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?
The AWD A6 feels very safe in snow, even with only all season tires (Potenza 950s). Would a 530 with snow tires be nearly as safe? I live out in a rural area where this can be important.
My A6 has over 75K miles now and I live in fear of it turning into a money pit. This is about the mileage where an A6 can start needing new cats, steering rack, front struts, etc. - any one of which would be a good chunk of the car's value at this age. And I have always lusted after a 5 series BMW ...

(*) the one I am looking at has the sport package, which I am not sure is desireable since I do not want a harsh ride in a daily driver

[serge944]

The audi will hands down feel safer in snow than the rwd 530.

[LeRoux Strydom]

I'm biased, since I own a 2002 530i......

All I can say, is that in the 47k miles the car had no need for any repairs besides normal servicing every 15k miles, which cost was covered by the service plan valid till 60k. Nothing ever broke or went wrong. The first set of tyres lasted about 32k miles. It is a rock-solid, comfortable family sports saloon. I look forward to keeping it for a long time.

LeRoux

[rammstein]

I wouldn't want an Audi off of warranty. It will feel better in the snow without a doubt. But it will break.

[VaSteve]

That's frightening that the Audi would need so much maintenance (steering rack, cats) with only 75K miles. BMWs supposedly go forever (hence why I bought one). Is the sports package really that stiff?

The new 5 is pretty ugly, but the previous E39(?) rrrrrrr!

[joehahn]

I am in same boat! My 99 a6 has cost me over the 2 years I have owned it MORE than if I had leased a brand new 530I 2 years ago. Brakes, tires, a-arms, power windows, washer fluid pump, display, water pump, timing belt, prop shaft seal. it has gotten to the point now that my wife (financial administrator of our house) laughs when i say "need some more money, audi going in". not the first bad decision i made, sure it wont be the last (like the 540i or m3 4 door i'm looking at!).

joe 68 L

[greglepore]

I agree entirely that the 5 is worry-free compared to the Audi, BUT non-tc BMW's are horrible (with a cap H) snow cars. I can tell you horror stories. The same total neutrality and perfect weight balance that make them so wonderful in the dry make them loop machines in even light snow, particularly with the type of tires that dry weather performance drivers like.

[campbellcj]

I may be in the minority, but I like the interior and exterior design of the Audi's better than the current genre of BMW's. Plus, in 50K miles my S4 has cost less in warranty and non-warranty service and repairs than my E36 M3 did in less than 15K miles. Granted, when properly configured, both are very enjoyable, high-performance vehicles, and neither is cheap to own; however, at this point it would be fair to say I have no burning desire to buy another BMW in the forseeable future. I'd rather have a Benz or maybe even a Volvo!

[Decolliber]

Sold my 97 A6 yesterday. So the die is cast. Now to look for a nice '02-03 BMW 530. I have my eye on a local one in titanium silver, but there is one in Chicago in toledo blue. Blue is my preferred color, but the 530 does look nice in silver ...