Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
08-27-2009, 02:14 PM
#1
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Markham
Posts: 122
Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
So 1 month after purchasing my Audi (Audi won me over BMW)... I've starting to think of what it would be like to drive a BMW?
The reason is because I set my expectation extremely high for $50k German vehicle that some things just haven't satisfied me just yet.
1) The suspension in the B8 A4 (no ADS or Sports Pac) is great. However, I was expecting this ultra smooth ride with little to no noise has I drove over bumps in the road. There is no rattle inside the car but I do feel the suspension going nuts over all the bumps and cracks in Downtown Toronto. This is normal right? And a BMW would probably be the same RIGHT???
2) When I drive at about 90+ km/h I feel this EVER SO LIGHT vibration in the steering wheel. Not like shaking in my hand but I was expecting the steering wheel to feel as if the car was idle. That is normal right? And BMW would probably be the same RIGHT??
I've never driven a luxury German vehicle other than my brother-in-laws Lexus RX 350. Too squashy of a ride for my liking.
But how does Audi hold up to BMW in terms of ride smoothness?
The reason is because I set my expectation extremely high for $50k German vehicle that some things just haven't satisfied me just yet.
1) The suspension in the B8 A4 (no ADS or Sports Pac) is great. However, I was expecting this ultra smooth ride with little to no noise has I drove over bumps in the road. There is no rattle inside the car but I do feel the suspension going nuts over all the bumps and cracks in Downtown Toronto. This is normal right? And a BMW would probably be the same RIGHT???
2) When I drive at about 90+ km/h I feel this EVER SO LIGHT vibration in the steering wheel. Not like shaking in my hand but I was expecting the steering wheel to feel as if the car was idle. That is normal right? And BMW would probably be the same RIGHT??
I've never driven a luxury German vehicle other than my brother-in-laws Lexus RX 350. Too squashy of a ride for my liking.
But how does Audi hold up to BMW in terms of ride smoothness?
08-27-2009, 02:40 PM
#2
Audi Forum - Posts like a Q5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mississauga
Posts: 597
Re: Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
I can help you. I currently own both an Audi and BMW, and I've had 2 previous BMW's.
1. Ride in the BMW and Audi are pretty much identical. Both cars feel like they're carved from one solid chunk of steel (ie. no rattles, squeaks etc..) So any bumps you feel in the Audi, you'll feel them in the BMW.
2. The slight vibration is probably a balance issue. Your tires may be slightly out of balance.
However, you made the right decision with the Audi. The BMW is just as good (maybe handle a tad better due to the RWD layout) but in my opinion the new BMW's have been beaten with the ugly stick, on both the exterior and interior. The Audi is gorgeous! You made the right choice.
1. Ride in the BMW and Audi are pretty much identical. Both cars feel like they're carved from one solid chunk of steel (ie. no rattles, squeaks etc..) So any bumps you feel in the Audi, you'll feel them in the BMW.
2. The slight vibration is probably a balance issue. Your tires may be slightly out of balance.
However, you made the right decision with the Audi. The BMW is just as good (maybe handle a tad better due to the RWD layout) but in my opinion the new BMW's have been beaten with the ugly stick, on both the exterior and interior. The Audi is gorgeous! You made the right choice.
08-27-2009, 02:45 PM
#3
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Markham
Posts: 45
Re: Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
So 1 month after purchasing my Audi (Audi won me over BMW)... I've starting to think of what it would be like to drive a BMW?
The reason is because I set my expectation extremely high for $50k German vehicle that some things just haven't satisfied me just yet.
1) The suspension in the B8 A4 (no ADS or Sports Pac) is great. However, I was expecting this ultra smooth ride with little to no noise has I drove over bumps in the road. There is no rattle inside the car but I do feel the suspension going nuts over all the bumps and cracks in Downtown Toronto. This is normal right? And a BMW would probably be the same RIGHT???
A. No BMW has a more sportier suspension than the soft set up on the A4. YES my 07' 328xi is a bit bumpy than my A4 .
2) When I drive at about 90+ km/h I feel this EVER SO LIGHT vibration in the steering wheel. Not like shaking in my hand but I was expecting the steering wheel to feel as if the car was idle. That is normal right? And BMW would probably be the same RIGHT??
A. NO. Neither car give you that kind of steering wheel vibration. I suggest you go check your car's tire pressure or take it back to the dealers to complaint a alignment problem. Never felt any vibration even when I was traveling at 140km/h
in my 09' A4
But how does Audi hold up to BMW in terms of ride smoothness?
The reason is because I set my expectation extremely high for $50k German vehicle that some things just haven't satisfied me just yet.
1) The suspension in the B8 A4 (no ADS or Sports Pac) is great. However, I was expecting this ultra smooth ride with little to no noise has I drove over bumps in the road. There is no rattle inside the car but I do feel the suspension going nuts over all the bumps and cracks in Downtown Toronto. This is normal right? And a BMW would probably be the same RIGHT???
A. No BMW has a more sportier suspension than the soft set up on the A4. YES my 07' 328xi is a bit bumpy than my A4 .
2) When I drive at about 90+ km/h I feel this EVER SO LIGHT vibration in the steering wheel. Not like shaking in my hand but I was expecting the steering wheel to feel as if the car was idle. That is normal right? And BMW would probably be the same RIGHT??
A. NO. Neither car give you that kind of steering wheel vibration. I suggest you go check your car's tire pressure or take it back to the dealers to complaint a alignment problem. Never felt any vibration even when I was traveling at 140km/h
in my 09' A4
But how does Audi hold up to BMW in terms of ride smoothness?
08-27-2009, 05:06 PM
#4
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Waterloo
Posts: 195
Re: Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
Don't worry about the slight wobble, it drove me nuts for about a year. I had tires road-forced balanced, rotors replaced, rim checked for bent-ness, prop shaft checked (on my old car).
Then I got my A4, and I bought new tires straight away, from Toyo. Their single piece polyester casing means they require very little weight, I had them road-forced anyways. I have the same problem.
Now, my vibration is VERY slight, but I'm picky and I notice it.
Because you're from Ontario, I will tell you what I noticed. I don't have the same problem on US interstates - it's because our roads are asphalt and the salt kills it during the winter. The road has very very tiny depressions and that's what you feel. The 401 corridor between KW and Toronto is mainly new (repaved a few weeks ago), you should notice a drastic improvement.
Ergo, I firmly believe it's just our crap roads.
Just my 0.02$
Then I got my A4, and I bought new tires straight away, from Toyo. Their single piece polyester casing means they require very little weight, I had them road-forced anyways. I have the same problem.
Now, my vibration is VERY slight, but I'm picky and I notice it.
Because you're from Ontario, I will tell you what I noticed. I don't have the same problem on US interstates - it's because our roads are asphalt and the salt kills it during the winter. The road has very very tiny depressions and that's what you feel. The 401 corridor between KW and Toronto is mainly new (repaved a few weeks ago), you should notice a drastic improvement.
Ergo, I firmly believe it's just our crap roads.
Just my 0.02$
08-27-2009, 09:39 PM
#5
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Markham
Posts: 122
Re: Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
Thanks guys. I've been meaning to contact my dealer to check the balance on my wheels.
Like you said Vliou, I'm SUPER picky when it comes to in-car noise. Driving home today I was getting frustrated about this light rattle in the back seat somewhere. I finally found it was a pack of granola bars I put in the rear arm rest storage area several weeks back. Took it out and ate it. Bam - sound was gone!
Nonetheless - I love the car. I just worry that one day I'll sit in a BMW and find it to be better than the Audi. I have nothing against BMW owners. I just don't want to be grouped into "that" category.
50K is a lot of money and I just want to make sure I invested it somewhere worthwhile.
Like you said Vliou, I'm SUPER picky when it comes to in-car noise. Driving home today I was getting frustrated about this light rattle in the back seat somewhere. I finally found it was a pack of granola bars I put in the rear arm rest storage area several weeks back. Took it out and ate it. Bam - sound was gone!
Nonetheless - I love the car. I just worry that one day I'll sit in a BMW and find it to be better than the Audi. I have nothing against BMW owners. I just don't want to be grouped into "that" category.
50K is a lot of money and I just want to make sure I invested it somewhere worthwhile.
08-27-2009, 09:46 PM
#7
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Waterloo
Posts: 195
Re: Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
If it's major, it's a wheel balance - get it Roadforced (Hunter Roadforce Balancing)
Your alignment can cause a vibration (but only super dorky people like me can feel it), but it has to be REALLY badly out.
I know what you mean about the 328xi...I would take an 09, but not the old one...
Your alignment can cause a vibration (but only super dorky people like me can feel it), but it has to be REALLY badly out.
I know what you mean about the 328xi...I would take an 09, but not the old one...
08-28-2009, 08:04 AM
#8
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 36
Re: Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
We just went through basically the same exercise and decided on a 2006 A4 over a 325xi. We had initially wanted to go with the BMW, but simply were not "blown away" by it as we had expected to be. It could be partially due to the fact is my Legacy GT is much closer to both of them than I expected it to be. In the end we liked the A4 better, and the one we found (S-Line, 3.2, winter package was a much better value than the corresponding 325xi's we saw.
08-30-2009, 09:55 PM
#9
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09-03-2009, 03:07 AM
#10
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Join Date: Jan 2009
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Posts: 279
Re: Audi A4 vs BMW 328xi
lol.. id say if u looking for performance as in speed/look and not so much of everything else .. bmw the way to go. Everything else you looking for... like handling, comfort, and years of awd technology... audi is the way to go. good choice though.
but if u put a 2 door 328xi.. i would be all over that in a blink of an eye sorry to say.
but if u put a 2 door 328xi.. i would be all over that in a blink of an eye sorry to say.
