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Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and BMW 3-Series Lemon Odds and Nada Odds for the Year Ending June 30, 2018

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

Year Make/Model Nada Odds per 100 Cars Lemon Odds per 100 Cars    
39 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 20100 miles driven2017 Audi A4
[?] see reported repairs
  39 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 20100 miles driven
50 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 22200 miles driven

Refresh. Most of the reported repairs are minor creaks and rattles, plus some minor electrical problems.
2016
BMW 3-Series / M3
[?] see reported repairs
  50 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 22200 miles driven

Refresh. Most of the reported repairs are minor creaks and rattles, plus some minor electrical problems.
30 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 35400 miles driven2015 Audi A4 / S4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  30 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 35400 miles driven
51 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 31100 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
2015
BMW 3-Series / M3
[?] see reported repairs
  51 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 31100 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
49 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 41400 miles driven2014 Audi A4 / S4
[?] see reported repairs
  49 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 41400 miles driven
62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 48000 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
2014
BMW 3-Series
[?] see reported repairs
  62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 48000 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 54800 miles driven

Refreshed for this model year.
2013
Audi A4 / S4
[?] see reported repairs
  62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 54800 miles driven

Refreshed for this model year.
37 vehicles, 11.1 months per vehicle, 62500 miles driven2013 BMW 3-Series 4dr
[?] see reported repairs
  37 vehicles, 11.1 months per vehicle, 62500 miles driven
29 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 67600 miles driven2012 Audi S4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  29 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 67600 miles driven
25 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 75200 miles driven

Multiple reports of mechatronics problems with the S4's DSG transmission. Multiple reports of excessive oil consumption for the 2.0T engine. Some engines rebuilt with updated piston rings.
2011
Audi S4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  25 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 75200 miles driven

Multiple reports of mechatronics problems with the S4's DSG transmission. Multiple reports of excessive oil consumption for the 2.0T engine. Some engines rebuilt with updated piston rings.
66 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 72200 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. Common problem with the water pump in the 335i.
2011
BMW 328
[?] see reported repairs
  66 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 72200 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. Common problem with the water pump in the 335i.
27 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 96900 miles driven2007 BMW 328 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  27 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 96900 miles driven
25 vehicles, 11.2 months per vehicle, 99000 miles driven2007 BMW 335 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  25 vehicles, 11.2 months per vehicle, 99000 miles driven
28 vehicles, 11.9 months per vehicle, 134900 miles driven

Includes 2005.5. First model year of the B7 A4.
2006
Audi A4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  28 vehicles, 11.9 months per vehicle, 134900 miles driven

Includes 2005.5. First model year of the B7 A4.
30 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 120700 miles driven

First year for the E90 4-door.
2006
BMW 3-Series 4dr Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  30 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 120700 miles driven

First year for the E90 4-door.
31 vehicles, 10.9 months per vehicle, 146500 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.
2004
BMW 3-Series Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  31 vehicles, 10.9 months per vehicle, 146500 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.
26 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 143000 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.
2002
BMW 3-Series Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  26 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 143000 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.

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Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 vs. BMW 3-Series Lemon Odds and Nada Odds

Other sources of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and BMW 3-Series reliability data provide only averages, which can conceal as much as they reveal. So we also report the percentage of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4s and BMW 3-Seriess with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4s and BMW 3-Seriess that are lemons (required three or more repair trips in the past year). These figures might surprise you.

These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to closely track Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and BMW 3-Series lemon odds as the cars age. Others can be over a year behind. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and BMW 3-Series have been recently.

To see how frequently Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and BMW 3-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Audi A4 / S4 / RS4

Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Wagon turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi now rivals Mercedes and Porsche for brand image. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
great brand see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2007 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual AWD
I focused on the A4 Avant in part due to many reviews of this model vs other "comparable" vehicles. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi-for people who can park themselves, right? this is the brand for people who know better. quattro baby! see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Overall I like the styles, though they need to work on interior design. Here again, the TT designers did great on interior, A4 less so but ok. Audi brand reputation and image to me is one of style plus excellent handling. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi is a high-class brand. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2006 4dr Sedan 340-horsepower 4.2L V8
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi is competent without being flashy. Confident without being cocky. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2005 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Love German Cars see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2005 4dr Wagon 340-horsepower 4.2L V8
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I am an avid Audi fan. I have always followed their racing efforts as well as their production cars. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2003 4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual AWD
Audi is a luxury brand. It is clearly the vehicle I would like to be associated with. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2002 4dr Sedan 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
6-speed manual AWD
Not as well regarded as mercedes or bmw see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2002 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
This car was taken to the dealership during the initial free maint period of 50,000 miles. I always provided my own synthetic oil as the dealership wouldn't use synthetic if they provided the oil. After 50K, I did attempt to use the dealership on a couple of occasions only to be shocked at the high dollar quotes for the most simple of repairs. They wanted $900 to replace the cam shaft seals. $1800 for timing belt kit install. The dealer attitude is that owner repairs are only done by fools at their own peril. My experience with this car has led me to understand that Audi vehicles do require more maintenance and attention than your average Japanese brands. It is a German car and there are engineering qualities that I admire. But it ain't a spaceship requiring a highly skilled scientist to work on it. Given this snooty attitude I experienced at the dealeship, I wish Audi (Service Reps) would be less about making a buck and more about pleasing the customer. Audi cars are fine vehicles. However, if you want to own one, try to do some of your own maint and repairs. I see too many negative comments in other review forums related to the high cost of ownership due to repairs at dealerships. I understand that some folks can't or won't work on their own vehicles. If this is your situation, I would not recommend an Audi. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the BMW 3-Series

BMW 3-Series Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
see full BMW 3-Series review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Acura = Honda Audi = VW Mercedes = Chrysler (still) Lexus = Toyota Infinity = Datsun BMW = BMW see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
BMW proved once again the 3 series is the ultimate driving machine see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
well regarded by most enthusiasts see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
BMW 3 series regularly makes lists as a "drivers car" and best in its class. see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Looks are amazing. see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
Built solidly and lasts see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
exclusivity see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
The 3-series is considered the benchmark for sporty sedans. see full BMW 3-Series review
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
the 3-series really seems to be the sport sedan icon to which all other brands are compared. It feels good owning the best-of-the-best. And did I mention great re-sale value? A truly great, dependable and well-handling car. see full BMW 3-Series review
BMW 3-Series Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
You know. But hey, you buy it because of how it drives, irregardless of others perceptions. see full BMW 3-Series review
2002 2dr Coupe 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed manual RWD
When you drive a BMW, everyone on the road assumes you're the biggest a$$hole on the face of the Earth. Sure there are some bad actors out there, but the majority of us are really nice people...I promise! see full BMW 3-Series review