New Audi A4 vs. 12 328i?

Hey all,
I posted a similar topic on Audizine and thought I better give equal time to the the Bimmer fans. I am looking to replace my 04 X5 with something sporty. I have driven the 13 A4 and the 12 328i. The responses on the Audi forum were predictable, the Audi is a great car but not as great as a 3 series. My local dealer is selling off their loaner fleet and they have 2 328's in my price range. The problem is I am essentially buying a used BMW just to compete cost wise with a new A4.

So, those of you that own an f30, what do you like/dislike, and what would you change?

Assuming you're talking about the quattro A4, I went and built one on their site, and the final MSRP is $ 45,245. This is without any extra options.

I also built a '13 328i on BMW's site. Started with the Base line, added leather (since Audi has it by default), DHP, and lighting package. The final MSRP is $41,125.

Just for fun I also added the Tech package and Premium package on the BMW. The MSRP is $45,875...just marginally more than the A4. And this is with almost every option BMW has, vs zero extra options on the Audi.

I fail to see how Audi is cheaper than BMW. Maybe if you're comparing the cheapest A4 with a fully loaded 328i...then yeah.

Have you considered custom ordering a BMW? If you don't need certain options/packages, you can save quite a lot by custom ordering and not getting anything you don't need. I just got a new 335i for under $45k because I really don't need a lot of technology stuff to enjoy my car. That's at least $10k less than any 335i you will ever find on a dealer lot.

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

Hey all,
I posted a similar topic on Audizine and thought I better give equal time to the the Bimmer fans. I am looking to replace my 04 X5 with something sporty. I have driven the 13 A4 and the 12 328i. The responses on the Audi forum were predictable, the Audi is a great car but not as great as a 3 series. My local dealer is selling off their loaner fleet and they have 2 328's in my price range. The problem is I am essentially buying a used BMW just to compete cost wise with a new A4.

So, those of you that own an f30, what do you like/dislike, and what would you change?

Really?! Posters on the Audi forum say that about the A4 v. the 3 Series?

What's your budget?

Originally Posted by Supermax

Assuming you're talking about the quattro A4, I went and built one on their site, and the final MSRP is $ 45,245. This is without any extra options.

I also built a '13 328i on BMW's site. Started with the Base line, added leather (since Audi has it by default), DHP, and lighting package. The final MSRP is $41,125.

Just for fun I also added the Tech package and Premium package on the BMW. The MSRP is $45,875...just marginally more than the A4. And this is with almost every option BMW has, vs zero extra options on the Audi.

I fail to see how Audi is cheaper than BMW. Maybe if you're comparing the cheapest A4 with a fully loaded 328i...then yeah.

Have you considered custom ordering a BMW? If you don't need certain options/packages, you can save quite a lot by custom ordering and not getting anything you don't need. I just got a new 335i for under $45k because I really don't need a lot of technology stuff to enjoy my car. That's at least $10k less than any 335i you will ever find on a dealer lot.

Not sure where you got that number. Base A4 Quattro Premium with 8AT is $35,495
The heavily loaded prestige trim is $45,245.

Originally Posted by Supermax

Assuming you're talking about the quattro A4, I went and built one on their site, and the final MSRP is $ 45,245. This is without any extra options.

I also built a '13 328i on BMW's site. Started with the Base line, added leather (since Audi has it by default), DHP, and lighting package. The final MSRP is $41,125.

Just for fun I also added the Tech package and Premium package on the BMW. The MSRP is $45,875...just marginally more than the A4. And this is with almost every option BMW has, vs zero extra options on the Audi.

I fail to see how Audi is cheaper than BMW. Maybe if you're comparing the cheapest A4 with a fully loaded 328i...then yeah.

Have you considered custom ordering a BMW? If you don't need certain options/packages, you can save quite a lot by custom ordering and not getting anything you don't need. I just got a new 335i for under $45k because I really don't need a lot of technology stuff to enjoy my car. That's at least $10k less than any 335i you will ever find on a dealer lot.

These numbers are way off. A base A4 is WAY cheaper than 45k. Base A4 starts at 32.5k, which is comparable to a 320i. With every bell and whistle there is still a significant price difference.

Budget is $40K. The A4 is Premium Plus, navi, MMI (Audi idrive), back up camera, 18's with Pirelli P6s, quattro, rear folding seats. Audi USA build of the same car is $43.5K. Audizone posters are saying without the sport suspension the A4 is nowhere near a 3.

I need to try a couple of builds on BMW USA. Last one I tried shot up to $48K, base package plus my necessary extras. 0.9 on 13's is awfully appealling though.

bmw is 4-5 K expensive than A4. when i got 2011 E90 i compared the A4, very loaded A4 was 41K and BMW with premium package only was 42K. in the end BMW engine won, The A4 turbo was not as good as BMW inline 6. I wish BMW at least made the lines standard, it is shame that one have to opt out for these options just to get in BMW (to keep certain price point).

You don't want a rebadged Volkswagen. The BMW 3 Series is a perfect car.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

You don't want a rebadged Volkswagen. The BMW 3 Series is a perfect car.

BJ

I agree totally! I was not really interested in the A4, but the Audi dealer is down the street from my BMW dealer. I was wowed by the interior, the gadgets, and the price. We were looking at it when searching for my wife's car, but fortunately found an E90 328 that she loves. I would love a 3, but I refuse to buy an E90 since the F30s came out (I guess BMW has made me a car snob ).

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

I agree totally! I was not really interested in the A4, but the Audi dealer is down the street from my BMW dealer. I was wowed by the interior, the gadgets, and the price. We were looking at it when searching for my wife's car, but fortunately found an E90 328 that she loves. I would love a 3, but I refuse to buy an E90 since the F30s came out (I guess BMW has made me a car snob

I like you, Bill Valley.

How much you want to spend? Let's build your car right now.

BJ

One of the responses on my Audizine post was "you need the sport package to have a whiff of decent handling, and even then you need springs/shocks or coils and sway bars to have the car handle as it should. I do agree though the A4 without the sport package is a 4x4 boat." Pretty scary stuff considering the way a base model 3 handles...

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

I like you, Bill Valley.

How much you want to spend? Let's build your car right now.

BJ

I would spend $45K if the stealer would give me $10K for my 04 X5.

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

I would spend $45K if the stealer would give me $10K for my 04 X5.

You said they had 2 cars that looked good. Do you have the build sheet so we can help you understand the features?

BJ

I sold my 2010 a4 quattro sport premium plus for a 2013 328i m sport. A 2010 is more or less the same as the current a4. Best decision ever. The BMW is much much more fun to drive.

They have two 2012 328i's rwd, base model, black, black leather, hud, nav, comfort access, cold weather package, premium package. They are nearly identical. One has 12K on it the other has 6K.

I have two major concern. Neither has the fold down rear seat (since when did that become an option anyway), and both are automatics. It may sound like I am splitting hairs here, but our 11 manual is the perfect driver's car. I can only imagine the the F30 is at least as fun as that one. Also, if I am going to drop that kind of coin on a ride I am going to get it set up how I want.

Originally Posted by 3ismagic#

Not sure where you got that number.

In my defense, the Audi site sucks compared to BMW's

But numbers be damned, BMW is just a better car. A custom built new 328i will be a better driver's car than any A4.

Originally Posted by Supermax

In my defense, the Audi site sucks compared to BMW's

But numbers be damned, BMW is just a better car. A custom built new 328i will be a better driver's car than any A4.

BMW's website/configurator is better than any of its competitors'.

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

They have two 2012 328i's rwd, base model, black, black leather, hud, nav, comfort access, cold weather package, premium package. They are nearly identical. One has 12K on it the other has 6K.

I have two major concern. Neither has the fold down rear seat (since when did that become an option anyway), and both are automatics...

I thought fold down rear seats were standard on the F30 (they were optional on the E90).

Regarding the number of pedals...there are those who would say that the 8-speed AT is sooo good that you won't miss a manual. Often times, that means they were simply not that good at driving stick.

The statisticians will come out and say that manuals are slower, antiquated and less efficient. But that's not the point....

If you really, really enjoy manual (even in heavy traffic conditions), get a car with 3 pedals. Do not settle and set yourself up for regret.

Originally Posted by 408Racer

I thought fold down rear seats were standard on the F30 (they were optional on the E90).

The fold down back seats were not available on the 2012 F30.

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

They have two 2012 328i's rwd, base model, black, black leather, hud, nav, comfort access, cold weather package, premium package. They are nearly identical. One has 12K on it the other has 6K.

I have two major concern. Neither has the fold down rear seat (since when did that become an option anyway), and both are automatics. It may sound like I am splitting hairs here, but our 11 manual is the perfect driver's car. I can only imagine the the F30 is at least as fun as that one. Also, if I am going to drop that kind of coin on a ride I am going to get it set up how I want.

Originally Posted by 408Racer

I thought fold down rear seats were standard on the F30 (they were optional on the E90).

Regarding the number of pedals...there are those who would say that the 8-speed AT is sooo good that you won't miss a manual. Often times, that means they were simply not that good at driving stick.

The statisticians will come out and say that manuals are slower, antiquated and less efficient. But that's not the point....

If you really, really enjoy manual (even in heavy traffic conditions), get a car with 3 pedals. Do not settle and set yourself up for regret.

Fold down rear seats became standard with the 2013 model year. Before that they had always been optional.

Originally Posted by Bimmermeupscoty

The fold down back seats were not available on the 2012 F30.

They were available. They were just optional.




Here's your perfect build, imho -

328i no line, manual, metallic paint (if you want), ZPP - premium package, ZDH - Dynamic Handling pkg, ZCW - cold weather pkg (since you're in NE, heated steering wheel for you and heated rear seats for your friends), ZLP - xenon headlights (because they are an ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE), HK stereo, BMW Assist (to save your life) w/ enhanced Bluetooth, PDC - park distance control (so you don't back over your kid or your grandma), rear view camera (because it's that good) - MSRP $46,950 ; Invoice (with training and MACO) $43,710.

Originally Posted by Bimmermeupscoty

The fold down back seats were not available on the 2012 F30.

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Fold down rear seats became standard with the 2013 model year. Before that they had always been optional.


They were available. They were just optional.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by tturedraider

328i no line, manual, metallic paint (if you want), ZPP - premium package, ZDH - Dynamic Handling pkg, ZCW - cold weather pkg (since you're in NE, heated steering wheel and heated rear seats for your friends), ZLP - xenon headlights (because they are an ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE), HK stereo, BMW Assist (to save your life) w/ enhanced Bluetooth, PDC - park distance control (so you don't back over your kid or your grandma), rear view camera (because it's that good) - MSRP $46,950 ; Invoice (with training and MACO) $43,710.

Agree for the most part. My build does have the Sport Line (for the wheels!) and jet black. I also dropped HK, PDC and rear view camera in favor of the Tech package. I now find the HUD* and Nav re-routes indispensable.

*one thing I wish it could do was Skype.

I would do this if my budget is under $45k

Invoice is $40955

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Fold down rear seats became standard with the 2013 model year. Before that they had always been optional.


They were available. They were just optional.




Here's your perfect build, imho -

328i no line, manual, metallic paint (if you want), ZPP - premium package, ZDH - Dynamic Handling pkg, ZCW - cold weather pkg (since you're in NE, heated steering wheel for you and heated rear seats for your friends), ZLP - xenon headlights (because they are an ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE), HK stereo, BMW Assist (to save your life) w/ enhanced Bluetooth, PDC - park distance control (so you don't back over your kid or your grandma), rear view camera (because it's that good) - MSRP $46,950 ; Invoice (with training and MACO) $43,710.

Ding, ding ding! I think we have a winner! Thanks!!! Now all I need to figure out is how to permanently disable that start/stop thingy. On to a forum search...

For the Auto Start Stop, the dealer can code it permanently off at delivery.