2000 Audi S4 or 1997-8 BMW 540i?

[policyvote]

Hello all. This is my first post, so I figure I'd give you an intro before getting to the good stuff:

I'm a 24-year-old professional computer nerd. I'm a driving enthusiast with a "project car" Civic that hasn't moved in a year and a half. I currently drive a 2004 Sunfire that was bought in my name (paid in full), and given to me as a gift--without my input. It was a gift horse that I am eager to shoot in the mouth.

See, my second child was born a week ago, and in that time it's become incredibly clear that a small two-door car ain't going to cut it. I have recieved the blessing from my wife to sell/trade the Sunfire and get a car that will both scratch my performance itch and haul the children in comfort. I recently got a great new job that has me making decent scratch, but even so we have too much debt to afford more than a $150/month car payment. This puts my price limit at aroun $13K, depending on how good of a trade-in I get.

I've decided to get an older, well-loved, quality sports sedan that I can count on not to completely melt down for at least a few years. My two leading candidates are a 2000 Audi S4 and a 1997-8 BMW 540i. Which one do you think I should get, and why?

THANKS to all for any replies!

Peace
policy

 

[Big Daddy]

Not enough information, how many miles are on each? What type of transmissions? Not knowing this and possibly more information is going to get limited results. On the surface I'd say get the S4, as the BMW 540 is going to require more upkeep. Are you able to do some repairs yourself? I am sure others will chime in here and I must admit I have owned neither car.

While I am at it, welcome to the board a great community of great people!

 

[policyvote]

Oh, I didn't mean "*this* S4" versus "*that* 540i". Either way, we're talking about a car with between 90K and 150K miles, a manual transmission (autos aren't even in the discussion), and yeah, I can do some repairs myself, especially if there's a walkthrough or shop manual to work from--but I'm not a real wrench and I know these German luxury cars are notoriously difficult for the DIY-er . . .

Peace
policy

 

[Big Daddy]

If mileage is all equal I think I would get the Audi, but than again I have never owned an Audi or a 540i for that matter. Let's see I have owned a 84 733i, 320, 91 318is, 97 Z3 2.8, 91 750iL and a 98 M roadster...stay away from the 750!

 

[535iracer]

what do you expect us to say ;-) lol just kidding... There is no better sport sedan than the 540i... just drive both of them and see how you feel, I also have a feeling that the reliability of the BMW will be better than that of the Audi...

 

[epj3]

Well, the Audi S4 requires quite a bit of maintainence (suspension mostly) and the parts are out-the-butt expensive. The 540i is also the most expensive non-M to maintain. If anything, look for a 530i or something if you want a 5 series, definitely decent performance. If you're going to go with a S4 or 540, you might as well spend the extra up front for an M5 and deal with the maintanence. I think both cars will be just as reliable, and the 5 is going to be a bit safer than the S4 (due to the size.) 5er isn't good for snow, but rocks in the dry.

Just warning you about the maintainence... it's not an easy car to work on either by you or a mechanic, so parts AND labor will be costly. But in the end if you want performance and don't mind the $$ for labor, the 540i will be an extremely safe and reliable car that you can trust to keep your family safe. Just watch that radiator! They go bad pretty often.