A5 2.0TFSi or 3.0TDi?

[1977amm]

Just looking for some feedback on these 2 A5 models. I currently run an E46 330d but thinking it's time for a change and am considering a used A5.

The 2.0T petrols are quite a bit cheaper than the 3.0 diesels so feel I that it's worthy of consideration. Haven't had the opportunity to drive either yet.

The performance/fuel economy figures for the petrol look impressive but wondering how they translate into the real world. Don't want a car that ends up feeling slow after the copious torque of the 330d.

Also, any views from 3.0TDi owners on that model would be appreciated.

Anything in particular to look out for?

Don't think I'd consider the 2.0TDi or the auto only 2.7TDi.

Thanks!

[fatboy b]

Can't comment on the 2.0, but I have the 3.0.

Make sure you're comparing apples with apples with the interiors. They vary in spec a lot. They also suffer a little from the quality of materials on the inside. Other than that, I've had 2 years of almost trouble free motoring ( the auto-headlight range adjustment has just broken, but under warranty). Lovely cars, loadsa torque.

[pbarlow0032]

Haven't driven the 2.0 a5 but have driven the a4 2.0 211 manual fwd as a loaner for a couple of days and it felt spritely enough (felt no slower than my old 3.2tt). I averaged 36 on a mix of city and country driving, which compared quite favourably to the 2.0tdi multitronic a4 I was running at the time (39mpg). Factor in slightly cheaper fuel, cheaper servicing, no dpf issues,and cheaper to buy, my money would go on a 2.0 petrol all day long.
Having said this, the 3.0tdi is meant to be great, but I've never driven that engine.

[cduk]

I went from an E46 330cd to an A5 3.0 TDI.

What will strike you is how smooth the engine is compared with the Beemer. It's a fabulous engine, but does have a teeny bit of turbo lag low down. At the right revs, it shoots off. Fairly economical also - around 38MPG overall average in a manual.

Can't comment on the 2.0 TFSI.

[blueg33]

I have an A6 with the 3.0tdi engine and I really rate it, but it needs an auto box to perform at its best and can be slightly laggy when pulling away.

The only 2.0 petrol I have driven was and A4 (courtesy car) and altogther for a cruising car I much preferred the 3.0tdi.

The best answer is drive both.

3.0tdi has a good reliability record.

[andy102]

I've been looking at the 3.0tdi myself, currently have a 320cd (e46). You might want to check out the service cost, from what i've been told there high for the 3.0.

Personally after test driving a few I'm not sure its the car for me, the BMW feels so much better to drive.

[Chris Hinds]

Agree - drive both but having owned both engines I'd be hard pushed to say go for the 3.0TDI. I had the 2.0T FSI in a TT and it really is a very very good engine - pulls well but is really economical in "normal" driving yet can be a performance engine when you want to. The 3.0TDI I have in the A6 Avant I now own and as a long distance cruiser it's the business but it's not as economical as you might think (I'm hauling lots of weight and an auto box compared to an A5 but still). I think the 3.0TDI is a really smooth power plant but the thing is, so was the 2.0T FSI.

Overall I'd try both but make sure the 3.0 really is better before you send pound notes over the counter.

Now on an Audi, Quattro vs FWD, that I am convinced on... go for the Quattro, especially the newer models.

[blueg33]

andy102 said:

I've been looking at the 3.0tdi myself, currently have a 320cd (e46). You might want to check out the service cost, from what i've been told there high for the 3.0.

Personally after test driving a few I'm not sure its the car for me, the BMW feels so much better to drive.

Service costs aren't too bad. I always shop around the 3 local dealers. In 5 years and 86k miles I haven't paid more than £325 for a service (excluding brakes) and most are nearer £220. I am now only doing 15k miles a year in the car and the serice interval is 18-20k miles, so I dont call that expensive.

Brakes last circa 45k on the front and 75k on the rear, fronts were £300 ish fitted, rears £200 is fitted. No other repairs needed except for drop link bushes which are an MOT advisory at 85k miles) quoted £180 by a dealer. Not done yet.

[fatboy b]

andy102 said:

I've been looking at the 3.0tdi myself, currently have a 320cd (e46). You might want to check out the service cost, from what i've been told there high for the 3.0.

Personally after test driving a few I'm not sure its the car for me, the BMW feels so much better to drive.

Took mine to an Indy last time. They did it for £195, compared to £330 at Audi. Even so, it is every 19K miles, so even at £330, it's not major.

[pdavison]

We've just bought the 1.8T version which so far is quite impressive for both economy and get up and go (couldn't find the spec we were after in the 2.0 version so opted for this instead). If we need a little more poke then I believe Revo offer a remap that takes the BHP to 220 and improves the economy at the same time!

[Dr G]

1.8T is a pleasantly surprising little engine, quiet, quick enough and as you say responds pretty well to a map.

[blade7]

My local Audi main dealer do an intermediate service for £150, I usually do it myself but the oil and filter would cost me £50 so I'll probably let them do it.

Edited by blade7 on Thursday 10th May 15:05

[1977amm]

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

2.0T appears to make sense but worried I'll miss the torque of the diesel. Will see about test drives in the near future...

Might also be tempted by an E9x 3 series. Shame 335ds are auto only.