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BMW 3-Series vs. Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Reliability Comparisons

BMW 3-Series Reliability vs. Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Reliability:
BMW 3-Series Reliability vs. Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Reliability:

You won't find BMW 3-Series or Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 were a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 have been recently.

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BMW 3-Series Reliability through March 31, 2013

An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.

General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.

Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.

New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.

 

Year Make/Model Repair Frequencysuccessful repair trips per 100 cars per year Compared to all models for the same year  
2013 Audi A4 / S4 44 A4 / S4s, 5.5 months of data per A4 / S4, average 4600 miles15
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2013 BMW 3-Series 4dr 39 3-Series 4drs, 3.8 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 3900 miles24
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2012 Audi S4   23 S4s, 9.5 months of data per S4, average 12200 miles

Small sample size. Join or 23 S4s, 9.5 months of data per S4, average 12200 miles

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2012 Audi A4 33 A4s, 8.2 months of data per A4, average 10100 miles13
10% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2012 BMW 3-Series 4dr 25 3-Series 4drs, 6.6 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 6700 miles

First year for F30 3-Series sedan. Good start.22
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2011 Audi S4 31 S4s, 10.0 months of data per S4, average 20600 miles19
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2011 Audi A4 61 A4s, 10.0 months of data per A4, average 20900 miles26
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2011 BMW 3-Series / M3 131 3-Series / M3s, 9.2 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 18100 miles31
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2010 Audi S4 43 S4s, 10.6 months of data per S4, average 31500 miles21
10% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2010 BMW 3-Series / M3 49 3-Series / M3s, 8.7 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 30400 miles39
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2010 Audi A4 66 A4s, 9.0 months of data per A4, average 33900 miles46
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2009 BMW M3   17 M3s, 8.6 months of data per M3, average 29200 miles

Small sample size. Join or 17 M3s, 8.6 months of data per M3, average 29200 miles

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2009 BMW 328 51 328s, 8.9 months of data per 328, average 34600 miles45
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2009 Audi A4 88 A4s, 8.4 months of data per A4, average 42100 miles

First model year of the B8 A4.61
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2009 BMW 335 28 335s, 8.8 months of data per 335, average 34900 miles69
70% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2008 Audi S4 / RS4   11 S4 / RS4s, 9.0 months of data per S4 / RS4, average 42700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 11 S4 / RS4s, 9.0 months of data per S4 / RS4, average 42700 miles

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2008 BMW 328 39 328s, 9.9 months of data per 328, average 51200 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. 335i has common problem with misfires.31
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2008 BMW M3 34 M3s, 9.2 months of data per M3, average 29800 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. 335i has common problem with misfires.61
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2008 BMW 335 48 335s, 10.1 months of data per 335, average 47200 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. 335i has common problem with misfires.64
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2008 Audi A4 45 A4s, 9.0 months of data per A4, average 49800 miles68
70% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2007 Audi A4 53 A4s, 9.6 months of data per A4, average 59400 miles38
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2007 BMW 328 60 328s, 9.3 months of data per 328, average 60400 miles54
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2007 BMW 335 60 335s, 9.1 months of data per 335, average 55100 miles73
70% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2007 Audi S4 / RS4   20 S4 / RS4s, 9.5 months of data per S4 / RS4, average 54600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 20 S4 / RS4s, 9.5 months of data per S4 / RS4, average 54600 miles

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2006 BMW 3-Series 4dr 102 3-Series 4drs, 8.7 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 79800 miles

First year for the E90 4-door.54
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2006 BMW 3-Series 2dr   22 3-Series 2drs, 8.5 months of data per 3-Series 2dr, average 61900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 22 3-Series 2drs, 8.5 months of data per 3-Series 2dr, average 61900 miles

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2006 Audi A4 82 A4s, 9.7 months of data per A4, average 81600 miles

Includes 2005.5. First model year of the B7 A4.85
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2006 Audi S4 25 S4s, 9.5 months of data per S4, average 64600 miles

Includes 2005.5. First model year of the B7 A4.86
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2005 BMW M3   14 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 64100 miles

Small sample size. Join or 14 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 64100 miles

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2005 Audi S4   20 S4s, 8.6 months of data per S4, average 69900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 20 S4s, 8.6 months of data per S4, average 69900 miles

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2005 Audi A4   21 A4s, 9.1 months of data per A4, average 80900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 21 A4s, 9.1 months of data per A4, average 80900 miles

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2005 BMW 3-Series 35 3-Series, 8.9 months of data per 3-Series, average 84800 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.66
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2004 BMW M3   19 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 73000 miles

Small sample size. Join or 19 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 73000 miles

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2004 BMW 3-Series 50 3-Series, 9.1 months of data per 3-Series, average 94200 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.92
70% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2004 Audi S4 26 S4s, 10.0 months of data per S4, average 82700 miles97
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2004 Audi A4 37 A4s, 7.8 months of data per A4, average 106900 miles99
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2003 Audi A4   23 A4s, 8.0 months of data per A4, average 136000 miles

Small sample size. Join or 23 A4s, 8.0 months of data per A4, average 136000 miles

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2003 BMW M3   15 M3s, 7.8 months of data per M3, average 84600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 M3s, 7.8 months of data per M3, average 84600 miles

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2003 BMW 3-Series 41 3-Series, 8.8 months of data per 3-Series, average 100600 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.113
90% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2002 Audi S4   11 S4s, 8.0 months of data per S4, average 108700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 11 S4s, 8.0 months of data per S4, average 108700 miles

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2002 BMW M3   13 M3s, 7.7 months of data per M3, average 87700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 13 M3s, 7.7 months of data per M3, average 87700 miles

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2002 Audi A4 35 A4s, 8.9 months of data per A4, average 136300 miles

First model year of the B6 A4.112
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2002 BMW 3-Series 37 3-Series, 8.5 months of data per 3-Series, average 107500 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.130
100% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2001 Audi A4 / S4   16 A4 / S4s, 8.8 months of data per A4 / S4, average 133200 miles

Small sample size. Join or 16 A4 / S4s, 8.8 months of data per A4 / S4, average 133200 miles

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2001 BMW 3-Series 46 3-Series, 9.0 months of data per 3-Series, average 124900 miles127
100% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2000 BMW 3-Series 26 3-Series, 9.2 months of data per 3-Series, average 143300 miles96
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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2000 Audi A4 / S4   15 A4 / S4s, 8.7 months of data per A4 / S4, average 143300 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 A4 / S4s, 8.7 months of data per A4 / S4, average 143300 miles

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1999 BMW 3-Series - E46   13 3-Series - E46s, 9.6 months of data per 3-Series - E46, average 159600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 13 3-Series - E46s, 9.6 months of data per 3-Series - E46, average 159600 miles

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1999 Audi A4 / S4   15 A4 / S4s, 7.3 months of data per A4 / S4, average 145800 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 A4 / S4s, 7.3 months of data per A4 / S4, average 145800 miles

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1998 BMW 3-Series / M3   21 3-Series / M3s, 7.9 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 125700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 21 3-Series / M3s, 7.9 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 125700 miles

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What People Are Saying about Reliability and the BMW 3-Series

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What Our Members Are Saying about BMW 3-Series Reliability and Durability

Reliability and Durability of the BMW 3-Series: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4
8-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 I traded in a 2005 BMW with 92,000 miles on it, if the realiability of the old one is any indication to the experience I hope to have with the 2012, then I have little to nothing to worry about.
2008 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Have owned this car for 5 years; have had two replacement high pressure fuel pumps; replaced steering rack; new turbo gaskets (both turbos); replaced articulating hard top cables - all in the first 3 years and all under warranty! Nothing has gone wrong in the past two years so perhaps this was relatively new model growing pains.
2008 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Have owned this car for 5 years; have had two replacement high pressure fuel pumps; replaced steering rack; new turbo gaskets (both turbos); replaced articulating hard top cables - all in the first 3 years and all under warranty! Nothing has gone wrong in the past two years so perhaps this was relatively new model growing pains.
2008 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
7-speed automated manual RWD		 Not yet tested to a full extent on my M3 under review, bust as previous BMW owner I enjoyed minimal component failures after many years of ownership.
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 The car has a BETTER THAN AVERAGE frequency of repair record with Consumer Reports.
2008 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Historically, reliable
2008 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 History is promising.
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 No problems after 3 years
2007 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 This vehicle has a great performance record.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Been superb to date
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 The car is now one year old with 12,000 miles and there have been no issues what so ever - whether mechanical or interior/exterior. Never any issue with things working as they should.
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Tried & true technology
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 this is my 5th 325i and the last forever/
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 No issues except the battery, but in the extreme Arizona heat, it is to be expected.
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 After the warranty is over, beware !!
2005 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 60K all-inclusive warranty. 100k extended CPO warranty.
2005 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 The car has over 50K and drives as if it were still new. No major issues have been experienced with this vehicle. It feels just as solid the day it left the showroom. The engine and trans
2004 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual AWD		 Rock solid. Just keeps on going
2004 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Have had no major issues, owned from new. Only a couple of radio problems, repaired under warranty.
2003 4dr Wagon 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed manual RWD		 Car has had outstanding realiability considering its use daily in a four season climate. Parts are easly to get and inexpensive if you shop wisely. Many DYI resources on the net for regular service needs, and thus far most projects have been straightforward and easy.
2002 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed manual RWD		 Its been rock solid so far
2002 2dr Coupe 333-horsepower 3.2L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 I have put 20,000 miles on my car without a single component failure. There are no rattles and the car drives like the day I drove it off the BMW dealer lot.
2002 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Oil change every 15,000 miles. Reliability is top notch.
Reliability and Durability of the BMW 3-Series: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 I'm a little nervous about repair costs and frequency. I keep reading about 4-figure repair bills, but there are others who say they've done well with just normal maintenance. Consumer Reports gives the 2010 328i a lot of red dots which is a goo
2009 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Fuel pump, oil cooler, and run flat tire issues on the 335i turned me off. Will likely be covered by warranty, but met multiple people who had week long+ repairs for these issues. After warranty, 1,200+ for each of these issues is apparently common.
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Always a glitch or two.
2009 4dr Sedan 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
6-speed manual RWD		 More prone to breakdowns than the Japanese competition.
2008 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
6-speed manual RWD		 I have never had major problems with my BMW's, but I have never kept them out of warranty either. M cars are ridiculously expensive to repair. The only car company where the coolant is designed to outlast the radiator. When they break, they brea
2008 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Average is not good enough for a $40K+ car.
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Does not require explanation.
2008 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Possibly expensive repair track record when 4-year warranty end
2008 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Poorer reputation than Lexus based on internet research. Stock run flat tires have short life and rough ride. Lack of spare limits options
2008 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 not as reliable
2008 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Historically, these cars have had their share of electronic gremlins.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 The N54 engine is notorious for bad High Pressure Fuel Pumps, and BMW is known for having lots of annoying electrical niggles.
2007 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 High pressure fuel pumps are known to fail on these cars. Injectors and wastegates are also known to have problems.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 Had to take it to the shop twice already after the engine went into "limp home mode" on long business trips. Diagnoses from my dealer have been vague at best.
2007 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 Have heard that some owners have problems with degradation of interior surfaces (chipping etc). I had an engine heat sensor fail within weeks of getting the car. Fixed easily enough, and no sequelae so far.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Horror stories abound, fine while in warranty. Out of warranty SOL.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 mirror glass blew up on its own, accessory belt ripped due to bad tensioner or steering pump pulley
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 awd problems
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 I fear that it will leave me stranded even though I love driving it and have had no trouble except one day the battery was completely dead when I was ready to leave work for no known reason.
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 BMW has a bad reputation has being unreliable post warranty period. For the price we pay, the engine and drivetrain should be bulletproof for at least 150k miles.
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 Some interior rattles. Software and differential faults. Expensive service.
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 Little electronic things tend to go wrong. Nothing serious with transmissions or engines but just annoying little things.
2005 4dr Sedan 235-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 Mechanically reliable, but various trim pieces and accessories could use some work. Window regulators fail and sunroof shades jam with disconcerting regularity. 2005 has been much better in this regard than 2000.
2004 4dr Sedan 235-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD		 During the four years of ownership, the window regulators broke multiple times, causing the windows to "come off their tracks" and on one occasion fall into the door. Additionally, ignition coil failures at 20,000 miles were very disturbing.
2004 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed manual AWD		 what BMW considers wear items, that is, bushings, cooling system parts, should have a much longer life than they do, I bought this car used @4 years old, replaced to date: entire cooling system, rear bushings, rear springs, alternator, sunroof tracks,
2004 4dr Wagon 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 I have had to have the car repaired three times in one year of ownership.
2004 2dr Coupe 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed automated manual RWD		 Pay more to maintain than a Toyota/Honda.

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What Our Members Are Saying about Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Reliability and Durability

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