Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series Convertible
Discussion
I knew that the B6 / 7 S4 was prone to cam chain stretch but thought the updated 3.2. (The non A3 version) was solid but it appears that it suffers the can chain stretch and the issues surrounding direct injection.
I know that only the horror stories appear on the internet but I am not sure I wish to risk it.
Looks like the venerable 330ci may be the way ahead then.
I know that only the horror stories appear on the internet but I am not sure I wish to risk it.
Looks like the venerable 330ci may be the way ahead then.
nct001 said:
The 3.2 non Quattro auto is multitronic
I stand corrected. I knew it didn't go into any quattro models but I was sure it also had a torque limit which was exceeded by the bigger engines. If that is the case then the 3.2 clearly wasn't torquey enough but now that doesn't sound right. I actually got training from Audi on the multitronic boxes years ago when I worked for them, I've clearly forgotten most of it.
Snowboy said:
BMW's just feel like company cars to ke, whereas the Audi has a more fun feeling about it.
Not sure if serious...OP - I think the BMW, rwd, better engine and very clean lines (especially if it's Sport spec). Unless you're going for the suburban MILF or tennis pro look, I'd avoid the A4 Cab.
HTH
V8forweekends said:
Cupramax said:
Just for info the A3 3.2 is a totally different engine to the one in the A4.
Every day's a school day - please elaborate.Nohedes said:
Snowboy said:
BMW's just feel like company cars to ke, whereas the Audi has a more fun feeling about it.
Not sure if serious...We've owned a 2007 A4 cab 3.2 manual for 3 yrs now having bought it with 18k miles. Now 62k miles and it's not skipped a beat. It's really the second car (2010 Allroad 3.0) although they're shared pretty equally. Both fun in their own way but surprisingly the Allroad easily has the edge on performance.
The cabriolet ride is firm but fine. Great on motorways and also on the 80 mile daily commute on country lanes and small A roads. I don't notice any scuttle shake at all - used to drive a 2001 Saab conv 2.0T for 3 years and that was like a jelly. Terrible.
Plenty of room in the back for the kids (eldest is 10). the boot is a fair size too. More of a struggle with the roof down but manageable. We regularly do 100 mile+ journeys and the kids are very happy. I agree with an earlier comment though that they soon change their tune with the lid down at much over 60 although fine up front. Aircon and heating are good enough for all weather but try to get heated seats. We didn't have the option as it was the only manual 3.2 I could find at the time and the previously owner strangely opted for a glovebox fridge over h/seats.
The 3.2 seems much livelier than the old 3.0 - about 272hp vs 220 (?) i think so no surprise. I had the A4 Avant 3.0 petrol (2003, also quattro) before the cab - also no problems at all in 140k miles from new. the 3.2 makes a fantastic noise - loads of comments! We average 30-35mpg, sometimes a little more on long runs as long as you don't go too much over 80. Rarely less than 30 though.
The quattro is very useful and we've never been even close to getting stuck in the snow or ice. Even pulled a 5 series out of trouble once without too much gloating
Anyway, I went on a bit but hope it helps!
The cabriolet ride is firm but fine. Great on motorways and also on the 80 mile daily commute on country lanes and small A roads. I don't notice any scuttle shake at all - used to drive a 2001 Saab conv 2.0T for 3 years and that was like a jelly. Terrible.
Plenty of room in the back for the kids (eldest is 10). the boot is a fair size too. More of a struggle with the roof down but manageable. We regularly do 100 mile+ journeys and the kids are very happy. I agree with an earlier comment though that they soon change their tune with the lid down at much over 60 although fine up front. Aircon and heating are good enough for all weather but try to get heated seats. We didn't have the option as it was the only manual 3.2 I could find at the time and the previously owner strangely opted for a glovebox fridge over h/seats.
The 3.2 seems much livelier than the old 3.0 - about 272hp vs 220 (?) i think so no surprise. I had the A4 Avant 3.0 petrol (2003, also quattro) before the cab - also no problems at all in 140k miles from new. the 3.2 makes a fantastic noise - loads of comments! We average 30-35mpg, sometimes a little more on long runs as long as you don't go too much over 80. Rarely less than 30 though.
The quattro is very useful and we've never been even close to getting stuck in the snow or ice. Even pulled a 5 series out of trouble once without too much gloating
Anyway, I went on a bit but hope it helps!
V8forweekends said:
3.2 FSI can be costly if it borks - the timing chains can stretch and cause all sorts of woe.
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/audi-s4-a4-a4-cab-b7-...
This ^^^ unless the engine is low miles and hasn't been on long life service schedule. In 2wd the Beemer every time.http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/audi-s4-a4-a4-cab-b7-...
Edited by blade7 on Wednesday 30th April 12:39
blade7 said:
This ^^^ unless the engine is low miles and hasn't been on long life service schedule, Not sure when the Cab came out but a mapped 05-07 2.0 TFSI quattro is probably a safer option. In 2wd the Beemer every time.
Except the cab was never available as a 2.0t quattro 
ive had 2 3.2's now over total of 8 years with no chain issues.
.Thanks to rubber duck for your comment's.
The Audi A4 that I saw is not available until 6 May 14 when the seller returns from Europe. I am still looking at a 2004 BMW 330ci Convertible with 128k on the clock but 4 new tyres, new clutch and starter motor, 12 months MOT and 6 months tax for approx £4000 which may be a fun car.
That said, I am still tempted by a Z4M!
The other option is to get a cheaper 4 seat convertible (up to £5000) and a Z4 3.0 (£6000) but maybe too similar!
The Audi A4 that I saw is not available until 6 May 14 when the seller returns from Europe. I am still looking at a 2004 BMW 330ci Convertible with 128k on the clock but 4 new tyres, new clutch and starter motor, 12 months MOT and 6 months tax for approx £4000 which may be a fun car.
That said, I am still tempted by a Z4M!
The other option is to get a cheaper 4 seat convertible (up to £5000) and a Z4 3.0 (£6000) but maybe too similar!
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