Need some input here...
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Need some input here...
My wife was just in an accident with her BMW 328is. Most likely totalled. We went to look at the 330xi, and of course it drives really well. Going to look at a Audi today, most likely 3.0 with Tiptronic. I have compared the two models, and option-for-option the Audi is about 4k less expensive. The real question: How many of you guys have the 3.0, and in general how do they hold up? Incidentally, if you know anyone looking for a 1995 S6, send them my way. I an either selling it or trading it in. Thanks.
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I have a 3.0 6 speed
The 3.0 has only been out for two model years. I bought my car on 10/15/2002 and in my 29.5K miles of ownership, I have grown to really appreciate this engine. Smooth, torquey, great exhaust note, sufficient get-up-and-go.
Numbers-wise the Audi and the BMW 3.0s are very similar in numbers. The inline 6 of the BM is a bit more torquey, but the effects of that are probably negated in the xi model due to the additional weight of the AWD.
Both are great cars, offer great options, look, drive, and perform well. People here will say that the BMWs interior isn't as nice, and I'll disagree with that. Between the two, its a tough call.
I was in your boat, but obviously opted for the Audi. I did this mostly because I could get more options (like nav) for less, plus having owned three VWs before this car, I wanted to keep it in the family, so to speak.
You won't go wrong with either car. I would have a hard time trying to recommend the Audi "hands-down" when compared to the BMW.
Numbers-wise the Audi and the BMW 3.0s are very similar in numbers. The inline 6 of the BM is a bit more torquey, but the effects of that are probably negated in the xi model due to the additional weight of the AWD.
Both are great cars, offer great options, look, drive, and perform well. People here will say that the BMWs interior isn't as nice, and I'll disagree with that. Between the two, its a tough call.
I was in your boat, but obviously opted for the Audi. I did this mostly because I could get more options (like nav) for less, plus having owned three VWs before this car, I wanted to keep it in the family, so to speak.
You won't go wrong with either car. I would have a hard time trying to recommend the Audi "hands-down" when compared to the BMW.
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Re: Need some input here...
I went through the same process, and at the end it came down to which interior looked better ! I decided on the A4 simply because the Bimmer has those massive cupholders to collect dirt - after all when you're driving you shouldn't be drinking a Dunkin coffee, especially with a manual box. No regrets !
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I'm not too sure if you're aware, but the BMW 3 series will undergo a design change for '05 -m-
Will that make a difference? I'm not too sure, but IMO, I'd rather look for something that's somewhat at an early stage of its design life (that is if I'm paying a premium for it). At least from what I can gather, the '05 design is suppose to resemble the previous 5 series a little bit, rather than the current newly redesigned 7 series look... Which is a GOOD thing, IMO. Anyway, both are great cars... Just depends on what you're looking for. Good Luck!
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Re: Need some input here...
I was one time in the same position 2 years ago. Between the 2002 A4 3.0 tip that was due to come out any week or a 330 ci. I test drove both and I must say for a non all wheel drive car, the 330ci handles just as good as the quatro a4.
I choose the a4 b/c it was a new style that nobody had and i wanted to be the first having the B6 audi (nov 2001). My first 2 years having it I had regrets b/c i had stupid minor problems such as lights & radio not working. The last 6 months driving it, it has been fine. I used to let it sit in my garage for like 2-3 weeks and drive it for like 2-3 days. I would always have another problem (light codes warnings). I notice that the more you drive it the less problems you will have.
BMW is also known from what I hear to have similair dumb problems. BMW compared to my audi was also like $5,000 more. Truthfully, I believe that the 330ci is a heavier better made car. The trunk on that is the weight of like 2 side doors of my audi, but right now I have no regrets (winter time) with my quatro.
dougrok
I choose the a4 b/c it was a new style that nobody had and i wanted to be the first having the B6 audi (nov 2001). My first 2 years having it I had regrets b/c i had stupid minor problems such as lights & radio not working. The last 6 months driving it, it has been fine. I used to let it sit in my garage for like 2-3 weeks and drive it for like 2-3 days. I would always have another problem (light codes warnings). I notice that the more you drive it the less problems you will have.
BMW is also known from what I hear to have similair dumb problems. BMW compared to my audi was also like $5,000 more. Truthfully, I believe that the 330ci is a heavier better made car. The trunk on that is the weight of like 2 side doors of my audi, but right now I have no regrets (winter time) with my quatro.
dougrok
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My 3.0 Tip is holding up quite well. No major issues here. The worst so far has been a
reoccurring airbag tell-tale light on the cluster. I seem to have some type of intermittent failure. So far it hasn't returned since the last time they reset it.
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A 330xi is AWD and if he had to get off the highway, it was because he was an idiot
not because his car could not handle the snow. He probably did not think to put all season or winter tires on, probably driving on summer tires, in which case, even us Quattro guys should not be driving.
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Thanks for the responses.
We drove the Audi today. As far as ride quality and extreme handling are concerned, both cars meet or exceed my needs. More like greatly exceed my wifes' needs. The bottom line may be the $4,000 price difference and better trade-in value for my S6. I will post when decision is made.