Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series

SuperBlu26

Trying to decide between these two, would be looking at 2.0L 2005/2006 models, I haven't gotten to drive either yet but just wondering which is more reliable and cheaper to run.
Any help appreciated!

bazz26

Petrol or diesel? Reliability will really depend on the individual car and how they were cared for, as they are 9/10 years old at this stage.

SuperBlu26

Would probably be looking for a diesel

bazz26

I'd probably chose a 1.9 TDi A4 over a 320d of that age as the TDi tends to be a less complicated and reliable engine. It's less refined and powerful but more robust and that's coming from someone who is on their second BMW. Your problem will be trying to find a clean tidy example that hasn't bee driven to the moon and back or turned into a felt spec diesel RS4.

SuperBlu26

Thanks, I was kinda leaning towards that, plus the Audi is a bit more spacious and has a more comfortable ride.

bazz26

Not by much though, A4 room is a bit cramped too. Getting rid of the run flat tyres would improve comfort on the BMW. If you are looking at S Line or M Sport models of both then expect a harsher ride as the suspension is firmer by design.

SuperBlu26

Thanks, I'll keep it in mind, what kind of a BMW do u have, if u don't mind me asking?

bazz26

I currently have a 2011 5 Series but had a 2008 3 Series a few years back.

SuperBlu26

Very nice!

Gumbo

bazz26 wrote: »

I'd probably chose a 1.9 TDi A4 over a 320d of that age as the TDi tends to be a less complicated and reliable engine. It's less refined and powerful but more robust and that's coming from someone who is on their second BMW. Your problem will be trying to find a clean tidy example that hasn't bee driven to the moon and back or turned into a felt spec diesel RS4.

Where as I would go the opposite way

I would buy the E90 320d over the same age A4 any day (your looking at 05-06 models).

The 320d is a better drive with more power but a bit less MPG.

As Bazz says, finding a good example of either is the hard job and once you do they can still command a decent price as they are both quite good cars.

I like the interior of the E90 also

My advice would be to drive both and see what you think. May also depend if you are looking at SE or MSport in the BMW or SLine or SE in the Audi.

I've had both also.

SuperBlu26

Thanks, I'd probably go for SE trim, in the M sport and S line is the suspension much firmer?

Gumbo

SuperBlu26 wrote: »

Thanks, I'd probably go for SE trim, in the M sport and S line is the suspension much firmer?

Not in my opinion, but then again I like sporty cars and am 30 something, maybe be different if I was in my 60's

SuperBlu26

Im still on the brighter side of life, so it mightn't bother me too much!

exaisle

I'd take into account that the Audi is front wheel drive and the BMW is rear wheel drive. If you're in a rural area and you REALLY need to get out when it snows, then choose the Audi...otherwise they're both fairly sound choices...

Gumbo

exaisle wrote: »

I'd take into account that the Audi is front wheel drive and the BMW is rear wheel drive. If you're in a rural area and you REALLY need to get out when it snows, then choose the Audi...otherwise they're both fairly sound choices...

I drove from Finglas to The Station house Hotel in Killmessin during the heavy snow over Christmas a few years back in my RWD 3 Series without issue. Drive for the conditions and you should be fine.

unkel

A few sandbags or some other heavy items in the boot and the traction is as good as a FWD. Or just fit winter tyres like everybody else in the world does in countries that get a bit of snow...

OP - what's your annual mileage? If it is not high, a petrol would be a better choice. Cheaper to buy, more refined, more reliable and less chances of expensive repairs

Gumbo

unkel wrote: »

A few sandbags or some other heavy items in the boot and the traction is as good as a FWD.

Funny you mention this as i've never thought about it before, but our E90 that we had at the time was an 07 MSport. we took the run flats off and put on Michelin Tyres. But I got a space saver and I had that in the boot at all times, maybe that helped with the traction in the snow?

SuperBlu26

unkel wrote: »

A few sandbags or some other heavy items in the boot and the traction is as good as a FWD. Or just fit winter tyres like everybody else in the world does in countries that get a bit of snow...

OP - what's your annual mileage? If it is not high, a petrol would be a better choice. Cheaper to buy, more refined, more reliable and less chances of expensive repairs

Wouldn't be doing a whole load at the minute mostly in and out of town with an odd long journey