have been injured or killed as a result of a failed timing chain? Yes this issue should be fixed by BMW but death traps, talking about having a keyboard melt down. Google can be a dangerous place when information is interpreted incorrectly.

Also Audi and other manufacturers use timing belts in some of their cars, the belt is made of rubber so is bound to snap when it wears out, potentially killing the driver in the process. :rolleyes: Also while your googling do a search for Audi oil pump balance shaft failure, I'm sure that's killed a few Audi drivers too when the engine sh!t itself. :pac:

But I'm going to go hide under my bed in case I get killed by my BMW.

wally1990

BMW just is more classy than an Audi

exaisle

@ OP

I dont think your budget is going to stretch to a reasonable example of either given the current exchange rate....you'd probably have to throw another 5k or so at it to get anything decent....remember that you have to pay VRT on top of the purchase price.
No matter what you get, it's going to have a gazillion miles on the clock and I suspect you might just end up buying somebody else's problems.....

darragh o meara

sunnysoutheast wrote: »

Pity BMW don't bring the 5-series X-drive to the UK. I saw a 550d X-Drive in Holland over the weekend. A 550d!!!

Seen one in France this year and presumed the driver had been fiddling around with the badges, a bit like all the red TDI golf's, boras and passats in this country

As regards the Bmw/Audi dilemma, drive both and go with you gut instinct, any car has the potential to go wrong and cost you a heap to put right, from a 100 quid Fiesta to a 1 million Maybachs. Personally I like the BMW, even though my own one is giving me some a few bills at the moment.. I've always found Audi to be really nice to drive but they tend to age badly interior wise, whereas any BMW I've had still looks pretty decent enough after a few years.