Yes or No? Switch from Audi A8 to either 535xi or 550i
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Princeton Junction, NJ
Audi has a better AWD system and its is more in tune for all weather driving. BMW makes great RWD cars and that bias is visible in their AWD cars. I found BMW AWD system lacking, was not impressed at all.
So, if AWD is important, stick with people with the most experience in it = Audi.
Raj
So, if AWD is important, stick with people with the most experience in it = Audi.
Raj
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 311
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From: The Netherlands
My Ride: '04 530d Executive, all options except sunroof and comfort seats
ECU remapped by ZipTuning to 260+bhp.
Before buying my 530d, i've taken a look at 7-series, A6's and A8's.
I've rated them on a couple of things:
- Comfort
- Sportiness
- Looks
First the Comfort:
BMW wins this in the seat department, hands down, no questions asked. Audi seats are WAY too hard and you get a back ache after every drive that takes longer than an hour. BMW's seats (even the standard seats) are WAY better, softer (not too soft) and offer great support. I also prefer iDrive (ProNav) over Audi's MMI High, but that's a personal choice. (Although i have to admit: you can update the Audi's system via CD-ROM's, which is a BIG BIG plus compared to the Progman updates you need to do at the dealer).
Then Looks:
Also a personal choice, but an Audi looks like a boring salesman car, every salesman here in Holland either has a VW Passat Estate or an Audi A4/A6 Estate. A BMW (especially with M-Tech kit and nice rims) looks much more agressive, much more: "Get out of my way you little person". I prefer that look over the anonymous Audi look anyday. (Except maybe for an R8 or an RS5)
Sportiness:
Well, to be totally honest, an RS6 beats an M5 on the handling part. But for the normal range a 5-series is your best choice. Much stiffer suspension, better handling and ofcourse rear-wheel drive which is fun.
The 5 also beats the 7 on this point, that's why i choose a 5 over a 7. A 5-er gives you the impression that you are connected to the wheels much more than the "floaty" 7-er does. It's much more fun to drive.
I've rated them on a couple of things:
- Comfort
- Sportiness
- Looks
First the Comfort:
BMW wins this in the seat department, hands down, no questions asked. Audi seats are WAY too hard and you get a back ache after every drive that takes longer than an hour. BMW's seats (even the standard seats) are WAY better, softer (not too soft) and offer great support. I also prefer iDrive (ProNav) over Audi's MMI High, but that's a personal choice. (Although i have to admit: you can update the Audi's system via CD-ROM's, which is a BIG BIG plus compared to the Progman updates you need to do at the dealer).
Then Looks:
Also a personal choice, but an Audi looks like a boring salesman car, every salesman here in Holland either has a VW Passat Estate or an Audi A4/A6 Estate. A BMW (especially with M-Tech kit and nice rims) looks much more agressive, much more: "Get out of my way you little person". I prefer that look over the anonymous Audi look anyday. (Except maybe for an R8 or an RS5)
Sportiness:
Well, to be totally honest, an RS6 beats an M5 on the handling part. But for the normal range a 5-series is your best choice. Much stiffer suspension, better handling and ofcourse rear-wheel drive which is fun.
The 5 also beats the 7 on this point, that's why i choose a 5 over a 7. A 5-er gives you the impression that you are connected to the wheels much more than the "floaty" 7-er does. It's much more fun to drive.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
Originally Posted by rmpatek' post='791844' date='Feb 13 2009, 06:34 AM
I am considering a BMW 5 series for my next car. I currently lease a 2007 Audi A8 with sport package. Will I be disappointed with a BMW 5 Series 535xi or 550i with the sport package? How is the 550i in the winter with snow tires?
Go for the new F01 750i.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,084
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From: Thousand Oaks, California
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Originally Posted by e60insd' post='791895' date='Feb 12 2009, 09:54 PM
PLEASE STICK WITH AUDI!
The last thing you want is to have to come up with places to go just to enjoy your car. You don't want to contend with the jealous on-lookers who want a BMW. You don't want to have people bothering you all day saying "Man thats nice car". You don't want your wife thinking you love the E60 more than her....
I think the choice is clear.
Welcome to the forum and please come on over... 550i all the way!
The last thing you want is to have to come up with places to go just to enjoy your car. You don't want to contend with the jealous on-lookers who want a BMW. You don't want to have people bothering you all day saying "Man thats nice car". You don't want your wife thinking you love the E60 more than her....
I think the choice is clear.
Welcome to the forum and please come on over... 550i all the way!
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 493
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From: Chicago
My Ride: #1: 2004 545i; 6-speed manual; Sport Package; Mystic Blue with a gray leather interior and Anthracite wood; CWP; Logic 7.
#2: 2010 535xi Touring; Automatic.
I have Dunlop Wintersport M3s, runflats, on my car in the winter in Chicago. It is very good in snow. I grew up driving RWD cars in the snow. I have the 545, which is the old V8 designation, so still the more powerful version, and it's fine. You have to be more attentive than if you were driving an AWD car (like my wife's 325ix wagon). You just need to be sure you don't get caught with your big fat summer tires in the snow, so just change them plenty early, like end of October.
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