BMW, Mercedes or Audi?
Discussion
Looking at recent sales figures, it seems that these cars are the ones that a large proportion of the population aspire to owning but which marque do you favour?
For me:
BMW - RWD, manual option and petrol straight six engines is what I like and I'm sure many other PHers like about them. If you need a diesel that is fairly efficient and drives well, I'm told they're pretty good too. However, the straight six engines are on the wane and I haven't really liked the styling since the E46/E39 and feel that the purity of the M brand has been diluted by abominations such as the X5 and X6M. If I'm honest though, the only model in their current line-up that I would consider buying would be an M135i for the chassis, powertrain and performance per pound but not the styling or maybe a 1/3-series diesl if I had to have a diesel.
Mercedes - With the exception of the A-Class, I have always thought these have felt more "special" than the other two but I didn't really "get" them until I got into my 30s. I love the AMG brand and what it stands for but the current line-up is pretty ugly. I would only consider buying a C-Class, CLS or an SLS Black Series if I was very rich and slightly insane!
Audi - With the exception of the Quattro, I just saw them as expensive VWs throughout the 80s and most of the 90s and didn't really get them. The first A-Series of cars (A4, A6 and A8) were pretty cool for a bit and I have always liked the Avants. However, the A3 and second-gen A4 ruined the cool image for the brand for me, particularly the popularity of the aggressively-driven A3/A4 TDI S-lines. I also hate what has happened to the RS sub-brand. RS Audis used to be cool and understated but now they seem to be all about the bling and chasing power figures rather than being good to drive. Having said all that, I have recently moved away from the UK and driving an Audi doesn't seem to have the same stigma here. They're not a very common site as they are expensive and I don't think the finance/lease deals are as attractive. If someone is driving aggressively, they are more likely to be driving a Ford/Chevrolet/Dodge pickup truck here!
It surprises me to say it but if I had the money, I would probably buy an Audi as my DD. I have always liked the A6 and although I'm not a fan of the RS Audis, I still like the subtletly, ample power and quattro traction provided by the S-model Audis. To put the cherry on top of the cake, you can also buy a manual S4 or S5 Coupe here, whereas BMW and Mercedes do not offer a manual option (apart from on the 1-Series).
So, which of these marques do you favour and why?
For me:
BMW - RWD, manual option and petrol straight six engines is what I like and I'm sure many other PHers like about them. If you need a diesel that is fairly efficient and drives well, I'm told they're pretty good too. However, the straight six engines are on the wane and I haven't really liked the styling since the E46/E39 and feel that the purity of the M brand has been diluted by abominations such as the X5 and X6M. If I'm honest though, the only model in their current line-up that I would consider buying would be an M135i for the chassis, powertrain and performance per pound but not the styling or maybe a 1/3-series diesl if I had to have a diesel.
Mercedes - With the exception of the A-Class, I have always thought these have felt more "special" than the other two but I didn't really "get" them until I got into my 30s. I love the AMG brand and what it stands for but the current line-up is pretty ugly. I would only consider buying a C-Class, CLS or an SLS Black Series if I was very rich and slightly insane!
Audi - With the exception of the Quattro, I just saw them as expensive VWs throughout the 80s and most of the 90s and didn't really get them. The first A-Series of cars (A4, A6 and A8) were pretty cool for a bit and I have always liked the Avants. However, the A3 and second-gen A4 ruined the cool image for the brand for me, particularly the popularity of the aggressively-driven A3/A4 TDI S-lines. I also hate what has happened to the RS sub-brand. RS Audis used to be cool and understated but now they seem to be all about the bling and chasing power figures rather than being good to drive. Having said all that, I have recently moved away from the UK and driving an Audi doesn't seem to have the same stigma here. They're not a very common site as they are expensive and I don't think the finance/lease deals are as attractive. If someone is driving aggressively, they are more likely to be driving a Ford/Chevrolet/Dodge pickup truck here!
It surprises me to say it but if I had the money, I would probably buy an Audi as my DD. I have always liked the A6 and although I'm not a fan of the RS Audis, I still like the subtletly, ample power and quattro traction provided by the S-model Audis. To put the cherry on top of the cake, you can also buy a manual S4 or S5 Coupe here, whereas BMW and Mercedes do not offer a manual option (apart from on the 1-Series).
So, which of these marques do you favour and why?
As a kid I always preferred Mercs, they seemed more regal and there was something about the bonnet emblem. I eventually scratched that itch with a C180 Sport (a bit of a contradiction in terms!).
I had a couple of beamer (318is Coupe and 318TDS) company cars in the '90s which were very solid compared to other cars in their class and good all-rounders.
A mate had an Audi Quattro which was really nice and 'aspirational'.
These days I find them all a bit bland, certainly not aspirational, and tend to avoid them when I go car shopping. I have an Audi S5 currently but just because I got such a good deal on it (it's the new 3.0 engine) but I'm not inclined to get another BMW / Merc / Audi. Even the current M3 / M5 does nothing for me although I could be tempted with an AMG (a real one, not just AMG styling)
The problem with Audi / BMW / Merc is that they are victim of their own success, every fecker has one, not sure how that can be at all aspirational.
I had a couple of beamer (318is Coupe and 318TDS) company cars in the '90s which were very solid compared to other cars in their class and good all-rounders.
A mate had an Audi Quattro which was really nice and 'aspirational'.
These days I find them all a bit bland, certainly not aspirational, and tend to avoid them when I go car shopping. I have an Audi S5 currently but just because I got such a good deal on it (it's the new 3.0 engine) but I'm not inclined to get another BMW / Merc / Audi. Even the current M3 / M5 does nothing for me although I could be tempted with an AMG (a real one, not just AMG styling)
The problem with Audi / BMW / Merc is that they are victim of their own success, every fecker has one, not sure how that can be at all aspirational.
I honestly don't believe people aspire to owning these Marques.
I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
Well, as a 20-something still driving his first car, I aspire to lots of these cars. The BMW 1/Audi A1 and Mercedes A-Class don't interest me much, but the larger models do. Granted the majority of them are just rep cars/fancy taxis but all 3 of these makes still produce some desirable models. The problem I have though, with justifying ever buying one, is that - are they really that much better than cheaper brands now? Ford, Skoda, even Hyundai/Kia are all building some very solid and half-decent looking cars for far far less - and issues that used to plague these cars like rust and reliability problems seem to have mostly (if not completely) gone now. So someone tell me, is there a reason to buy one of the premium German brands over another, except for the badge and bigger road presence?
elementad said:
I honestly don't believe people aspire to owning these Marques.
I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
I think they are aspirational for many people, because they can see that they are achievable. Many more people will be able to reach a £40k Audi/BMW/Merc than a £200k Ferrari.I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
Of course people aspire to them, otherwise an A4 would be the same price as its equivalent Skoda and a BMW 4 series the same price as a Mondeo.
In fact you also contradict yourself asnd say you do aspire to own some of them? Most people are not petrol heads and marketing works.
V88Dicky said:
They'll be the 2.0 TDI 170s that owners are offloading before the injectors go pop.
Exactly! I bought a low mile 1.8t Quattro. 60k. With full Audi history. I'd rather punt my cash on this than the equivalent vectra/Mondeo.
It was reassuring to see 200000 milers for sale in good nick still going strong.
Exactly! I bought a low mile 1.8t Quattro. 60k. With full Audi history. I'd rather punt my cash on this than the equivalent vectra/Mondeo.
It was reassuring to see 200000 milers for sale in good nick still going strong.
blueg33 said:
elementad said:
I honestly don't believe people aspire to owning these Marques.
I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
I think they are aspirational for many people, because they can see that they are achievable. Many more people will be able to reach a £40k Audi/BMW/Merc than a £200k Ferrari.I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
Of course people aspire to them, otherwise an A4 would be the same price as its equivalent Skoda and a BMW 4 series the same price as a Mondeo.
In fact you also contradict yourself asnd say you do aspire to own some of them? Most people are not petrol heads and marketing works.
Saying all that I do quite fancy the z3 m coupe though!
elementad said:
I honestly don't believe people aspire to owning these Marques.
I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
I'd prefer a modern M3 or M5 over any Ferrari. I like Ferrari's but wouldn't want to own one. I properly love my 530i. I would love to own an M5, that's the dream. BMW are my favourite marque, if I won the lottery I'd be straight down the dealer.I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
blueg33 said:
elementad said:
I honestly don't believe people aspire to owning these Marques.
I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
Of course people aspire to them, otherwise an A4 would be the same price as its equivalent Skoda and a BMW 4 series the same price as a Mondeo.I "aspire" to own a Ferrari F40, a Maserati Granturismo MC or a 2012 Nissan GTR.
Only the top M vehicles from the BMW line up would I aspire to own.
The sales figures for those brands you mention are extremely misleading also as a MASSIVE proportion of BMWs sales are as company fleet vehicles.
It's not really setting your goals high is it. In my eyes it's like saying "I aspire to visit Blackpool".
For what it's worth my wife has an A4 (company car). She doesn't really care about it but it has 4 rings in the front. The drivers seat clicks and moves into position at random times when driving, the alarm has played up on more than one occasion (put all the windows down at one point), you can't move it off your drive unless you've got your seatbelt on and you can't feel ANY feedback through the steering - you'd never know if your about to under steer or not.
That said, the indicator stalks feel nice.
Interesting that if the (self placed) higher brands were to bring out more affordable cars to the masses, the general perception is "what a bargain" even though it just means they have produced a car with normal margins.
BUT, if a marque that is normally accredited to manufacturing cars that are under 10k new decides to move UP market, they would still be faced with mass snobbery.
Nissan GTR prime example.
If Porsche had been making hundreds of thousands of micras as part of their range, I wonder how many owners of 911s they would have.
A certain degree of not wanting to be associated with cheap affordable cars is most apparent.
Reliability wise, the Japanese trounce the German cars so that doesn't even come into it.
It's a interesting stuff and a good topic
Bought my F10 520d auto on a combination of things including , comfort , mpg , tax Efficency , image did not enter the equation.
70,000 miles later , I'm convinced I made the right decision , apart from consumables I've not had one problem with the car .
Would I have another one ?
Subject to it ticking all the boxes again , certainly .
70,000 miles later , I'm convinced I made the right decision , apart from consumables I've not had one problem with the car .
Would I have another one ?
Subject to it ticking all the boxes again , certainly .
Usual powerfully built director's sneery comments I see.
For most of us proles a Ferrari is a dream car, a Mercedes or a BMW something that we can actually aspire to.
I can remember looking at an SLK in a Mercedes dealership and thinking 'one day'. And I'm quite proud of the fact that I now have one.
Not too bothered that it doesn't 'measure up' either.
For most of us proles a Ferrari is a dream car, a Mercedes or a BMW something that we can actually aspire to.
I can remember looking at an SLK in a Mercedes dealership and thinking 'one day'. And I'm quite proud of the fact that I now have one.
Not too bothered that it doesn't 'measure up' either.
Edited by Ari on Sunday 5th January 10:12
McWigglebum4th said:
They are popular with photocopier salemen?
I know it's popular to call Audis and BMWs 'reps cars' on here, but are they really? I know one (quite successful) rep in the pharmaceutical industry that drives a Passat, I suspect most drive Insignias, Focuses and the like. I believe fleet deals on these sorts of cars are very competitive. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff