Buying a new BMW 3 Series - can you help? | Ask Honest John

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Buying a new BMW 3 Series - can you help?

Can you please offer your guidance to assist me with decision for purchase of a new BMW 3 Series 320i Sport Auto or Audi A4 2.0 TSFI Sport Auto. Both are similar for purchase cost. I need your help to understand which is a better car considering technical, reliability, maintenance costs, specification and residual value aspects.

Asked on 18 January 2016 by

Answered by Honest John

The A4 has a longitudinal S-tronic transmission and an annoying detent between N and D that forces you to press the brake pedal to release it. It now has the latets generation EA288 2.0TFSI engine weith indirect as well as direct injections. It is front wheel drive. The BMW also has a new 2.0 petrol engine, but is rear wheel drive and has a torque converter auto. Vital to avoid 19" wheels and tyres of the BMW M-Sport because of the rumble and discomfort. SE spec with 17" tyres preferable.

Tags: buying new cars

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