[F30AM]

The Merc might be just the ticket. It's practically a new car with the extensive revisions. Even the shape has changed. It really looks the business.

Get an E 350 Diesel BlueTEC (automatic) AMG Sport from £40,900. Just looked at the configurator. Heavily revised inside and outside. Very high quality.

[Daveyc]

HI Jrinns,

Given you've been driving BMWs for a while (and presumably, that you like them), I'd hesitate on buying an Audi if I were you. They're a totally different drive to Beemers and it's down to taste as to which you prefer.

Take a look at this review of the Audi A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro in Autocar.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...-bitdi-quattro

Apart form the usual comments about the Audi drive being bit sterile, they also suggest you need to spec it up a fair bit to get a halfway decent drive.

Given your space requirements, it might be worth test driving a 535d and then pushing your dealer on price against the Audi. If you can't get a sensible deal, you could look at a nearly new 535d.

Each to their own, but driving an Audi is the polar opposite of most BMWs. Worth pausing before you go ahead.

[JRINNS]

Originally Posted by Daveyc

HI Jrinns,

Given you've been driving BMWs for a while (and presumably, that you like them), I'd hesitate on buying an Audi if I were you. They're a totally different drive to Beemers and it's down to taste as to which you prefer.

Take a look at this review of the Audi A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro in Autocar.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...-bitdi-quattro

Apart form the usual comments about the Audi drive being bit sterile, they also suggest you need to spec it up a fair bit to get a halfway decent drive.

Given your space requirements, it might be worth test driving a 535d and then pushing your dealer on price against the Audi. If you can't get a sensible deal, you could look at a nearly new 535d.

Each to their own, but driving an Audi is the polar opposite of most BMWs. Worth pausing before you go ahead.

To be honest im approaching 40 and the a relaxing drive with power on tap and gadgets is my most important . All cars at a 40k price point will be nice to drive, a spirited drive and being at one with the car is ok for an m3 but for a motorway mile muncher then its take it or leave it. Got an a6 for a day on friday and if its not relaxing to drive then its gone. Tooks the wifes manual a5 to manchester last night and my back and arse killed. Think its the offset pedals , may not be noticable on an auto, but if it is then a lower powrr bmw may be the way forward or the merc. Friday is d day for me, before that though i will nip intomthe bmw dealers

[F30AM]

As the review says: 'But this experience, as well as previous test drives, suggests that even a perfectly configured A6 BiTDi still couldn’t quite eclipse the BMW for overall dynamic appeal'.

And it is such a bloated looking thing. Most unattractive.
The new E Class is a better bet. Loaded with equipment.

He should compare the Merc and the BMW.

[JRINNS]

Originally Posted by F30AM

As the review says: 'But this experience, as well as previous test drives, suggests that even a perfectly configured A6 BiTDi still couldn’t quite eclipse the BMW for overall dynamic appeal'.

And it is such a bloated looking thing. Most unattractive.
The new E Class is a better bet. Loaded with equipment.

He should compare the Merc and the BMW.

The review states buy one with a rear diff etc, i travel at speed in straight lines on the motorway, a rear diff is the last tick box i would go for lol

The sline looks decent

[F30AM]

I've always felt those wheels are a bit 'boy racer'.
I've never been able to get comfortable in Audis. Always got severe pain in my shins and a very sore back.
0-62 mph times should also never be the decider.
Best of luck in your hunt.
And ETTO.

[davyk31]

The S Line A6 Avant do look very nice I have to agree. As regards the differences in driving dynamics I wonder how much is reality and how much is people's ideas. For sure a BMW fan will often keep loyal to the brand.

Having said all that I would probably struggle also going to an Audi.

[F30AM]

For most people the Audi driving experience will be fine but when one changes from a hot hatch to a saloon, one needs a sporting saloon to lessen the trauma of the change. The F30 meets this requirement in spades and then some.

[rjberry]

Originally Posted by JRINNS

Yes, possibly. Down bristol next week so will go and have a play with dick lovett......had the drive of a 530d there and may see how the land lies with a 535d. Think it will be alot more expensive than the a6 bitdi is going for due to 23% discount. Both great cars and bmw maybe more so but it all comes down to the green.

Dick Lovett is where my car came from. Great place but yes, unfortunate name

[JRINNS]

Originally Posted by davyk31

The S Line A6 Avant do look very nice I have to agree. As regards the differences in driving dynamics I wonder how much is reality and how much is people's ideas. For sure a BMW fan will often keep loyal to the brand.

Having said all that I would probably struggle also going to an Audi.

Agreed, hence why im not 100% . I would love an eb 330d but its just going to be too small. Just thinking if some 535d pre regs may come on the market 310313

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by JRINNS

Agreed, hence why im not 100% . I would love an eb 330d but its just going to be too small. Just thinking if some 535d pre regs may come on the market 310313

I perfectly understand your dilemma. At the end of the day, bugger what we all say, but get the car that suits your needs best and at the best possible price. BMW, Mercedes and Audi are very good cars. They will get you from A to B in great comfort albeit a bit differently. Driving comfort should be your priority above the plethora of toys on offer.