Potential DD choices Audi S4 vs. BMW M235i

[dafischer]

Looking at a couple of cars, a 2013 Audi S4Quattro and a 2013 BMWM235i. Both are about the same price, mileage on both 60-70K. Both are 6 speeds, and nicely trimmed out. I need the braintrust to enlighten me on the relative merits and potential disasters of the two. Has anyone here had any experience with either?
Thanks in advance.

[nvr2mny]

Not sure about the binmer or the late(r) model S4 but we have an ‘08 S4 Avant Quattro wagon. Only imported in ‘07 & ‘08. Amazing little grocery getter. It has about 80,000 trouble free miles on it so far and we’ve owned it for about 6 years and 60,000+ miles. Its an auto and my wife’s car. She loves it and refuses to let me trade it out for her.

[RedBaron]

I can't really speak about the Audi but I have had my M235i for about 3 years. It has 40,000 miles on it and it hasn't skipped a beat. In terms of forums, 2addicts is a great source for information. I haven't seen any real complaints or people having major issues. Consumer reports rates it very high in reliability and Car & Driver ranked it in the top 10 best cars for a few years.

People will come in and may bash BMW in this thread, but the N55 engine is very stout and reliable. My only issue would be that a lot of these cars have a tendency to be modded and if you are looking at a leased car, it could have been driven very hard (I kept mine stock.) I would personally try and grab a car from an enthusiast, like a forum member on 2addicts or a BMWCCA seller.

I have a manual, sunroof delete car and I love it. Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions.




If you do mod it (keep in mind reliability will go down), you can get a 0-60 time in around 4 seconds with a flash tune. Here is a video of one (not mine). They are very quick around the track, with a stock one beating a 1M. The magnetic ride suspension is great and the brakes are awesome (60-0 in 115 feet.)

[onewhippedpuppy]

That generation of S4 with the supercharged six is known for being pretty bulletproof. Performance is pretty close to the previous generation RS4 when stock. Like the BMW they are also tunable for big power if you desire. Supposedly the Quattro Sport Differential makes a huge difference in terms of the car being willing to rotate, it’s a desirable option that seems pretty common with the manual transmission cars. Really nice interior too, and Audis typically hold up well inside. Quattro is amazing in the snow, something else to consider.

Have you driven both? My guess is that it will come down to which you enjoy more.