I have both an Audi A6 Avant and a BMUU 525IT AKA Touring. The Audi is the new ski car, but I never got stuck with the BMUU during it time as the ski car. BMUU is a more fun car to drive, the steering is not so over powered that you can steer it with your pinkies. Being a 24 valves inline 6 versus a 12 valve v6 the BMUU is definitely a smoother and torqueier(sp) engine.

 

Except for love of deep snow that sound like a LOTUS owner. LOL

 

Wow i been reading this post so many others. And i not richie rich, but i really want to get a 2.7t , it snows here a little but not allot. Just the power alone. But I'm not a guy who works on cars. I mean i guess with this car I would have to learn. I was thinking about the 3.2 a6 , i heard less problem but no turbo...

I guess my ? is, Is it truly the roll of the dice of you getting a6 that will have allot of problem or I have to just keep up the parts that cause the problems? I think it be fun to fix up the a6 but i want to enjoy it too and not be in the shop every 3-4 months.

 

I see it as upkeep, replacing things as they begin to wear out. Euro cars and not cars you can ignore and just replace things once they break. My example would be a loose ball joint. Costs maybe $50.00 to replace yourself on a sunny day with some beer. Or you can wait till it breaks, have your car flat-bedded to a repair shop an have them fix it for 350.00. This applies to any car, but Euro car parts can be a lot more expensive.

I'd know that my ball joints/control arms are getting loose, my mom on the other hand would sit on the side of the road calling my dad asking why the car wouldn't more when one broke. With our Audi's we have 8 front control arms, a Toyota having 2, you get the idea.

 

I dont know what kind of person your mom is, but thats going to play a big role. The 2.7t is a fast and expensive ride, I would only recommend it to a person that enjoys wrenching or has the funds to afford top performance. I don't know much about BMWs but I know german engineering and they probably aren't much different. If she wants a nice ride that is reliable get a lexus.

 

2 very different cars and can be even more different depending on the packages. (I owned 528 before.) It all depends what your mom likes. Some things to consider...

Performance and Handling

528 with sports package will handle better than an A6 in dry pavement. (In snow, nothing beats a quattro.) In a straight line, a tuned 2.7T will blow the doors off a 528. If your mom wants a comfortable ride go with an A6. If she enjoys zipping around corners, go with the bimmer.

Comfort

Tough call... Bimmer with premium package has more bells and whistles. Such as electric steering column adjust, auto dimming mirrors, power seat including head rest adjustment in power, more speakers and etc. A6 with winter package provides rear *** warmers where 528 does not. As for the ride quality crusing on highway speed, A6 feels better.

Looks

E39 was and is my favorite body style (especially with style 5 wheels) for BMW. C5 A6 has more modern lines. If your mom is looking for a sedan, I think 528 looks better. On a wagon, I like both.

Maintenance

Here I have to admit, C5 A6 falls apart, literally. E39 M52 straight 6 is bullet proof. So is the V6 block, but the turbos need maintenance. In addition C5 audi V6 is belt driven where M52 is chain driven. Timing chain replacement not required... I am not saying that BMW won't fall apart. It is known for radiator/cooling system issues. But it is less complicated compared to the Audi V6.

Also the quattro driveline requires a bit more attention than the RWD bimmer.

So in general all depends on what your mom likes. I really loved my 528it. In retrospect, I would still love that car. But I have to admit that I am sure glad that I have my A6 whenever I go to the snow. And in general, I find A6 more versatile.

 

Wow great info.

We went to test drive the 2001 and 2008 528i

2001- She hated the look and the feel of the car. I was not to keen on the curses either.

2008- Man o man, what a ride. I jump in and i see what i truly been missing in a Bimmer. But damm the price tag hurt. I was surprised that she like the 528i, but she said she like the feel of the A6( to be honest i think she like the look more in a6). IT snow a little here but that only happen like 2 weeks out of the year.

Also the price for 2005 is up my ally. For here she might get newer model. July i getting a a6. My mother is getting her in 2 weeks. But going to test drive the bimmer one more time before she drops the ball.


Again i have to say thank you for all the info , this really helped allot. Also i don't want to hi-jack tread, sorry... But ya i was looking to get the 2.7t. Because of power. But i know i wont be able to fix because im no no where close to a mechanic. It would be in the shop getting upgrading and that going to take $$$. I'll ride with the A6. Again thanks for info from everyone on this thread.