Changing Brand Loyalty from BMW to Audi
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Exton, PA
My Ride: '04 545i, Silver Gray-Black Dakota, Cold pkg, Prem. Sound, Sport pkg, Nav, Voice Activation
Originally Posted by Dandle' post='1092909' date='Jan 18 2010, 01:20 PM
I came form Audi to BMW after being an Audi fan for a long time. I bought a brand new A3 sportback with loads of options for just under ?30k and it was terible. The leather wore on the drivers seat at 3k miles and they replaced the cover, then at 18 months old and only 13k miles the passenger seat leather started to peel(the car was my wifes car so the passenger side was hardly used). I took it in and they said it was fair wear and tear and refused to do anything about it even though I pointed out my 90k mile volvos leather was in far better condition. It even developed mold growing up the inside rear window trim to which they just wiped it off as if that fixed it and it had loads of rattles and creaks(it went back 5 times for the drivers seat creaking after they changed the cover). I wrote to Audi UK who were always sending me branded letters and got a reply back from them on unbranded paper which can be seen here. The reply was that the trim was only covered for 6 months from new and I should go and read the small print.
I started to look at taking them to court but that involved me getting the leather tested which would destroy the seat cover so in the end we made our mind up to move to BMW and part ex the car. I had loads of problems with the car and I dont really mind that but when they start refusing to take any responsibility and repair the car under warranty I have to question if I wasted my money. The BMW has not been without fault but the difference is that anything I mention has been fixed with no quible. It will be a cold day in hell before I waste any more money on an Audi. You only have to go to the Audi forums to see they are having alot of issues, personally i think they are going the way Mercs did 10 years ago were the accountants ruled and quality suffered.
I started to look at taking them to court but that involved me getting the leather tested which would destroy the seat cover so in the end we made our mind up to move to BMW and part ex the car. I had loads of problems with the car and I dont really mind that but when they start refusing to take any responsibility and repair the car under warranty I have to question if I wasted my money. The BMW has not been without fault but the difference is that anything I mention has been fixed with no quible. It will be a cold day in hell before I waste any more money on an Audi. You only have to go to the Audi forums to see they are having alot of issues, personally i think they are going the way Mercs did 10 years ago were the accountants ruled and quality suffered.
I've never owned an Audi, they are the only German car we don't have. I guess I am Audicurious!!
Members
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Mpls, MN
My Ride: '04 525i. Bluetooth upgrade, SS brake lines, iPod interface upgrade. Air intake kit, sport suspension, 20% tint.
Other: 2001 Audi A4 Avant: S4 suspension, 20% tint, painted calipers, slotted rotors, iPod interface, custom grilles.
Originally Posted by tallers' post='1092273' date='Jan 17 2010, 10:13 AM
Well after three consecutive BMW's I've decided to give Audi a try. I began my BMW journey with a 330i. When the lease was up I went to an E46 M3 lease. When the lease was up on that I purchased a CPO '04 545i. I just turned 120K miles on the 5-series and decided to start looking. I'm handing down the 545 to my college son.
I didn't want another 5-series, the 7-series was too big and I don't feel I'm old enough yet for the 7! ha I like the new M3 but I'm tired of the tire change for winter driving, which I have with the 5, and the mpg on the new M3 is awful.
I decided to go with the new Audi S4. It's a bit larger than the 3-series but not as big as the 5. I think the interior is much nicer than the current BMW's except the M3, which I like as well. The new supercharged engine has 333 hp and 325 lb ft of torque with an estimated 28mpg highway. I ordered the S4 with Nappa, Navi, B&O stereo, Sport Diff., S-tronic with an MSRP of $54630. The cost after negotiating was $51,800 which is quite a bit less than a similar equipped 335xi.
I took a 3 year lease on the S4 so I have an out if I'm not pleased or another BMW is desired in 2013. I've enjoyed the ride with BMW but I took the exit ramp at the Audi dealership.
I didn't want another 5-series, the 7-series was too big and I don't feel I'm old enough yet for the 7! ha I like the new M3 but I'm tired of the tire change for winter driving, which I have with the 5, and the mpg on the new M3 is awful.
I decided to go with the new Audi S4. It's a bit larger than the 3-series but not as big as the 5. I think the interior is much nicer than the current BMW's except the M3, which I like as well. The new supercharged engine has 333 hp and 325 lb ft of torque with an estimated 28mpg highway. I ordered the S4 with Nappa, Navi, B&O stereo, Sport Diff., S-tronic with an MSRP of $54630. The cost after negotiating was $51,800 which is quite a bit less than a similar equipped 335xi.
I took a 3 year lease on the S4 so I have an out if I'm not pleased or another BMW is desired in 2013. I've enjoyed the ride with BMW but I took the exit ramp at the Audi dealership.
Well, either way, awesome choice. I have had 3 Audi's and I absolutely love them. I also have a 2004 5 series, and I like it also. But...for now...I still consider myself an Audi guy. I will say, Audi's are more challenging to work on. The S4 is the most fun car I've driven. Awesome interior, exterior, and super sporty ride. To be honest, you are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to decide between a new Audi or a new BMW. In my opinion, they are the two best cars on the road. The AWD (quattro) option is light years ahead of any other manufacturer with regards to all-wheel drive. After all, that's what set Audi on the map.
My only complaint with the Audi is the cost of some repairs. Particularly, water pump and timing belt, heater core, valve and cam seals. But, since you're leasing, awesome. Audi's RS6 may be the best car on the planet by the way!
Members
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: York, UK
My Ride: Nov 07 530i M Sport - Sports Auto - Carbon Black - black dakota - 172's - Media - Visibility - Heated front seats - Auto dim / fold mirrors
a friend of mine is an audi addict - currently has the V10 S8 and the V8 R8 and has owned dozens of others.
I went with him to the dealer he uses and we went out in the RS6 Avant V10 (awesome, maybe as good as the M5 Touring) and the new V6 S4
The S4 was so good that it surprised me and, now a decent spec'd one can be had used from the dealer network for not much over ?30k, its a serious contender when I come to replace this 5 in the summer
Prior to that my experience of Audis has been: OK, but not a patch on the equivalent BM
I went with him to the dealer he uses and we went out in the RS6 Avant V10 (awesome, maybe as good as the M5 Touring) and the new V6 S4
The S4 was so good that it surprised me and, now a decent spec'd one can be had used from the dealer network for not much over ?30k, its a serious contender when I come to replace this 5 in the summer
Prior to that my experience of Audis has been: OK, but not a patch on the equivalent BM
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Exton, PA
My Ride: '04 545i, Silver Gray-Black Dakota, Cold pkg, Prem. Sound, Sport pkg, Nav, Voice Activation
Originally Posted by toddstebleton' post='1093196' date='Jan 18 2010, 09:51 PM
Well, either way, awesome choice. I have had 3 Audi's and I absolutely love them. I also have a 2004 5 series, and I like it also. But...for now...I still consider myself an Audi guy. I will say, Audi's are more challenging to work on. The S4 is the most fun car I've driven. Awesome interior, exterior, and super sporty ride. To be honest, you are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to decide between a new Audi or a new BMW. In my opinion, they are the two best cars on the road. The AWD (quattro) option is light years ahead of any other manufacturer with regards to all-wheel drive. After all, that's what set Audi on the map.
My only complaint with the Audi is the cost of some repairs. Particularly, water pump and timing belt, heater core, valve and cam seals. But, since you're leasing, awesome. Audi's RS6 may be the best car on the planet by the way!
My only complaint with the Audi is the cost of some repairs. Particularly, water pump and timing belt, heater core, valve and cam seals. But, since you're leasing, awesome. Audi's RS6 may be the best car on the planet by the way!
Members
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, Ky.
My Ride: 05 545 Sport,Premium,Cold Weather,NAV,SAT,Logic7
Originally Posted by tallers' post='1093724' date='Jan 19 2010, 08:27 PM
Thanks for the relief from Audi bashers. I'm feeling good again about my decision. 

Originally Posted by Howitzer' post='1092351' date='Jan 18 2010, 03:50 AM
I am NOT a fan of the new F01 or the F10 styling as I think BMW is moving towards an old-man look like Buick did for years. Audi is definitely modern and stylish. While I'm sure the F10 will look great with an M-tech, the Audi looks good without "a kit".
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Exton, PA
My Ride: '04 545i, Silver Gray-Black Dakota, Cold pkg, Prem. Sound, Sport pkg, Nav, Voice Activation
Originally Posted by Yopeterson' post='1093799' date='Jan 19 2010, 10:37 PM
What do you expect? This is a BMW Forum. Hope the Audi dealer has nice loaners, as they will be sitting in your garage often. My previous car was a 2004 A6. Worst car I ever owned! No help help from Audi North America either. Good Luck!
I've owned 3 BMW's and believe me the 545i which I still own has had plenty of visits to the service department. Even so, I enjoy German cars and will put up with that inconvenience to be able to drive some of the finer cars in the world. The same holds true for my 2004 545i. I'm sure today's 550i is a lot better car quality-wise than mine! Technology advances quickly.
I think Audi has been working on quality improvements, similar to VW. They both have come a long way over the past few years.
Rollin' the dice....
Originally Posted by melimel' post='1093149' date='Jan 18 2010, 04:09 PM
good luck and congrads! the audi is a great car as that was my previous lease. we had the a6 with the 4.2. slamming car i must say, handled awesome.. come back soon though!
I agree. I think the newer Audi's have advanced much since their earlier "problematic" days. But hey, it's not like BMWs were ever perfect!
If I didn't get my 545i, it was going to be the A6 C6 4.2 Quattro. I still stare at that car whenever I see one, no matter how rare they may be. The interiors are much nicer than the 5er but something about the 5 just feels more "grounded."


