2007 BMW 3 Series VS Audi A4

[MOMO3.2]

I would appreciate first hand owner feedback on these two makes/models. We will soon be purchasing a 2007 (consider 2006-2008 models too) through a dealer under the Certified Pre-Owned program. There are great interest rates right now (.9 BMW & 1.9 Audi).

My wife wants an automatic for her work commute. Los Angeles Stop N Go traffic is not fun for her in our 2008 GTi 6 speed.

We leased a 2001 A4 Quattro/Automatic from new for approximately 30,000 miles and had no problems with it. We also leased a new 2006 BMW X3 for 39 months and experienced only a door gasket leak that was repaired by the dealer.

Our A4 felt rock solid and the interior was AMAZING. The X3 was far more sporty and had excellent driving dynamics.

Are the auto transmissions (CVT/Audi or Steptronic/BMW) reliable in either of these models? I would consider 150,000 reliable. What are the long term pros and cons of each.

Again, I'm pulling the trigger on either a BMW 328i or Audi A4 S-Line in the next week, so input is much appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike

[Talewinds]

I think you're already familiar with the dynamics of owning/driving both, and I agree with your above sentiments. As far as quality goes, both are tops. The Audi does indeed have a GREAT interior, probably its strongest asset. The BMW has much more driving soul, but then you threw in that caveat at the end about the S4.
Given the options, here's my quick list in order of how I'd choose...
1) M3
2) S4
2) 335i
3) 330i
4) 328i
5) A4

But the difference is I would drive a manual in rush hour traffic for a thousand years before ever owning another automatic transmission in a sporting car, ESPECIALLY any of the ones above.

Bottom line, can't go wrong with any of'em.

[MOMO3.2]

Thanks Talewinds.

I am not considering an Audi "S4". They are out of my price range. The "S-Line" A4 comes with a sports suspension, sportier seats, aero body contours, and other sporty goodies. It has the same 2.0T motor as a standard A4.

Like you, I don't fancy an auto tranny either. But, the car is for my wife and not me. I will continue "suffering" while I daily drive my 87 Carrera (5spd).

Mike

[MOMO3.2]

Audi A4 S-Line








Mike

[David]

I know BMW had some issues with auto trannies many years ago (80's to early 90's), but I think those problems are in the past.

My vote is for the BMW, but then I've never owned an Audi.

[MOMO3.2]

Candidate #2



Mike

[porsche4life]

Its times like these that you must ask yourself... WWTHD? What would Tim Hancock do? Buy a bimmer I imagine....

[Dottore]

I have driven both extensively. Both superb cars. You can't go far wrong.

If pushed, I would give 328i the nod. But it would be a close call.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Its times like these that you must ask yourself... WWTHD? What would Tim Hancock do? Buy a bimmer I imagine....

Don't even get me started on Audis. I will just stick with my BMW 330i & 325i and try to keep my rants about buying/maintaining used Audis to myself or close family members.

PS Momo.... that 328 is sharp!

[MOMO3.2]

Thanks Dottore and Tim.

I am thinking we should get the BMW simply based on how much fun our X3 was. I have read that some BMW Auto tranny's lose reverse at pretty low miles. The fix is purported to be something in the area of $7,000+ at the dealer--yikes!

Mike

[Pat S]

Two weeks ago I picked up an 07 S4 Avant. I had been looking for a nice fun wagon for a while and lucked into a great deal on it locally. The one thing I didn't care for about BMW is that they are everywhere whereas the Audi's are a less common and the S4/S-lines are even more rare (especially in FL). I've not had it long enough to provide input on maintenance, but I love the features, interior, comfort, and performance so far. Steering is a bit light and the car is really heavy, but it's still a blast to drive. I'm sure the V8 has something to do with that...

Pat

[MOMO3.2]

Pat:

The Audi S4 Avant is a beast of a car--wow. I would imagine it is fun and obviously quite rare.

Good on ya Pat!

Mike

[FastCarFan]

Originally Posted by MOMO3.2

Pat:

The Audi S4 Avant is a beast of a car--wow. I would imagine it is fun and obviously quite rare.

Good on ya Pat!

Mike

He's not talking about an S4, but rather an A4 with the S-Line appearance package. My wife has an 08 A4 Avant with the S-Line package, same color as the pics above & we love it. It has the 4-cyl turbo &, while not what I would call quick, it is adequate, especially for my wife.

Having said that the 4-cylinder is not enough for me -- I would LOVE to have an S4. In fact, I will seriously consider one next time I buy a DD for me.

We have about 24k miles on our leased Audi & it has been great. It is a great highway car. The leg-room in the rear is a bit tight.

Hope this helps. Buy what you like best. I would probably prefer the 3-Series, but I also love the Audi, & we really wanted AWD.

[MOMO3.2]

Doug:

Pat S is talking about an S4 Avant. He states that it has the V8... That smacks of S4 to me!

Mike

[FastCarFan]

Sorry -- I was focused on the initial post. Oops.

[kaisen]

Why are you not leasing again? Sounds like you've done a few. Something must be causing the change.

[rcooled]

I currently have both a BMW ('00 328CI) and an Audi ('05 S4) and although both are older than the ones you're considering, I'll add my two cents anyway.

Overall fit & finish and build quality are excellent on both cars, although I think the Audi has the better interior. Both cars are automatics (BMW is 5-speed w/manual shift mode - Audi is 6-speed w/paddle shift). The BMW has the smoother gearbox...shifts are barely felt and shift points are well calibrated but when using manual mode the gearchange lags. When in "D" mode, the Audi's Tiptronic seems hellbent on getting into top gear as fast as possible and suffers from it's interaction with the drive-by-wire throttle. Even with 340 HP, the car can feel a bit sluggish (mostly because of the DBW). On the other hand, when in manual mode, using the paddles is an absolute blast. The shifts are crisp & very quick and it becomes a whole new game entirely. Much more fun to drive in manual mode.

The Audi's AWD gives it tenacious grip but the BMW has the overall better ride quality. We're really splitting hairs here, though, and the Audi's 18" wheels vs. 17s on the BMW are certainly a factor.

The BMW's in-line six is as smooth as they come but the Audi's V8 spools up like a turbine and is also very smooth and quiet during normal driving. The BMW, at 120K miles, uses absolutely NO oil between changes, while the Audi (at 56K) uses about 1/2 qt in the same interval. Both cars run Mobil 1 synthetic.

Steering feel on both cars is very good, although the BMW's is more linear. The Audi has variable assist.

The Audi has tremendous brakes...these things could stop a freight train!

There's no realistic comparison with gas mileage between the two but I will say that the BMW gets an honest 25/city - 30/hiway.

I would give the BMW a slight edge in DIY servicing for routine items. The reason Tim Hancock hated his Audis so much is because he insisted on doing his own major service and repair. Modern cars of this type are not very DIY-friendly for the big stuff. Whichever car you wind up with, my advice would be to find a good indy mechanic and just figure that you'll be paying for any serious repair work. Both my Audi & BMW have been problem-free for the 5 years I've owned them. CPO is a good way to go.

Both are very good cars and I'm sure you'll be very satisfied with either one. However...if I were buying a car tomorrow, I'd find it hard to resist that sleek new BMW 335i coupe.

[MOMO3.2]

rcooled:

Thank you for the detailed comparison. I really appreciate it. I am leaning heavily toward the BMW 328i. There are a fair number of 2007 335i's available as CPO's at $2,000-$3,000 more than the 328i's. I like the idea of the generous hp and torque of the 335i. But, I am just a little concerned about the fuel pump failures reported on the 335i's and the extra strain of all that torque on an auto transmission.

I better keep it simple and stay with a 328i.

Thank you again!

Mike

[Oracle]

The Audi will need the timing belt at 80k-120K (Depending on the model) and that is really expensive also the control arms in the suspension are a budgeted item (poor design IMO)
I've never owned a BMW but I have not heard anyone I know complaining about their BMW.

[MOMO3.2]

Kaisen:

I am not sure why my decision to purchase instead of lease is perplexing. I have purchased and leased cars in the past. The only "change" is that my wife wants an automatic tranny. Therefore, our purchased 2008 GTi is being traded to purchase a used BMW or Audi.

I want to keep this next car for forever.
Mike