stiscooby

Anyone on here had either or both??

Thinking about changing my current car (2006 Audi A3 2.0L TFSI S Line) and quite like the look of the 330/335 BMW's, although not driven any yet.

Also looking at others such as a Audi A5 or A6 but these seem to have some what more less power so thinking might seem a bit dull/sluggish to drive compared to a 3 Series - unless I get an S5 or something but they are probably over my budget (which is about 16k or maybe a little more for the right car).

Anyone had either and can comment (good or bad)?

Did think about an S3 but I don't feel the extra £'s I would have to spend on top of what I would get for my car would really be worth it and not that much difference in spec/power etc to what I already have so wouldn't really feel like I have a "new" car.

I also would like whatever I get next to be newer than my current car, so RS4 is out of my budget before anyone mentions it

Matteeboy

If you want looks and a "nice" interior get the Audi.
If you want something that's nice to drive and reliable, get the BMW.

IMO almost all (bar the odd RS model plus the R8) Audis are dull, dull, dull to drive and don't even seem to be reliable any more - a triumph of marketing over engineering.

No doubt they look good though, especially the A5 variants.

Brun

If you are getting Derv then the BMW is one one that won't leave you parked on the hard shoulder

stiscooby

"derv"???

Most of these I have been looking at (both Audi and bmw) seem to be mostly automatics.... Not sure if its worth sticking with a manual??

Worlasshasansti

Derv - diesel lol

Brun

If you are having a 3 litre 6 pot or bigger then I wouldn't think twice about an auto.
I have a 330d on an auto and wouldn't even consider a manual now if I was looking for another! I'd probably choose a manual if I was looking at a smaller engine however!

richs2891

Had both Audi petrol and diesel and BMW diesel. Echo what been said above - if after a diesel then look at a BMW - thats if you can cope with a car that just plain rubbish in the snow, without spending more on winter tyres.
Both are about the same reliability / build quality wise, Audi interiors I feel look better but the actual placing of key components such as rev / speedo / fuel gauge etc are better on BMW interiors.
Lol at the s line 2.0 TFSI not feeling different / worth the extra over an S3 ! V different cars I know as had an S3 !

Richard

Brun

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

I've had a 3 series and an A6. The Audi was uninspiring to drive, comfortable yes, but soooo boring you could fall asleep at the wheel! The BMW on the other hand was much more involved - especially pushing it up small inclines in the snow.

stiscooby

For my budget the models wouldn't have changed that much - I'm more thinking of external & internal looks.

How much different are they.... 60 ish extra bhp, 4 wheel drive and very slightly different interior??

I would probably be looking at petrol 3 series as my mileage only 6-7k a year.

richs2891

Most of the 2007 to early 2009 S3 are about 285 / 290 from the factory - though is only quoted at 265, this is from a mix of standard cars from different rolling road sessions . Later 2009 had a different cat/ exhaust which reduced power to about 270 ish.
Interior wise a lot came with the flat bottom steering wheel as an option which later became standard, a lot had the buckets, which make a huge difference to the interior (should have been standard in my eyes). Oh and sat nav which was crap and an option on all A3's
Exterior wise - its like all S Audi - subtly different grille from memory I think - designed not to stand out from the others, unless know what looking for. All depends if you want flash or discrete performance I guess.
Mine had pretty much every option on it inc sunroof etc and had it 6 weeks before remap and exhaust, fuel pump, larger intercooler, ARB's, brakes, cai so was running about 350 ish. So yeah a big step above a TFSI ! Even a standard S3 will drive, brake and handle different to your TFSI.
Glad to see you not following the herd and going for a diesel if only doing 6 -7K a year.