A6 vs 5 series vs E-Class

Ronney

Hi Folks,

Looking to spend 10-15k on either of the following A6 / 5 Series or E class. Dont particularly like the look of the model of E-class for that price range

Have driven the last 2 (520d and e class round 2L also not sure exactly which)
Like the looks of the A6 but haven't driven.


Drive to work Dublin traffic 30-40 mins each day and mostly just around The city at weekends with I'd say about half a dozen trips round Ireland each year.

Looking for something that will be cheap(er) to run (tax etc.).

Any suggestions on things to avoid/look for?

On a 7/8 year old car what level of mileage would scare someone off?

nextcarC5

A higher mileage doesn't mean worse car. I'd rather take a 200,000km car with full service history at a main dealer than a 120,000km car with no service history at all.

For me, I'd allocate 25,000km per year and use as a vague guideline. So for 8 years = 200,000km or 125,000miles (approx), while taking my first sentence into consideration first.

Heres Johnny

Honestly it's personal preference between these 3. I don't like that model e class either but I do like the current one, and 7 to 8 year old cars you are looking at changeover years for a6 and 5 series.

For what it's worth, I'd be happy with the a6 that came out in 2012 I think, but not the previous one. 5 series I like both models e60 and f10 but I assume it's f10 you are looking at.

I'd look for the sporty versions, s line or m sport, auto transmission and find one well minded at a decent price. Timing chain big issue on the 5 series, not sure about a6 problems.

Leonard Hofstadter

Cheap to run and premium German saloon are two phrases that should never be in the same sentence, if you want cheap to run, buy a Ford or a Toyota, or similar.

captainspeed

captainspeed wrote: »

Cheap to run and premium German saloon are two phrases that should never be in the same sentence, if you want cheap to run, buy a Ford or a Toyota, or similar.

/Pubtalk . :rolleyes:

If you buy the right car in the right condition, there's no reason at all that a premium german car shouldn't be very reasonable/cheap to run.

kirving

Doesn't matter what condition you buy in, a random unlucky fault will cost far more than a Focus or the like.

Leonard Hofstadter

JayZeus wrote: »

/Pubtalk . :rolleyes:

If you buy the right car in the right condition, there's no reason at all that a premium german car shouldn't be very reasonable/cheap to run.

I own a 3 series and I've owned a Toyota in the past, so I think I might just have a bit of experience on what's cheap to run and what's not;).

bazz26

They can be reliable but if something serious does goes wrong with any of these cars you can be sure it will be expensive to put right. If your not prepared for that up front then buy something else. A 50k car is still a 50k car to fix even if it costs a fraction of that to buy 7 or 8 years later.

legomanx51v

I toyed with A6 and a 5 series myself, drove both, and the 5 series is more involved to drive (as much as a big saloon can be).

Think you might have to stretch the 15k budget a bit to get something nice. As for milage you'll get different opinions depending on who you ask. I always try and find a car that is closer to the lower milage cars for that age. eg. If the range is mostly 80k-160k km then I rule out anything over 110k km. Doesn't work in all cases but its worked well for me so far.

Engine wise I'm not a big fan of four cylinder diesels, so for me its either the Audi 3.0 V6 or the BMW straight 6 3.0.
Timing chain seems to be a non-issue on the 6 cylinder 5 series. At least thats been my experience over three years of ownership.

I'd get an auto in either of those cars. 2.0 diesel would be acceptable to me in the A6, but if you're considering the BMW I'd really suggest trying the 6 cylinder... I did! If you care and/or notice how smooth it is (for a diesel) you'll want one. All that being said I've put mine up for sale but thats because I'm lucky enough to be 2 miles from work now and also because I want something faster and more petrol haha

Ronney

Cheers for the replys folks.

Plan is to go Auto but there seams to be a strange amount of Manuals available especially in the A6.

Would anyone consider a manual in this type of car or is that the reason so many for sale!

Heres Johnny

Ronney wrote: »

Cheers for the replys folks.

Plan is to go Auto but there seams to be a strange amount of Manuals available especially in the A6.

Would anyone consider a manual in this type of car or is that the reason so many for sale!

Yeah a6 always sold a lot in manual.
No I wouldn't buy a manual one.

Moanin

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Yeah a6 always sold a lot in manual.
No I wouldn't buy a manual one.

Do the auto boxes in the non Quattro A6's give bother?

bazz26

The non Quattro versions used a Multitronic CVT box which didn't have a great reputation for reliability. They got Stronic from about 2015 onwards.

Del2005

JayZeus wrote: »

/Pubtalk . :rolleyes:

If you buy the right car in the right condition, there's no reason at all that a premium german car shouldn't be very reasonable/cheap to run.

The service parts are more expensive and they will use higher grade oil, not to mention the other consumables that need replacing.

But since most Irish don't bother with servicing or just use the cheapest garage that will throw any oil into a car you are correct.

Moanin

bazz26 wrote: »

The non Quattro versions used a Multitronic CVT box which didn't have a great reputation for reliability. They got Stronic from about 2015 onwards.

And how is this gearbox fairing out do you know? I will be changing the wife's A6 TDI in the next couple of years and will be looking at Audi Auto box.

Thanks

Ardeehey

I have been reading a lot about the A6 autos lately as I am thinking of getting an Avant.......seems with the Multitronic boxes they should be ok if serviced around the 40k mark each time...very important as dealing with the higher bhp output....I am hoping to get an S-Tronic anyway if I can stretch to a new model

Del2005

Del2005 wrote: »

The service parts are more expensive and they will use higher grade oil, not to mention the other consumables that need replacing.

But since most Irish don't bother with servicing or just use the cheapest garage that will throw any oil into a car you are correct.

More pubtalk.

I can buy 6L of 5W 30 Shell Helix Ultra, a Mahle oil filter and 4 NGK platinum plugs (every 2nd service, typically) for my car for €120 retail. Just the oil and filter is €60.

An air filter is €37 (changed every 24k miles or so) and the activated charcoal cabin filter is changed once every few years and costs €70.

A full set of Brembo disks (drilled/ventilated fronts, solid rears), Brembo pads, fitting kit and Mach1 DOT 5 fluid costs €250 delivered to the door.

A Philips D1S headlight bulb is €67.

Standard 17" tyres are 'just' 17" tyres, whether they're under an avensis of a 3 series, for example.

Bosch Aeroblade wipers are €40ish a set.

The list goes on and on and on.

You could buy all of those things cheaper, but as you can see, top quality brand name parts don't cost a whole lot.

It's absolute nonsense to be suggesting that normal maintenance & consumable parts for a 6-8 year old German car, which you'd pay between 10-15k to buy today, will cost an arm and a leg.

Leonard Hofstadter

Stronic is fine (from what I know).

I wouldn't buy a diesel with a manual gearbox, on the other hand petrols are lovely with a decent manual.

Gravelly

The Audi multitronic is fine if it's serviced correctly by someone that knows what they are doing. Oil MUST be changed at 40k, and don't touch one that hasn't the paperwork to prove. If it has been done, the multitronic can be one of the most reliable autoboxes you can get. I've owned several Audi models with multitronic and never had a problem - any we see with issues is invariably because it wasn't serviced. Your budget should get you an Stronic (in a C7 A6) which is also very reliable.

I've owned all 3 of the cars you are looking at. I'd rule out the BMW purely on the grounds that the timing chain is a lottery - if you can live with the likelihood that you will have that problem, it is a fantastic car to drive - personally I wouldn't want that hanging over me.

The Merc W212 is a nice car in my opinion, and a comfortable drive. Definitely one to consider.

The Audi A6 C7 has the best interior of the 3, and in my opinion is the nicest for long drives. I've put up fairly high mileage on one of these, and despite somewhat conservative looks, they are one of my favorite mid sized German saloons - very relaxing to drive, and a great place to sit.

For me it's between the A6 and the E class, and my Audi bias would be to go for the A6, but it's a matter of preference - both are capable and reliable cars.

Theboinkmaster

F10 auto box is brilliant.

jcd5971

JayZeus wrote:

You could buy all of those things cheaper, but as you can see, top quality brand name parts don't cost a whole lot.

JayZeus wrote:

It's absolute nonsense to be suggesting that normal maintenance & consumable parts for a 6-8 year old German car, which you'd pay between 10-15k to buy today, will cost an arm and a leg.

Good on you for doing it yourself, nice skill to have.
But most people don't, they bring it to a garage.

I changed from a passat to a BMW my service is definitely more expensive now don't get me wrong I won't be taking out a second mortgage to cover the difference but it'd still a decent bump.

I wouldn't say it's pub talk to tell the lad to take it into consideration. Though I agree it would hardly be a deal breaker on its own.

I'd disagree with you strongly on tyres though, my BMW has run flats and they are far far more of a hit to change 4 of them than it was to get 4 regular tyres on the passat I had.

Brian?

Ronney wrote: »

Hi Folks,

Looking to spend 10-15k on either of the following A6 / 5 Series or E class. Dont particularly like the look of the model of E-class for that price range

Have driven the last 2 (520d and e class round 2L also not sure exactly which)
Like the looks of the A6 but haven't driven.


Drive to work Dublin traffic 30-40 mins each day and mostly just around The city at weekends with I'd say about half a dozen trips round Ireland each year.

Looking for something that will be cheap(er) to run (tax etc.).

Any suggestions on things to avoid/look for?

On a 7/8 year old car what level of mileage would scare someone off?

I think you’re looking at the wrong cars TBH. If I was doing city driving, I would never pick a diesel. What about a Lexus Hybrid?

millington

Del2005 wrote: »

The service parts are more expensive and they will use higher grade oil, not to mention the other consumables that need replacing.

Completely incorrect.

An A6 will use the same oil & similar service parts to a Skoda Superb and nobody would question the running costs of it.


I have experience with all 3 of those models. The Merc engine is the most unrefined for sure and the interior feels a bit dated. The drive is also the most disconnected but overall it's probably the waftiest, if you get what I mean.

The 5 series is by far the best drivers car as far as big saloons go. I would also rate it's auto box as the best of those options. The timing chain is an issue if not already done, but it costs approximately €1000 to get it done these days properly and it should be good for the rest of the vehicles life then.

The A6 CVT gearbox isn't as unreliable as it's made out to be but it is a strange driving experience and can be hard to get used to. Nice overall package with a good interior that still feels reasonably fresh.

I would definitely go drive all 3 before making a decision. Each has it's own merits and it's all down to personal preference. For me, it's the BMW every time.

jcd5971

jcd5971 wrote: »

Good on you for doing it yourself, nice skill to have.
But most people don't, they bring it to a garage.

I changed from a passat to a BMW my service is definitely more expensive now don't get me wrong I won't be taking out a second mortgage to cover the difference but it'd still a decent bump.

I wouldn't say it's pub talk to tell the lad to take it into consideration. Though I agree it would hardly be a deal breaker on its own.

I'd disagree with you strongly on tyres though, my BMW has run flats and they are far far more of a hit to change 4 of them than it was to get 4 regular tyres on the passat I had.

I could service it myself, but I just buy the parts based on the list my mechanic gives me. It makes no difference to him. Main dealer experiences may differ of course.

I also referred to standard tyres. You could put standard tyres on your BMW, as many do. A couple of cans of tyre sealant are cheaper, if cost is a factor. And if it's not, it's not.

Gravelly

millington wrote: »

Completely incorrect.

An A6 will use the same oil & similar service parts to a Skoda Superb and nobody would question the running costs of it.


I have experience with all 3 of those models. The Merc engine is the most unrefined for sure and the interior feels a bit dated. The drive is also the most disconnected but overall it's probably the waftiest, if you get what I mean.

The 5 series is by far the best drivers car as far as big saloons go. I would also rate it's auto box as the best of those options. The timing chain is an issue if not already done, but it costs approximately €1000 to get it done these days properly and it should be good for the rest of the vehicles life then.

The A6 CVT gearbox isn't as unreliable as it's made out to be but it is a strange driving experience and can be hard to get used to. Nice overall package with a good interior that still feels reasonably fresh.

I would definitely go drive all 3 before making a decision. Each has it's own merits and it's all down to personal preference. For me, it's the BMW every time.

I'd agree with most of that other than the timing chain bit - it is possible to get the timing chain replaced for around €1,000 if you get it done before it causes damage - and in our experience, it is not always a lifetime job. One of the reasons I wouldn't buy a beemer now is not just the timing chain issue itself, but rather how BMW handled it. To me, they have destroyed their reputation - it doesn't help that the f10 has suffered from a lot of electrical gremlins too, that BMW are equally reluctant to admit to.

millington

Gravelly wrote: »

I'd agree with most of that other than the timing chain bit - it is possible to get the timing chain replaced for around €1,000 if you get it done before it causes damage - and in our experience, it is not always a lifetime job. One of the reasons I wouldn't buy a beemer now is not just the timing chain issue itself, but rather how BMW handled it. To me, they have destroyed their reputation - it doesn't help that the f10 has suffered from a lot of electrical gremlins too, that BMW are equally reluctant to admit to.

Aw if the chain lets go it can be a nightmare, but my advice is to get it done as soon as the car is bought. I've never seen a new chain cause issues but anything is possible.

Yea handled very badly by BMW without a doubt.