[MaybeBIM]

Hello All,

Before test driving later this month, I've been researching on these two cars. I've driven cars from Japan, Korea, and USA and now is the time to buy my first European car. These two cars were my first choices because of their small size, powerful engines and fuel efficiency. I was thinking primarily the Audi A5, however, I've been hearing about reliability problems that doesn't get better after the years. I'm shocked to hear that people with new 2.0t A4 and A5's are burning a quart every 5000 miles with their new engines. Anyone here having any major problems with their 328i's? Is there any quality/reliability problems I should be concerned about before spending my savings on one? According to consumer reports, it looks like BMW cars have better reliability than Audi/VW products.

Thanks in Advance,

Mike

[ptack]

Neither car is exactly small. Unless you're looking at a 328xi, I would think that the A5 is quite a bit more money. It also drives better, looks better and has a nicer interior. I almost bought one, but it's not exactly sporty so it just didn't do it for me. Because there seem to be so few A5s out there, I almost never see much posted about them on the Audi forums so I don't know if there are common problems.

[MrHarris]

If you got the money get the A5.

[DFW_M]

I have read about the oil thing on a few forums and it appears that it is common for the first 5000 mile period.
FYI, my previous vehicle was the 325i (2006) and first 7500 miles I had to add a quart of oil twice... After that it would come just close to the MIN (never below) before every scheduled oil change...

[graider]

A5

[shipill]

A5>328

[footie]

I would imagine that the A5 would have much better acceleration and economy but the BMW would have the sweetier note and smoother power delivery. Looks is very objective, to me the A5 is probably Audi's second best looking car after the R8, which means in my mind it's far superior than the 3 series, again the inside is a personal taste thing so you either like it or you don't. Space is one area where the A5 is poor next to the BMW, in the rear it's very tight and if you have a six footer in the driver's seat I doubt anyone would be comfortable in behind them.

I had an S5 and honestly thought it was one of the best cars I owned, with a great ride quality, quiet motorway driving, brilliant stereo and a nice note when you floor it.

What ever you decide I don't think you can make a bad decision as they are both great cars to own.

[Spec 1]

To answer your question, the current line of BMW 3 series have fuel pump failure issues, seeming to affect 1 in 3 vehicles. It is covered under warranty (50k miles) but may leave you stranded somewhere.

[Zephyr15]

Originally Posted by Spec 1

To answer your question, the current line of BMW 3 series have fuel pump failure issues, seeming to affect 1 in 3 vehicles. It is covered under warranty (50k miles) but may leave you stranded somewhere.

But this does not effect the 328 models because they do not have the high pressure fuel pump that is causing the problems. FWIW, the warranty is 100k miles.

[Ron1n]

If those are your choices, go A5.

[fatmatt0116]

I test drove an S5, that thing sucked azz.

[MaybeBIM]

Originally Posted by fatmatt0116

I test drove an S5, that thing sucked azz.

Can you explain why you think that?

Originally Posted by ptack

Neither car is exactly small. Unless you're looking at a 328xi, I would think that the A5 is quite a bit more money. It also drives better, looks better and has a nicer interior. I almost bought one, but it's not exactly sporty so it just didn't do it for me. Because there seem to be so few A5s out there, I almost never see much posted about them on the Audi forums so I don't know if there are common problems.

Actually, the Audi A5 and 328i Coupe are similarly priced. So I'm guessing that the 328i are sportier? Sounds good. Thanks.

Originally Posted by footie

I would imagine that the A5 would have much better acceleration and economy but the BMW would have the sweetier note and smoother power delivery. Looks is very objective, to me the A5 is probably Audi's second best looking car after the R8, which means in my mind it's far superior than the 3 series, again the inside is a personal taste thing so you either like it or you don't. Space is one area where the A5 is poor next to the BMW, in the rear it's very tight and if you have a six footer in the driver's seat I doubt anyone would be comfortable in behind them.

I had an S5 and honestly thought it was one of the best cars I owned, with a great ride quality, quiet motorway driving, brilliant stereo and a nice note when you floor it.

What ever you decide I don't think you can make a bad decision as they are both great cars to own.

Originally Posted by dr325i

I have read about the oil thing on a few forums and it appears that it is common for the first 5000 mile period.
FYI, my previous vehicle was the 325i (2006) and first 7500 miles I had to add a quart of oil twice... After that it would come just close to the MIN (never below) before every scheduled oil change...

So I'm guessing the Oil burning is normal for German cars? I guess it'll get better after 10k miles I hope. I do agree that the Audi A5 exterior is nicer, however, I think the 328i interior is better.


Anyway guys, thanks you all for your honest opinions.

[coh4777]

I would go for the A5.

[maswastage]

Unless aesthetics are at the top of your priorities, I suggest the 328i.

[mmm def]

Originally Posted by Spec 1

To answer your question, the current line of BMW 3 series have fuel pump failure issues, seeming to affect 1 in 3 vehicles. It is covered under warranty (50k miles) but may leave you stranded somewhere.

the HPFP on the 335 is 10 yr 120k miles now.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by mmm def

the HPFP on the 335 is 10 yr 120k miles now.

which means they are NEVER going to figure out how to fix it...

[SlickShift]

If you want something a little better looking and unique go with the A5. If you want a driving experience go with the bimmer. I test drove an A5 when I was looking for a new car and the A5 felt a little hefty compared to the 328i I rest drove as well (and that was with the V6 in the A5).

[Ender514]

Originally Posted by MrHarris

If you got the money get the A5.

Originally Posted by graider

A5

Originally Posted by shipill

A5>328

Originally Posted by Bryan0102

A5! last night i was next to a white one with 20' black rims, a drop, CF diffuser with GTR SIZED exhaust. it was so crazy

Originally Posted by Ron1n

If those are your choices, go A5.

Originally Posted by coh4777

I would go for the A5.

wow, all that from a bimmer forum. thats not saying much about the 328

and i also would pick the A5

[ptack]

Wow, I didn't realize they now offer the A5 with just the 2.0. That must be a snooze. I thought the 3.2 felt comparable to a N52 equipped BMW (but more expensive). I wouldn't consider the base A5 unless you are absolutely certain you could live a very sexy, but relatively slow sports coupe. I'm not that laid back.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by ptack

Wow, I didn't realize they now offer the A5 with just the 2.0. That must be a snooze. I thought the 3.2 felt comparable to a N52 equipped BMW (but more expensive). I wouldn't consider the base A5 unless you are absolutely certain you could live a very sexy, but relatively slow sports coupe. I'm not that laid back.

That 2.0T is deceptively comparable to the 3.0L of the 328i, actually having more torque at much lower rpm than either the 328i and the A5 3.2L. And just $600 will make that 2.0T a 234hp/333lbft engine... that and Quattro means anything but a snooze.

To the OP: go with the A5...

[fatmatt0116]

[QUOTE=MaybeBIM;6262214]Can you explain why you think that?


the clutch was horrible, it just felt awkward, a real impediment to enjoying the car. Further, I expected at least a decent exhaust note -- there is none. I didn't get to take it out on the highway so I can't comment on the top end, I'm betting it is decent though. Aside from the quad pipes, I don't believe there is much to separate it from the base model. I find the looks attractive but also a bit plain and too conservative for my tastes. For around 65 k I'd be looking at a used Carrera 4S instead. I will say that the cabin was cushy, comfortable, and luxurious: this is no young man's car. A german version of the lexus sc of sorts, for some reason with a manual version.
I also drove a TT-S which is a flat out embaressment -- it is similar to driving a Honda Prelude only slower and sticker price is upwards of 50k. It looks nice though.

Why not go with a CPO version of a better car? 335?

[Ti335]

A5 is a 4-cylinder car based on a FWD platform. Essentially, it's a very nice econobox. No real car enthusiast would pick that over a RWD car with an I6.