Help with 325Xi - A4 decision
10-25-2001, 02:09 PM
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Help with 325Xi - A4 decision
I have spent a lot of time with the new A4 and had decided on a 1.8T 5 spd. with all options except Sport and Bose.
I then went to see the '02 325 and loved it. I don't know why I like it better than the A4 but I think it has a more commanding presence (??). Anyways, the Xi is about CDN$5K more than the A4 1.8. Can anyone who has looked at both cars provide me with their impressions?
TIA. I look forward to hearing from all of you.
I then went to see the '02 325 and loved it. I don't know why I like it better than the A4 but I think it has a more commanding presence (??). Anyways, the Xi is about CDN$5K more than the A4 1.8. Can anyone who has looked at both cars provide me with their impressions?
TIA. I look forward to hearing from all of you.
10-25-2001, 02:29 PM
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Re: Help with 325Xi - A4 decision
I just purchased an 01 325i and I totally love it. I had a 98 A4 2.8 Tip.
Not only is the BMW more of a status car (meaning it doesn't look up to any other car, which I believe Audi tries to do), but in my opinion it's just that much better than the new A4. And I do have the feeling of "I've made it" as shallow as that may be. Yes, the BMW will be more expensive than the A4, but you're getting a 6 cyl engine instead of a 4. That's only part of it though. Even though i bought my A4 used, it just didn't feel too sporty (maybe the Tip had something to do with that though) and i never really fell in love with the car as i've done with the 325i after 4 days.
Another thing, BMW service techs (not only salesmen) say you only need to change engine oil once every 15k miles since they use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. It may be a gimmick, so take it for what it's worth. And the Harman Kardon stereo blows the doors off the Bose system, as far as factory units go.
Not only is the BMW more of a status car (meaning it doesn't look up to any other car, which I believe Audi tries to do), but in my opinion it's just that much better than the new A4. And I do have the feeling of "I've made it" as shallow as that may be. Yes, the BMW will be more expensive than the A4, but you're getting a 6 cyl engine instead of a 4. That's only part of it though. Even though i bought my A4 used, it just didn't feel too sporty (maybe the Tip had something to do with that though) and i never really fell in love with the car as i've done with the 325i after 4 days.
Another thing, BMW service techs (not only salesmen) say you only need to change engine oil once every 15k miles since they use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. It may be a gimmick, so take it for what it's worth. And the Harman Kardon stereo blows the doors off the Bose system, as far as factory units go.
10-25-2001, 03:02 PM
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I am in the same hole.....but I am looking at the 330i or A4 3.0.
I test drove both cars but I feel more power and pick up out of the 330xi. I am really thinking about the xi though. I really dont need the xi since it only snows a few times a year. And when it does snow there is so much traffic that I can only go like 5 mph anyway. I also feel that the bmw feels more like a cockpit. I feel more surrounded. The xi is a 32/68 split in there awd. Still deciding. A big turn off for me is that unpainted lower body panel. I saw it today and dont really it all. But if the dealer can get me the Votex body kit it'll be a tough decision. I just need to get the dealer the part numbers for the kit.
10-25-2001, 03:39 PM
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Almost, but not entirely
The price difference in CDN$ between the 325Xi and the A4 1.8T comparably equipped is about $5K. Of course, the A4 is a 4cyl while the 325 is an inline 6. I would say that of the $5K difference between the 2, about half ($2,500) is for the BMW name. The rest is for substance.
I agree that a more fair comparison would be the 325Xi to the A4 3.0. The problem is, I would not buy the A4 3.0 but I would buy the 1.8T
I agree that a more fair comparison would be the 325Xi to the A4 3.0. The problem is, I would not buy the A4 3.0 but I would buy the 1.8T
10-25-2001, 04:47 PM
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Rule of thumb ...
the BMW will always be a little better in dynamics, the Audi will almost always be noticeably less expensive for almost the same performance. And I'm sorry, but no one does interiors in this price range like Audi.
Depends how much you can afford to spend. It's not like either car is a mistake.
Depends how much you can afford to spend. It's not like either car is a mistake.
10-26-2001, 04:50 AM
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A4 vs BMW (m)
The Bose System in the 2002 absolutely, positively, without hesitance....DESTROYS the old Bose System.
As far as it not being as sporty as the BMW.....well you did buy the automatic...that is your fault. A Tiptronic Quattro 1.8t moves like a slug.
I test drove a 325i recently. It was a nice car, but nothing in it jumped out at me that said "Buy Me!". The 2.5 straight six felt less responsive than my B5 1.8tqms. It was not equipped with the Sport package, and it handled like a Buick. The steering was loose & overly compensated.
The Harmon Kardon System was laughable...it had an Off/On switch as if potential owners would want to go back and forth bewtten HK & NON-HK sound. It only had a single Dash CD player (w/o a cassette if I remember correctly).
It stickered @ 5K> either my B6 or my old B5. At the end of the test drive, i was happy to be back in my B5.
Add to the above that the BMW is RWD, which might be great during the summer, renders the car a near hazard come winter. W/ Quattro & the right tires, you NEVER worry about rain, puddles, wet leaves, etc. Quattro lets you decide if you want to go out for a drive, and renders the weather conditions little more than a conversation piece.
The 325xi is not availble with the real sport package and rides 0.8" higher than the stock 325i.
Now why would I want to pay that $5G premium again?
As far as it not being as sporty as the BMW.....well you did buy the automatic...that is your fault. A Tiptronic Quattro 1.8t moves like a slug.
I test drove a 325i recently. It was a nice car, but nothing in it jumped out at me that said "Buy Me!". The 2.5 straight six felt less responsive than my B5 1.8tqms. It was not equipped with the Sport package, and it handled like a Buick. The steering was loose & overly compensated.
The Harmon Kardon System was laughable...it had an Off/On switch as if potential owners would want to go back and forth bewtten HK & NON-HK sound. It only had a single Dash CD player (w/o a cassette if I remember correctly).
It stickered @ 5K> either my B6 or my old B5. At the end of the test drive, i was happy to be back in my B5.
Add to the above that the BMW is RWD, which might be great during the summer, renders the car a near hazard come winter. W/ Quattro & the right tires, you NEVER worry about rain, puddles, wet leaves, etc. Quattro lets you decide if you want to go out for a drive, and renders the weather conditions little more than a conversation piece.
The 325xi is not availble with the real sport package and rides 0.8" higher than the stock 325i.
Now why would I want to pay that $5G premium again?
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