a8 vs 7 series
Discussion
I have both Audi A8 (2005)and BMW 7 series, albeit the E38 (1999) rather than the E65 (2005) you are considering. The reason that I bought an Audi rather than a 2005 7 series is the way it looks. The BMW has been ruined by the Bangle Design School IMHO, whereas the Audi is sheer understated elegance. Depends on which image appeals to you.
ta all for that,
i agree that it has that look about it,
[7 series pimp machine] more so with tints to the rear,
they get it wrong sumtimes,
[i could be one though],,,
the a8 does look majestic dont you think,
i run a 530d tourer at the mo and get good miles,[49 on a run]
on the motorways 80ish mph.
is there any issues with the air suspension on a8,
i had a allroad 2000x that cost me a small fortune
with airbag frnt nearside and pump and suspention cu.
has there been any upgrades or is it a different air
system.
i live in a rural area and dont do citys all that much
and only do about 4000 ayear, thats why i,d like to
indulge in one, fancy the v8 4.2 petrol,
is the car tax dearer or the same,
any other info regarding services [expensive ones]
would be appriciated.
ta very much for your time, billy
i agree that it has that look about it,
[7 series pimp machine] more so with tints to the rear,
they get it wrong sumtimes,
[i could be one though],,,
the a8 does look majestic dont you think,
i run a 530d tourer at the mo and get good miles,[49 on a run]
on the motorways 80ish mph.
is there any issues with the air suspension on a8,
i had a allroad 2000x that cost me a small fortune
with airbag frnt nearside and pump and suspention cu.
has there been any upgrades or is it a different air
system.
i live in a rural area and dont do citys all that much
and only do about 4000 ayear, thats why i,d like to
indulge in one, fancy the v8 4.2 petrol,
is the car tax dearer or the same,
any other info regarding services [expensive ones]
would be appriciated.
ta very much for your time, billy
Billy,
I have a 2004 Audi A8 4.2 petrol, and can only recommend it as an ownership prospect. I've had the car some time now and do about 5,000 miles per year, so similar to you.
From 2004 (not sure when the changeover occurred in the calendar year) the 4.2 became chain rather than belt driven. I think the 2005 will be FSi possibly as well, giving you 345bhp as opposed to 335bhp. Apparently, the chain never needs to be replaced.
My car is 5 years old, has done 53k miles and has all the goodies. I have the 20" alloys and sports kit on it. The smaller alloys are meant to be quieter and smoother, but I just think they make the car look lardy. I have air suspension and touch wood have never had a problem with it.
I drove both the 7 and S Class before I got the A8, and I made sure I test drove a few examples I was seriously considering. The 7 series may be slightly more fun to drive (subjective I guess) but I wouldn't say that's what these cars are really about. The quattro system and comparatively light wieght of the Audi means you get extra kit over the 7 without having the weight penalty 4wd systems normally incurr. The engine is fabulous, makes a nice noise and isn't too thirsty. On a 70mph run you can get 30mpg, at 80mph you might get 28 and if you drive it at autobahn speeds you will probably get low 20's. I have had mine up to just under 170mph on the clock and had several hours running at high speeds - 100mph to 140mph - and still got 22mpg.
You'll love it I'm sure.
I have a 2004 Audi A8 4.2 petrol, and can only recommend it as an ownership prospect. I've had the car some time now and do about 5,000 miles per year, so similar to you.
From 2004 (not sure when the changeover occurred in the calendar year) the 4.2 became chain rather than belt driven. I think the 2005 will be FSi possibly as well, giving you 345bhp as opposed to 335bhp. Apparently, the chain never needs to be replaced.
My car is 5 years old, has done 53k miles and has all the goodies. I have the 20" alloys and sports kit on it. The smaller alloys are meant to be quieter and smoother, but I just think they make the car look lardy. I have air suspension and touch wood have never had a problem with it.
I drove both the 7 and S Class before I got the A8, and I made sure I test drove a few examples I was seriously considering. The 7 series may be slightly more fun to drive (subjective I guess) but I wouldn't say that's what these cars are really about. The quattro system and comparatively light wieght of the Audi means you get extra kit over the 7 without having the weight penalty 4wd systems normally incurr. The engine is fabulous, makes a nice noise and isn't too thirsty. On a 70mph run you can get 30mpg, at 80mph you might get 28 and if you drive it at autobahn speeds you will probably get low 20's. I have had mine up to just under 170mph on the clock and had several hours running at high speeds - 100mph to 140mph - and still got 22mpg.
You'll love it I'm sure.
hiya aka8,
thanks for all that info,
i agree these cars are meant to be comfy,
that air sus was an issue with the ealier a6 allroads, 2000 on,
iv,e read on a few topics that it seems to be ok and more reliable
since 2002,
good point about the change from belt to chain,
need to sort that before i get one,
does it go that fast, 170mph, thought it was limited,
you have just made a good statment about the a8,
this bmw 5 tourer is to firm,
needs to go,
billy arthritis 5
thanks for all that info,
i agree these cars are meant to be comfy,
that air sus was an issue with the ealier a6 allroads, 2000 on,
iv,e read on a few topics that it seems to be ok and more reliable
since 2002,
good point about the change from belt to chain,
need to sort that before i get one,
does it go that fast, 170mph, thought it was limited,
you have just made a good statment about the a8,
this bmw 5 tourer is to firm,
needs to go,
billy arthritis 5
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff