2008 535xi versus 2007 Audi S4 - Request "objective" thought
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First, I apologize if this post exists somewhere else as I'm new to the forum. I was a former BMW owner ('01 330i and '03 M3) and am seeking some objective thoughts from the e60 experts. I already understand the "apples to oranges" comparison here, but I'm seriously at a loss. Can any 535xi drivers offer any likes or dislikes regarding both the 535xi and the S4? If I go the BMW route, I will most likely get the following configuration:
2008 535xi
- Sport Package
- Premium Package
- Cold Weather Package
- Navigation (iDrive)
- Steptronic (although would consider waiting till September for manual)
2007 S4
- 6 speed manual
- Audio Package
- Convenience Package
- Navigation (mmi)
- Alcantara Recaro Leather Seats
- Heated Front / Rear Seats
My reasons for these two cars is the "sporty" yet functional nature of them. The 335xi is out because it has less interior room than the S4, which is why I'm making the leap to compare the S4 to the 535xi. The S4 is at the bare minimum of interior space that I'd like to have while maintaining a good sporty feel while driving.
I greatly appreciate your advice and counsel :-)
2008 535xi
- Sport Package
- Premium Package
- Cold Weather Package
- Navigation (iDrive)
- Steptronic (although would consider waiting till September for manual)
2007 S4
- 6 speed manual
- Audio Package
- Convenience Package
- Navigation (mmi)
- Alcantara Recaro Leather Seats
- Heated Front / Rear Seats
My reasons for these two cars is the "sporty" yet functional nature of them. The 335xi is out because it has less interior room than the S4, which is why I'm making the leap to compare the S4 to the 535xi. The S4 is at the bare minimum of interior space that I'd like to have while maintaining a good sporty feel while driving.
I greatly appreciate your advice and counsel :-)
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From: Toronto
a S4 is pretty sporty...however i think the 535xi gives you more than just function and sporty sense...also comfort and the luxurious feel...
im for 535xi!
however, i did hear a few glitches with the new 5series transmission and what not....
im for 535xi!
however, i did hear a few glitches with the new 5series transmission and what not....
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From: NY416
Hi, I posted the same question on the other section.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=40129
My conclusion for drivablity/handling/road feel is better with the bmw, where the S4 has immense /limitless torque and pulls like no tomorrow, the cockpit also gets tops marks.
However my decision came down to the larger cabin size and exterior design, I know if I got the S4, I will be missing the E60 each I came across one.
I keep hearing from people about the S4 asking why not get the RS4 for a bit more? a much much better car. That is a bit of anti-climax for me.
The S4 is being rated / compared with the M3 E46, and RS4 to the M5 E60.
The S4 look exactly like the A4 (with s line package), but the A4 is due for next generation launch next year, that means if you plan to keep the car by 2009, it will look so out of date.
BTW the 535xi LCI will have 6sp manuel transmission after sept 07.
One exception:
If you are in the market for a touring model E61, the decision will be the S4 touring (in red) as a no brainer. a much younger and fresher appeal.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=40129
My conclusion for drivablity/handling/road feel is better with the bmw, where the S4 has immense /limitless torque and pulls like no tomorrow, the cockpit also gets tops marks.
However my decision came down to the larger cabin size and exterior design, I know if I got the S4, I will be missing the E60 each I came across one.
I keep hearing from people about the S4 asking why not get the RS4 for a bit more? a much much better car. That is a bit of anti-climax for me.
The S4 is being rated / compared with the M3 E46, and RS4 to the M5 E60.
The S4 look exactly like the A4 (with s line package), but the A4 is due for next generation launch next year, that means if you plan to keep the car by 2009, it will look so out of date.
BTW the 535xi LCI will have 6sp manuel transmission after sept 07.
One exception:
If you are in the market for a touring model E61, the decision will be the S4 touring (in red) as a no brainer. a much younger and fresher appeal.
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wouldn't 535 also be 8-10k more?
s4
sig smaller inside than 5
probably handles better but, much firmer ride. tough in cities.
city mpg horrible. not bad on hoghway.
better interior
full size spare!
torque is crazy. auto in sport mode pins you hard. makes you want to vomit
manual would be sig faster than a 535
5
more space
better land crusier
can chip eventually if you chose
better gas mileage
if you load it with options it's nice. like hud and heated sterring wheel.
better depreciation.
lame spare
s4
sig smaller inside than 5
probably handles better but, much firmer ride. tough in cities.
city mpg horrible. not bad on hoghway.
better interior
full size spare!
torque is crazy. auto in sport mode pins you hard. makes you want to vomit
manual would be sig faster than a 535
5
more space
better land crusier
can chip eventually if you chose
better gas mileage
if you load it with options it's nice. like hud and heated sterring wheel.
better depreciation.
lame spare
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Originally Posted by rollee' post='428975' date='May 28 2007, 12:01 AM
However my decision came down to the larger cabin size and exterior design, I know if I got the S4, I will be missing the E60 each I came across one.
It sounds like you finally decided upon the 535 for yourself? How did you equip it and aside from the "power" as compared to the S4, how would you rate the sportiness of the ride overall? I'm not looking for "bone" jarring but do like a firm grip when going through some twisty sections of road. I test drove the S4 and it was suprisingly smooth for a car that gets compared to the previous M3. As far as my test drive of the 535, it pretty much was what I'd expect for a BMW, very classic balance of sport and comfort.
I'm also not familiar with BMW's x-drive (AWD) versus Audi's quattro. I know that quattro has been around a lot longer and has many years of rally/track proven experience over the x-drive. Do you know of any reliability issues with BMW's AWD system?
I'm definitely not in the market for an RS of any sort, or even a wagon, and my wife and I ruled out the A6. It just felt "too big" and sedan like, where the 535 still felt sporty even though it's bigger than the S4.
Anyway, thanks to you and all of those who posted their objective opinions!! I know to expect some bias towards BMW on this board, but everyone up to this point has been very helpful!!
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My Ride: 2006 530i Sport
Silver Gray - Black Leather - Anthracite Maple
Manual Transmission
Premium Audio
Cold Weather Package
Rear sunshade
Sirius Radio
Autobahnd Roadblock (3M) film kit
Do you care at all about gas mileage?
My buddy gets 14 mpg in his S4 Avant. Just to give you an idea, his cycle is very similar to mine - and I get 24-27mpg.
Also, I have never been hugely impressed by the sporting factor of the S4 (current or previous). They just never seemed as fast as their stats would suggest... even when pushed.
My buddy gets 14 mpg in his S4 Avant. Just to give you an idea, his cycle is very similar to mine - and I get 24-27mpg.
Also, I have never been hugely impressed by the sporting factor of the S4 (current or previous). They just never seemed as fast as their stats would suggest... even when pushed.
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Originally Posted by UUronL' post='429044' date='May 28 2007, 09:45 AM
Do you care at all about gas mileage?
I do find your comments about the S4 handling and overall performance to be interesting. I used to have a 2003 M3, which I absolutely loved!! I'm not sure that either of these two cars really compares to it, but one of them is probably a close second. If I went the BMW route, I'd most likely get the Steptronic though, so that obviously takes away some of the fun factor, but I can live with that as long as the car still performs.
Ultimately, I know it comes down to my own personal preference, but all the input thus far has been very helpful!!
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From: NY416
Originally Posted by jsm0372' post='429039' date='May 28 2007, 10:08 AM
Hey rollee, thanks for the reply and also thanks for the link to your original topic!!
It sounds like you finally decided upon the 535 for yourself? How did you equip it and aside from the "power" as compared to the S4, how would you rate the sportiness of the ride overall? I'm not looking for "bone" jarring but do like a firm grip when going through some twisty sections of road. I test drove the S4 and it was suprisingly smooth for a car that gets compared to the previous M3. As far as my test drive of the 535, it pretty much was what I'd expect for a BMW, very classic balance of sport and comfort.
I favour the 535i and will be making a final decision very soon (I am so stuck on colour - please see my other post). In Canada, we can get the 535i with Msports (550i sports US), to save on costs I will live without the comfort seats and never really too crazy about the L7. I use the Garmin Nuvi660 GPS, therefore HUD, NAV and voice control all goes.
Like youeself I am very into the feel and control aspects of driving, therefore my car must have a 6sp manuel.
I tested the S4 B6 (before fishmouth facelift) a year earlier, the torque and pull is mighty inpressive like its endless, but the steering control is a tad light and I find the extreme grip almost too 'fake' to feel 100% . I always kept telling myself its the brand new tires thats doing all the work, which explains the high tire wear on Audis. Perhaps biased I am, I enjoy how the BMW attacks its corners more, much more (DSC off) .
I saw the TopGear comparison on M3 to S4 (youtube), and agree the M3 is a true beast sports car while the Audi is everything else , more like a civilized day to day fun ride. ie grocery-getter.
The decision was also based on some small things like AUDi charges for heated seats and $500 for BT telephone! No MMI interface if NAV not ordered, that I thought was a bit cheap. The B6 and current B7 S4 are exactly identical apart from exterior cosmetics, what were the Audi engineers doing ? laziness?!... me don't like. That left only the gorgeous and fresh S4 interior in carbon fibre trim, not enough to hang me onto the car.
I'm also not familiar with BMW's x-drive (AWD) versus Audi's quattro. I know that quattro has been around a lot longer and has many years of rally/track proven experience
*(Its the professional drivers not the car)
over the x-drive. Do you know of any reliability issues with BMW's AWD system?
I will test the 535xi 2 weeks from now at a BMW xdrive comparison event (Jaguar X, Mercedes 4matic,A6 quattro), but 4WD is not my cup of tea.
According to reports I came across, there is no need to worry on its reliability issues as long as you monitor the tires. I suggest leasing just in case there is a worry 3 years down the road, keep in mind an X5 transmission is $6000 parts alone, the xi will not be far off.
From my research, the Audi quattro system is design and engineered from a safety standpoint, in bad weather and road conditions to maintain balance and control (more forgiving or easier to drive), but the BMW xi is developed to enhance spirited driving, lessen the car's classic 'fish tailing' and easier recovery. In my POV, the benefit may only be on drag starts under a 'heavy' load.
There is also a joke and a point on 4WD I come across:
SUVs gets you stuck further away from home.
4WD, AWD, FWD & RWD all stop the same. Its the tires, so go spend on summer PS2 and winter wheels.
I'm definitely not in the market for an RS of any sort, or even a wagon, and my wife and I ruled out the A6. It just felt "too big" and sedan like, where the 535 still felt sporty even though it's bigger than the S4.
That is a fact.
Anyway, thanks to you and all of those who posted their objective opinions!! I know to expect some bias towards BMW on this board, but everyone up to this point has been very helpful!!
It sounds like you finally decided upon the 535 for yourself? How did you equip it and aside from the "power" as compared to the S4, how would you rate the sportiness of the ride overall? I'm not looking for "bone" jarring but do like a firm grip when going through some twisty sections of road. I test drove the S4 and it was suprisingly smooth for a car that gets compared to the previous M3. As far as my test drive of the 535, it pretty much was what I'd expect for a BMW, very classic balance of sport and comfort.
I favour the 535i and will be making a final decision very soon (I am so stuck on colour - please see my other post). In Canada, we can get the 535i with Msports (550i sports US), to save on costs I will live without the comfort seats and never really too crazy about the L7. I use the Garmin Nuvi660 GPS, therefore HUD, NAV and voice control all goes.
Like youeself I am very into the feel and control aspects of driving, therefore my car must have a 6sp manuel.
I tested the S4 B6 (before fishmouth facelift) a year earlier, the torque and pull is mighty inpressive like its endless, but the steering control is a tad light and I find the extreme grip almost too 'fake' to feel 100% . I always kept telling myself its the brand new tires thats doing all the work, which explains the high tire wear on Audis. Perhaps biased I am, I enjoy how the BMW attacks its corners more, much more (DSC off) .
I saw the TopGear comparison on M3 to S4 (youtube), and agree the M3 is a true beast sports car while the Audi is everything else , more like a civilized day to day fun ride. ie grocery-getter.
The decision was also based on some small things like AUDi charges for heated seats and $500 for BT telephone! No MMI interface if NAV not ordered, that I thought was a bit cheap. The B6 and current B7 S4 are exactly identical apart from exterior cosmetics, what were the Audi engineers doing ? laziness?!... me don't like. That left only the gorgeous and fresh S4 interior in carbon fibre trim, not enough to hang me onto the car.
I'm also not familiar with BMW's x-drive (AWD) versus Audi's quattro. I know that quattro has been around a lot longer and has many years of rally/track proven experience
*(Its the professional drivers not the car)
over the x-drive. Do you know of any reliability issues with BMW's AWD system?
I will test the 535xi 2 weeks from now at a BMW xdrive comparison event (Jaguar X, Mercedes 4matic,A6 quattro), but 4WD is not my cup of tea.
According to reports I came across, there is no need to worry on its reliability issues as long as you monitor the tires. I suggest leasing just in case there is a worry 3 years down the road, keep in mind an X5 transmission is $6000 parts alone, the xi will not be far off.
From my research, the Audi quattro system is design and engineered from a safety standpoint, in bad weather and road conditions to maintain balance and control (more forgiving or easier to drive), but the BMW xi is developed to enhance spirited driving, lessen the car's classic 'fish tailing' and easier recovery. In my POV, the benefit may only be on drag starts under a 'heavy' load.
There is also a joke and a point on 4WD I come across:
SUVs gets you stuck further away from home.
4WD, AWD, FWD & RWD all stop the same. Its the tires, so go spend on summer PS2 and winter wheels.
I'm definitely not in the market for an RS of any sort, or even a wagon, and my wife and I ruled out the A6. It just felt "too big" and sedan like, where the 535 still felt sporty even though it's bigger than the S4.
That is a fact.
Anyway, thanks to you and all of those who posted their objective opinions!! I know to expect some bias towards BMW on this board, but everyone up to this point has been very helpful!!
rollee
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From: (Sonoma County)Santa Rosa, CA
Originally Posted by rollee' post='429074' date='May 28 2007, 09:12 AM
Gas mileage is important, from the cost savings to enviornment.
you will smile each time you fill the 535i compared to the S4 or your current SUV.
you will smile each time you fill the 535i compared to the S4 or your current SUV.
Totally agree with you on that "rollee"
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