Time to defect to Audi?

DriveS · 07-24-2021, 05:24 AM

Time to change my car. Had my 335d for 4.5 years and absolutely loved it. But I did have to spend a lot on it to get it where I wanted it. Remap, dual exhaust, spring and shocks, ARBs, and brake upgrade.

I want to go back to petrol, 4wd, and don't want to be changing a load of parts. Would rather it came set up. Needs to be an upgrade in terms of power, handling.

Budget 40-50k

So an M3 is out as they are rwd. New M3 out of budget.

I was originally thinking of an M340i, but I don't like the looks and think I would need to change suspension again.

So I am looking at an RS5. Which compared to my 335d should be an upgrade in all areas, especially if its mapped.

My reservation is on reliability. I heard they are not good.

Questions....

Anyone had the RS5. What are the negatives and was it reliable?

What other options are there?

goram · 07-24-2021, 05:31 AM

Alfa Giulia QV. or even a Veloce. You’ll be amazed how good they are.

They’re extremely reliable too, despite all the BS you get from folk that have never owned one.

aquazi · 07-24-2021, 05:44 AM

I went 435d, M4 competition and now Audi S5.

I do over 70 miles a day as part of my daily commute.. the rs5 was out of the equation as it would need mid week fill ups - while in efficiency mode the S5 can get 400 miles to a tank.

Interior wise the S5 blows the F series away - especially the massage seats…. Get the right options and the Audi is great - matrix lights and adaptive cruise are worth getting.

Engine exhaust note on the S5 is also comparable to my M4… much to my neighbours dislike!!

Heethster · 07-30-2021, 12:56 PM

I'm too much of a car snob to drive an Audi. I'm old enough to remember when the A4 equivalent of 30 years ago was battling the Ford Sierra. However, not many options if 4WD is important.

Just out of curiosity - rather that to talk you out of 4WD - why is 4WD important to you? I love my 335d Touring, but I definitely miss RWD silliness - even thought you can travel much quicker with less skill in 4WD. An of course, that engine is crazy good.

If I could turn back time I'd probably get a 330d RWD and map it.

NotGotABimmer23 · 07-31-2021, 02:37 AM

I think the RS5, presumably sportback since you want 4 doors is a cracking car. Surprised they are in budget tbh with the price of used cars atm.

jackstrath · 07-31-2021, 03:22 AM

Issue with audis is they understeer, they cant help themselfs placing the engine stupidly far forward just to give you an extra inch or so leg room. And it wouldnt be that bad if you had came from something else, but coming from a 335d i think you will find it horrible. Inside wise i do think they are a nicer place to be if they have the virtual dash and fancy seats ect, interior lighting is also pretty nice in them.
Other bug bare is other than the rear exhaust nothing else screams out "RS"5, a Sline or what ever they are calling them looks soooooo simular.

I think if you went down the RS5 route youd be changing the suspension, so wouldnt personally rule out the m340.

isleaiw1 · 07-31-2021, 03:34 AM

Some interesting comments, I wonder if some of you have driven them....

I have an RS4. Haven't noticed it understeer, haven't changed a thing on the suspension, ride is a bit firm but that's to be expected with a sports estate..... it goes well, the interior is a class above any BMW (including the m5 I had before..) and it is understated and doesn't shout look at me...

As for the car snob who won't drive an audi, can you tell me when they were battling the Sierra? If anything all of the big 3 German manufacturers have gone downmarket over the years, I remember when an E30 was a rare car and the Audis of that age, 5 cylinder, really well built cars, were proper motors. About the time they were rallying the UR quattro to be honest....

jackstrath · 07-31-2021, 03:52 AM

I can only speak from my experiance, I havnt drove the latest shape RS4 but the one with the V8 in it was horrendous, in the wet it was terrible (ironic when every rs4 owner go's on about how good they are in the wet....) Iv been in and drove my fair share of audis, normally always a RS of somesort as my pal was a big audi fan and has had nearly every RS model in the last 10 years s3, s5, rs3/4/5/6. Some standard, some not. I actually wanted a s4 advant (v6 supercharged one) before i went with my e91 335d and the bmw 100% felt better to drive, even with its signiture bmw under sprung and over dampned suspension.

Edit, id have an RS6, but thats only becasue its up there with one of the quickest cars ive every experianced in a straight line - zero need for a 700bhp car on the roads but hell it was mega, and you can tow with them haha.
Maybe im expecting to much from the handeling size, amd missing what the cars about. A RS5 isnt something thats at home on the back roads, but on the motorways, just from the OP's list of mods for his current car i feel he will be disapointed.

NotGotABimmer23 · 07-31-2021, 03:56 AM

Yes it might understeer when you are 9 tenths, but who cares, it's hardly a track day weapon is it. The sportback is a fantastic looking car, far better than anything BMW offer, has a great interior too and a cracking engine. I'd get one over a previous gen m3.

DriveS · 07-31-2021, 04:02 AM

Picked up an RS5 2 days ago....

It has a huge spec and was £87k new.

A little quicker than my modified 335, but handling and brakes in a total different league, despite my 335 upgrades.
Interior and tech far superior.

Only negative thing I've noticed so far is the BO speakers cause some vibrations to the rear and front, which could be hard to fix.

Oh and the wheels seem very inboard of the arches.

Time to find an Audi forum....

Loved this forum. May be back in a few years if BMW bring out a car to temp me....

pmgreenwood · 07-31-2021, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquazi

I went 435d, M4 competition and now Audi S5.

I do over 70 miles a day as part of my daily commute.. the rs5 was out of the equation as it would need mid week fill ups - while in efficiency mode the S5 can get 400 miles to a tank.

Interior wise the S5 blows the F series away - especially the massage seats…. Get the right options and the Audi is great - matrix lights and adaptive cruise are worth getting.

Engine exhaust note on the S5 is also comparable to my M4… much to my neighbours dislike!!

Are not the UK new S5's now diesel so for petrol need RS5 which new is more than budget?

isleaiw1 · 07-31-2021, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackstrath

I can only speak from my experiance, I havnt drove the latest shape RS4 but the one with the V8 in it was horrendous, in the wet it was terrible (ironic when every rs4 owner go's on about how good they are in the wet....) Iv been in and drove my fair share of audis, normally always a RS of somesort as my pal was a big audi fan and has had nearly every RS model in the last 10 years s3, s5, rs3/4/5/6. Some standard, some not. I actually wanted a s4 advant (v6 supercharged one) before i went with my e91 335d and the bmw 100% felt better to drive, even with its signiture bmw under sprung and over dampned suspension.

Edit, id have an RS6, but thats only becasue its up there with one of the quickest cars ive every experianced in a straight line - zero need for a 700bhp car on the roads but hell it was mega, and you can tow with them haha.
Maybe im expecting to much from the handeling size, amd missing what the cars about. A RS5 isnt something thats at home on the back roads, but on the motorways, just from the OP's list of mods for his current car i feel he will be disapointed.

The new one is much better on the twisted, lighter front with the 2.9 V6 twin turbo, and much better balanced....

An RS6 is way too big for the backroads, an RS4 is much better - but to be honest I will take my 136hp Mini for fun on back roads...

aquazi · 07-31-2021, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriveS

Picked up an RS5 2 days ago....

It has a huge spec and was £87k new.

A little quicker than my modified 335, but handling and brakes in a total different league, despite my 335 upgrades.
Interior and tech far superior.

Only negative thing I've noticed so far is the BO speakers cause some vibrations to the rear and front, which could be hard to fix.

Oh and the wheels seem very inboard of the arches.

Time to find an Audi forum....

Loved this forum. May be back in a few years if BMW bring out a car to temp me....

Congrats op…. I’ve struggled to find a decent audi forum…. Audi forum.net seems the best of the bunch.

aquazi · 07-31-2021, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmgreenwood

Are not the UK new S5's now diesel so for petrol need RS5 which new is more than budget?

I went for an 18 plate - so petrol v6.

isleaiw1 · 07-31-2021, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquazi

Congrats op…. I’ve struggled to find a decent audi forum…. Audi forum.net seems the best of the bunch.

Audi-sport.net

rs246.com

or just stay on here, nearly as many Audi owners as BMW these days

NotGotABimmer23 · 07-31-2021, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriveS

Picked up an RS5 2 days ago....

It has a huge spec and was £87k new.

A little quicker than my modified 335, but handling and brakes in a total different league, despite my 335 upgrades.
Interior and tech far superior.

Only negative thing I've noticed so far is the BO speakers cause some vibrations to the rear and front, which could be hard to fix.

Oh and the wheels seem very inboard of the arches.

Time to find an Audi forum....

Loved this forum. May be back in a few years if BMW bring out a car to temp me....

I'd just stay in the off topic forum, no one there drives a BMW anyway... I've got V8 Mustang...

KCH1984 · 07-31-2021, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriveS

Picked up an RS5 2 days ago....

It has a huge spec and was £87k new.

A little quicker than my modified 335, but handling and brakes in a total different league, despite my 335 upgrades.
Interior and tech far superior.

Only negative thing I've noticed so far is the BO speakers cause some vibrations to the rear and front, which could be hard to fix.

Oh and the wheels seem very inboard of the arches.

Time to find an Audi forum....

Loved this forum. May be back in a few years if BMW bring out a car to temp me....

Pics? I love the current RS4/5/6 and would take one of them over their BMW equivalents. I experienced the S58 motor in the X3M and it really is mega, but I couldn't live with the looks of the current M3/4 and as a daily, I think Audi just do it better at anything other than 10/10ths…

Sennen · 07-31-2021, 06:24 AM

Audis RS range driving dynamics have improved exponentially since the last generation, the old V8 RS4 drove like a pig, great engine wasted imo

I was seriously considering going down the current RS4 route but as soon as I heard BMW were going to release an M3 Touring that option quickly went out of the window.

Audi trump BMW on their interiors but dont get close (even now) with their driving dynamics.

isleaiw1 · 08-02-2021, 04:03 AM

I went to the Simply Audi day at Beaulieu yesterday..... I now want an original Quattro! It was definitely the older models that attracted me, although the R8s looked quite nice....

Kam05 · 08-02-2021, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquazi

I went for an 18 plate - so petrol v6.

Same here - wanted an Audi petrol SUV so went for a 68 plate SQ5 with the same petrol v6 as yours.

Odd decision by Audi in that they sticking diesel engines in their S cars? Guess they want you to go RS if you want petrol?

DriveS · 08-02-2021, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCH1984

Pics? I love the current RS4/5/6 and would take one of them over their BMW equivalents. I experienced the S58 motor in the X3M and it really is mega, but I couldn't live with the looks of the current M3/4 and as a daily, I think Audi just do it better at anything other than 10/10ths…

aquazi · 08-02-2021, 10:35 AM

Looks great op - navarra blue - and looks like carbon ceramic breaks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kam05

Same here - wanted an Audi petrol SUV so went for a 68 plate SQ5 with the same petrol v6 as yours.

Odd decision by Audi in that they sticking diesel engines in their S cars? Guess they want you to go RS if you want petrol?

I actually think the diesel makes sense for Audi - cant compete for driving dynamics compared to a comparable BMW and Merc.. so go more for the GT market where the effortless torque from the diesel fits perfectly with the interior comfort.

07-24-2021, 05:24 AM	#1
DriveS Lieutenant 220 Rep 541 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Newcastle iTrader: (0)	Time to defect to Audi? Time to change my car. Had my 335d for 4.5 years and absolutely loved it. But I did have to spend a lot on it to get it where I wanted it. Remap, dual exhaust, spring and shocks, ARBs, and brake upgrade. I want to go back to petrol, 4wd, and don't want to be changing a load of parts. Would rather it came set up. Needs to be an upgrade in terms of power, handling. Budget 40-50k So an M3 is out as they are rwd. New M3 out of budget. I was originally thinking of an M340i, but I don't like the looks and think I would need to change suspension again. So I am looking at an RS5. Which compared to my 335d should be an upgrade in all areas, especially if its mapped. My reservation is on reliability. I heard they are not good. Questions.... Anyone had the RS5. What are the negatives and was it reliable? What other options are there?
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07-24-2021, 05:31 AM	#2
goram Second Lieutenant 89 Rep 222 Posts Drives: BMW 330d xDrive Touring Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Reading iTrader: (0)	Alfa Giulia QV. or even a Veloce. You’ll be amazed how good they are. They’re extremely reliable too, despite all the BS you get from folk that have never owned one.
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07-24-2021, 05:44 AM	#3
aquazi Major 461 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: 18 M4C Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Sutton coldfield iTrader: (0)	I went 435d, M4 competition and now Audi S5. I do over 70 miles a day as part of my daily commute.. the rs5 was out of the equation as it would need mid week fill ups - while in efficiency mode the S5 can get 400 miles to a tank. Interior wise the S5 blows the F series away - especially the massage seats…. Get the right options and the Audi is great - matrix lights and adaptive cruise are worth getting. Engine exhaust note on the S5 is also comparable to my M4… much to my neighbours dislike!!
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07-30-2021, 12:56 PM	#4
Heethster Private First Class 35 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 335d X Touring 2015 LCI Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I'm too much of a car snob to drive an Audi. I'm old enough to remember when the A4 equivalent of 30 years ago was battling the Ford Sierra. However, not many options if 4WD is important. Just out of curiosity - rather that to talk you out of 4WD - why is 4WD important to you? I love my 335d Touring, but I definitely miss RWD silliness - even thought you can travel much quicker with less skill in 4WD. An of course, that engine is crazy good. If I could turn back time I'd probably get a 330d RWD and map it. __________________ "Shego" F31 335d xDrive MSport Touring since Feb '20 "Kitty" E90 325d MSport from June '15 - Dec '19
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07-31-2021, 02:37 AM	#5
NotGotABimmer23 Colonel 832 Rep 2,113 Posts Drives: 340i touring - incoming Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Leicestershire UK iTrader: (0)	I think the RS5, presumably sportback since you want 4 doors is a cracking car. Surprised they are in budget tbh with the price of used cars atm.
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07-31-2021, 03:22 AM	#6
jackstrath Major 659 Rep 1,239 Posts Drives: 16' F31 340i & 03' Focus RS Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Aberdeen iTrader: (0)	Issue with audis is they understeer, they cant help themselfs placing the engine stupidly far forward just to give you an extra inch or so leg room. And it wouldnt be that bad if you had came from something else, but coming from a 335d i think you will find it horrible. Inside wise i do think they are a nicer place to be if they have the virtual dash and fancy seats ect, interior lighting is also pretty nice in them. Other bug bare is other than the rear exhaust nothing else screams out "RS"5, a Sline or what ever they are calling them looks soooooo simular. I think if you went down the RS5 route youd be changing the suspension, so wouldnt personally rule out the m340.
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07-31-2021, 03:34 AM	#7
isleaiw1 Lieutenant General 8768 Rep 12,248 Posts Drives: iPace / Mini Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Some interesting comments, I wonder if some of you have driven them.... I have an RS4. Haven't noticed it understeer, haven't changed a thing on the suspension, ride is a bit firm but that's to be expected with a sports estate..... it goes well, the interior is a class above any BMW (including the m5 I had before..) and it is understated and doesn't shout look at me... As for the car snob who won't drive an audi, can you tell me when they were battling the Sierra? If anything all of the big 3 German manufacturers have gone downmarket over the years, I remember when an E30 was a rare car and the Audis of that age, 5 cylinder, really well built cars, were proper motors. About the time they were rallying the UR quattro to be honest....
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07-31-2021, 03:52 AM	#8
jackstrath Major 659 Rep 1,239 Posts Drives: 16' F31 340i & 03' Focus RS Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Aberdeen iTrader: (0)	I can only speak from my experiance, I havnt drove the latest shape RS4 but the one with the V8 in it was horrendous, in the wet it was terrible (ironic when every rs4 owner go's on about how good they are in the wet....) Iv been in and drove my fair share of audis, normally always a RS of somesort as my pal was a big audi fan and has had nearly every RS model in the last 10 years s3, s5, rs3/4/5/6. Some standard, some not. I actually wanted a s4 advant (v6 supercharged one) before i went with my e91 335d and the bmw 100% felt better to drive, even with its signiture bmw under sprung and over dampned suspension. Edit, id have an RS6, but thats only becasue its up there with one of the quickest cars ive every experianced in a straight line - zero need for a 700bhp car on the roads but hell it was mega, and you can tow with them haha. Maybe im expecting to much from the handeling size, amd missing what the cars about. A RS5 isnt something thats at home on the back roads, but on the motorways, just from the OP's list of mods for his current car i feel he will be disapointed. Last edited by jackstrath; 07-31-2021 at 03:59 AM..
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07-31-2021, 03:56 AM	#9
NotGotABimmer23 Colonel 832 Rep 2,113 Posts Drives: 340i touring - incoming Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Leicestershire UK iTrader: (0)	Yes it might understeer when you are 9 tenths, but who cares, it's hardly a track day weapon is it. The sportback is a fantastic looking car, far better than anything BMW offer, has a great interior too and a cracking engine. I'd get one over a previous gen m3.
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07-31-2021, 04:02 AM	#10
DriveS Lieutenant 220 Rep 541 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Newcastle iTrader: (0)	Picked up an RS5 2 days ago.... It has a huge spec and was £87k new. A little quicker than my modified 335, but handling and brakes in a total different league, despite my 335 upgrades. Interior and tech far superior. Only negative thing I've noticed so far is the BO speakers cause some vibrations to the rear and front, which could be hard to fix. Oh and the wheels seem very inboard of the arches. Time to find an Audi forum.... Loved this forum. May be back in a few years if BMW bring out a car to temp me....
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07-31-2021, 06:24 AM	#18
Sennen Colonel 1734 Rep 2,420 Posts Drives: UP, Alpine & Caterham Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	Audis RS range driving dynamics have improved exponentially since the last generation, the old V8 RS4 drove like a pig, great engine wasted imo I was seriously considering going down the current RS4 route but as soon as I heard BMW were going to release an M3 Touring that option quickly went out of the window. Audi trump BMW on their interiors but dont get close (even now) with their driving dynamics.
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08-02-2021, 04:03 AM	#19
isleaiw1 Lieutenant General 8768 Rep 12,248 Posts Drives: iPace / Mini Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I went to the Simply Audi day at Beaulieu yesterday..... I now want an original Quattro! It was definitely the older models that attracted me, although the R8s looked quite nice....
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