E39 530i vs A6 2.7tdi Le Mans

[pincher]

Think it's fair that this goes in GG as it is asking for opinion on 2 different makes!

Currently got a 52 plate 530i Sport with c.70k miles and I may be able to source a 57 place A6 Avant 2.7tdi Le Mans with c66k miles for a reasonable price i.e. trade-in equivalent.

Firstly, is the 2.7 any good? And secondly, roughly what would it fetch as a trade in?

I do still love my BMW as it does everything I need it to. I guess it must still be worth around £5k as a private sale but the temptation of something a bit newer does appeal a little. That and the fact that I could get bikes in the boot!

The A6 would need a new wing and scuffed front bumper sorting before I think of purchasing (low speed collision with a bus!!) but the car is known to me and has a FASH.

Thoughts?

[E21_Ross]

i like some audi's but the A6 just doesn't do it for me. personally...i much prefer the styling on the E39, that straight 6 gives a much better noise than any diesel, it's economy is hardly terrible, and i think it's every bit as good as an all rounder. you're not going to lose any more money (well, only small amounts) in depreciation, service bills won't be too far different as you can get your E39 done at a good indy, whereas a 57 plate you might want to be going for Audi service history so dealer prices over twice as much.

The A6 diesel is just...a little boring. i have always had a soft spot for E39's, i prefer them over the E60 or the new F10.

did that help?

Edited by E21_Ross on Monday 5th April 18:43

[pincher]

E21_Ross said:

did that help?

Actually yes! As I said above, I do love the E39 and think it still looks good even though it's getting a bit long in the tooth now.

It tells me when it wants a service and other than changing the oil, I pretty much just get in and drive it. Turn the traction off and it can be an interesting car to drive!

Had it 2 1/2 years now though and that's the second longest I've ever owned a car.

Take your point about the (lack of) depreciation on mine though - I guess it will still be worth virtually the same in a year or so.

Food for thought.

[Egbert Nobacon]

Hi Chris,

Trust all is well

Your E39 would be ideal for Mark - if you do decide to change would you be so kind as to drop me a line.

Thanks

Nigel

[williamp]

I have an E39 540, my wife an A6 2 litre diesel. OK so not the same engines as your options, but the same cars

I think the e39 is more comfortable- seats, etc, but the A6 will have more toys (and the in-built sat nav centre)

More space in the back of the A6, more space in the boot

The e39 are getting pretty old now and fee it. The A6 feels more modern, but not as chuckable as the BMW

A6 has a better stereo, and has auto lights, daytim e runnig lights (these can be turned off) and all sorts of tricks which are daft or useful depending on your thought (how long do you want the fog lights to stay on after you remove the key, for example...)


Thinking about it, they are different cars so try both. One is more comfortable, one is a nicer drive.

[pincher]

Egbert Nobacon said:

Hi Chris,

Trust all is well

Your E39 would be ideal for Mark - if you do decide to change would you be so kind as to drop me a line.

Thanks

Nigel

Hi Nigel - hope you are well? I'll be sure to give you first refusal (although I think I've sort of decided to keep it for a while yet as I just don't think there is a sub £20k car that does everything as well as the E39).

[gizlaroc]

Unless it is Quattro forget it, in FWD it is an absolute pig. The Audis squat at the back when you go to pull away and the diesels then spin their wheels even on dry roads, getting out of a damp junction is bordering on dangerous.

I was lent a 2.7tdi manual fwd, I have a 3.2 Quattro avant at the moment, and I hated it.

The 530i sport is still arguably the best all round BMW ever built, you would regret it.

[E21_Ross]

gizlaroc said:

The 530i sport is still arguably the best all round BMW ever built, you would regret it.

surely the E60 530i is better? quicker, more economical, more room, more power etc etc

doesn't look as handsome, mind.

[gizlaroc]

E60 is alright, more grown up, but when I got back in my brothers 530i sport I realised that was the more enjoyable of the two.
The E39 felt more nimble, more direct and a damned sight more comfy, even though mine had ditched the run flats. Mind you he was on the 17" sport alloys and I was on the 18" wheels, not sure if it would have made much of a difference though.
Then you have the interior, the E39 still feels more solid and is definitely more driver focused. I had all the toys including heads up on mine, but it is a bit clinical and never felt really exclusive in the same way my first E39 did.

All I am saying is going from a 530i sport to a 2.7tdi A6 would only end in tears.