530d vs A6 3.0d
Discussion
Hi all, just wondering if anyone can offer some advice...
I am looking to buy a new car, budget ~£11,000.
I have got a shortlist of the BMW E60 530d and the Audi A6 3.0d.
I'm looking at cars with under 70k miles, which means that sports are out in both the BMW and the Audi, so it's the SE model in both.
Has anybody owned both of the 2 cars who can offer a comparison on the following :
Performance, comfort, fuel economy, running costs, faults...
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
ETA - Budget is now £15,000 MAX
I am looking to buy a new car, budget ~£11,000.
I have got a shortlist of the BMW E60 530d and the Audi A6 3.0d.
I'm looking at cars with under 70k miles, which means that sports are out in both the BMW and the Audi, so it's the SE model in both.
Has anybody owned both of the 2 cars who can offer a comparison on the following :
Performance, comfort, fuel economy, running costs, faults...
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
ETA - Budget is now £15,000 MAX
Edited by vinnie83 on Sunday 11th July 10:54
I think any 3.0d A6 would be Quattro. If this could be handy for you, keep it in mind, and the BMW would normally be considered the better drivers car.
Other than that I'd say its just down to personal preference. Overall both good cars with good engines, and both well sought after in the used market, so on that basis, I would advise being open to either, that way you have more choice in terms of finding a good one, with good spec.
Other than that I'd say its just down to personal preference. Overall both good cars with good engines, and both well sought after in the used market, so on that basis, I would advise being open to either, that way you have more choice in terms of finding a good one, with good spec.
You're right, the A6 3.0d is quattro as standard.
This is the problem, they are both seemingly equally good cars!
I was hoping someone could come on and tell me one of them is terrible to help me with the decision... Oh well, I suppose you're right... If I keep open to them both I'm twice as likely to get a good one...
This is the problem, they are both seemingly equally good cars!
I was hoping someone could come on and tell me one of them is terrible to help me with the decision... Oh well, I suppose you're right... If I keep open to them both I'm twice as likely to get a good one...
I have owned both, the 535d and the 3.3fsi Quattro A6 (no point buying the A6 in diesel guise as it only gets around 4mpg more and is no where near as nice to drive and holds a silly premium due to the UKs fear of anything not derv, unless it is the latest 240bhp version which is as quick as the petrol and quite a bit more economical , from MY09 build though).
The A6 needs to be in SE guise to be honest as the S-Line ride is just so crashy and hard and doesn't really handle that well either, it feels like a big barge of a car.
The interior of the car is important and the problem with the SE cars are the seats, the BMW SE seats are passable but the Audi SE seats are pants, I had to buy a pair of front sport seats after a few months they were that bad.
Now, in a light colour the BMW interior is the nicer of the two, but if you like black interiors the BMW cam look a bit cold and I preferred the Audi, not by much but did feel slightly better.
The iDrive is far better than Audis MMI, the MMI is easier to learn but the iDrive is better once you know them both.
I loved the Quattro over the weeks we had snow, never once stopped me going where I needed to go, but only with winter tyres on, with normal Pilot Sport 2s on it was no better than any other car. In fact, our 1 series with winter tyres on was nearly as good, so unless you are going to buy winter tyres I can't see what quattro adds apart from pulling away on slippery surfaces, the heavy front end of the Audi means you understeer well before the Quattro sees any real benefit.
Both good cars, however if I had to buy another one I would buy the BMW happily, wouldn't want another A6 really.
Have you considered a 730d??
My old man has one, awesome car, normally around the same price as the 5 series and comes better specced.
Not quite as nimble as the 5er but still head and shoulders above the A6 for driver enjoyment and feels a smaller car than the Audi when you press on.
If I hadn't needed an estate I would have bought one.
The A6 needs to be in SE guise to be honest as the S-Line ride is just so crashy and hard and doesn't really handle that well either, it feels like a big barge of a car.
The interior of the car is important and the problem with the SE cars are the seats, the BMW SE seats are passable but the Audi SE seats are pants, I had to buy a pair of front sport seats after a few months they were that bad.
Now, in a light colour the BMW interior is the nicer of the two, but if you like black interiors the BMW cam look a bit cold and I preferred the Audi, not by much but did feel slightly better.
The iDrive is far better than Audis MMI, the MMI is easier to learn but the iDrive is better once you know them both.
I loved the Quattro over the weeks we had snow, never once stopped me going where I needed to go, but only with winter tyres on, with normal Pilot Sport 2s on it was no better than any other car. In fact, our 1 series with winter tyres on was nearly as good, so unless you are going to buy winter tyres I can't see what quattro adds apart from pulling away on slippery surfaces, the heavy front end of the Audi means you understeer well before the Quattro sees any real benefit.
Both good cars, however if I had to buy another one I would buy the BMW happily, wouldn't want another A6 really.
Have you considered a 730d??
My old man has one, awesome car, normally around the same price as the 5 series and comes better specced.
Not quite as nimble as the 5er but still head and shoulders above the A6 for driver enjoyment and feels a smaller car than the Audi when you press on.
If I hadn't needed an estate I would have bought one.
I did consider the 730, but the choice of cars seems to be a lot more limited, and also due to the amount of mileage I do I assumed that the fuel economy on the 7 would just be a killer.
The more I'm reading about the 2 cars, the more I'm leaning towards a 530d... It seems to offer (on paper) better fuel economy and better performance...
What comes standard on the 530d and what are the must have extra's to keen an eye out for?
I really would like a decent stereo system, what are the standard in the 530's like?
And sat nav is a must, does it come as standard?
ETA - what's the road tax cost for the 530d?
The more I'm reading about the 2 cars, the more I'm leaning towards a 530d... It seems to offer (on paper) better fuel economy and better performance...
What comes standard on the 530d and what are the must have extra's to keen an eye out for?
I really would like a decent stereo system, what are the standard in the 530's like?
And sat nav is a must, does it come as standard?
ETA - what's the road tax cost for the 530d?
Edited by vinnie83 on Sunday 4th July 12:53
vinnie83 said:
I did consider the 730, but the choice of cars seems to be a lot more limited, and also due to the amount of mileage I do I assumed that the fuel economy on the 7 would just be a killer.
The more I'm reading about the 2 cars, the more I'm leaning towards a 530d... It seems to offer (on paper) better fuel economy and better performance...
What comes standard on the 530d and what are the must have extra's to keen an eye out for?
I really would like a decent stereo system, what are the standard in the 530's like?
And sat nav is a must, does it come as standard?
ETA - what's the road tax cost for the 530d?
Go for an auto, the box is very good and mated to that engine pulls like a train through the gears. The more I'm reading about the 2 cars, the more I'm leaning towards a 530d... It seems to offer (on paper) better fuel economy and better performance...
What comes standard on the 530d and what are the must have extra's to keen an eye out for?
I really would like a decent stereo system, what are the standard in the 530's like?
And sat nav is a must, does it come as standard?
ETA - what's the road tax cost for the 530d?
Edited by vinnie83 on Sunday 4th July 12:53
The SE I have is well specced - electric seats, sat nav, HUD, leather, climate control, cruise, everything you'd want really. Check the ads and be patient, a good one should come up. MPG on a run, get about 40, average driving tend to get about 34.
If you can find one, go for one with the heads up display - it's great.
Plenty of sat nav ones around, and I've had no complaints about the stereo in mine. However, the best standard stereos I've come across are in Volvos.
Road tax costs me £200.00 per year.
Hell27 said:
vinnie83 said:
I did consider the 730, but the choice of cars seems to be a lot more limited, and also due to the amount of mileage I do I assumed that the fuel economy on the 7 would just be a killer.
The more I'm reading about the 2 cars, the more I'm leaning towards a 530d... It seems to offer (on paper) better fuel economy and better performance...
What comes standard on the 530d and what are the must have extra's to keen an eye out for?
I really would like a decent stereo system, what are the standard in the 530's like?
And sat nav is a must, does it come as standard?
ETA - what's the road tax cost for the 530d?
Go for an auto, the box is very good and mated to that engine pulls like a train through the gears. The more I'm reading about the 2 cars, the more I'm leaning towards a 530d... It seems to offer (on paper) better fuel economy and better performance...
What comes standard on the 530d and what are the must have extra's to keen an eye out for?
I really would like a decent stereo system, what are the standard in the 530's like?
And sat nav is a must, does it come as standard?
ETA - what's the road tax cost for the 530d?
Edited by vinnie83 on Sunday 4th July 12:53
The SE I have is well specced - electric seats, sat nav, HUD, leather, climate control, cruise, everything you'd want really. Check the ads and be patient, a good one should come up. MPG on a run, get about 40, average driving tend to get about 34.
If you can find one, go for one with the heads up display - it's great.
Plenty of sat nav ones around, and I've had no complaints about the stereo in mine. However, the best standard stereos I've come across are in Volvos.
Road tax costs me £200.00 per year.
I'm in no major rush, looking at buying in about 1-2 months so that gives me plenty of time to keep an eye out. Have you had any trouble with yours at all?
My dad just bought an A6 SE last year and had the same predicament..A6 or 530d. Was a hard decision but simply came down to personal choice in that IMO the A6 looks better, with a classier interior. The only negative I can think of with the A6 is that the steering is too light, and the SE exterior aesthetics are not as appealing compared to the S-line. IMO the A6 styling will stand the test of time better than the BMW.
FezzaDude said:
My dad just bought an A6 SE last year and had the same predicament..A6 or 530d. Was a hard decision but simply came down to personal choice in that IMO the A6 looks better, with a classier interior. The only negative I can think of with the A6 is that the steering is too light, and the SE exterior aesthetics are not as appealing compared to the S-line. IMO the A6 styling will stand the test of time better than the BMW.
You are right in what you say, I think looking at SE vs SE, the A6 looks win hands down (maybe with a change of wheels) whereas the 530 looks very plain.Other way around IMO with the Sport vs S-Line.
I think what's tipping the scales in the 530's favour are the fact it's more powerful and more economical.
I'm trying not to convince myself to up my budget to allow a 530d sport! The sport does look a lot better and I'm even debating getting a 520d sport instead....
As far as looks in the future, I'd be doubtful I'll keep this car any longer than 3-4 years MAX 5 years so not a major issue.
What I want is a good reliable, comfortable car to eat up the miles... but something that has some punch behind it when I need it...
vinnie83 said:
FezzaDude said:
My dad just bought an A6 SE last year and had the same predicament..A6 or 530d. Was a hard decision but simply came down to personal choice in that IMO the A6 looks better, with a classier interior. The only negative I can think of with the A6 is that the steering is too light, and the SE exterior aesthetics are not as appealing compared to the S-line. IMO the A6 styling will stand the test of time better than the BMW.
You are right in what you say, I think looking at SE vs SE, the A6 looks win hands down (maybe with a change of wheels) whereas the 530 looks very plain.Other way around IMO with the Sport vs S-Line.
I think what's tipping the scales in the 530's favour are the fact it's more powerful and more economical.
I'm trying not to convince myself to up my budget to allow a 530d sport! The sport does look a lot better and I'm even debating getting a 520d sport instead....
As far as looks in the future, I'd be doubtful I'll keep this car any longer than 3-4 years MAX 5 years so not a major issue.
What I want is a good reliable, comfortable car to eat up the miles... but something that has some punch behind it when I need it...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1771800.htm
or
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1754810.htm
Hell27 said:
vinnie83 said:
FezzaDude said:
My dad just bought an A6 SE last year and had the same predicament..A6 or 530d. Was a hard decision but simply came down to personal choice in that IMO the A6 looks better, with a classier interior. The only negative I can think of with the A6 is that the steering is too light, and the SE exterior aesthetics are not as appealing compared to the S-line. IMO the A6 styling will stand the test of time better than the BMW.
You are right in what you say, I think looking at SE vs SE, the A6 looks win hands down (maybe with a change of wheels) whereas the 530 looks very plain.Other way around IMO with the Sport vs S-Line.
I think what's tipping the scales in the 530's favour are the fact it's more powerful and more economical.
I'm trying not to convince myself to up my budget to allow a 530d sport! The sport does look a lot better and I'm even debating getting a 520d sport instead....
As far as looks in the future, I'd be doubtful I'll keep this car any longer than 3-4 years MAX 5 years so not a major issue.
What I want is a good reliable, comfortable car to eat up the miles... but something that has some punch behind it when I need it...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1771800.htm
or
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1754810.htm
Also the car you've linked has higher mileage than I was hoping for...
The volvo is a great car, but I'm just not very keen on the looks!
I have had both as company cars. When i left the company car scheme i used my own money to buy a 2007 A6 Le Mans 3.0tdi. I felt it was the nicer car to be in and quattro is very good on wet motorways etc because it feels so stable and resists aquaplaning.
5 Series is better drivers car, but driving position was hard to get right especially for the Mrs. A6 bigger inside, boot feels bigger, and the car is generally more comfortable. Have driven across europe with family on board and it was great.
3.0tdi average mpg is 36 on mine and it gets up to 42mpg on the motorway. Cant remember the 530 mpg.
Bose stereo in the A6 is excellent, an dthe standard one is very good if you get an SE. Definitely better than standard BMW one.
5 Series is better drivers car, but driving position was hard to get right especially for the Mrs. A6 bigger inside, boot feels bigger, and the car is generally more comfortable. Have driven across europe with family on board and it was great.
3.0tdi average mpg is 36 on mine and it gets up to 42mpg on the motorway. Cant remember the 530 mpg.
Bose stereo in the A6 is excellent, an dthe standard one is very good if you get an SE. Definitely better than standard BMW one.
I had this exact same desision last year. 530d or A6 3.0TDi
And I bought the A6, after driving them both, I found the Audi a nicer place to be. Plus the 4 wheel drive system with the flappy paddle gearbox was a dream to use.
I went for a black A6 3.0TDi, 52k on the clock, full leather, satnav, 18" alloys etc. for £12K in January last year.
1 word of warning though, the fuel injectors. I had to replace mine after they went tits up. This is not an issue with 07 and newer I have heard, but if your unlucky enough (like me) to have had this problem. The cost for replacing all 6 comes in at a hefty £2500. I managed to barter with Audi to reach a compromise at £1200, still not cheap. But worth remembering.
The part nos of the affected parts are. 8E47A040360 4F37N026750 4EX7N004204 4L*7D049162
The new part is... 059 130 277 AH
And I bought the A6, after driving them both, I found the Audi a nicer place to be. Plus the 4 wheel drive system with the flappy paddle gearbox was a dream to use.
I went for a black A6 3.0TDi, 52k on the clock, full leather, satnav, 18" alloys etc. for £12K in January last year.
1 word of warning though, the fuel injectors. I had to replace mine after they went tits up. This is not an issue with 07 and newer I have heard, but if your unlucky enough (like me) to have had this problem. The cost for replacing all 6 comes in at a hefty £2500. I managed to barter with Audi to reach a compromise at £1200, still not cheap. But worth remembering.
The part nos of the affected parts are. 8E47A040360 4F37N026750 4EX7N004204 4L*7D049162
The new part is... 059 130 277 AH
Edited by Silverbullet767 on Monday 5th July 13:04
gizlaroc said:
The A6 needs to be in SE guise to be honest as the S-Line ride is just so crashy and hard and doesn't really handle that well either, it feels like a big barge of a car.
I'm glad it's not just me! I was leant an A6 3.0TDi S-line recently and it rode so attrociously I genuinely thought something was wrong with it. It felt like Audi had filled the tyres with concrete and welded the stub axles straight to the floorpan. Perhaps it works better on smooth German tarmac.Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff