Audi A3 TDI 2013 vs BMW 118 (2011+)

[asantaga]

Hey all,

Im looking to move on from my BMW Mini Cooper D (59 place PSA HDi Engine) to either a Audi A3 TDI(150) 2013 edition or a BMW118,or 120, (2011+)..

My main concern with both of them is the dreaded DPF.. Ive recently had to fit a decently sized bill getting the dpf cleaned and forcefully regenerated, which is making me doubt the diesel choice.

My driving routine is quite varied, during a week Id say I probably do a couple (2-4 local trips) then at least once a week the car either does Ealing-Reading (33Miles) and back, or further.. According to my local garage this usage pattern shouldnt have been a problem for the DPF, but alas it was.. The car was bought used (3yrs old) and the garage thinks the previous owner contributed to clogging the DFP with ash.. but who knows..

Anyway, getting to the point, both of the above cars are much newer than the Mini, and in theory should be a generation or two of DPFs ahead..

Both the Audi and BMW dealers claim that this to be the case and that the Mini DPF was a first generation device, but is this true????

Are they [dpfs] much better now?

[Alucidnation]

fking top lurking!!!

Sorry, can't help with your enquiry though.

[Buzz Lightyear]

If you're even having to question DPF, surely you should just be going for a petrol?

[asantaga]

true,I have been considering petrol again..

The wife has a golf tdi (07 no dpf) and love it. I also love the way diesels engines run (torque,consumption etc etc).. so Id much prefer a diesel but with my recent woes with the Mini's DPF has made me a little cautious.. My garage, and the dealers, are telling me that my mini is a case of bad luck and with my driving habits I shouldn't have any probs with a new 2nd/3rd generation dpf. They also tell me that most (80%+) of their sales are now diesel not petrol with hardly any issues... which is making me wonder...

Anyway, I suppose the question boils down to , with the newer generation DPFs are there less issues ?

Edited by asantaga on Tuesday 16th September 00:06

[Debaser]

I'd get something with a petrol engine.

[aarondbs]

I'd say a petrol of similar vintage would be the way to go. Polish is mileage plus potential, diesel related, bills would put me off. I'm not even sure how excited I could get about an A3 or a 118 diesel to counter the potential problems.

[Gruber]

Like others, I just don't understand how a diesel makes sense for your circa 100 miles a week.

If you like the torquey lump of power delivery, why not try a turbo-charged petrol hot hatch - Golf GTI or whatever? None of the DPF issues, negligible fuel cost difference at your mileage and a more enjoyable drive.

[asantaga]

thanks all,

Actually the 100 miles a week is a little off, sometimes its more.. but yes it isnt huge..

Slightly off topic though, looking at S/H cars on autotrader Im noticing that most A3s, or 1 Series are Diesel not petrol, is everyone buying diesel?

[kambites]

I'd definitely be going petrol at that mileage. If you like the power delivery of a turbo, buy a turbo petrol, there's plenty out there. Personally, I'd be looking for a proper large capacity N/A petrol if you want torque.