[skiajl6297]

Long time lurker here. Considering a 528i vs an A6. Used as family car for daily 1+ hour commute to and from work in DC traffic, hauling kid to and from daycare.

I originally was looking at a 535 vs an A6, but from a price perspective, my lease offers have priced me out of the 535i. Without getting into the lease specifics, which I have been aggressively negotiating, and based on our budget, it is clear that our options are a moderately well optioned A6 and a 528i.

For the 528i owners -

Are you satisfied with your 528i as a daily driver?

Did you test drive an A6 or 535i and still choose the 528?

Obviously the 528i is slower than the 535, and much slower than A6. I am having a hard time being practical (4 cyl) when I have driven the speedy 535 and even speedier A6. Since the 535 is out for financial reasons, the A6 is my fun option, and the BMW is the other, more practical option.

I have configured a well equipped A6 and a really well equipped 528 to nearly the same palatable price. I am looking for your real world experiences in the 528, and would appreciate your thoughts on the benefits of the 5 vs A6. I am not looking for an Audi preaching or bashing session. Also not considering a Lexus. I know this comes down to personal preference, but I'd appreciate feedback from 528i owners that might have made this same choice.

Thanks!

[A900ss]

I had a new shape Audi A6 3.0TFSI for an extended test drive and was very impressed.

Performance will be in a different league to a 528i and I wouldn't think twice about choosing the Audi.

[matt44228]

The 528i is basically the same car as the 535i just a smaller engine. That was the deal breaker for me. When I looked under the hood in the 2012 528 I knew that i couldn't deal with that. The engine looked really small almost like a toy. This is just my preference but when I pop the hood I want a nice big engine there so I went with the 535i. I looked at the a6 also but I think I have always been driven toward bmw and mercedes rather than audi's. So you would probably get a bias opinion from me. The a6 is nice but I have never drove it so I cant say how it drive, but it is a gorgeous car too especialy with the s package. I say test drive it and see how it feels. If you go from your 07 3 series to the 2012 528i it will be a huge difference. When looking at power you have like 230hp now, and the 528 has 240hp plus its turbo charged so it will be an upgrade in power from your current car. I say choose the bmw its a great car and you wont regret it, my color is black saphire and it looks gorgeous and it doesn't really look dirty at all. (unless your really really close lol) Also the interior on the 5 series is gorgeous one of my favorite they've made. I was choosing between a 750 and 535i or 528i choose the 535i because the 528i engine was too small and the 750 was just too big of a car for my needs (dnt need all that space and I wanted a sporty car) so i got the 5 series and I dont regret it.

[BigKutta]

I never considered Audi or Merc, it was always going to be BMW for me (I am forever a BMW driver). I drove both a 528 and 535 (including the 2011 i6 528), however, I found the N20 528 to be more than sufficient for my needs.

I commute 50+ miles daily in DC traffic and since you are in MD you know exactly where i drive which is Clara Barton, beltway, toll road, and I think the 528i is perfect. It is a blast in the twisties of clara barton, fuel efficient for the stop-and-go of the beltway, and has enough power to give me the thrills on the toll-road. If you are looking to race people then go with a 550, otherwise what exactly are you gaining from the 535i? I enjoy the BMW engineering, handling, technology, and fuel efficiency regardless of the engine. I get about 30mpg on my commute.

[skiajl6297]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

I never considered Audi or Merc, it was always going to be BMW for me (I am forever a BMW driver). I drove both a 528 and 535 (including the 2011 i6 528), however, I found the N20 528 to be more than sufficient for my needs.

I commute 50+ miles daily in DC traffic and since you are in MD you know exactly where i drive which is Clara Barton, beltway, toll road, and I think the 528i is perfect. It is a blast in the twisties of clara barton, fuel efficient for the stop-and-go of the beltway, and has enough power to give me the thrills on the toll-road. If you are looking to race people then go with a 550, otherwise what exactly are you gaining from the 535i? I enjoy the BMW engineering, handling, technology, and fuel efficiency regardless of the engine. I get about 30mpg on my commute.

This is exactly what is gnawing at me. I know your route well. I am M Street to Canal to Clara Barton to Beltway to 270.

I spend a half hour in the evenings literally sitting and not moving in Georgetown on occasion.

Do I need the A6's supercharged engine to sit there? Obviously not. I am driving around with a kid for goodness sake. But I just can't shake that sickly feeling of paying 54-56k and NOT choosing the speed demon - particularly when that speed demon is comparable in terms of amenities to the BMW (as I am configuring it).

I suspect some of this is speed envy - I have never owned a truly fast car. The 328i is the fastest car I have ever owned. (I love my E90 328 to death). I have always dreamed of having a wickedly fast car, since my childhood. But I also don't NEED one. I just have the option to choose between wickedly fast, and comfortable and logical, for basically the same money. But I am also now spoiled by BMW - and speed alone won't cut it, hence why I am looking at midsized german luxury segment. And feeling the BMW tug.

Thanks all for your feedback. I am curious to hear more of everyone's thoughts. Wife is taking an extended drive of an A6 this weekend to see if she can get comfy in it.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by skiajl6297

I suspect some of this is speed envy - I have never owned a truly fast car. The 328i is the fastest car I have ever owned. (I love my E90 328 to death). I have always dreamed of having a wickedly fast car, since my childhood. But I also don't NEED one. I just have the option to choose between wickedly fast, and comfortable and logical, for basically the same money. But I am also now spoiled by BMW - and speed alone won't cut it, hence why I am looking at midsized german luxury segment. And feeling the BMW tug.

I currently own a 2012 A6 and my wife has a BMW 3 series. I have driven the 528xi and 535xi and now considering the 535xi in a few months. I havent made up my mind yet, but I like the A6 as much as the 535xi. The 528xi is just too slow for me, too noisy and not smooth.
If you think about it, do we need any of these things that the A6 and the 5 series have to offered. We do not, but its nice to have and for $50K+, I want them in my car even if I dont use it. Horse Power is a prime example of those things we dont need but want. You cant go wrong with either car, but if you do decide on the 5 series, I would try to step up to the 535i if I were you.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by skiajl6297

But I am also now spoiled by BMW - and speed alone won't cut it, hence why I am looking at midsized german luxury segment. And feeling the BMW tug.

Whatever you do, don't buy something you will regret. You can get a decently equipped 535i for $55k after heavy negotiation. However, like me, you are also considering the practicality of it all. I too always wanted a wicked fast car, but the practical side of me and the visual of sitting on the beltway always sways me. Maybe some day I will an M car...(I am surrounded by them while sitting in traffic LOL!)

I never feel like I am wanting for power for the brief periods that I enjoy it. Bursting unto 100 mph is very easy in this car and can/will get me in trouble, so I doubt I need more. Its just a nice to have.

[The X Men]

There is plenty of traffic here in Boston as well, but every weekend, I make sure I take my car out on a nice empty road and have some fun. There is nothing like a fast luxury car that handles well with a good sound system, the rest is all gravy.

[HUK]

I got 32.7 MPG averaging 70 MPH over 120 miles in my 535i with just 500 miles on it... I think that's impressive. Driving back, I stepped on it a bit more but still got 28.8 MPG.

[TheGr8Swami]

As a previous Audi owner in the DC-Metro area I will say that your ownership experience will be better with a BMW. Dealership service for Audi in the DMV is terrible, and unless you are using a good indy tuner for your service expect overpriced shoddy work!

AWD was a must for me because I'm considered Essential-Personnel. The Audi A6 3.0T is a solid car and w/Quattro would be a great choice if getting around in the snow is a must. The 5 series is a heavy car and I felt the 528 was straining in certain driving situations. I actually returned my loaner and got a 328xi instead.

Honestly, if the 535 is out b/c of price, I say go with the Audi and use a shop like New German Performance or Induktion Motorsports for your non-warranty service!

Good luck, and enjoy.

[skiajl6297]

Originally Posted by TheGr8Swami

As a previous Audi owner in the DC-Metro area I will say that your ownership experience will be better with a BMW. Dealership service for Audi in the DMV is terrible, and unless you are using a good indy tuner for your service expect overpriced shoddy work!

AWD was a must for me because I'm considered Essential-Personnel. The Audi A6 3.0T is a solid car and w/Quattro would be a great choice if getting around in the snow is a must. The 5 series is a heavy car and I felt the 528 was straining in certain driving situations. I actually returned my loaner and got a 328xi instead.

Honestly, if the 535 is out b/c of price, I say go with the Audi and use a shop like New German Performance or Induktion Motorsports for your non-warranty service!

Good luck, and enjoy.

Thanks! This is a great point for anyone considering between BMW and Audi, particularly on a lease. Since non-warranty service is not included with the A6 (other than the first check-up), and I am only considering a 10k mile/year lease, how much actual maintenance would I reasonably expect to have to perform on a brand new Audi? I assume oil change every 6-10k miles. Do you think I'd need to do any more major, scheduled work within 30k miles, e.g. brakes or other mechanical work?

Audi is offering an extended maintenance plan that would cover the lease term, for around $900 if memory serves.

Thanks everyone - this is an extremely helpful bunch of feedback. Unfortunately, I continue to waffle on this topic. Doing an extended test of the A6 tomorrow, which should help to determine whether we can be truly happy with it as opposed to the BMW - which I know we could be happy with. I have driven the 528i enough to know how much I could love it.

Also, the wife needs to see if she can get comfy in the Audi - her first test drive left her questioning the Audi's headrests and whether she could get completely comfy behind the wheel. It was interesting - she is tiny and has never had an issue with a headrest. But she also drives a 328i - and those seats are tailor made for short people. I am 6'2" and LOVED the Audi seat - perhaps because I am used to the smaller seats.

And yes, unfortunately - the 535i is out - for any BMW I am considering, we want, at a minimum, navi, upgraded seats, park distance/camera. As configured for the 535 - price was a good bit apart from our quoted A6. The 528i we are considering has luxury seating, tech package, head up display, and is right in our sweet spot - with the head-up display being an extra perk to the BMW.

I expect that we will be legitimately thrilled with either purchase - this is a good problem to have. Thanks again for all of your input.

[kc1953]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

I never considered Audi or Merc, it was always going to be BMW for me (I am forever a BMW driver). I drove both a 528 and 535 (including the 2011 i6 528), however, I found the N20 528 to be more than sufficient for my needs.

I commute 50+ miles daily in DC traffic and since you are in MD you know exactly where i drive which is Clara Barton, beltway, toll road, and I think the 528i is perfect. It is a blast in the twisties of clara barton, fuel efficient for the stop-and-go of the beltway, and has enough power to give me the thrills on the toll-road. If you are looking to race people then go with a 550, otherwise what exactly are you gaining from the 535i? I enjoy the BMW engineering, handling, technology, and fuel efficiency regardless of the engine. I get about 30mpg on my commute.

What you are gaining from the 535i is an engine with a near perfect combination of power, smoothness and economy...if you like that sort of thing.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by MERCSUk153

Well recently BMW had to make a change to the N20 EPA mileage. So it most likely isn't as efficient it is indicated to be. Second since the 5er is a heavy car the 4cylinder engine will have to downshift or rev higher to have the same performance as the N55 engine so if you are driving hard the N20 will most likely be about the same as the N55 in fuel consumption at the end of the day.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/20/b...omy-to-33-mpg/

what matters to me is the real-world mpg that I get for my driving situation. My mix of driving in stop-and-go, open highway, and back road (slow) traffic yields me about 29 mpg. I just got 435 miles out of a single tank (best ever)!

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

what matters to me is the real-world mpg that I get for my driving situation. My mix of driving in stop-and-go, open highway, and back road (slow) traffic yields me about 29 mpg. I just got 435 miles out of a single tank (best ever)!

Keep in mind that owners with small engines do drive their car the same way as an owners with a more powerful engine.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by The X Men

Keep in mind that owners with small engines do drive their car the same way as an owners with a more powerful engine.

Of course. But our engines need to work much harder

[dpwr]

not sure how 4cyl is, but my 6 banger has decept power and amazing fuel economy especially with high gas prices right now...

[stealth.pilot]

If you are choosing between the 3.0T A6 and the 528i then I would recommend the A6.

However if you are comparing to the 2.0T A6 then I would recommend the BMW. The 4 cylinder A6 is front wheel drive and totally rubbish.

[skiajl6297]

Drove them both again. A 528i with M Sport, carbon black. First time driving with DDC/Sport - HUGE fan. I can't see myself in one of these cars without it. I really enjoyed this car and for the first time driving a 528i - I walked away excited. And carbon black is gorgeous!

Also drove the A6. Still have issues with the seats. When comparing them to the comfort seats in the BMW, it is no contest - BMW wins 100 times out of 100. But the power. God, the power. The A6 is just fast! How do you say no to that?

I need to listen to both devils on my shoulder - 2 hours a day in traffic, 1 hour a week on open roads, efficient = smart. Comfy = smart. Fast = smiles. Gadgets = smiles.

This is a harder decision than I anticipated! Surprised how much improved the 528i was with M Sport.

PS - only considering the 3.0 - no desire for the Audi FWD.

[dpwr]

in my opinion if decision is so close, I would pick the one where I liked interior the best... you'll be spending a lot of time inside the car so going with the best interior would beat extra hp for me...

Originally Posted by skiajl6297

Drove them both again. A 528i with M Sport, carbon black. First time driving with DDC/Sport - HUGE fan. I can't see myself in one of these cars without it. I really enjoyed this car and for the first time driving a 528i - I walked away excited. And carbon black is gorgeous!

Also drove the A6. Still have issues with the seats. When comparing them to the comfort seats in the BMW, it is no contest - BMW wins 100 times out of 100. But the power. God, the power. The A6 is just fast! How do you say no to that?

I need to listen to both devils on my shoulder - 2 hours a day in traffic, 1 hour a week on open roads, efficient = smart. Comfy = smart. Fast = smiles. Gadgets = smiles.

This is a harder decision than I anticipated! Surprised how much improved the 528i was with M Sport.

PS - only considering the 3.0 - no desire for the Audi FWD.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by skiajl6297

Drove them both again. A 528i with M Sport, carbon black. First time driving with DDC/Sport - HUGE fan. I can't see myself in one of these cars without it. I really enjoyed this car and for the first time driving a 528i - I walked away excited. And carbon black is gorgeous!

Also drove the A6. Still have issues with the seats. When comparing them to the comfort seats in the BMW, it is no contest - BMW wins 100 times out of 100. But the power. God, the power. The A6 is just fast! How do you say no to that?

I need to listen to both devils on my shoulder - 2 hours a day in traffic, 1 hour a week on open roads, efficient = smart. Comfy = smart. Fast = smiles. Gadgets = smiles.

This is a harder decision than I anticipated! Surprised how much improved the 528i was with M Sport.

PS - only considering the 3.0 - no desire for the Audi FWD.

Yes there is no doubt the 5 series is a better car when equipped with a suitable power plant. That's why the 535i M-Sport is really the right answer here.

BTW Sign up for the Drive for TeamUSA event and you can get a $1000 rebate on a new BMW.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by dpwr

in my opinion if decision is so close, I would pick the one where I liked interior the best... you'll be spending a lot of time inside the car so going with the best interior would beat extra hp for me...

I don't know. I didn't grow up with a love of car interiors, I grew up with a love of horsepower.

I'm not saying the interior isn't important, in fact it was decisive in my choice of car, but I do think compromising on the engine is not the answer either.

[dpwr]

but if you can't have both what do you pick ?

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

I don't know. I didn't grow up with a love of car interiors, I grew up with a love of horsepower.

I'm not saying the interior isn't important, in fact it was decisive in my choice of car, but I do think compromising on the engine is not the answer either.