Anyone quite quickly regretted buying?
- Thread starter Maco
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To be honest i only have 2 garages so i will have to move house. I am looking though.
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You know, the more I drive our S4, the more I l-o-v-e it!!!
Before buying it we tested AMG C43 sedan & C63 estate, plus S4 sedan & RS6 ( the Mothership of wagons). Very disappointed in the AMGs' quality & finish and they required too much concentration. Yeah, yeah, the RS6 does require concentration, but in a different league, and the reward, OMG!
In Oz the Bimmer selection was very poor, so off the menu.
Just put up 20km (12.5m) with another 300m trip (Q5man - Brisbane to Grafton return. Bris to Ballina is dual, with Ballina to Coffs, 100m, now being upgraded from single to dual, with by-passes). It went a dream & never used 'S' once. The tune box gives more, but not stressful, power. With the few safe mods, the S4 is now >300kw. That is >100kw per litre, more than an early M3. The gearbox tune again was smooth and responsive to drive with. We have the Pedal Box set on 'City' mode. Even with a small but firm prod on the throttle, the 'box would downshift immediately to take full, but safe, advantage of the very short overtaking lanes. This is our national highway No.1, with so many trucks & caravans.
If we instal a good air intake system and downpipe/'X' pipe, our S4 may have similar power to a RS4, with more torque. But that is not what we want. Sure the RS4 will be faster, but with these selective mods, ours is now quick (there is a difference), for far less $$s. Keeping it >100kms, yep.
Before buying it we tested AMG C43 sedan & C63 estate, plus S4 sedan & RS6 ( the Mothership of wagons). Very disappointed in the AMGs' quality & finish and they required too much concentration. Yeah, yeah, the RS6 does require concentration, but in a different league, and the reward, OMG!
In Oz the Bimmer selection was very poor, so off the menu.
Just put up 20km (12.5m) with another 300m trip (Q5man - Brisbane to Grafton return. Bris to Ballina is dual, with Ballina to Coffs, 100m, now being upgraded from single to dual, with by-passes). It went a dream & never used 'S' once. The tune box gives more, but not stressful, power. With the few safe mods, the S4 is now >300kw. That is >100kw per litre, more than an early M3. The gearbox tune again was smooth and responsive to drive with. We have the Pedal Box set on 'City' mode. Even with a small but firm prod on the throttle, the 'box would downshift immediately to take full, but safe, advantage of the very short overtaking lanes. This is our national highway No.1, with so many trucks & caravans.
If we instal a good air intake system and downpipe/'X' pipe, our S4 may have similar power to a RS4, with more torque. But that is not what we want. Sure the RS4 will be faster, but with these selective mods, ours is now quick (there is a difference), for far less $$s. Keeping it >100kms, yep.
Can you let me know what the M140 is like? Been searching the internet & motorpoint have a couple estoril blue ones in. Really taking my fancy & not crazy money but the interior is a little lacking. It’s a 2016 66 plate.
I’ve got a DTUK fitted mate, got the CRDt box. Honestly if I didn’t have the box fitted I wouldn’t be able to cope driving the A4, it feels so lazy. With the box fitted it is much better & at first I did actually think it would possibly outperform my old e250, but after running it a good few weeks it just doesn’t cut it.
I came from an M135 to the s4 and its a whole different and better experience with the s4
The seats in the m135 were very uncomfortable and I often had back pain in the m135
The inside whilst good is miles behind audi
The m135 is fun to drive but it's hard to plant that power down as the traction control kicks in constantly. You can turn it off but then unless you are a very good driver you will lose the back end at some point
The s4 somehow seems quicker
Also forget using the rear seats in the m140. They are there but they are not comfortable for big adults
The seats in the m135 were very uncomfortable and I often had back pain in the m135
The inside whilst good is miles behind audi
The m135 is fun to drive but it's hard to plant that power down as the traction control kicks in constantly. You can turn it off but then unless you are a very good driver you will lose the back end at some point
The s4 somehow seems quicker
Also forget using the rear seats in the m140. They are there but they are not comfortable for big adults
Having walked away from the Audi brand in the past the bits I really, really missed that other manufacturers are just less good at were:
1) Interior build quality and materials - Audi are so good at making vehicle interiors that feel like they'd last for ever be it a switch or the feel of the fascia materials, the inside is just a nice place to be.
2) When Audi sell a car it's basically finished - it hasn't escaped R&D and been put on sale with the end-punter having endless trips to the dealer to try and get stuff sorted (stand up JLR
).
3) Technology - Audi do it so well and of course it all works too.
I'm sure there are cars which do some things better but that 'fully sorted' feeling is hard to beat.
1) Interior build quality and materials - Audi are so good at making vehicle interiors that feel like they'd last for ever be it a switch or the feel of the fascia materials, the inside is just a nice place to be.
2) When Audi sell a car it's basically finished - it hasn't escaped R&D and been put on sale with the end-punter having endless trips to the dealer to try and get stuff sorted (stand up JLR
).3) Technology - Audi do it so well and of course it all works too.
I'm sure there are cars which do some things better but that 'fully sorted' feeling is hard to beat.
Having walked away from the Audi brand in the past the bits I really, really missed that other manufacturers are just less good at were:
1) Interior build quality and materials - Audi are so good at making vehicle interiors that feel like they'd last for ever be it a switch or the feel of the fascia materials, the inside is just a nice place to be.
2) When Audi sell a car it's basically finished - it hasn't escaped R&D and been put on sale with the end-punter having endless trips to the dealer to try and get stuff sorted (stand up JLR
3) Technology - Audi do it so well and of course it all works too.
I'm sure there are cars which do some things better but that 'fully sorted' feeling is hard to beat.
I think a lot has to do with just how much your into your cars. For me, I love cars but I wouldn’t start comparing comfort, suspension etc etc. It’s more about performance & technology for me. I love the gadgets, but been in my 20’s that’s expected.
Just been to the gym & spoke to a bloke who lives round the corner from me. Funnily enough he had a E class. Previously he owned a C class then changed that for a A4 & like me regretted it. Had it a few month then cashed it in for a E class. Maybe it’s just a Mercedes owners thing
I think brand loyalty is a big thing - if you like Mercedes then that's your thing there will always be a comparison going on in your head...I'd constantly compare my Range Rover with an Audi so it was doomed to an early departure even before the lack quality appeared.
Mercedes do build fine cars - revered in UK as a premier brand whilst the rest of Europe sees them as a much respected work-horse as its the taxi vehicle of choice at most airports in the EU. I 've hopped in many that have 3 or 400,000 KMs on the clock and the interiors are still rock solid, no squeaks or rattles - the driver will proudly claim its the original engine too. Strangely Audi's are rare as taxis - probably the miserably mean warranty rules them out really early on?
In your 20s lucky chap...that was over 40 years ago for me!
Mercedes do build fine cars - revered in UK as a premier brand whilst the rest of Europe sees them as a much respected work-horse as its the taxi vehicle of choice at most airports in the EU. I 've hopped in many that have 3 or 400,000 KMs on the clock and the interiors are still rock solid, no squeaks or rattles - the driver will proudly claim its the original engine too. Strangely Audi's are rare as taxis - probably the miserably mean warranty rules them out really early on?
In your 20s lucky chap...that was over 40 years ago for me!
RobbieWebs
Registered User
Yes traded in my old b8.5 avant 177 quattro for a 143 2wd b8.5. Absolutely hated the car as it was so slow.
Kept it for 2 years tho
Got a b9 now and love it
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Kept it for 2 years tho
Got a b9 now and love it
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Quite some time ago I used to have a Merc CLK, sold it and ended up in a VW Passat CC with all the trimmings. Never really liked that car and was always looking for something else, dull handling, pretty rubbish ownership experience. Wished I'd stayed with Merc so I rented a W212 E250CDI as I was certain I was going to buy one. Spent a few thousand miles in the E and found it decidedly average. Engine was terrible - the noise when cracking on made me think it was about to sh!t a piston. Interior didn't do it for me either though it was nice and roomy. Made me appreciate the CC a bit more! Didn't intend to stay with VAG but the B9 A4 Avant quattro just ticked all the boxes. So, just wanted to give an example of someone who thought they were a Merc guy finding that they surprised themselves by finding out that wasn't the case.
Also, quattro is just the best all wheel drive name. Just is. Had to have it one day!
4-matic? sounds like a program on the washing machine
xDrive? what if it goes wrong? don't want to tell the mechanic "I've got a problem with my xDrive, it's just not what it used to be"
Also, quattro is just the best all wheel drive name. Just is. Had to have it one day!
4-matic? sounds like a program on the washing machine
xDrive? what if it goes wrong? don't want to tell the mechanic "I've got a problem with my xDrive, it's just not what it used to be"
None are as bad as Minis "ALL4"
Anyone here driven a Jag XE/XF? Average interior by the looks of it but I hear they drive really well.
None are as bad as Minis "ALL4"
Don't mind that one, at least the badge can distract you from the rest of the fugly car. (disclaimer - owned 2 MINI Coopers and can't stand the look of the new ones)
Anyway, OP just has a bit of buyers remorse. It will pass. Sounds like it's only used for the shopping run if he's using a van all week. The way I cured buyers remorse was by remembering that cars are for A-B on rubbish roads with terrible traffic. So I bought a speed boat!
I'll go off on a tangent, from day one I was impressed, now, even more impressed. I think the op, in comparing cars in different classes, has a very flawed opinion. Try comparing the e class with a A6 or A7 and the A4 with the c class.
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Maybe, but a c class the same age of my A4 is a much better car & much more refined. Interior is way ahead & would go as far as saying it’s a much better looking car.
If your thinking to upgrade to the b9 u should definitely consider one of the 3.0tdis if you want more power for basically the same economy as the engine you have in the b8.5
I have the 272 which also has a tune, dtuk pedal box and TCU tune and it easily matches my mum's vw tiguan 150tdi with double the power and torque when it comes to fuel economy.
The c class is an easy drive but I still think the interior quality (fit/finish) is quite a way off even your b8.5 a4
It looks flashy but doesn't feel anywhere near as solid as the audi.
I can see what you mean about the e250cdi, I've driven it before and it's really punchy, noticeably quicker than a vag 150tdi engine but no where near as refined or smooth IMHO.
Very worth considering a b9
All subjective I'd say. If you're talking about the current shape C then I don't know what you dislike about the b8.5 that the C does better but to my eye the back end of the C is all wrong and the interior feels cheap. The dash seemed to me to be good looking but cheap feeling. Just my opinion though, I've also read a few reports from owners of lots of squeaks and rattles. TBH though, sounds like you bought the wrong car for your tastes and requirements. Nobody on here is going to change your mind - I'm certainly not trying to. See if you can sell privately and not make too much of a loss and chalk it up to experience.
Honestly I find the interior of the b8.5 rubbish compared to the new C. Without sounding like an ******** maybe it’s because I’m in my early 20’s & Mercedes are trying to cater for the younger generation instead of been known for catering for older people.
I’d definitely say I’ve bought the wrong car, but maybe not the wrong Brand. If I can get a B9 with a good spec & a higher bhp than where I’m at now then I’d certainly go for it because the A4 does have positives. It’s certainly a lot smoother than the E class
Maco you really do need a B9 RS4, there really isn't anything to dislike 
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I picked up the new car last Thursday and so far I've been impressed.
I forgot how much easier it was to live with a smaller car after the last 4 years with the A5 and A4, makes navigating the narrow side streets where I live a piece of cake.
As for the performance, I've taken it easy but getting up to speed is effortless and the fact the car has so much low end torque makes it feel like I'm still driving a diesel, except it sounds way better! I'm going to run the engine in before I really start to give it some beans, although with the weather getting worse it might be a few months before I feel brave enough to test the full potential of the car.
Interior is a step down from the A4 but I like it, it's a lot more analogue but I don't mind it at all and the LCI2 refresh has made it look a touch more modern that the BMW interior I experienced two years ago when I was looking at a 3 series before I got the A4. I'd take it over the A3 interior any day (I really don't like the A3 interior).
iDrive is superior to the MMI even if it's way more complicated and I find it impressive/a bit of a joke that the bottom of the range BMW has better connectivity than what my supposedly technologically advanced A4 ever did (it was a MY16 car).
The B58 is one of the best boosted 3.0L 6 pots ever made in my view. BMW have done a good job with the software on the 8sp auto as well. I did prefer the BM's navigation and media interface too.
Its just the overall quality (fit & finish) that lets them down in comparison to an equivalent Audi in my experience.
Lastly, M performance cars are actually fine even in wet / cold weather. If you leave it in comfort you can lean on the electronics to keep things facing forward, you'll struggle to lose the back unless you do something really daft!
Its just the overall quality (fit & finish) that lets them down in comparison to an equivalent Audi in my experience.
Lastly, M performance cars are actually fine even in wet / cold weather. If you leave it in comfort you can lean on the electronics to keep things facing forward, you'll struggle to lose the back unless you do something really daft!
I guess it has qualities but it does nothing for me. When I freqented a dealership once to look at the three the salesman tried to sell me one, I just laughed and queried why he was trying to sell me an estate car when I drove a far more attractive a3 saloon...
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Because he's a car salesman and trying to sell you a car is his job...
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Beautiful looking car mate, love the colour. Well pleased for you, enjoy it.
Very nice mate, like the colour, and a cracking engine. Planning on winter tyres?
It’s definitely the engine you’ve picked. Simple as. It’s too weak. Especially because of your car history.
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Thanks! Must say I’m really happy with the car, was going to go alpine white before I decided to be brave and go for a colour I’d never seen in person
Yes, I think winter tyres are a must
On a final note, I’m pleasantly surprised at the 27 - 30 mpg I’ve been getting on my drive to work. On the A4 I was getting between 32-40 mpg on the same route
SPOT ON
had a look at my mates 2015 C Class few weeks ago was fully loaded however done nothing for me very fussy buttons absolutely all over the place looks dated IMHO the screen graphics looked basic in comparison the B9 interior is very modern
you are comparing as cuke2u says with apples and pears. did you do your research before you bought the b8.5? did you drive a few before buying one?
OP i think you should look at mercs as you seem satisfied with the interiors?
personally every car I've had has been more powerful than the previous, maybe that could be one of the issues you are facing.
I wouldn’t particularly say I regretted the A4 because for the price on lease, you couldn’t argue with it!
But if anything, I must say I have continuously been looking for a way out of the A4. It’s not that the car is awful, because it’s a real lovely car.
I’ve done almost 15k in 11 months and it’s not needed anything doing apart from engine oil.
Issues such as the gear box, little rattles and other stupid things really bring the car down. Such easy things to improve that just haven’t been worked on.
But here I am, close to sticking a deposit down for a new A7 knowing just too well that I will love the car but that gear box will still be an issue
But if anything, I must say I have continuously been looking for a way out of the A4. It’s not that the car is awful, because it’s a real lovely car.
I’ve done almost 15k in 11 months and it’s not needed anything doing apart from engine oil.
Issues such as the gear box, little rattles and other stupid things really bring the car down. Such easy things to improve that just haven’t been worked on.
But here I am, close to sticking a deposit down for a new A7 knowing just too well that I will love the car but that gear box will still be an issue
I wouldn’t particularly say I regretted the A4 because for the price on lease, you couldn’t argue with it!
But if anything, I must say I have continuously been looking for a way out of the A4. It’s not that the car is awful, because it’s a real lovely car.
I’ve done almost 15k in 11 months and it’s not needed anything doing apart from engine oil.
Issues such as the gear box, little rattles and other stupid things really bring the car down. Such easy things to improve that just haven’t been worked on.
But here I am, close to sticking a deposit down for a new A7 knowing just too well that I will love the car but that gear box will still be an issue
Stick with the A4 and get gearbox sorted by a TCU+ from @ABYSS. WAY cheaper!
I don't think I will stick to the A4 tbh. I've had a good quote for a brand new A7, and I think I might just go ahead with one in a few months tbh.
In June, Cheshire Oaks Audi sent someone in a brand new A7 to collect us, when we picked up the wife's new Q2.
It was a fine, fine car and would love one myself.
I've seen only one on the road, and needless to say I fell in love with it. Such a lovely car, so to say I am looking forward to it would be an understatement. I've got a very good deal on one, which is almost full spec. However I really wanted the Laser Lights so I'm going to hold out a few months and see if I can fit in the Laser Lights also
It's kinda jumping out of the frying pan into the fire really. The A7 has great technology but it isn't going to be as exciting or dynamic to drive as the S4 is. But if the A7 has a stronic box then there might be some posts in that model thread...
I've tried that thread, no one really posts on it so there isn't much. I have heard the gear box is a tad jerky but hey hoo.. I think this TCU device might be my fix. And I do like the S4 but tbh, I think a nice 3.0D a7 is just what I'm looking for (mated with the TCU ofcourse)
