BMW 530D or A4 3.0D

[VXRuss]

Wondered if anyone had experiences of either car, I have been sitting in a Vauxhall driving seat for 10+ years having owned a variety of 'interesting' Vauxhalls and I have received a very good offer for my current Vectra VXR and so fancy something of German build quality, doesn't HAVE to be German, but would like a 3.0 and must be diesel, so thought these 2 would be my best bet as they are a good size.

Any pointers good or bad and other suggestions would be appreciated.

[halo34]

VXRuss said:

Wondered if anyone had experiences of either car, I have been sitting in a Vauxhall driving seat for 10+ years having owned a variety of 'interesting' Vauxhalls and I have received a very good offer for my current Vectra VXR and so fancy something of German build quality, doesn't HAVE to be German, but would like a 3.0 and must be diesel, so thought these 2 would be my best bet as they are a good size.

Any pointers good or bad and other suggestions would be appreciated.

Did you mean A4 or A6?

BMW5 vs A4 - BMW wins handsdown - more space, sharper drive - my main grip however with Audi is unless uprated seats they are shocking.

A6 on the other hand slightly different kettle of fish, again very spec dependant.

In sports guise both have quite hard suspension - was there a particular trim you are looking for?

[VXRuss]

I did look at the A6 too, but it didn't appeal.

I would like full leather and with as many toys as possible so guess that's the M Sport, I do like the 530D, wondered if that was much better than the 525D? (E60 shape).

Edited by VXRuss on Monday 18th October 12:24

Edited by VXRuss on Monday 18th October 12:25

[halo34]

VXRuss said:

I did look at the A6 too, but it didn't appeal.

I would like full leather and with as many toys as possible, I do like the 530D, wondered if that was much better than the 525D? (E90 shape).

Both really nice cars - But I would hold out for the 530d personally, its got slightly more ooomph, though I think its based on the same engine.

SE spec is a nicer drive on our roads, but I am a sucker for the M Sport look.

[VXRuss]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2149681.htm

something like this would suit...

Edited by VXRuss on Monday 18th October 12:32

[Mr Gearchange]

The A4 really isn't a very interesting or exciting car to drive IMO

[E21_Ross]

personally, i think the interior is probably a bit nicer in the audi, but the idrive (well, i've only used it in an M3, not sure if it's the same...) is easy which means generally fewer buttons for more functions.

if it's driving...the bmw. when comparing the A4 vs the E60 and it's toys you're after, there isn't a massive contest tbh. more toys does mean more to go wrong though...

[coley20]

E21_Ross said:

personally, i think the interior is probably a bit nicer in the audi,

Not sure id agree with that, my step dad A4 S-Line`s interior seems something of a nothing and glitzy. And dare I say it not that good quality behind the fancy bits, I preferred the interior of my E39

[E21_Ross]

coley20 said:

E21_Ross said:

personally, i think the interior is probably a bit nicer in the audi,

Not sure id agree with that, my step dad A4 S-Line`s interior seems something of a nothing and glitzy. And dare I say it not that good quality behind the fancy bits, I preferred the interior of my E39

and i personally prefer the interior of the E39 to the E60.... but yes, the E60 is still a nice place to be. though i've only been in a 525d as a courtesy car when the M3 was in for it's inspection 1. was still a nice place to be and better than the E92 IMO.

[tangerine_sedge]

I have nothing of value to add, other than :

Remap vs Imagine = Mx5

[Tallbut Buxomly]

Well i would advise looking at running costs as bmw vs audi can differ to a degree as can service schedules. You also want to bear in mind there was and may be an issue with bm gboxes at high mileage and some of their turbos got eaten so something to bear in mind.

The a4 is a simple piece of kit really. Engines are in general bullet proof my a4 is going to hit 300k in the next week or two and has given me no trouble. Granted mine is the 1.9tdi but it show the build quality. Depending on which gen of each you go for they have their foibles.

The b6 a4's and possibly B7's had an issue with rear arb's needing replacing at 250 quid but it would only happen once in a blue moon and the wiper mech seizing which is an 80 quid fix.

If going bm i would def go 530d sport.

[E21_Ross]

Tallbut Buxomly said:

Well i would advise looking at running costs as bmw vs audi can differ to a degree as can service schedules. You also want to bear in mind there was and may be an issue with bm gboxes at high mileage and some of their turbos got eaten so something to bear in mind.

The a4 is a simple piece of kit really. Engines are in general bullet proof my a4 is going to hit 300k in the next week or two and has given me no trouble. Granted mine is the 1.9tdi but it show the build quality. Depending on which gen of each you go for they have their foibles.

The b6 a4's and possibly B7's had an issue with rear arb's needing replacing at 250 quid but it would only happen once in a blue moon and the wiper mech seizing which is an 80 quid fix.

If going bm i would def go 530d sport.

totally different kettle of fish but a few mates of mine have had quite the opposite to tell of audi build quality. my mates B7 RS4 avant has had shock absorbers blow up, engine flat spots requiring the manifold to come off, and a fair few other niggles here and there. another person has a 2.0 tdi A4 and has been riggled by electrical faults. the latest of which was the windscreen wipers packing up. on a '57 plate car.

still, every company has their friday afternoon cars i suppose....

[NoelWatson]

VXRuss said:

and so fancy something of German build quality, doesn't HAVE to be German,

If you want decent quality, I don't think you should be buying German.

[Patrick Bateman]

5 series.