Brand new B7. Car was an absolute beast. 340 horses at their full potential! Unbelievable exaust note. Turned on rails. Although I was extremely disspointed in the ride quality. Around Boston, I felt every single bump, expansion joint and pot hole.... X2!!![:@]Unfortunately I have ruled it out due to cost, gas milage and ride quality. I did test drive a 335xi afterwards and was pleasantly surprised. Ride was extremely refined, and interior was comfortable. Car is $10 Large less, gets better gas milage and has similar performance. Its got alot going for it right now IMO. But I still have not test driven the A3 3.2 DSG. That could be the sleeper. Not looking to Mod because its a lease. Current lease is up at the end of April...

Any B7 owners have past experience with BMW 3 Series or A3's?

 

Just get an S5 over the Bimmer

 

I don't think the A3 is gonna compare. In fact, I like the 2.0T over the 3.2. I test drove both and the 4 cyl just feels lighter on it's feet.

My sister owned a 3 series (2006) and I got to drive it once or twice and I loved it. The reviews about how well balanced they are and how good the driver feedback is...are spot on. It did feel bigger than the Audi...I didn't check any wheel base measurements, so I'm not sure how they stack up.

We got an A4 because the pricing on the BMWs is steep and you gotta pay out the a$$ for every option. Since you're leasing and werecomaring to the S4 price point, this won't be an issue for you.

Does BMW offer included maintenance with their lease? If they do, this could save you some $$ since Audi doesn't offer it any more. Your B7 lease included maintenance, right?

I'm anAudi fan, butif I were to choose between the A3 and3 Series, I'd be in the Bimmer. The A5 looks sweet and I'd probably pick it over the 3 Series Have you checked it out? Since it's new, the lease options may suck.

 

ItsThat2.0T: The S5 is in the same price bracket as the S4. The 335xi is still $10,000 cheaper. Personally I would also prefer a 4 door.
Incramentalg: Thanks for the insight. I tried to test drive the A3 today, but the dealer did not have the car they told me they did![:@]
BMW's maintanance is currently included. Audi has done away with this. (Unless you spend an extra $600 for Audi Care) I have already decided that since my 2005.5 lease included maintanance, I will not pay for this on a new Audi and will make the dealer throw it in. Have not checked out the S/A5 yet because I am interested in a 4 door. I am an Audi fan as well (have LOVED my A4) But damn, test driving that 3 just made me look at German sedans in an entirely different light!

Let's face it, if I could afford the S4, this would be a NO BRAINER

 

I also got to test drive one, awesome cars. I got in a nice little 0-80 run that was pretty enjoyable. Don't we all wish we could drive s4s or better yet an rs4 everyday

 

I thought ride quality was straight ballin btw

 

pipes, where do you live? The roads around Boston are awful, and thats why I thought the ride was too jarring.

 

Not sure how far you want to travel, but I think Rietzl Audi/Porche in Norwell has both the 2.0t and 3.2 A3 in stock. I was just there the other day and saw 'em. They have a good test drive route withhighway time. If you give them a call or shoot them an email, they'll tell you exactly what they have and won't BS you. Mike Bruno is the sales manager and he's a straight shooter.

 

Test drove the car back home in St.Louis. Nice smooth roads, didn't really take it over any bumps it was definitely a fun ride. Funny thing was my Dad actually ended up buying the car, kept it for like 2 days and then woke up and thought to himself What have I done? Anyways he decided it was too much of a sports car/gas guzzler and that he couldn't really drive it without going 80+ all the time so he took it back to the dealership. It was way to comfortable and easy to get going high speeds without thinking twice, I have to agree, but I was like Dad you cant be serious you sold that back?!?! Now he's driving an A8 though so i think hes happy, more his kind of car.

 

Just upgraded last summer from a 2005 A4 2.0T to a new 2007 A4 3.2 fully loaded. Love my 3.2. However, I was strongly looking into a 335 coupe. Performance-wise, it blows away my 3.2 - the acceleration is awesome with the torque curve available at such a low rpm.

The dealer let me take it out alone (we bought an X3 for my wife a few months prior), and I was truly shocked with how fast it got up to 70-80 mph from a rolling start. I haven't had a car make me feel that way since my old 69 Z28 Camaro, really. Not even the S6 I test drove a couple months prior.

Well, whoever said BMW kills you on the options couldnt be more correct. My car was $44k, and I got a good break. The 335i coupe was $50k with the same options, NO BREAK on price.

I wish I had the torque of the 335, but I really love my car, especially in the rain and snow. There's just something solid about the Audi experience, I feel safe in it. Also, I think Audi has BMW beat hands down in terms of interior trim. There'sa lot of cheap plastic in BMW's still.

Good luck with your decision.

PS Go Sox!!! Nice to know that spring training is starting!!!