[imax00]

Hello guys, I just joined. I have spent some time lurking around reading info here and there but im looking for some 5 series owner opinions.
I am in the market for a used '13 bmw 535i xdrive or '13 Audi s4.
Both of the cars seem to have the same value right now. My heart was always
set on the s4, but my concern is the size. I am not sure if the s4 can really accommodate 3 adult passengers comfortably. I know for sure the 5 can.
Funny, I did not test drive the S4. I did however test drive the 535, My initial impression was that the car was very big. I did not floor it or anything because the salesman was in the car and that just feels weird.

So I had some questions.
How does the power feel on the 535? is it adequate?
Does the xdrive system interfere with acceleration? And if I want to put on some coilovers or lowering springs, is this
possible with an xdrive model? Only M sport comes with paddle shifters?

And for the hell of it if you were in my position what would you buy?
Im mostly using the car for commuting to work. I might occasionally need to fit some older adults in there once in a while on weekends. Engaged, No kids.

Already approved with my own financing for either car i just need to choose one...

thanks for reading and thanks for any input in advance.

[SonicEndeavor]

As far as acceleration, it depends on your definition of adequate. The 535ix is fast enough for a 2 ton car - about a half second slower than an S4 from 0-60.
The 535ix is about two ticks faster than the 535i, so no, the awd does not slow the car down. AWD gives you better traction off the line.
There are no coilovers available for the 535ix. Lowering springs are your only option.
Paddle shifters come with the SAT (Sport Automatic Transmission) option, although you can have someone with coding skills enable the SAT programming very easily. Paddle shifters can be retrofitted, but you need to buy the sport steering wheel. Not sure if the SAT was available in non MSports for 2013. If you google "2013 5 series ordering guide" you'll find a PDF with all of the options.

You're talking about two quite different cars - the 535 being a big luxury cruiser and the S4 being a small sports sedan. A better comparison is the BMW 335ix to the S4, in which case I'd pick the 335, which is faster and IMO better looking than the S4. The S4 is a fine choice though.
Drive them all, and don't be afraid to test wide open throttle acceleration with the salesperson in the car. They're used to it.
Also, see if they'll let you take one home for a 24 hour test drive.
Best of luck with your decision.

[M5Beast_NYC]

I used to be a big audi fan before going all BMW. I used to own three S4, 00 S4 -> 04 S4-> 01 S4 avant. I have since converted... I currently own an E46 M3, E70 X5 and now the F10 535i xdrive.

My brother is actually in the market for an 2013+ S4 similar to you. although, I never went for a testdrive so i cant comment on the driving portion, I also looked into the S4 prior to getting my 535i

From aesthetic point of view, to me the 535 is a more luxurious and classic look. Im not a big fan that Audi changes their look quickly and makes the outgoing model feels obsolete.

I think the size difference is pretty apparent, from both interior and exterior. To me the 535 wins.

As for the handling feel and overall comfort. I prefer to stay with BMW.

It really depends on what your preference it. I personally think that the 535 is more luxury with a some sport behaviour. The S4 is more sporty.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by imax00

. I did not floor it or anything because the salesman was in the car and that just feels weird.

my sales guy took us for a spin and boy did He let it rip! He didn't hold back as He said "this is how you drive a BMW!" I was sold!

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by imax00

...Engaged, No kids.

Already approved with my own financing for either car i just need to choose one...

I'll offer my somewhat useless advice as only you can (and should) decide.

At the end of the day you will know which one is more attractive to you after perhaps another visit to both dealers. And this time don't be shy to "floor it" though both of these cars are quite a bit more than just about "flooring it".

Based on "Engaged, No kids." I'd say go get yourself S4 and have fun with it. Both are great cars, and it's hard to go wrong here, just a matter of preference/priories.

Good luck.

[VMRWheels]

Welcome!

As mentioned above, both are great cars but it depends on what your own preferences/priorities are (also how much the dealer wants to help you).

[Sunny 528i]

get the 535 for yourself now and find a girlfriend or fiancée who has the S4 already....that way you get the best of both worlds lol

[Dante269]

welcome to the site.

[NewM3driver]

Let me give you a slightly mature perspective. You are talking about two very different cars.

The S4 is a nice car, but the perception is more "kid" car, with "kid" being the 25 to 35 year old young exec. (I told you this was a more mature view) It is fun, probably will be had with a manual trans, and it will be more admired by your young friends than your boss.

The 5 series is a much more refined car, far more comfortable and able to command far more respect from folks that can afford whatever they want. The 5 series in it's various forms is a staple car for upper level execs, business owners and wall street folks that are beyond an S4. The 5 series IS a bigger car, as it sits on the same platform as the BMW 7 series and Rolls Royce Ghost. After spending several months behind the wheel it will become obvious to you that the 5 is the better car by a long shot. Just the straight 6 engine ALONE is legendary and not remotely in the same league as the audi. Further, with the F10 BMW made a conscious decision to lean the 5 more towards the luxury side of things much to the dismay of many long term customers. While it has lost some of it's sporting edge, the resulting model is truly a world class car (in 6 and 8 cylinder models).

That having been said, you may want that lighter, nimbler point and squirt Audi at this time of your life. In time you will mature, and want to drive the more refined machine. I've known many of Audi drivers to try a BMW and never go back. I don't know any BMW driver to jump to Audi and stay there any longer than a test drive.

Good luck and drive safely.

Oh, and to answer your question: The 535 power is more than adequate.

[Dante269]

OP have you considered the A8 or one of the more refined audis?

[imax00]

Well heres an update. I got fed up trying to locate an S4 i probably went to 2 dealers and both cars were already sold. I did take a look at one outside of my budget and the car does seem too small so i crossed it out.
I looked at the A6 while i was there, but the same problem these audi dealers in ny dont seem to have much pre owned inventory. Plus the rear end of the A6 was kind of bland.

So right now I am looking for a 535i xdrive only....lol
i never considered the A8, seems like its out of my budget.

Thanks for the opinions, will post pics when and if I get it.

[M5Beast_NYC]

I complete know your feeling. My brother is in the market for an 2013 6spd imperial blue with black alcantara seats and inventory is scarce. He's not in a rush so i don't think its a big deal to him. I would say Audi cars will be more abundant past the winter time.

[Bbb34]

A6 or F10 in my view both are great and this is as close as it gets in terms of features/looks/handling/luxury. I don't see you regretting either one.

If I'm you though (and recently I have been in exactly same position), I would still try to find A6 to try it so you don't have to wonder if you've made the right call for years to come