hashluck Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Having now covered (along with my wife) a combined mileage of 100K from new in both a BWW 320D SE and Audi 1.9TDi(130) SE I feel qualified to comment. Both cars are excellent and really choosing between them comes down to mainly little things. The major difference between the two is steering, ride and handling - I have to say the BMW beats the Audi on all counts. Having said that my wife prefers the extra comfort afforded by the Audi. The Audi is also cheaper to run with its extended service intervals (23-24K miles on the Audi compared to 13K miles on the BMW) and better economy (53mpg on the Audi compared with 45mpg on the BMW). BMW has also suffered on the residuals as they are no longer exclusive and they are probably about the same on this count. To summarise and other stuff: Audi Pros: Economy (700 miles on a tank), Service Intervals, Comfortable, Dash Layout and Ergonomics (EXCEPT ease of seeing if fog lamps are on). Cons: Engine coarse, ride and handling, no fresh air to face vents, more squeaks and rattles than the BMW (though to be fair the Audi has 75K compared to 25K miles). Warranty only to 60K miles. Audi UK specs do not make much sense. Unlimited mileage warranty and Euro cover FOC. Failures: Water trap filter cap broke dumping diesel everywhere and making the car very tricky to drive - the traction control works! BMW: Pros: Better engine, better ride and handling, nice little touches like the key battery recharges when in the ignition. SE spec spot on, very few extras to add (though I did of course!). Cons: Service intervals, have to page the on-board computer to see information that is there all the time on the Audi, small boot (or at least more restricted access. Failures: Turbo at 10K miles - replaced under warranty. If I were buying again I would go for the BMW, (and I love Audis), my wife probably the Audi (but Sport version). As it is I am selling the BMW ready to enjoy the A4 Cab every day when the spring/sumer arrives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatcat Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Is the BMW a 150bhp ? The comparison comes as little surprise, although the BMW is the more costly option and comes with a more stereotypical image. Comparing the Tdi quattro with the BMW would be interesting. Overall and weighing up the pro's and con's and £ for £ there is not much in it. Good comparison. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hashluck Posted January 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Fatcat Yes the BMW is 150BHP and even better the facelift version with the 'improved' steering and suspension for the E46. The BMW was not much more than the A4 once we had added rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, electric rear windows and multifunction steering wheel etc. onto the Audi - all standard on the BMW SE. I was worried about the image thing but people seem to leave BMW diesels alone. Regarding the quattro this sadly was not available when we purchased or we would have gone for it. I would compare now if buying for sure. I have a feeling I would end up in a BMW Diesel Coupe though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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