A4 - Should I buy these used and what can I expect (BMW is going)

[BigRD]

Hi folks,

My 1st post in this forum. Lots of great info here.

I'm currently looking at a choice of 2 A4's to replace my 04 525d SE Auto. I'm hoping to improve on fuel consumption - currently averaging 30

I have a choice of a Jan 07 2.0TDi SE 170 6spd or a July 06 20.TDi 140 SE Multitronic. I've driven the 170 and was very impressed and have still to test the 140. Can anyone tell me if I'll notice much of a difference between the 2 in performance and fuel consumption?

Also I like the thought of being able to play mp3 CD's on the 170's Concert Radio. The 140 has the Symphony 6CD with cassette - can this play mp3 CD's? I may consider adding a Dension Gateway 300 if someone can confirm that mp3 ID3 tags info can be displayed on the radio display. Other wise I'll just stick with the discs.

Any info would be much appreciated.

R

 

[NobberUK]

I'd be extremely suprised if the Symphony can play mp3's. I know my single symphony can't play them.

You could always re-map the 140 to make it around 180 no problem to bring it in line performance wise. I can't comment on if you would notice the difference as I haven't drive the 170, but I imagine it would be a noticeable as 30bhp is in theory over 20% of the 140's power.

 

[R14AYN]

I've just swapped my 2.0 140 tdi for a 225 bhp petrol and thought it was plenty fast enough and I averaged mid 40's in MPG over 80,000 and I drove with a heavy foot everywhere.
Can't comment on the 170 however I would think you can swap the radio for the sat nav unit which can take 2 x 2 gig cards so you have plenty of MP3's and no CD's in the car. I think this costs in the region of about £500 but not 100%, im sure someone will set me straight if im wrong.

 

[Caesium]

The symphony will not play mp3s

30mpg from a 2.5? you must cane it, i get 40-45 from my 530d and i'm not a slow driver by any means.

 

[BigRD]

Thanks for all the info folks.

I had already wondered about the 30bhp difference - in theory - but know it's not always the case.

As far as the 30mpg (at best) with my BMW, I'm not that heavy footed but my current commute to work and back is 30 miles through villages and major roadworks at an average speed of 34mph - any one seen Falling Down

The symphony will not play mp3s

What age is your Symphony and does it have the silver knobs? fnar
Can anyone confirm that an 06/07 Concert CD player supports MP3 CDs

I have looked into the RNS-E and would have no problem retrofitting myself. The downside I see is cars with the single DIN fitting require a replacement air con control as well as double DIN and modding the centre console. The 170 has the single DIN Concert. CD player type wont influence my final decision unless I was comparing 2 identical cars.

Cheers everyone

 

[Caesium]

My symphony was in a 2004 A4 and had black knobs

 

[BigRD]

Thanks Chris. I'm sure I read somewhere that the models with the silver knobs had been updated with MP3 playback although I find that hard to believe on a model with a cassette player.

Is your 530d auto or manual? I had a 320d E46 before and always averaged 40ish. I'm getting really frustrated with the mpg on my 525d - it's an 04 E61 Auto.

 

[Caesium]

Its an auto, manuals are really really rare and nobody wants them.

Have you had your MAF checked? That and the crankcase breather can go causing the low MPG, i have had both mine changed.

 

[motorbikez]

170tdi I average 43 mpg ,previous car A3 sport
140tdi ave 48 mpg 170 has alot more urge and is very quick if you want it to be, 140 has reasonable performance and is better on fuel.Best thing to do is have a back to back test.

 

[jpda4]

i picked up a march 07 plate yesterday
it has a single cd player with silver knobs big display and it does play mp3 cds, dont know what model it is
was going to source a multichanger or ipod link this weekend no need now

now just need to change my user name from jpda3 to jpdA4

 

[BigRD]

Hi jpda3 or jpda4 Are you pleased with your new purchase? Can you give any details on model i.e. petrol or diesel, SE or S-Line

Does your CD player display details like artist, track etc? I'd be happy with that and burn my fav music to half a dozen cd-r's = ~1000 tracks

Cheers

 

[NobberUK]

My stereo is in an 06 S-line and has silver knobs. It does not display track info or play mp3's. Thats tried and tested! Not that it matters as it's being happily ripped out today in favour of a proper stereo!

Personally i'd go with the 140 and get it re-mapped, but that's just me!

 

[jpda4]

bigrd: 2 days in and i am still very happy with the new motor, i bought a march 07 plated 1.9tdi (115) se spec with 15k miles, it has everything on it that i want and is quick enough for me, just found out it doesnt have folding rear seats or storage draws under front seats like the A3 had
re the mp3 cd Im no expert but i think it depends on how the mp3 were named when burned to the cd, will check later but im sure it gave artist, album and track name on the radio display might of had to press a few buttons to get this displayed though.....
hope this helps......jpda3

 

[BigRD]

Well I took the plunge and have paid a deposit for a 57 plate 2.0TDi 140 S-Line in Mauritius Blue. The car looks stunning and I can't wait to take delivery in approx 10 days. Counting how many sleeps
Comes with 18" alloys, sports seat, Sat nav and CD changer.

Just shows it really pays to shop around and not accept the first couple of offers. Ended up with the deal I wanted at my local dealer in Stirling.

First upgrade will be Kufatec IMA interface with a Rhapsody hard drive media player controlled through the RNS-E. Then will look into retrofit Bluetooth and a reversing camera - money permitting.

 

[Sussex Lad]

I'd be extremely suprised if the Symphony can play mp3's. I know my single symphony can't play them.

You could always re-map the 140 to make it around 180 no problem to bring it in line performance wise. I can't comment on if you would notice the difference as I haven't drive the 170, but I imagine it would be a noticeable as 30bhp is in theory over 20% of the 140's power.

I thought Concert was the single CD Symphony = 6 disc

 

[BigRD]

Friend of mine has a 2007 A3 with the double din Concert single CD - silver knobs - which definitely plays MP3's and displays track info on the HU and on the DIS - I made up a CD filled with files and tested myself
:thumbsup:

From some of the cars I've looked at recently the Symphony double din is similar in looks to the Concert double bin but can take 6 CD's. I wasn't able to test for MP3 compatability though.

 

[andyccr]

My friend prefered his 'old' 140bhp golf to his new 170bhp GT version. 'old' version feels much smoother and nicer to drive. Both are the 2.0TDi engines

 

[BigRD]

Well that's the BMW away and I'm now the proud owner of a 57 plate A4 2.0 TDi 140 S-Line in Maurituis Blue complete with 18" 5 spoke alloys, Sat Nav & CD changer.



I'm glad I held out for the S-Line.

Have to say I'm sorry to see the 5 series going but it was time.