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BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A3 Price Comparison

BMW 5-Series vs Audi A3 Price Comparison:
BMW 5-Series vs Audi A3 Price Comparison:

TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the BMW 5-Series and Audi A3. Including:

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BMW 5-Series

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Audi A3

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Summary

For the BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A3 price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the 5-Series vs. A3 Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the 5-Series and A3 will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Audi A3 3.2 S line's price is $15,095 lower than the BMW 5-Series 535i's price

Each car includes features you didn't request, and that aren't included on the other car. In the 5-Series vs. A3 Features Comparison table we've tallied these features up and assigned monetary values to them using the site's default values. For example, compared to the Audi A3 3.2 S line, the BMW 5-Series 535i includes additional features worth $3400. The TrueDelta Value Comparison figures include adjustments for most differences in feature content. However, they do not include advertising fees, factory-to-dealer incentives, or differences in engines, tires, seat configurations, and audio systems. Exceptions: They do include values for third-row seats and media players. Additional notes

0 In this case, despite a $3400 adjustment for the BMW 5-Series 535i's additional features, the Audi A3 3.2 S line is $15,095 less than the Audi A3 3.2 S line.

TrueDelta Value Comparison: BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A3

Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Audi A3 3.2 S line
TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 15,095
TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 13,620
Model Year20122008
Model5-SeriesA3
Trim535i3.2 S line
Body4dr Sedan4dr Hatch
Engine300hp I6250hp V6
TransmissionT8S6
DrivetrainAWDAWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway)19/29 MPG18/25 MPG
Audio (watts, speakers180, 10195, 10
Tire (rear if not all the same)245/45-18225/45-17
Total Price59,62041,125
Adjustments for Features-3,4000
Feature-Adjusted Total Price56,22041,125
Total Invoice55,06038,300
Adjustments for Features-3,1400
Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice51,92038,300

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Invoice Comparison: BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A3

Price Comparison (MSRP): BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A3

The sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.

Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.

Lowest Total Price: Audi A3 3.2 S line
Difference: 18,495
Lowest Total Invoice: Audi A3 3.2 S line
Difference: 16,760
Model Year20122008
Model5-SeriesA3
Trim535i3.2 S line
Body4dr Sedan4dr Hatch
Base Price52,50034,915
Base Invoice48,48032,471
Navigation system1,9001,950
Metallic paint (extra cost)550450
Folding second row seats475 
Aluminum trim0 
Heated front seats500 
Ski sack150 
AWD2,300 
Satellite radio - one year subscription350 
Cold Weather Package 700
iPod integration 0
Bluetooth cell phone link 435
Xenon HID headlights 800
Panoramic sunroof 1,100
Navigation system 1,813
Metallic paint (extra cost) 418
Folding second row seats 0
Aluminum trim 0
Heated front seats 0
Ski sack 0
AWD 0
Satellite radio - one year subscription 0
Cold Weather Package 650
iPod integration 0
Bluetooth cell phone link 405
Xenon HID headlights 745
Panoramic sunroof 1,023
Total options6,2255,435
Total options5,6855,054
Destination895775
Total Price59,62041,125
Total Invoice55,06038,300

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While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.

 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the BMW 5-Series

Price of the BMW 5-Series: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20084dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		Better than the Lexus I was looking at for a much better handling and more luggage space vehicle.
Price of the BMW 5-Series: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20104dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		Too expensive for what you get.
20064dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		for 60k the 5 series seems a bit pricy compared to what you can get from even an acura TL for instance.
20064dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		I paid cash, but they do not usually offer incentives on the 5 series. That may have changed in this economy but the 5 series has few incentives.
20064dr Wagon 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		Very expensive car 90K CDN or 60K USD new. Very pricey for a car.
20024dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed manual RWD		Compared to the implicit value of Genesis, BMW simply charges too much for what you get...$25K delta just not justifiable.
20014dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		still a high payment
20004dr Sedan 282-horsepower 4.4L V8
6-speed manual RWD		Mostly about the depreciation - you will lose money

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Audi A3

Price of the Audi A3: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20094dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual AWD		Expensive for the size of the car. I would expect a few more luxury features to be standard for the base price.
20084dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		The price is high for an Audi. And if you want anything optional, well, there you go.
20084dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 reatively expensive car
20084dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		Pricing was actually higher for a lesser equipped A3 than for the Passat Komfort wagon.
20074dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		The A3 is not priced too competitively. It is much less expensive than a BMW 1 series, but still high for a compact/hatchback. Well equipped it is nearly as much as an A4. A loaded VW GTI (same chassis/drivetrain) costs much less, but insurance is higher.
20074dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD		Not for the faint of heart.
20064dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		A3 is expensive.

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Features Comparison: BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A3

Model Year20122008
Model5-SeriesA3
Trim535i3.2 S line
Body4dr Sedan4dr Hatch
Transmission and Drivetrain 
8-speed manually-shiftable automatic$1300 
6-speed automated manual $1100
AWD$1700$1700
Accessories 
Electronic systems calibration selector$200 
Regenerative braking$0 
Remote app$25 
Remote window/roof operation$15 
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual $250
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power$350 
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety 
Compact spare tire $75
Hill descent control$250 
Knee airbag, driver$100 
Knee airbag, passenger$100 
Tires, run-flat$150 
Cargo Management 
Air-conditioned storage compartment$50 
Cargo cover $75
Cargo net $40
Storage compartment under front seat(s) $50
Climate Control and Infotainment 
Aux input$100 
Bluetooth audio streaming$25 
CD player$125 
DVD-compatible player$0 
HD radio$100 
Media drive, large$100 
MP3-compatible player$50 
Rear air vents with manual controls$150 
Rear wiper $175
Residual heat$50 
Satellite radio $200
Satellite radio - one year subscription$250 
SD Card slot $25
SMS text-to-speech reader$50 
Telematics service, such as OnStar$350 
Traffic + travel information$50 
Voice control for external devices$50 
Voice control for nav and audio$100 
Exterior 
Bodyside moldings $75
Panoramic sunroof $1200
Rear spoiler $200
Sunroof$900 
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors 
Auto-dimming driver-side mirror$75 
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirror$75 
Compass $25
Cornering lights$25 
Interior ambient lighting$150 
Mirror tilt-down in reverse$25 
Power-folding mirrors$50 
Steering-linked headlights$150 
Powertrain 
Automatic start / stop$300 
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controls $100
Seats and Interior Trim 
Door sill trim plates$100 
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat $50
Memory system, driver seat$200 
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat$150 
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat$100 
Power headrest height adjuster, driver seat$50 
Power headrest height adjuster, passenger seat$50 
Power height adjuster, passenger seat$100 
Power recliner, passenger seat$100 
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat$100 
Upholstered door panels, leather$250 
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires 
Sport suspension (upgrade) $0
Total Value of Features$8,740$5,340
Value of Feature Adjustments$3,400$0
Value of Feature Adjustments-3,1400

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Specifications Comparison: BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A3

Model Year20122008
Model5-SeriesA3
Body4dr Sedan4dr Hatch
Wheelbase116.9 in101.5 in
Length193.1 in168.7 in
Width73.2 in69.5 in
Height57.6 in56.0 in
Curb Weight4,233 lb.3,660 lb.
Fuel Capacity18.5 gal.15.0 gal.
Row 1 Headroom40.5 in38.1 in
Row 1 Shoulder Room58.3 in54.3 in
Row 1 Legroom41.4 in41.2 in
Row 2 Headroom38.3 in36.9 in
Row 2 Shoulder Room56.2 in52.8 in
Row 2 Legroom36.1 in34.8 in
Cargo Volume,
Minimum		18.4 ft313.1 ft3
Cargo Volume,
Maximum		18.454.6 ft3

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Option Package Details
535i

Navigation system
FeatureValueRequested?
Navigation system600Yes
DVD-compatible player0No
Voice control for nav and audio100No
Media hard drive100No
Traffic + travel information50No
Total Requested60071%
Total Not Requested25029%

Option Package Details
3.2 S line

Navigation system
FeatureValueRequested?
Navigation system600Yes
CD changer, remote-125No
Digital media reader25No
Total Requested600120%
Total Not Requested-100-20%
Cold Weather Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Heated mirrors25Yes
Heated300Yes
Ski sack50Yes
Heated windshield washer nozzles15Yes
Total Requested390100%
Total Not Requested00%

Dealer Price Quotes

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What Our Members Are Saying about BMW 5-Series Materials and Workmanship

Available Features of the BMW 5-Series: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Panel aligment is good, as are interior seams.
2009 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Solid, quiet, sturdy
2008 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Very tight and solid. Nothing cheap about the workmanship.
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Top quality - fit and finish is flawless
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 The fit and finish on my new 528i were excellent. Not a flaw found yet.
2007 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 well put together with good materials
2006 4dr Sedan 174-horsepower 2.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 Excellent material and fit everywhere, the desing maybe abit more simplistic that i would like but the material and build is superb. Even a hardcore japanese brand fan -a friend of mine- admitted the build and materials used
2005 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Top quality German manufacturing excellence
2005 4dr Sedan 325-horsepower 4.4L V8
6-speed manual RWD		 Well made, with quality materials. Definitely a step up from the 3-series I owned previously.
2004 4dr Sedan 325-horsepower 4.4L V8
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Materials and workmanship are first-rate.
2003 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Top quality throughout, very few shortcuts
2002 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 This car is extremely high quality with tight panel fits and soft touch materials.
Materials and Workmanship of the BMW 5-Series: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual AWD		 I drove both the 3 & 5 series - 328x is far too small inside & materials are worse than my Honda Pilot. The 5 series was a lot better, about as good as my Jetta, but no close to the quality of the Audi (which was $30000 less).
2002 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Electrical and cooling system are a joke

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What Our Members Are Saying about Audi A3 Materials and Workmanship

Available Features of the Audi A3: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD		 Audi really does make some of the best interiors.
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 Everything seems tight and works. The seats are comfortable front and back.
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 Anything Audi is extremely well engineered. The interior is very comfortable and well laid out. All body and drivetrain parts seem very solid. Audi galvanizes the whole body before painting, so rust will never be a problem (hence 12 year rust warranty).
2007 4dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD		 Solid feel throughout. No creaks or rattles
2007 4dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD		 Never a rust problem. Nothing screams "cheap".
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 1st class
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 High quality and solid, inside and out.
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 Tight gaps and soft touch surfaces. Design was allowed to use nice materials to make the car inviting to customers.
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 Cutlines are small and regular, and have had no problems with the car in 3.5 years of ownership.

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