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BMW 535i vs Lexus GS 350 vs Audi A6

73 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2013 at 9:08 AM

You are in the Audi A6 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS 350, Audi A6, Car Comparisons, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 5 of 9

#32 of 73 Different strokes for different folks by kgary

Dec 26, 2007 (4:38 am)

I looked at the same cars and went with an A6 4.2. Its funny how we can all look at the same cars and make different choices.

#33 of 73 Perfect discussion for me.... by jdritz

Dec 26, 2007 (8:23 am)

I have an '04 Acura TL with a 6-speed that I love but my wife can't drive it and we find ourselves needing to switch once in a while. We used to have a 3rd car that solved that problem, but that's gone so I find myself in the market. My 3 leading contenders are the BMW535xi, the Lexus GS350AWD, and the Acura MDX. She drives a Honda Pilot so I am thinking that two mid-sized SUV's is unnecessary.
 
So I find myself torn between the 535xi (luxury and cold weather packages and logic7 audio) and the GS350 AWD with the Nav package. MSRP is 6K apart (50,999 for the Lexus vs.57 and change for the BMW) and I feel like I can get Lexus to move more than BMW will. I have driven both (I drove the 528xi and then the 535xi which immediately eliminated the 528xi as an option) and when I get in the Lexus I feel like I am getting in a car targeted at my father's demographic vs. mine. So I have a couple of questions:
 
1) Does the sport package add any value on the Bimmer? 20 way power seats (vs. 10 way w/out) and some trim changes is about all I can see and I am not sure what those other 10 adjustments do for me. I will not get the 18" wheels due to previous experience with an E36 M3 and potholes in the midwest.
2) Should I be concerned about the twin turbos and reliability? Consumer Reports says no, but they aren't exactly car people. Did the turbos come from the european market? Does anyone have any facts on the testing that was done? Or konw where I could look.
3) I know this one is silly, but it's down to cupholders and ULEV ratings to help decide....the cupholders in the Bimmer look fragile and awkward.
4) Why can't I just be smart and save 30K by getting a Honda Accord? That ones probably for my psychologist.
 
Thanks.

#34 of 73 Re: Perfect discussion for me.... [jdritz] by og_oggilby

Dec 26, 2007 (9:57 am)

Replying to: jdritz (Dec 26, 2007 8:23 am)
I saved about 3,400 off of MSRP on the 535xi. I negotiated up from the wholesale price, not down from retail. Lexus is not doing well with the awd 350's - they were taken off the Consumer Reports recommended list (the BMW is still on it), so you might be able to get a good deal on the GS350 if that's what you decide on.
 
1 - The 20 way power seats add backrest width, shoulder support, and thigh support adjustments (also 4 way lumbar, which is standard on the 535, but not on the 528). They are great seats. Stick with the standard tires, don't get the run flat tires if the roads are bad.
 
2 - The turbo's reliability should not be an issue. BMW doesn't overload them to max out the horsepower and torque. You can even buy 3rd party software for the turbo 535 that has the same 4 year warranty as the stock bi-turbo and produces a maximum output of 384 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 421 lb-ft torque at 4300 rpm. Check out the link below:
 
Dinan Engine Software
 
3 - The cupholders are the worst part of the car. I believe that BMW's engines are EU4 and ULEV II approved. BMW is a green company. BTW, the reviewers knock the iDrive, but if you are comfortable with a computer mouse, you will enjoy the iDrive.
 
4 - I was driving a "sensible" Camry, trouble free, and it bored me to tears. I like driving, but not if the car is a Camry or an Accord. On the other hand, my wife could care less
 
5 - Test drive them both!
 
Hope this helps!

#35 of 73 Re: Perfect discussion for me.... [jdritz] by bruceomega

Dec 27, 2007 (6:55 am)

Replying to: jdritz (Dec 26, 2007 8:23 am)
Regarding the seats on the 535Xi, I got the sport package on mine, as I wanted the 20 way multi-contour seats (never tried the standard seats) and shadowline trim (black trim around the windows). That also included the sport steering wheel (has polished metal trim on lower parts), but that was not a factor in my decision.
 
You can get just the 20 way multi-contour seats as a stand alone option, for $100 less than the cost of the sport package.
 
I stayed with the standard 17" wheels and tires as I was gun shy of RFTs and extra low profile tires from my experience with an '06 330Xi.
 
The cupholders are not the strong suit of the car.
 
Can't comment on the reliability of the turbos. I have owned my car since early July, it now has about 7500 miles, and I have had zero problems. I really really like the 535Xi.
 
Bruce

#36 of 73 style by rjlaero

Dec 27, 2007 (8:58 am)

The new body A6 3.2/4.2 is only 3 years old. Most 50k + cars like the BMW 5 series and MB E class cars don't get a major restyle for 5-7 years
 
On the contrary, out of the 3 major German brands, Audi looks the most up to date and fresh, IMO.
 
But of course, I drive a 06 4.2 A6

#37 of 73 Research Over & Purchase Made by jc07

Dec 27, 2007 (1:21 pm)

After extensive research & multiple test drives I just drove home a 2008 Audi A6 4.2 with every option except adaptive cruise. So far I am thrilled.
 
I looked into the MB E-series, the Lexus GS series and of course the BMW 5-series. I had all but settled on the 535i. It is a rocket, luxurious w/o question and I love the way it feels and performs.
 
But then I sat in the A6 and was blown away. I found the interior to be more than just a notch above the BMW -- in all ways the A6 was, for me, superior. And the Audi exterior, quite frankly, seems to me sleeker and less "busy" than the latest iteration of the 5 series. And finally, while the Audi is not a 5-series by any stretch in terms of road grip, handling and giddy-up, the A6 is a lot closer to the BMW than the MB or the Lexus. I found it to be an excellent choice for someone looking for a German alternative to the Lexus "ride on a cloud" feel but who also wants a Lexus-like set of creature comforts and interior. And the Audi's interior is really beautiful.
 
All in all a two month search with two test drives per vehicle.

#38 of 73 Re: Research Over & Purchase Made [jc07] by kgary

Dec 27, 2007 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: jc07 (Dec 27, 2007 1:21 pm)
I also love the A6 4.2.

#39 of 73 I am also considering the A6 4.2 and the 535xi by jeqq

Dec 27, 2007 (7:58 pm)

Replying to: jc07 (Dec 27, 2007 1:21 pm)
and I currently own a 3.2. I really like the 535. One major concern is the poor rear side crash test result. Does anyone know why the dismal rating?

#40 of 73 answer to my question above by jeqq

Dec 27, 2007 (10:28 pm)

Replying to: jeqq (Dec 27, 2007 7:58 pm)
I google searched and found this
 
http://community.myride.com/kickapps/service/displayMediaPlayPage.kickAction?med- iaType=VIDEO&mediaId=72510&as=3898

#41 of 73 Re: Research Over & Purchase Made [jc07] by og_oggilby

Dec 28, 2007 (6:02 am)

Replying to: jc07 (Dec 27, 2007 1:21 pm)
Congrats on your new Audi A6!

Messages Page 5 of 9

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