Bmw to audi

[S4Olympics]

Hello everyone,

I'm in the market for a new car; something a bit more practical for the winter.
I currently own a 2009 E93 335i (convertible).

I looked into the S4 and like what it has to offer over the 335xi sedan and the 535xi. The price is what hooked me since it is a bigger bang for the buck.

I have a test drive tomorrow for the 2010 S4 with DCT.

A few things about Audi though:

What is going on with their website?
It is not clear at all as to what the options are or what the car comes with.
They should put a breakdown of every option listen in the car and their price if you want to get them separately.

For example, these are the options I would like to have:

Auto 7spd DCT
Audi Driver Select
Navigation
Two tone leather

However, Audi does not let me configure it this way.
I HAVE to get the prestige pkg in order to get the Audi Driver Select.
The prestige pkg will cost me $5k more for bullshit options I do not want such as rear heated seats, sun shades, etc. etc.

Can I build the car just the way I described it, or am I going to be forced to part out the Differential Pkg without getting the whole ADS?


And my car:
(no not stock)
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs084.snc1/5032_510956607064_36301774_30409069_4263379_n.jpg

[ibiski]

Nothing's going on with the website, it's very simple really: You choose either the Premium Plus or Prestige trim and from there you add on other options to your liking. Drive select is available only with Prestige.

[S4Olympics]

Nothing's going on with the website, it's very simple really: You choose either the Premium Plus or Prestige trim and from there you add on other options to your liking. Drive select is available only with Prestige.

I know it's simple.

It's TOO simple.
That's what I am saying.

Where can you see what standard options come with the car?
Where can you see specifics about what each pkg is adding?

I had to ask the dealer to go through paperwork to tell me that memory seats come with the prestige, and he read off a bunch of other options that came with prestige but not with premium.
Then he also told me some standard options that come with the car that are also not listed on the website, however I did not get anything in writing.
I'll do that tomorrow, but the website should have all this data.

You can't part out a pckg?

For example, with BMW you don't have to get the Winter pkg in order to get heated seats or steering wheel.
You can get heated seats only, and save money by not getting the heated seats, headlight washers, fold down seats, etc. (things I don't need).

This way, BMW will make money from the heated seats that I will order instead of loosing money like Audi is since I am not going to pay $5k just for Audi Driver Select that comes with memory seats, heated rear seats, rear shades, blah blah blah...I really don't want those so why should I be obligated to get them?

Just the way I look at it...

[ibiski]

On the S4 main page, click on S4 features and specifications. There you also have the Equipment Packages.

[skunkoncrunk]

I want to see some more of your 335. [up]

[mebcoder]

Will be very interested in your test drive impressions.
Please make sure to post after you've driven the new S4!

[S4Olympics]

Will do.
I'm actually taking a video camera with me.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs249.snc1/9625_512322779244_36301774_30467447_314170_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs141.snc1/5215_511207873524_36301774_30422288_7352658_n.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs030.snc1/4295_510370082464_36301774_30381884_7191475_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v377/182/89/36301774/n36301774_30308308_973.jpg

[foodplz]

You can see the specifics of each package under the specifications link under "S4 Specifications"

And yes... the way Audi NA does their packages is pretty stupid... i.e. taking out the rear camera out of the 6100 dollar prestige package when you would normally get it with the 2500 dollar navigation plus package that is available on the premium plus.

But as retarded as it is, by limiting what you can get under premium+ and removing certain options out of the prestige, they can get most people to order a car with more options than if they had to install the options individually. i.e. I had to order mine with the driver assist, eventhough i hate driver assist, i like having the rear view camera when squeezing into tight spots in the city. And while i would have just gone with the Premium+ and Navigation Plus... i want the keyless start dimming mirror and memory seats. only solution... to pay 6100 for the prestige and add 900 for the driver assist. If they let me add alacarte, i coulda just gone with the base premium plus... added 2500 for the navigation plus (includes the parking sensors and camera) and gotten the advanced key (a 900 dollar option in europe i think).

They kinda corner you into paying more for the toys here in the US.

Plus I'm sure it simplifies their manufacturing line.

Hope this helps.


I know it's simple.

It's TOO simple.
That's what I am saying.

Where can you see what standard options come with the car?
Where can you see specifics about what each pkg is adding?

I had to ask the dealer to go through paperwork to tell me that memory seats come with the prestige, and he read off a bunch of other options that came with prestige but not with premium.
Then he also told me some standard options that come with the car that are also not listed on the website, however I did not get anything in writing.
I'll do that tomorrow, but the website should have all this data.

You can't part out a pckg?

For example, with BMW you don't have to get the Winter pkg in order to get heated seats or steering wheel.
You can get heated seats only, and save money by not getting the heated seats, headlight washers, fold down seats, etc. (things I don't need).

This way, BMW will make money from the heated seats that I will order instead of loosing money like Audi is since I am not going to pay $5k just for Audi Driver Select that comes with memory seats, heated rear seats, rear shades, blah blah blah...I really don't want those so why should I be obligated to get them?

Just the way I look at it...

[Raz5219]

I have to agree that the website really isn't very good. It's just not very intuitive. I spend a lot of time trying to find things.
Please do give us your impressions after the test drive. I'd love to hear them.

[S4Olympics]

Some info for you guys.

You CAN get the ADS WITHOUT the Prestige pkg for $3995.

To start off, Audi's lease deals are HORRIBLE compared to BMW's.

Their deals are $100 more a month than a $5k more expensive BMW with same down payments, allowances, etc.

I was not happy at all with the lease deal.

Next comes my review of the car, and the video...

[NWS4Guy]

Some info for you guys.

You CAN get the ADS WITHOUT the Prestige pkg for $3995.

To start off, Audi's lease deals are HORRIBLE compared to BMW's.

Their deals are $100 more a month than a $5k more expensive BMW with same down payments, allowances, etc.

I was not happy at all with the lease deal.

Next comes my review of the car, and the video...

Yes, someone over at AW posted that he was able to get ADS on P+ and the dealer said you can take anything on the Audi site with a huge grain of salt.

I'm interested in hearing what you drove specifically and your impressions (I drove a 335i xDrive back to back with the S4 as I am wanting AWD for winters), plus video :)

[S4Olympics]

Yes, someone over at AW posted that he was able to get ADS on P+ and the dealer said you can take anything on the Audi site with a huge grain of salt.

I'm interested in hearing what you drove specifically and your impressions (I drove a 335i xDrive back to back with the S4 as I am wanting AWD for winters), plus video :)


I drove a 7 Speed without ADS.
The car had 4 people (the SA was rather...healthy, very healthy) so the car in total had an extra 700lbs I would say.

(refer to the video about this)

To start off, the steering was nice at low speed/rpm since I could turn it with one finger pretty much, and depending on the RPM/Speed, it got stiffer, lighter as I drove it.
While the SA had a big grin on his face when I pointed this out, I did not.
I am a true enthusiastic driver and want the car to be as predictable as possible.
I would like to know how much and how hard to turn the steering wheel before I enter the turn, not do guess and check during the turn depending on my throttle input and speed. I really did not like the speed sensitive steering, and for this reason, I also did not order it on the BMW.

So we get to the entrance of the highway (this is where the video starts) and I pull up first in line at the light before the highway.
I take off slow to see how smooth the car feels with regular driving, then at around 30-40mph, I floor it.
It downshifted pretty quick (no lag like some mentioned) and began to pull.
Since I am coming from a twin turbo, my butt was waiting for the power curve to increase dramatically and be thrown back into the seat, but that is not what happened.
Power was linear, constant, but not enough on a roll.
Shifting was supper quick and put a smile on my face, but this quick shifting is useless for a car with that type of acceleration. (give me this damn DCT in my car and see what it does!!)

We then hit traffic so while in traffic, I began to play with the gears.
I did everything from double down shifts to quick upshifts.

The 335 rev-matches much smoother and cleaner than the DCT s4.
Sometimes I felt like it was not rev-matching, just easing the clutch out. (I also said this in the video and you can see the car dip down when I shifted from 3rd to 2nd).
When in first gear, the car pulled nicely. Power was quick and no delay as compared to my 335 which has a slight delay before peak boost hits and ends up spinning them on a 25mph roll.

We finally get off the highway and the offramp was a very narrow downhill turn which I gave 1/2 throttle at the beginning, then 1/4 throttle towards the end.
The tires gave up on me and I heard them screech (I lowered my window just to listen for this).
I would take a lot more from my 335 to give up like that on such a turn. (there were no bumps on the road either).
Braking in the turn was not bad but I did not slam on the brakes either.

I then floored it while merging onto the street and the road was very rough and uneven.
The car however kept its integrity, kept its grip, and got the job done just like I would want my 335 to do it...but it does not.
With the 335 I would have broke traction in a heart beat if I floored it while turning...never mind if the road was uneven or rough. I would have never gotten above 40mph on that road, while the S4 picked up to 60 very quick.
It's smooth upshifting also helped the car maintain traction, whereas I chirp my tires going into second in a straight line, never mind in a turn (yes my car is automatic also and it chirps going into second).

After this, I took it easy because I caught up to traffic through a series of turns.
I let the traffic pull away from me and I floored it again through 2 turns.
The car again kept its integrity and actually liked being pushed like that in a turn. I liked its behavior and felt confident.

As a result, I came to the same conclusion as another review that I read from a pro-driver (forgot which magazine): "slow in, fast out".
If the 335i and S4 were on a track, the 335i will enter the turn much faster because it can brake later and carry its speed throughout the turn, but it will not be able to accelerate like the S4 does. Half way through the turn, the S4 will catch up and towards the end of the turn, the should be about even, with the S4 carrying a bit more momentum than the 335. This momentum will be carried throughout the track thanks to it's DCT.

In conclusion, the S4 does not have quick acceleration compared to the 335i, it just does a better job at accelerating through the turn, shifting through the turn, and shifting after the turn without loosing any speed due to shifting, or because of not being able to floor it in a turn in fear of too much power kicking the tail out or cutting the fuel.

I proved this more by launching the car (gas+brake) onto the highway.
Acceleration can not be compared to the 335, but at the same time, it was constant and not disrupted. Every time the 335 would shift, the S4 would catch up by 1/2 car length and keep pulling, while the 335 has to recover itself from the shift and start pulling hard again.

I was very very disappointed with high speed braking.
The car broke traction VERY easy although the pedal did not vibrate (ABS) nor did I see any lights flash on the dash (maybe i missed them?).
From about 70mph, I gave it 75% braking (maybe less) and the front tires chirped for a few seconds. It was not panic braking (I know that the brakes change depending on throttle input such as if you let off the gas too quick and throw your foot on the brake quickly).
It was constant braking, and it broke traction.
God forbid that was panic braking and I needed 100% braking power...
The 335 won in the braking category by a decent amount. (I have not seen any numbers as far as brake comparison goes for both cars...anyone?)

Also, while I was going through traffic, changing lanes quick, I did not feel as confident as I do when I do that with my 335 at much higher speeds. The car had more body roll than the 335, but it held on to the road.
It felt like it was going to give out, but it did not.
I did not like this feeling.
It felt like a 535xi with no sport suspension. (I had this car as a loaner for 1 week)

In conclusion, I was not very impressed with the car.
The shifting was amazing and the AWD did it's job but when compared to a 335xi, it will NOT win in performance.
Interior looks? Yes
Performance and feeling confident in high speed maneuvers? NO!

Unless the ADS is night and day, I think this car will need something extra such as a $5k lower MSRP fully loaded to win over the 335.

Tomorrow I will be going to test drive the 335xi and 535xi just for the hell of it and put a downpayment on one of them.

I tired guys...I really did try.
I gave the S4 a world and really gave it a chance. I was ready to put my money on it, but it didn't do it for me.
All the toys, interior looks, pretty LED lights, just aren't enough for me to give up on such a drive that BMW offers.

Never mind service quality and BMW service maintenance program.
I think BMW still holds 1st place in this race.

Maybe I need to be thrown in to a RS4 for audi to win me over...but then again, we know the price for that and who it's competitor is.

Also, before any negative comments towards the 335, please do drive it and give it a world like I gave the S4 a shot.
Don't speak out of your ass for cars you have never driven.
Enjoy the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr2dsuse5r0

[S4Olympics]

PS. Listen to this guy's comments.

He was shitting himself.

"let me call my wife and tell her I love her"


"wowowow lets take it easy"
ME: "if i scratch it, I'll buy 2"
HIM: "i'm not worried about the car!"


Then at the end "you're a good driver, people have tried to drive that like before but the car was all over the road and they couldnt handle it"

[L0U]

make sure you pile the same 700 lbs into the 335x is all. fair is fair.

[crispykid717]

Great review but the video is not working for me. It says it's private.

[silverg35]

I love the alpine white on red interior on your 335

[NWS4Guy]

Great review but the video is not working for me. It says it's private.

+1 - no worky

I don't think I would have test drove a car with +700 in the car, wtf? Why 2 other people in the car?

[toaster]

seems like you gave the s4 a chance.

that grip on the road you talk about is one of the main reasons i will always pick an audi over a bmw...it's just a much safer daily driving car.

i also think audi is better in basically every other superficial and technical way, but that's not really relevant to my point.

[dbcperformance]

700+ is a MAJOR weight, heck, 300lbs makes a world of difference. 335xi vs S4 and BMW, in its stock form has better performance, I would love to argue that all day long in a professional matter. Turbocharged motors have always given the sensation of speed better over SC'ed cars, but it does not reflect the greater truth. Not to mention Audi's awd is by far superior to BMW. However, a 2wd 335i is definetely faster than the S4. Good write up overall.

[phEight]

I really think an extra 700lbs is not a good way to see how a car behaves lol.. that's a lot of extra weight. But to each his own, if the 335 is better for you then that's wonderful too. I'm just not so sure it's a fair comparison, unless you pile up the same weight in the 335 too.

[thewusman]

You want to write a detailed review of new S4's character, how the car felt and behaved compared to a x35i Beemer. In other words, what's it like for a "driver".

And it was piled high with another 700lb's / 325 kilograms.

That's just fcuking daft.

Epic fail.

Seriously, go back, get in by yourself, and write a second review. Then buy us all a beer.

[johntnethk]

^ Bingo. 700 extra pounds man...

You also mentioned that your car isn't stock, so comparing it to an S4, especially one without ADS, is questionable, to say the least.

Like thewusman said, go try it.

My wife's in the market for a new car, as we're looking to trade in the 06 A3. We just test drove both the S4 Prestige with ADS and the 335i sedan with M sport package last weekend. I have to say that the 335i FEELS a little more powerful. Handling comes out as a wash, but the Bimmer's brakes felt a little stronger, and gives a bit more confidence.

Though the S4's exterior and interior (fit and finish, cabin size, trunk size, comfort) completely >>> the bimmer, IMHO. Just too many leased 328s and 335s in LA.

[vjma]

I would also like to echo the other posters regarding the extra 700lb you were carrying during the test drive, and doubt that you have given the car a fair go. Of all the comparisons that I have seen so far all over the world, the S4 seems to be the better car. So to compare your car, which is not stock, to the one that has extra 700lb in it, is like saying your salad taste better than my piece of steak.

Of course if you are coming from the bimmer world it will take a lot of convincing to switch over. It really depends on what you prefer but I would say the S4 is a better overall car.

On last thing, please stop referring the gearbox a DCT. That is just an imitation of the DSG/S-tronic.

[L0U]

did it have the sticky 255s 19s on it, since that makes a difference for those wheel lock ups under braking. The delivery curve of a turbo also has more seat of the pants feel of speed during the transition to boost. The charger is linear. The dsg cam add to the linear feel, with no off power, back to power transitions to throw you in the seat...it is just constant pull.

zero to 140mph the S4 is faster than the rwd 335 also in every test so far.

pile 2 in the 335, and 2 in the S4 and go out for the test ride while you or a bud drives the 335....you would see direct results head to head. instead of all 4 in the same car.

[S4Olympics]

I know the car handles different I am not a moron.

For this reason, I did the weight calculations.
I did not take anything away from the Audi and I kept this in mind the whole time.
I know how the car should behave and how it shouldn't even with the added weight.

I have driven my car with a 300lbs passenger in the front, and 2 180lbs passengers in the back, with my top down (convertible) so I can compare cars based on their weight and composure.

Fair?


Now, moving on.

I did not like the braking. It felt like a luxury car braking, not a sports car.
It was not crisp and on spot. It was more towards smooth and comfortable.
The 335 brakes rather hard and is VERY responsive.
It's the type of car that when people first drive it, when they brake they say "ops, sorry I didn't know they were so responsive" as the passengers heads go launching forward from the new driver braking too hard.
Some people like this, some don't. I favor this because it gets the job done and gets you out of a lot of emergency situations.

I know that the car behaves differently with ADS, that's why I told the SA that I wanted to test drive both versions, but the guy was a moron.
He said he couldn't get me an ADS version for test drive.
He also said "why would you want ADS, it only softens the suspension".
My reply was "What are you talking about? It has a setting to stiffen the suspension and adjust most sport settings of the car!".
The guy had NO IDEA what he was selling, and NO IDEA the type of car buyer he was dealing with.
He wanted me to drive the car the same way you would drive a Toyota Camry for a test drive.
That dealership was a huge FAIL. (Audi of Manhattan on 54th and 12th ave).

They wouldn't even give me a print out of the breakdown of the price and options...that's how unprofessional they were.
I had no idea what I was ordering, the prices, or where my money was going as far as fees and other things.
I left an appointment with Audi of long island for today, but I couldn't make it due to an emergency.
I will drive the car again with just 2 people in the car and I will make sure it has ADS.

I am not a "bimmer fan".
I am not bias.
I speak from what I see with my own eyes.

Most of you here are Bias since you are not considering buying another car right now, and you are current Audi owners.

Yes I am a BMW owner, but I went to test drive and Audi because it looked much better on paper than the 335i did.
I went there to test drive it and leave a down payment that day.
Things did not go smooth, so I did not.
I don't know how some of you can say that I am bias when I am telling you that I was ready to pull the trigger.

For me to pull the trigger, Audi (at lease Audi of Manhattan) has to pick up their game. I am an enthusiast driver so I want to talk to an enthusiast.
I am anal about my car so when I bring it in, I don't want it to be thrown around. When I go in for any type of service, I want to be taken care of, because I am paying $50-$60k for a car.
Like I said, maybe it's just Audi of Manhattan, but I also went across the street to BMW of Manhattan and I was treated with more respect and they were much more professional than Audi.
BMW gave me a whole break down of all my options, what I was paying, etc etc. They gave me a print out that I could take to another BMW dealer and tell them "This is what BMW of Manhattan offered me, can you beat it?".
BMW also went over ALL options in detail with me although he already knew that I owned a BMW and knew the car like the back of my hand.
The people at Audi were sloppy, and it felt like a used car dealer that when you walk out they call you back and say "OK OK we'll drop the price $1k" and that is exactly what they did.

I spend a lot of time at the dealer for service so the dealer is VERY important to me.
On average, I see the dealer at least once a month for various things, not just for "problems" the car has.

Like I said, I am fair so I will be going to BMW of Long Island to give it another shot.
However, if they are the same, then I will reach the conclusion that Audi needs to step up their game to compete with BMW, because I have gone to 3 different BMW dealers and all three have been the same as far as being professional, and their level of service.

Mercedes also needs to step up their service because right now, they seem about leveled with Audi as far as customer satisfaction goes.

Lexus is closer to BMW as far as customer satisfaction goes when comparing to Mercedes and Audi.


What do you guys think about your service experience with Audi?
What other dealerships have you visited and how can you compare your service with Audi VS Merc. BMW, and Lexus?

VIDEO:
(sorry it didn't work the first time)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr2dsuse5r0

[S4Olympics]

I would also like to echo the other posters regarding the extra 700lb you were carrying during the test drive, and doubt that you have given the car a fair go. Of all the comparisons that I have seen so far all over the world, the S4 seems to be the better car. So to compare your car, which is not stock, to the one that has extra 700lb in it, is like saying your salad taste better than my piece of steak.

Of course if you are coming from the bimmer world it will take a lot of convincing to switch over. It really depends on what you prefer but I would say the S4 is a better overall car.

On last thing, please stop referring the gearbox a DCT. That is just an imitation of the DSG/S-tronic.


Isn't the 7 speed a dual clutch transmission?


I am not comparing a non-stock car to a stock car.
My car will go stock in 0.5 seconds with the push of a button, so I am comparing to a stock powered car.
Also, to keep it apples to apples, my car is 500lbs heavier than the E90/E92 335i, EVERY DAY. It is also a convertible which I have driven with the roof down for most of the summer.

So I am comparing a 4125LBS 335i with less aero dynamics than a regular 335i to an S4.

You are really underestimating my review and comparison because you want to see your car shine.

I said where it shined and where it did not shine.

I need to drive the $58k version to compare it again to the 335i.

With the $58k version that you guys are asking to compare, the 335i monthly payments would be $550 (no negotiation), while the S4 monthly payments would be $800+. (same down payment, same 10k mile allowance, etc) So I think unless this ADS S4 will feel MUCH MUCH better, unless it is day and night, I am not willing to pay $300 extra a month even if it was slightly better than the 335. I will need a difference like S4 to RS4, 335i to M3, to pay that much extra.

[ZaneS4]

Troll


I know the car handles different I am not a moron.

For this reason, I did the weight calculations.
I did not take anything away from the Audi and I kept this in mind the whole time.
I know how the car should behave and how it shouldn't even with the added weight.

I have driven my car with a 300lbs passenger in the front, and 2 180lbs passengers in the back, with my top down (convertible) so I can compare cars based on their weight and composure.

Fair?


Now, moving on.

I did not like the braking. It felt like a luxury car braking, not a sports car.
It was not crisp and on spot. It was more towards smooth and comfortable.
The 335 brakes rather hard and is VERY responsive.
It's the type of car that when people first drive it, when they brake they say "ops, sorry I didn't know they were so responsive" as the passengers heads go launching forward from the new driver braking too hard.
Some people like this, some don't. I favor this because it gets the job done and gets you out of a lot of emergency situations.

I know that the car behaves differently with ADS, that's why I told the SA that I wanted to test drive both versions, but the guy was a moron.
He said he couldn't get me an ADS version for test drive.
He also said "why would you want ADS, it only softens the suspension".
My reply was "What are you talking about? It has a setting to stiffen the suspension and adjust most sport settings of the car!".
The guy had NO IDEA what he was selling, and NO IDEA the type of car buyer he was dealing with.
He wanted me to drive the car the same way you would drive a Toyota Camry for a test drive.
That dealership was a huge FAIL. (Audi of Manhattan on 54th and 12th ave).

They wouldn't even give me a print out of the breakdown of the price and options...that's how unprofessional they were.
I had no idea what I was ordering, the prices, or where my money was going as far as fees and other things.
I left an appointment with Audi of long island for today, but I couldn't make it due to an emergency.
I will drive the car again with just 2 people in the car and I will make sure it has ADS.

I am not a "bimmer fan".
I am not bias.
I speak from what I see with my own eyes.

Most of you here are Bias since you are not considering buying another car right now, and you are current Audi owners.

Yes I am a BMW owner, but I went to test drive and Audi because it looked much better on paper than the 335i did.
I went there to test drive it and leave a down payment that day.
Things did not go smooth, so I did not.
I don't know how some of you can say that I am bias when I am telling you that I was ready to pull the trigger.

For me to pull the trigger, Audi (at lease Audi of Manhattan) has to pick up their game. I am an enthusiast driver so I want to talk to an enthusiast.
I am anal about my car so when I bring it in, I don't want it to be thrown around. When I go in for any type of service, I want to be taken care of, because I am paying $50-$60k for a car.
Like I said, maybe it's just Audi of Manhattan, but I also went across the street to BMW of Manhattan and I was treated with more respect and they were much more professional than Audi.
BMW gave me a whole break down of all my options, what I was paying, etc etc. They gave me a print out that I could take to another BMW dealer and tell them "This is what BMW of Manhattan offered me, can you beat it?".
BMW also went over ALL options in detail with me although he already knew that I owned a BMW and knew the car like the back of my hand.
The people at Audi were sloppy, and it felt like a used car dealer that when you walk out they call you back and say "OK OK we'll drop the price $1k" and that is exactly what they did.

I spend a lot of time at the dealer for service so the dealer is VERY important to me.
On average, I see the dealer at least once a month for various things, not just for "problems" the car has.

Like I said, I am fair so I will be going to BMW of Long Island to give it another shot.
However, if they are the same, then I will reach the conclusion that Audi needs to step up their game to compete with BMW, because I have gone to 3 different BMW dealers and all three have been the same as far as being professional, and their level of service.

Mercedes also needs to step up their service because right now, they seem about leveled with Audi as far as customer satisfaction goes.

Lexus is closer to BMW as far as customer satisfaction goes when comparing to Mercedes and Audi.


What do you guys think about your service experience with Audi?
What other dealerships have you visited and how can you compare your service with Audi VS Merc. BMW, and Lexus?

VIDEO:
(sorry it didn't work the first time)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr2dsuse5r0

[Sin_city_Rings]

Some people have their preferences.....I too test drove both a bmw (328i) and an A4 (2.0T) and i prefer the A4 all day long. For the price jump on the bmw and the looks as well the fit in finish on the Audi i felt the Audi was ten times better.

My service experience could not be better, it is rather sicking coming from a Pontiac to Audi, i had a noticable upgrade from the Pontiac dealerships. IMO the dealership plays a major role in the purchase and happiness of a vehicle which is somewhat sad.

LIke the saying goes....To teach his own.

[S4Olympics]

Troll

And you are, 12 years old?

I don't have enough time on my hands to go on other forums, other than BMW forums, and test drive cars, write essays and reviews about the cars, and fill out paperwork to buy cars, just for the hell of it; to shit on other random cars that are not BMW.

Grow up.

[S4Olympics]

Some people have their preferences.....I too test drove both a bmw (328i) and an A4 (2.0T) and i prefer the A4 all day long. For the price jump on the bmw and the looks as well the fit in finish on the Audi i felt the Audi was ten times better.

My service experience could not be better, it is rather sicking coming from a Pontiac to Audi, i had a noticable upgrade from the Pontiac dealerships. IMO the dealership plays a major role in the purchase and happiness of a vehicle which is somewhat sad.

LIke the saying goes....To teach his own.

I went from a 6.0 Pontiac GTO to a 335 so I know where you are coming from.
But my question was not about such low end dealers as Pontiac, it was to compare between the top auto makers such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Volvo, etc.


I think I would pick the 2.0 A4 over the 328 too.
I really hate that car whenever I am put in it as a loaner.
It also has no potential to be tuned and looks like crap with a single exhaust.

[L0U]

i think the problem lies with findings that are different from every test that has been done so far. Seat of the pants is a very tuff call to measure performance. Looking at the video, your buds in the back seat seemed blown away...do they act like that everytime they drive in the convertible too?

your tester has the 18s.

I do agree with the lease payment logic...audi is steep here.

the 335 convertible is slower than the 335i that car and driver just tested. The chip must be helping a lot.

http://www.fastestlaps.com/index.php?page_id=compare&car1=4684236e0cda1&car2=48d9d84e97aa7

dusted.

edit. I like the bmw headlights

[S4Olympics]

i think the problem lies with findings that are different from every test that has been done so far. Seat of the pants is a very tuff call to measure performance. Looking at the video, your buds in the back seat seemed blown away...do they act like that everytime they drive in the convertible too?

your tester has the 18s.

I do agree with the lease payment logic...audi is steep here.

the 335 convertible is slower than the 335i that car and driver just tested. The chip must be helping a lot.

http://www.fastestlaps.com/index.php?page_id=compare&car1=4684236e0cda1&car2=48d9d84e97aa7

dusted.

edit. I like the bmw headlights

LOL!

They actually compared the convertible against the S4?!

The old chip brought me from a 13.9 to a 13.1 (75 degree weather, dry conditions, sea level).
The new chip is pushing out 2 more psi.
In 50-60 degree weather, I should be seeing easy 12.6-12.8, so yes it helps a lot. (not on race map)

The fastest 335i (not convertible) with a chip alone got 11.79 (down from 13.3-13.4), so it makes a HUGE difference.


For reference, my car is about 3-4 car lengths quicker than a stock 335i (non convertible) when I am not on race gas.

My buddies loved the shifting, and acceleration ability during the turns.
Watch the video again.
He did not record the last part where the tires lost traction due to braking...he missed it by 5 seconds actually.
They said the same thing about the handling in high speeds, and about the power in a straight line...but also said that I had to try it with an empty car, which is true.

[B8 Phantom S4]

wow...what a bunch of haters. The man compared his driving experience of the S4 to his 335, and shared his opinion with us. I don't see why people get all in a huff about what he wrote at all. It seems like a few people here feel the need to defend their purchase, like his write up going to take anything away from your car. He put in his two cents, and he prefers the 335. Big deal. I respect his opinion and what he liked/disliked about the car, and it's not really going to affect my decision to purchase an S4. Some of you are coming across as a bunch of Audi fanboys, which is hypocritical seeing as how there are a lot of posts here accusing the guys at the BMW forums for the same thing. Just take a deep breath and relax.

I have to say, though, that it's pretty unfortunate about your customer service experience with Audi of Manhattan. That would definitely deter me from buying a car with that dealership. I was fortunate enough to work with an enthusiast who's been working for Audi and Porsche for the past 25 years. He has his own race car (amateur) with a tuned 2.0T audi engine pushing 400+ whp. Its pretty fun to go talk to him about cars whenever I'm around.

[Sin_city_Rings]

I went from a 6.0 Pontiac GTO to a 335 so I know where you are coming from.
But my question was not about such low end dealers as Pontiac, it was to compare between the top auto makers such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Volvo, etc.


I think I would pick the 2.0 A4 over the 328 too.
I really hate that car whenever I am put in it as a loaner.
It also has no potential to be tuned and looks like crap with a single exhaust.

Yeah, i am just comparing/relating my experience with yours, in my opinion i had the best vehicle they made, a G8 GT lol [:D]
I have heard bad things about the Bmw service here in Vegas but i dont have true facts to back it up, I love my service dept. and all the people at Desert Audi, IMO it couldnt be better, but thats just me.


Our opinions and bias in different states wont mean crap to you...Get whatever you will be happy with, both are nice cars

[ibiski]

but, but... C&D said Audi was better.

In all seriousness though, I find it hard to believe that a heavier 335 convertible with less hp (stock) would "pull harder" than the lighter and more powerful S4. I'm not biased about it- my last 4 cars were BMW's, 3 of them M3's. Either way, [up] for sharing your experience, the extensive write-up and the video.

[thewusman]

wow...what a bunch of haters. The man compared his driving experience of the S4 to his 335, and shared his opinion with us. I don't see why people get all in a huff about what he wrote at all. It seems like a few people here feel the need to defend their purchase, like his write up going to take anything away from your car. He put in his two cents, and he prefers the 335. Big deal. I respect his opinion and what he liked/disliked about the car, and it's not really going to affect my decision to purchase an S4. Some of you are coming across as a bunch of Audi fanboys, which is hypocritical seeing as how there are a lot of posts here accusing the guys at the BMW forums for the same thing. Just take a deep breath and relax.

I have to say, though, that it's pretty unfortunate about your customer service experience with Audi of Manhattan. That would definitely deter me from buying a car with that dealership. I was fortunate enough to work with an enthusiast who's been working for Audi and Porsche for the past 25 years. He has his own race car (amateur) with a tuned 2.0T audi engine pushing 400+ whp. Its pretty fun to go talk to him about cars whenever I'm around.

Should we all hold hands and sing Kum Bay Ya round a campfire ?

No.

That's the beauty of this and other forums.

Open debate. Critical retorts. And everyone, within the rules set by the site admins, is allowed to have an opinion.

And others don't have to agree with it.

I hardly call the reaction to the "review" at the center of this thread "FanBoy'ism".

The 335i is an excellent value for money performance saloon.

According to owners reports, widespread driving reports and motoring journalist reviews, the S4 is better. But again, that's subjective.

Kum Bay Ya?

Sigh.

[vjma]

Isn't the 7 speed a dual clutch transmission?


I am not comparing a non-stock car to a stock car.
My car will go stock in 0.5 seconds with the push of a button, so I am comparing to a stock powered car.
Also, to keep it apples to apples, my car is 500lbs heavier than the E90/E92 335i, EVERY DAY. It is also a convertible which I have driven with the roof down for most of the summer.

So I am comparing a 4125LBS 335i with less aero dynamics than a regular 335i to an S4.

You are really underestimating my review and comparison because you want to see your car shine.

I said where it shined and where it did not shine.

I need to drive the $58k version to compare it again to the 335i.

With the $58k version that you guys are asking to compare, the 335i monthly payments would be $550 (no negotiation), while the S4 monthly payments would be $800+. (same down payment, same 10k mile allowance, etc) So I think unless this ADS S4 will feel MUCH MUCH better, unless it is day and night, I am not willing to pay $300 extra a month even if it was slightly better than the 335. I will need a difference like S4 to RS4, 335i to M3, to pay that much extra.

Well, my point about the "DCT" is that it is not called a DCT in an Audi, and that the BMW's version of the dual clutch box came out much later. It's like saying how's your Windows running on a Mac. They do the same thing but are different.

Your seat of the pants experience was telling you that the S4 is not doing things you prefer. That is fine. Everyone has their preferences. The fact that you are driving a Bimmer now will skew your perception towards Audi a little bit as they are very different. If I go test a Bimmer now I am sure I will also walk away not impress. No one is right or wrong. It's all down to what you prefer at the end of the day.

As for the brake feel, this generation of the A4 has deliberately tone down on the initial grab that many people was complaining. If you look at the test results you will find the the 335i betters the S4 by 2 feet , which is not a huge margin. In your case where you convertible being heavier, I think they are more or less the same in terms of performance. If you prefer a grabby brake feel then again, is just your personal preference.

As for the financing, we all know that BMW is heavier subsidising so their rate will be better. It is all good for the consumer but at the same time it is this kind of business practice that put BMW in a bit of trouble financially lately.

This is an Audi forum and of course preferences will be on Audi. At the end of the day it is your money and you will end up buying what you prefer. The fact is what you said does not match ALL the available test results so far, pointing out that the S4 is better than than the 335i. That's is what most people are trying to say here.

[B8 Phantom S4]

Should we all hold hands and sing Kum Bay Ya round a campfire ?

No.

That's the beauty of this and other forums.

Open debate. Critical retorts. And everyone, within the rules set by the site admins, is allowed to have an opinion.

And others don't have to agree with it.

I hardly call the reaction to the "review" at the center of this thread "FanBoy'ism".

The 335i is an excellent value for money performance saloon.

According to owners reports, widespread driving reports and motoring journalist reviews, the S4 is better. But again, that's subjective.

Kum Bay Ya?

Sigh.

I just wanted to point out that people were attacking the OP when his write up didn't come out favoring the S4. He shared his opinion on the car, and immediately people are saying that he's mistaken and that he should test drive the car again. I think its pretty funny that people are comparing this to magazine reviews. Anyway, I've said my piece, take it however you like.

I hope you'll enjoy your S4 as much as I'll enjoy mine when it finally comes in. [up]

[NWS4Guy]

Well, my point about the "DCT" is that it is not called a DCT in an Audi, and that the BMW's version of the dual clutch box came out much later. It's like saying how's your Windows running on a Mac. They do the same thing but are different.



Actually it is the same thing, DSG is more like a brand name, so calling it DCT is like saying "Could you pass me a Kissue" and DSG is like calling it a "Kleenex."

All DSG's are DCT's, but not all DCT's are DSG's - make sense? :)

[S4seksi]

Ok i was the guy recording, I joined this forum just cause I'm a HUGE Audi fan, especially when it comes to the new S4 I'm in love with it. I think this car is gorgeous, perfect just like when the 335 came out. The n54 engine that's in the 335 has been winning engine of the year for a very long time now, and I think this new S4 is gonna give it a run for its money. The pull on that car was amazing. Let's keep in mind that the test car driver was perhaps 330 pounds, and I was sitting on his side in the back I'm 185. On the left side my two friends were a combined weight of perhaps 270. So the car was kind of leaning to the right with twice the weight being there LOL

There was a LITTLE more body roll when compared to the 335i; however, we never actually fit over 700 pounds in that car and tested it to the limits to be honest. Even if we did squeeze 700 pounds in there it was city driving, and the car was not stock so it wouldn't be a fair comparison. However, handling wise I can tell you that the 335 hugs the road better, although the Audi can accelerate HARDER on the turn. Keep in mind we didn't even test the Audi with ADS (audi driver select) it would probably make a day and night difference.

The shifting on the S4 was amazing, BUT, any dual clutch transmission is amazing. The 335 offers it as well, unfortunately they are retarded and don't sell it in America...sucks big time for BMW owners. As for looks, in my opinion Audi wins...And I'm also VERY curious to hear the S4 exhaust note NOT stock...with some light work, boost up on the super charger (I love the whining sound of a super charger more than anything) I bet it would be a definite neck breaker.

Also when I was driving one day, on my mirror I saw the lights of an R8 approaching me. I almost crashed that's how much that car broke my neck and took my attention away from the road. Looked like a fat shark glued to the ground, DANGEROUS.

When it comes down to it, both cars are AMAZING...bang for the buck, you can't find anything better than a 335 or an S4 if you're looking for an overall great car, performance, luxury and comfort. I would go with the Audi simply because of the fact that I love super chargers, and also you can get a FULLY loaded Audi out of the ass for cheaper than the Bimmer, with less options. To be fair; however, the salesman was a jacka$$ and he lied to us about the price at first to bring us in for the test drive. I wanted to smack him, cause I was pulling REALLY hard for my friend to get the S4 cause I love it. Leasing options on the S4 are not good at all, if you finance I think it would be better to go with the S4. Leasing though bmw gives you cars for 60% of the price that you pay for Audi...which might be understandable for now since the Audi is only one month and a half old.

The Audi navigation for the record was confusing as fu1k! I prefer the BMW one, it's bigger and much easier to use. The seats on the S4 were more comfortable and sporty, and the two tone definitely worth buying...worth the extra 1K in my opinion. The back side of the Audi looks nice, but the bmw's back side compliments it better...nothing sexier than the front grill of the audi though.

In the end, I wish I could afford either car! If I could go to bed knowing that there was either an S4 or a 335 in my garage, I would sleep like a baby. Unfortunately for now, I can only dream lol. For those of you who own the S4 or 335, enjoy it, don't let people get to you with Audi is the best or BMW is the best in the end you will defend what you have...cause you paid a lot of money for it...and of course, beat the sh1t out of your cars, cause if you're not, you're driving it wrong!

[S4seksi]

I want to see some more of your 335. [up]

This is the kind of attitude you should have!

[S4seksi]

Troll

And this is the kind of attitude you shouldn't have.

[DaveSRT]

Hilarious, a self proclaimed "true performance enthusiast" who drives a VERT auto. [:p]

Having put 5k+ miles on both a stock 335xi and a jb3+downpipe+kw 335 and some time in a B8 s4 (as well as a lot in a B8 s5) I can say that the audi feels quicker down low up high and everywhere in between on the powerband as compared to a stock 335. the test numbers bear that out. there was significantly more body roll on the stock 335xi than the S4. id say the KWd 335 e92 was slightly more composed than the S4.

I cant comment on the braking performance but the reviews I have read have been very complimentary of braking performance. You may have hit a nasty patch of pavement during your one hard braking test, or maybe it was the 700 LBS you had in the car.

[S4Olympics]

Hilarious, a self proclaimed "true performance enthusiast" who drives a VERT auto. [:p]

Having put 5k+ miles on both a stock 335xi and a jb3+downpipe+kw 335 and some time in a B8 s4 (as well as a lot in a B8 s5) I can say that the audi feels quicker down low up high and everywhere in between on the powerband as compared to a stock 335. the test numbers bear that out. there was significantly more body roll on the stock 335xi than the S4. id say the KWd 335 e92 was slightly more composed than the S4.

I cant comment on the braking performance but the reviews I have read have been very complimentary of braking performance. You may have hit a nasty patch of pavement during your one hard braking test, or maybe it was the 700 LBS you had in the car.


You owned a 335 and talk shit about the Auto Tranny when the manual tranny doesn't even let you shift at the speed you want to?

Guess you should read up on that, if you have never owned a 335i.

The AUTO 335 is faster than the manual...but you wouldn't know.

Just because I am an enthusiast, does not mean I don't have nice taste and play smart with my money.

For $63k I could have gotten an M3, Evo+upgrades, your beloved SRT8 plus upgrades, a CTS-V, a C6 Z06, etc etc.

It was a choice and I have tracked every car that I have owned multiple times.
I would also drive 900 miles for a nice mountain driving road, do all the work myself, etc. so I consider myself an enthusiast.


The reviews say that BMW braking was better by a few feet.
A few feet is not MUCH better, but it still fits in the "better" category, instead of "worse".



No there were no nasty patches on the road.
Take it for what it is. That's my review of it.
I specified every detail of the car, the weight, the roads I drove it in, etc. so stop making up excuses.

[vjma]

Ok i was the guy recording, I joined this forum just cause I'm a HUGE Audi fan, especially when it comes to the new S4 I'm in love with it. I think this car is gorgeous, perfect just like when the 335 came out. The n54 engine that's in the 335 has been winning engine of the year for a very long time now, and I think this new S4 is gonna give it a run for its money. The pull on that car was amazing. Let's keep in mind that the test car driver was perhaps 330 pounds, and I was sitting on his side in the back I'm 185. On the left side my two friends were a combined weight of perhaps 270. So the car was kind of leaning to the right with twice the weight being there LOL

There was a LITTLE more body roll when compared to the 335i; however, we never actually fit over 700 pounds in that car and tested it to the limits to be honest. Even if we did squeeze 700 pounds in there it was city driving, and the car was not stock so it wouldn't be a fair comparison. However, handling wise I can tell you that the 335 hugs the road better, although the Audi can accelerate HARDER on the turn. Keep in mind we didn't even test the Audi with ADS (audi driver select) it would probably make a day and night difference.

The shifting on the S4 was amazing, BUT, any dual clutch transmission is amazing. The 335 offers it as well, unfortunately they are retarded and don't sell it in America...sucks big time for BMW owners. As for looks, in my opinion Audi wins...And I'm also VERY curious to hear the S4 exhaust note NOT stock...with some light work, boost up on the super charger (I love the whining sound of a super charger more than anything) I bet it would be a definite neck breaker.

Also when I was driving one day, on my mirror I saw the lights of an R8 approaching me. I almost crashed that's how much that car broke my neck and took my attention away from the road. Looked like a fat shark glued to the ground, DANGEROUS.

When it comes down to it, both cars are AMAZING...bang for the buck, you can't find anything better than a 335 or an S4 if you're looking for an overall great car, performance, luxury and comfort. I would go with the Audi simply because of the fact that I love super chargers, and also you can get a FULLY loaded Audi out of the ass for cheaper than the Bimmer, with less options. To be fair; however, the salesman was a jacka$$ and he lied to us about the price at first to bring us in for the test drive. I wanted to smack him, cause I was pulling REALLY hard for my friend to get the S4 cause I love it. Leasing options on the S4 are not good at all, if you finance I think it would be better to go with the S4. Leasing though bmw gives you cars for 60% of the price that you pay for Audi...which might be understandable for now since the Audi is only one month and a half old.

The Audi navigation for the record was confusing as fu1k! I prefer the BMW one, it's bigger and much easier to use. The seats on the S4 were more comfortable and sporty, and the two tone definitely worth buying...worth the extra 1K in my opinion. The back side of the Audi looks nice, but the bmw's back side compliments it better...nothing sexier than the front grill of the audi though.

In the end, I wish I could afford either car! If I could go to bed knowing that there was either an S4 or a 335 in my garage, I would sleep like a baby. Unfortunately for now, I can only dream lol. For those of you who own the S4 or 335, enjoy it, don't let people get to you with Audi is the best or BMW is the best in the end you will defend what you have...cause you paid a lot of money for it...and of course, beat the sh1t out of your cars, cause if you're not, you're driving it wrong!

Thanks for your writeup. Your friend tested the S4 and didn't like it. So be it. However, you did rightly pointed out that the extra weight that the car was carrying etc etc, which is what we've been saying. We are not trying to argue which is the better car but it is obvious that he formed his opinion based on different conditions. Anyway there is no point in arguing. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. I will be a happy man when my S4 arrives (god knows when...[:(]).

[S4seksi]

Thanks for your writeup. Your friend tested the S4 and didn't like it. So be it. However, you did rightly pointed out that the extra weight that the car was carrying etc etc, which is what we've been saying. We are not trying to argue which is the better car but it is obvious that he formed his opinion based on different conditions. Anyway there is no point in arguing. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. I will be a happy man when my S4 arrives (god knows when...[:(]).

You should, the best thing I got in my mailbox lately was the books for school LOL...If I knew I was expecting an S4 to drop in ANY day I wouldn't sleep.

That guy that was trying to sell the car though, believe it or not, could make you NOT want the car anymore. He lied about the price at first, he said they'd work with my friend pricing wise, and then he also was very annoying during the test drive telling him to slow down every second (for the record, he knew shit about the car). The car was never pushed the way it was meant to be driven in my opinion during the test drive. And the 335 and the S4 are so close to each other performance wise that paying an extra 300 a month, and having to deal with a retarded dealership would NOT be worth it.

So when people say how they don't buy cars because of certain dealerships I get it why now. My friend had a GTO before, and their service was TERRIBLE. The experience he had with bmw though is great...I would have made the same decision even though I favor the S4.

P.s. I'm pretty sure nobody likes Mercedes here...lol

[Sin_city_Rings]

P.s. I'm pretty sure nobody likes Mercedes here...lol


UUHHH put me in a C63 AMG and i will sing Mercedes praises ALL day long! [drive]

[S4seksi]

UUHHH put me in a C63 AMG and i will sing Mercedes praises ALL day long! [drive]

I have a thing against "performance" mercedes...I kind of only like the S class, GL and CL (which is too expensive I think). And those are only cars I would buy if I had a LOT of money and those were my secondary cars.
I would rather have a used M5 than a new C63. I think Audi and Bmw makes more young people cars.

[vjma]

I'm pretty sure nobody likes Mercedes here...lol

Actually if you ask me to choose between a M3 and a C63, I would choose the C63 without even thinking about it. The M3 just send out too much of "I am a dxxx" image. The whole BMW range radiates this actually and some people think they own the road because they have a BMW. Granted, this behavior is not brand specific but it does seems that the % is higher with BMW.

[riegeraudi]

This is really just stupid, your friend is trying to defend a review that is just nonsense. What does your friend think would happen if I went into a BMW dealership and packed on 700lbs of unbalanced weight on to a 335i and went to E90post and told them the same review that your friend gave us. Like the 335i was not as balanced as the S4, that the brakes are not as good either, and the pick-up was not as good as a chipped S4, and the car didn't hug the road as well as the S4 etc., etc..
They would say exactly the same thing that everyone else is saying here, that your friend is an idiot who doesn't know crap about cars. If I wrote the same review I wouldn't bother defending such useless info. What your friend doesn't think 700lbs could have some impact on the above mentioned charicteristics?
Even the E90 guys say your friend is an idiot for such a review.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308129

The main point is that your friend is not judging apples to apples. If you had compared apples to apples I can guarantee you, your friend wouldn't have been jumped on by these guys and I.

[hender]

Even the E90 guys say your friend is an idiot for such a review.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308129

.


nice find [up] [:D]

[S4seksi]

This is really just stupid, your friend is trying to defend a review that is just nonsense. What does your friend think would happen if I went into a BMW dealership and packed on 700lbs of unbalanced weight on to a 335i and went to E90post and told them the same review that your friend gave us. Like the 335i was not as balanced as the S4, that the brakes are not as good either, and the pick-up was not as good as a chipped S4, and the car didn't hug the road as well as the S4 etc., etc..
They would say exactly the same thing that everyone else is saying here, that your friend is an idiot who doesn't know crap about cars. If I wrote the same review I wouldn't bother defending such useless info. What your friend doesn't think 700lbs could have some impact on the above mentioned charicteristics?
Even the E90 guys say your friend is an idiot for such a review.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308129

The main point is that your friend is not judging apples to apples. If you had compared apples to apples I can guarantee you, your friend wouldn't have been jumped on by these guys and I.

Calm your tone douchebag, I clearly stated that he's put a LOT of weight in his car as well about 700 just like that day. The only difference was that he wasn't test driving his car when we had a lot of weight in it. And about hugging the road better I know what he means, I drove his car before and I felt it on turns, it really does hug the road better than the S4, it FEELS better on the turn, but the Audi accelerated harder on the turn because of the advanced technology they might have in it and also the all wheel drive etc.

I saw the topic in the e90 forums, where is the word "idiot" used? Lay off the drugs and stop taking things up your ass, you're not a girl are you, he didn't offend your mother.

[S4Olympics]

Calm your tone douchebag, I clearly stated that he's put a LOT of weight in his car as well about 700 just like that day. The only difference was that he wasn't test driving his car when we had a lot of weight in it. And about hugging the road better I know what he means, I drove his car before and I felt it on turns, it really does hug the road better than the S4, it FEELS better on the turn, but the Audi accelerated harder on the turn because of the advanced technology they might have in it and also the all wheel drive etc.

I saw the topic in the e90 forums, where is the word "idiot" used? Lay off the drugs and stop taking things up your ass, you're not a girl are you, he didn't offend your mother.

This is what happens when you say anything negative towards their beloved car.
I think they would get more angry if you say a BMW hugs the road better than an Audi than if you say something about their mother.
[rolleyes]

[S4seksi]

This is what happens when you say anything negative towards their beloved car.
I think they would get more angry if you say a BMW hugs the road better than an Audi than if you say something about their mother.
[rolleyes]

Lets go to a better dealership, test drive it with ADS, you and a normal sized human in the front seat this time alone...and then check their leasing options

[S4Olympics]

This is really just stupid, your friend is trying to defend a review that is just nonsense. What does your friend think would happen if I went into a BMW dealership and packed on 700lbs of unbalanced weight on to a 335i and went to E90post and told them the same review that your friend gave us. Like the 335i was not as balanced as the S4, that the brakes are not as good either, and the pick-up was not as good as a chipped S4, and the car didn't hug the road as well as the S4 etc., etc..
They would say exactly the same thing that everyone else is saying here, that your friend is an idiot who doesn't know crap about cars. If I wrote the same review I wouldn't bother defending such useless info. What your friend doesn't think 700lbs could have some impact on the above mentioned charicteristics?
Even the E90 guys say your friend is an idiot for such a review.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308129

The main point is that your friend is not judging apples to apples. If you had compared apples to apples I can guarantee you, your friend wouldn't have been jumped on by these guys and I.


What was unfair about my review?
All you read is Audi, cant brake, Audi, slow, 700lbs.
That's it...then you go blind and refuse to read anything else.



I mentioned the 700lbs weight FOR A REASON.
I kept this 700lbs weight in mind during the whole test drive.

I know how a car SHOULD behave and how it SHOULD NOT, even with the extra weight.

I did not track the car and say "it did not run the same time as an empty 335i". WTF?

I was driving the car through the city, it traffic half the time, so I am comparing city driving VS city driving that I have done with my CONVERTIBLE with 4 people in it.
I am also comparing a packed 535xi with 4-5 people in it, to the S4.

I was not born yesterday and put straight into an Audi S4...which is what your history sounds like.

I have a lot of experience with a variety of cars in variety of different situations so I know what to expect and what not to depending on the weight and behavior of the car.

The car should NOT have lost traction in those conditions.
For god's sake, I didn't even apply 75% of braking power.

The advantage the car had was that it was AWD and it can distribute this power depending on traction throughout a turn so for this reason, you can accelerate through the turn instead of entering the turn fast, keeping steady throttle throughout the turn, then accelerating on the way out.

AWD is a different type of drive than rear wheel so you need to know how to drive when you enter a rear wheel drive car because you can not accelerate through the turn.
With this being said, I knew the cars strong points, and it's weak points.

WEAK POINTS COMPARING TO 335i:

Braking
Entering Turn Speed
High Speed Stability

STRONG POINTS COMPARING TO 335i:
Acceleration off the line.
Shifting
Acceleration and integrity through a turn (able to accelerate through it)



You can not compare your "apples to apples" since we are not comparing a 335xi with DCT VS the S4 with DCT.

We are comparing two different cars, which is why they have different strong points and different weak points.


PS. You are the only child on this forum getting personal over a car. Grow up kiddo.

[S4Olympics]

Lets go to a better dealership, test drive it with ADS, you and a normal sized human in the front seat this time alone...and then check their leasing options

I'll leave an appointment for this Friday at 4pm at Audi of Long Island....

I'll make sure they have the ADS.


Any other requests from the Audi Fanatics?
Should I test drive the Manual instead, or 19 inch rims, or anything like that?

My comparison will be up against an Automatic 335xi with 18's.

[NWS4Guy]

I'll leave an appointment for this Friday at 4pm at Audi of Long Island....

I'll make sure they have the ADS.


Any other requests from the Audi Fanatics?
Should I test drive the Manual instead, or 19 inch rims, or anything like that?

My comparison will be up against an Automatic 335xi with 18's.

You can (and should) do whatever you like that puts your mind at ease. This is for you, not us - you are who needs to be happy at the end of the day with your choice, not us.

If you like something I don't, I say great, you are an individual and have your own opinion. A couple of people here have gotten a little hot headed about some comments back and forth, both you, your friend, AND the Audi posters here. Name calling won't help calm any tempers, nor make friends when it's all said and done, so take the higher road and let the other person do it, then not do so back.

[vjma]

I'll leave an appointment for this Friday at 4pm at Audi of Long Island....

I'll make sure they have the ADS.


Any other requests from the Audi Fanatics?
Should I test drive the Manual instead, or 19 inch rims, or anything like that?

My comparison will be up against an Automatic 335xi with 18's.

The other poster was a little bit hot headed but most of us has been reasonable. All we are saying was that your previous test drive was skewed because of the factors that you listed. Audi and BMW are competitors and they feel different. It really depends on your preferences. It is great that you are willing to take another go for the S4. If you still find that it is not to your liking then fine. Like I've said before, it is your money and you should spend it on something that you like.

[zillmc]

I'm not going to spend my time writing a wall of text on why or why not the 335i and new B8 S4 is better and why.

All I can say is after driving a 335i rwd, G35s, and now the B8 S4, the S4 comes out on top for me on pretty much everything except for how I <3 the bmw 335i flashy blue coupe looks just mean =). One thing I will say that the S4 smokes the bmw on is the interior finish, style, and gadgetry it's sooooo much nicer than the 335i, other than that the cars are quite comparable.

[Sin_city_Rings]

I'll leave an appointment for this Friday at 4pm at Audi of Long Island....

I'll make sure they have the ADS.


Any other requests from the Audi Fanatics?
Should I test drive the Manual instead, or 19 inch rims, or anything like that?

My comparison will be up against an Automatic 335xi with 18's.

Why Bother?? You didnt like it the first time why are you going to like it the second time?

I hope your not doing it for the Audi owners because at the end of the day no one on here gives a sh** what you drive.

So purchase what you like, enjoy it and stay on that respected forum.

P.S. No one thinks your a troll, because....(re-read my line two.) [:)]

I saw the topic in the e90 forums, where is the word "idiot" used? Lay off the drugs and stop taking things up your ass, you're not a girl are you, he didn't offend your mother.

Calm it down honey bunch! lol
No need for such defense....are you the one taking it up the a**?? [eek]

people are so serious/frustrated when there is no need to be...it cracks me up! [:D]

[S4seksi]

Calm it down honey bunch! lol
No need for such defense....are you the one taking it up the a**?? [eek]

people are so serious/frustrated when there is no need to be...it cracks me up! [:D]

I'm not lol that's just my personality or the way I come off, I'm never angry.

I would wanna test drive it because the road for the test drive sucked, no ADS in the car, and too much weight. The car needs to be tested properly.

[riegeraudi]

I'll leave an appointment for this Friday at 4pm at Audi of Long Island....

I'll make sure they have the ADS.


Any other requests from the Audi Fanatics?
Should I test drive the Manual instead, or 19 inch rims, or anything like that?

My comparison will be up against an Automatic 335xi with 18's.

Like your fellow 335 owners have indicated on their forum you look biased to begin with so really why bother.
Well if you think your review of the car is so supremely accurate and you know exactly what you are talking about than why waste your time on another test drive? I bet if you came on the forum and had a proper test drive and indicated you didn't like the vehicle because in your opinion ..... than I don't think anyone would have said anything at all. If you don't understand what you did wrong than good luck. Just buy the 335ix and be happy and hope you won't have the same problems as the other owners who have the peeling trim paint, popping suspension, and HPFP failures.
In the end I can bet you, if you go on any forum and compare cars the way you do, I will bet my car that you will be treated the same and if you and your friend don't think so, than truly somethings got to be wrong in your head.

[riegeraudi]

What was unfair about my review?
All you read is Audi, cant brake, Audi, slow, 700lbs.
That's it...then you go blind and refuse to read anything else.

Bingo key word 700lbs.
Why read anything else when you go test drive a car with extra 700lbs and your an enthusiast. Seriously I don't know any car journalist or anyone in their right mind will say they can accurately test drive a car with 700+lbs and compare it to vehicles that you drove in the past with 4 other people in it.
Seriously you don't see the error of your ways just a little bit?

[Raz5219]

I wasn't going to respond to this thread, but you guys need to give the guy a break. He test drove a car, and did his best to judge the car knowing that he had an extra 700lbs in it. Hopefully the second test drive at Audi LI will be with just two people (him and Salesperson) to get a better comparison. To call him out on giving a bad review because of extra weight basically means he shouldn't have said anything rather than stating his observations. Take it for what it is and form your own opinions by driving the car yourself, and not being so defensive. He didn't kidnap your first born child, he just gave a subjective opinion..no reason to get bent out of shape over it.

[S4Olympics]

Why Bother?? You didnt like it the first time why are you going to like it the second time?

I hope your not doing it for the Audi owners because at the end of the day no one on here gives a sh** what you drive.

So purchase what you like, enjoy it and stay on that respected forum.

P.S. No one thinks your a troll, because....(re-read my line two.) [:)]


Calm it down honey bunch! lol
No need for such defense....are you the one taking it up the a**?? [eek]

people are so serious/frustrated when there is no need to be...it cracks me up! [:D]

Heave you read anything that I have said...at all?
You keep going back to "Audi, 700lbs extra, slow, can't stop."

The S4 I test drove was NOT the one I was shopping for and NOT the one I would buy.

That was a base model S4 other than Navi.

I wanted to test drive one with either the sport diff, or the whole ADS system.
Since some people said it made a difference in the drive, I will go back and test drive the ADS version.
I did not make it like the 335 shits on the S4.
They were slightly off and as I have mentioned, if they were within the same price range, and if the quality of the dealership was much higher, I would have went for it.

That was NOT the case.

The car had no ADS.
The sales man was complete garbage.
The dealership was nothing compared to my current one.
The price did not even make sense when I can get a 535xi cheaper and the 535xi's MSRP is a lot higher (in the 60's). (remember talking about financing it).

Which one of those would have made any of you jump for the S4?

I told the guy I would put $7.5k down and a 10k mile allowance, and I would still be paying around $800 a month, for what, an S4?
It's not even an RS Model.

I would rather be in a CPO E55 AMG or CPO M5 and I would still be paying less than that.

The options they had for ME did not make sense.
I did not like the car and did not like the style of driving it offered compared to the 335.
It would make a lot more sense for ME to get a 335xi or even a 535xi....


and still enjoy stopping quicker than an S4 and handling better than an S4 in high speeds....sorry guys I chose life.




(for those of you with a leveled head, please ignore that last line, it was a joke for the Audi Till Death freaks.)

[switchface]

Of all the reviews that people post on various forums, I thought this one was pretty unbiased.

However, as many mentioned, the 700lbs, even if you are conscious to the fact, still has a profound affect on the entire car's characteristics. It is probably difficult to adjust your butt dyno for this (for example, how much do you adjust for 400lbs vs 700lbs, etc. see what I mean?). To me, 700lbs is a lot; without having a baseline to compare it to, I think it would leave me feeling uninspired.

My issue, when I test drove the b8 s4, s5 and 335 was that I was subconsciously comparing it to my stage 2 s4. None of the cars could compare to the torque...I'm having a hard time giving new cars a fair shake.

Try not to let certain dealers dissuade you from an entire brand either. But, do make sure the dealer you choose to buy from is one you feel comfortable with since you will be seeing them from time to time (probably with mods). I've gone to a handful of Audi dealers that truly did not know their product; I was the one schooling them. I've also been to a handful of BMW dealers that wouldn't give me the time of day. They laughed with their noses in the air when I asked to test drive the e46 m3 when it was new, "you don't test drive the m3, you already know what it is" Nice try, but no.

As for the money, I wouldn't even consider leasing an Audi. The salesmen themselves have admitted how atrocious their rates are compared to BMW (as someone else mentioned above) for example. If you are dead set on leasing, expect to unjustly pay more for the Audi. My advice, however, would be to buy her outright.

I think a re-test is a good idea with the features in the car you want and with yourself and the salesman only. Whatever you feel afterwards is what you feel, and that makes it right. Your car, your opinion...thats all that really matters...to you.

[NWS4Guy]

The SA who went on my drive with me was female, about 5'3 and couldn't have weighed more than 120 - it was a perfect drive, she wanted to stay out longer, so we took lots of twists and turns, which really helped sell me on it.

[S4Olympics]

The SA who went on my drive with me was female, about 5'3 and couldn't have weighed more than 120 - it was a perfect drive, she wanted to stay out longer, so we took lots of twists and turns, which really helped sell me on it.



This guy alone was at least 300lbs.


Maybe I'll be in luck next time and end up with a 90lbs 4'9 girl and 1/4 tank of gas.
[drive]

[B7A4WD]

s4olympics i understand what you mean because my buddy has a 335i, i have test drove it... the brakes on the bmw i say are way more sensitive and kick in very hard than audis do. Audis do have a more push to the brake like a luxury. The handling is stiffer to i say, and theres a lot of differences with the 335 and audi. I love both cars, and im glad you stepped up and tried a new change but as i can tell it didnt go to well, but yeah audi dealership are more unprofessional, but if you find the right one you will love them, all dealerships are different just depends which one you go to. Anyways good luck with your new purchase.

[A6.S-line]

2 quick points:

1. Value: It's a close call when buying either car, and posters here have previously said the S4 is a better value comparably equipped. However, when leasing the monthly payments will probably remain miles apart. This is because there is nothing your dealer can do to change the difference in residuals and MF between BMWFS and Audi FS.

2. Sport suspension: if you care about suspension and handling a lot, why would you get/consider the 335Xi? Even when equipped with the Sport Package (option code ZSP), it will not have the sports suspension on the Xi cars. You're much better off ordering the RWD 335i with ZSP, thus getting the sports suspension, and then using winter tires for the 2-3 months you'll need them in NJ.

[sakimano]

troll is an obvious use the report button, then use the rep buttons. That's what they're there for.

as for trolly McTroll and his little buddy...I have a couple of questions for you before your account is terminated

1. why have every magazine on earth found that the S4 is the faster car at every single speed/from a dig/around a track?
2. why have every magazine on earth found that the S4 stops better than the 335 in all situations?
3. why have every magazine on earth concluded that the S4 is the better car, with the only 2 exceptions being those who prefer the abilty of the 335 to break loose and provide a more fun track experience...even though its slower?