Audi A6 vs BMW 530

[Decolliber]

I am thinking of trading my 1997 Audi A6 for a 2002 BMW 530. Should I expect significantly higher maintenance expenses. I would hope the BMW would be somewhat more reliable than the Audi, but are parts and repairs more expensive?

[84porsche]

Looks like you made the trade - how do you like the 530i? I have driven a 98 528i and to me it seems like an awesome car but doesn't seem to have all the power it needs for that heavy of a car.

[Decolliber]

Underpowered is a term that is often mentioned with regard to the 528. I figured that the 225bhp of the 530 would be plenty, and the 295bhp of the 540 far more than necessary (for what?). And comparable late model 530s and 540s have about an $8K price differential, enough to give any potential buyer pause for thought.
I am very happy with the 530. It can accelerate as fast I ever need, though maybe not as fast as I want. The handling is vastly superior to my old A6. The lack of AWD has not bothered me at all during an (admitedly mild) Iowa winter. I bought extra Borbets with Wintersport M3 tires, and have had no problems with snow or ice.
I do have one problem. The local dealer now has a very low mileage 2002 BMW 540 sport in my favorite color (topaz blue). I have a bad case of 540 envy and/or lust. A trade in would cost me over $10K and there is no way it is worth it. Not to mention the risk of being expelled from the marital bedchamber. I keep telling myself that I don't need the V8 power, but it isn't working ... stop me before I ...

[ruf-porsche]

Originally posted by Decolliber
I keep telling myself that I don't need the V8 power, but it isn't working ... stop me before I ...

Dump the PORSCHE and get the 540 SPORT