Price Comparison in Ireland
BMW and Audi keep their pricing strategies pretty consistent in Ireland, whether you’re shopping new or used. The BMW 3 Series usually starts out higher than the Audi A4, but things get interesting in the used market.
New Car Pricing
A new BMW 3 Series starts at around €45,000 in Ireland. Audi gives you a bit more choice, with the A4 priced anywhere from €42,000 up to €50,000, depending on the trim and extras.
Entry-Level Model Pricing:
- BMW 3 Series: €45,000 starting price
- Audi A4: €42,000-€50,000 range
- VRT Impact: €6,720-€13,000 additional cost
VRT hits both brands hard when you’re importing. Most models get hit with 14-26% VRT, which adds €8,000-€15,000 to a new car’s price.
BMW likes to keep the 3 Series at a premium entry point, and you’ll notice it. Audi’s broader A4 range means you can find a base model for less, but once you start ticking boxes, it can quickly get pricier than the BMW.
Both BMW and Audi face similar motor tax rates here. CO2 emissions decide your annual tax, and most executive saloons land between €200 and €600.
Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives, points out, “BMW models consistently show 8-12% higher VRT assessments than comparable Audis due to stronger market values in Ireland.”
Used Car Market Values
Used car markets show Audi edging ahead when it comes to holding value. After three years, A4 models cost €20,000-€28,000, while 3 Series models range from €22,000 to €25,000.
Three-Year Used Pricing:
- Audi A4: €20,000-€28,000
- BMW 3 Series: €22,000-€25,000
- Depreciation Rate: Both lose 36-38% of original value
Audi keeps its value just a bit better over time. After five years, BMW models lose about 54% on average, while Audi comes in at 50%.
Silver and black cars from both brands fly off the used market. If you pick a weird colour, expect a tougher time selling.
Irish buyers seem to love diesel versions for both luxury saloons. That fuel economy really matters for anyone racking up long drives.
Estate and Saloon Variants
Estate versions always cost more than the saloon models. The Audi A4 Avant usually asks €2,000-€4,000 more than the standard A4 saloon.
BMW 3 Series Touring follows the same pattern, with similar premiums over the saloon.
Estate vs Saloon Pricing Difference:
- New Models: €2,000-€4,000 premium for estates
- Used Market: €1,500-€3,000 premium maintained
- Depreciation: Estates hold value slightly better
Estate models attract different buyers—mostly families who need the extra space. That keeps demand steady in the used market.
The A4 Avant and 3 Series Touring both offer decent boot space, but the A4’s more squared-off boot makes it a bit more practical for awkward loads.
Insurance costs don’t change much between saloon and estate models. Both land in similar insurance groups.
Servicing and Maintenance Expenses
BMW 3 Series models typically cost about £537 a year to service. Audi A4 servicing is cheaper, running about £383 annually.
Over three years, you’ll definitely notice those savings if you go with the Audi.
Annual Maintenance Costs
When you look at the numbers, the difference jumps out. BMW 3 Series servicing comes to £1,611 over three years, while the A4 sets you back just £1,148.
This pattern sticks around no matter which model year or engine you pick. BMW’s higher costs come from more frequent dealer visits and pricier parts.
Annual breakdown:
- BMW 3 Series: £537/year average
- Audi A4: £383/year average
- Annual difference: £154 favouring Audi
Audi’s fixed-price servicing makes it easier to plan your budget. Minor services start from €269, but it varies depending on the age of your car.
BMW uses condition-based servicing, so intervals can get longer, but you might get hit with a bigger bill when it’s finally time to go in.
Parts and Labour Pricing
BMW parts almost always cost 15-20% more than Audi parts, at least from what I’ve seen. Labour rates at main dealers are pretty similar for both, usually £80-120 per hour across Ireland.
Take brake pads, for example. BMW 3 Series front pads cost about £180-220, while the A4’s are £140-180. Oil filters? BMW’s are £25-35, Audi’s are £20-28.
If you go to an independent specialist, you can save a lot with either brand. I’ve seen savings of 30-40% compared to dealer prices.
Common service items:
- Oil change: BMW £120-150 vs Audi £95-125
- Brake service: BMW £280-350 vs Audi £220-290
- Timing belt: BMW £450-600 vs Audi £380-480
Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives, says, “BMW maintenance costs average around £2,411 per year to run, whilst Audi comes very close at £2,214 annually.”
Long-Term Reliability Impact
Both models start to face more reliability issues after 100,000 miles, but the repair bills tell a different story. The A4 stands out for overall reliability and lower maintenance costs, making it attractive for long-term ownership.
BMW’s more complex systems often need specialist diagnostics, which makes repairs pricier. Water pump failures on the 3 Series typically cost £600-800, while A4s come in at £450-650.
Depreciation lines up with these maintenance costs. Higher servicing costs knock BMW’s residual values down a bit compared to the A4 over time.
Major repair comparison (80,000-120,000 miles):
- Turbocharger replacement: BMW £2,200-2,800 vs Audi £1,800-2,400
- DSG/Automatic gearbox service: BMW £350-450 vs Audi £280-380
- Suspension components: BMW £400-600 vs Audi £320-480
Long-term maintenance costs between an A4 and 3 Series stay pretty close, but the Audi keeps its slight cost advantage all the way through.
Insurance and Taxation Differences
BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 models usually face almost identical motor tax rates in Ireland. Both typically land in the same CO2 emission bands.
Insurance premiums don’t differ much between the brands either. Sometimes you’ll see a gap of €50-100 a year, depending on the specific model and your driver profile.
Motor Tax Bands
Both the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 fit into similar motor tax categories in Ireland, with most variants producing CO2 emissions between 120-180g/km.
Annual Motor Tax Rates:
- 120-140g/km: €200 annually
- 141-155g/km: €280 annually
- 156-170g/km: €390 annually
- 171-190g/km: €570 annually
The BMW 320d usually sits at 128-135g/km CO2, so it falls into the €200-280 band. Audi A4 TDI models are right there too, at 125-140g/km.
Petrol models push those numbers higher. The BMW 320i produces around 145-155g/km, and the Audi A4 TFSI is 140-150g/km, so both end up in the €280-390 range.
Performance models like the BMW 330i or Audi S4 jump to the €570+ brackets because of higher emissions. The difference between brands rarely goes over €110 per year for similar engines.
Insurance Premiums
Insurance costs between BMW and Audi barely move, usually within €50-100 per year for similar models.
Typical Annual Premiums:
- BMW 3 Series: €600-900 (depending on engine/age)
- Audi A4: €580-880 (similar specifications)
- Performance variants: €900-1,200+ for both brands
Insurance groups put most 3 Series and A4 models in bands 15-25. The BMW 320d and Audi A4 TDI sit in group 18-20, so quotes come out almost the same.
Where you live matters more than the badge on your bonnet. County-specific pricing can range from €629 in rural spots to over €1,000 in higher-risk counties.
Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives, says, “BMW and Audi insurance costs reflect repair expenses rather than driving behaviour—parts availability and specialist labour rates drive premiums up equally for both brands.”
Comprehensive cover is basically a must, considering replacement part costs of €300-1,500 for things like smart keys and sensor-laden windscreens.
Fuel Economy and Costs
The BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 don’t sip fuel at exactly the same rate. The A4 claims 67.3mpg, while the 3 Series is officially at 64.2mpg.
In reality, Irish driving costs can hit €10,373 a year, so picking the right fuel type makes a real difference.
Petrol Versus Diesel Running Costs
Diesel engines win for fuel economy in both models. Audi A4 diesel variants tend to match their official numbers more often on Irish roads.
The BMW 3 Series, though, often gets closer to its claimed figures in real life than the A4. That’s just what I’ve seen in testing.
Annual running costs breakdown:
- BMW 3 Series: €2,295 insurance + €1,611 servicing
- Audi A4: €2,223 insurance + €1,148 servicing
Both cars cost €30 a year for motor tax. Petrol engines aren’t far behind diesels for economy, but diesels shine on the motorway.
Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives, points out, “Irish drivers see real savings choosing diesel for motorway commuting, but petrol engines make more sense for city driving where the diesel premium isn’t justified.”
Hybrid and Electric Options
You won’t find full electric versions of the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 saloons from the main production years. BMW did bring out plug-in hybrid versions of the 3 Series.
The A4’s mild-hybrid tech helps shave off some fuel use in stop-start traffic. That comes in handy on Dublin’s gridlocked streets.
BMW’s plug-in hybrid 3 Series lets you drive on electric-only power for short trips, but you’ll need a home charger to really make it work for your wallet.
Insurance for hybrid models usually runs 10-15% higher than regular engines. It’s something to keep in mind when you’re adding up your total motoring costs.
Depreciation and Resale Value
Irish buyers see both the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 dropping sharply in value, but the BMW usually hangs onto its price a bit better if you keep it a while. European luxury saloons lose about 20-25% of their value in the first year, which feels a bit brutal.
Three-Year Depreciation Analysis
The BMW 3 Series keeps its value better than the Audi A4 in Ireland. If you buy a €45,000 BMW 3 Series, expect to lose €22,500-25,000 after three years.
The Audi A4, priced the same, usually drops by €24,000-27,000 in that time.
Three-Year Depreciation Comparison:
| Model | Purchase Price | Three-Year Value | Depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | €45,000 | €20,000-22,500 | €22,500-25,000 |
| Audi A4 | €45,000 | €18,000-21,000 | €24,000-27,000 |
Diesel versions lose value faster now as Irish buyers shift away from them. Petrol and hybrid models do better at holding value these days.
BMW enjoys stronger brand loyalty and a bigger dealer network across Ireland. That helps when you want to trade up.
Five-Year Value Retention
After five years, both cars usually keep 35-40% of what you paid. The BMW still edges out the Audi, especially if you pick a higher-spec model.
“The BMW 3 Series consistently outperforms the A4 in five-year depreciation studies, retaining about 3-5% more value because Irish buyers want them more,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Five-Year Ownership Costs:
- BMW 3 Series: Keeps €15,750-18,000 of the original €45,000 price
- Audi A4: Keeps €14,400-17,100 of the original €45,000 price
M Sport and S-Line versions lose less value than the basic models. If you go for Alpine White or Glacier White, you’ll usually get a better resale price than with some oddball colour.
Buyers get lower PCP costs on both models, since depreciation gets figured into the monthly payments. That makes these cars a bit more affordable than they look at first glance.
Warranty and Aftercare Programmes
BMW and Audi both offer extended coverage that can save you a lot on repairs after the standard warranty runs out. Audi’s service plans can cut routine maintenance bills by up to 50%, while BMW’s care packages add roadside assistance and let you pay in predictable chunks.
Audi Warranty Benefits
Audi’s service plans in Ireland really can slash maintenance costs compared to just paying as you go. I’ve seen some owners save €300-500 a year with these packages.
Audi gives you a standard three-year or 60,000-mile warranty. After that, you pay for everything, and repairs on things like the MMI infotainment or quattro system can get expensive.
Key Audi warranty features:
- Three-year manufacturer warranty on new cars
- Service plans that cover routine parts and labour
- Extended warranties up to seven years
- Roadside assistance included with Audi service coverage
Audi’s prepaid plans make sense if you plan to keep your A4 past the warranty. Predictable costs help with budgeting, especially since Audi specialist labour can run €80-120 an hour in Ireland.
BMW Care Packages
BMW lets you extend coverage with BMW Care packages, which bundle servicing and warranty. BMW’s extended warranty kicks in after your three-year warranty is up.
The standard BMW warranty is three years or 60,000 miles, just like Audi. Their service packages usually cost €400-600 a year and cover all scheduled maintenance—filters, oils, brake fluid, the works.
- Three-year manufacturer warranty as standard
- BMW Service Inclusive from the first year
- Extended warranty up to seven years
- BMW Roadside Assistance with care packages
“BMW’s service packages make costs predictable, but you should compare prices—independent specialists are often 30-40% cheaper than main dealers,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
High-mileage drivers get the most out of BMW’s packages, since you’ll hit those service intervals more often. Monthly payments spread the cost, so you don’t get hit with a big bill every 10,000 miles.
Interior Technology and Infotainment
Both cars come loaded with modern tech, but the BMW 3 Series really feels more driver-focused than the Audi A4. The Audi A4 now uses Volkswagen Group’s MIB 3 infotainment with Alexa voice recognition.
Infotainment System Features
Audi’s MIB 3 system uses a central touchscreen—8.8-inch or 10.1-inch, depending on trim. You get Alexa voice commands and support for multiple user profiles.
Navigation comes standard on most Irish A4s. The system gives you real-time traffic and learns your driving habits.
The BMW 3 Series has a slick interior with loads of tech. Its iDrive system features a central screen that varies in size by trim.
BMW gives you either digital or analogue instruments right in front of you. Go for higher trims, and you’ll get the fully digital cockpit.
Screen Size Comparison:
- Audi A4: 8.8″ – 10.1″ touchscreen
- BMW 3 Series: 8.8″ – 12.3″ (depends on trim)
Connectivity Including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Both cars come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard in Ireland. The A4 offers wireless CarPlay on higher trims.
BMW gives you wireless CarPlay on most versions, but you’ll need a cable for Android Auto in both cars.
The A4’s system plays nice with smartphones for music and calls. You can use voice commands through your phone or Alexa.
“Irish drivers really care about good smartphone integration for navigation—most just want to use Google Maps,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
The 3 Series offers similar connectivity, with BMW’s own voice assistant alongside your phone’s. You can connect more than one Bluetooth device, which is handy.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Both the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 come with fancy comfort features as standard. Their climate control systems have some key differences, and both throw in advanced cruise control and parking tech.
Climate Control Systems
Both cars include dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. The Audi A4 goes a bit further, with rear vents and separate temperature controls for the back seats.
BMW’s system aims for precise temperature control. You can tweak the settings through the iDrive display. If you want ventilated front seats, you’ll need to go for a higher trim.
The Audi A4 simply includes more climate features as standard. Rear passengers get their own air vents and controls at no extra charge.
Air quality systems differ a bit. BMW fits active air filtration on most trims. Audi offers a more advanced air quality pack with allergen filters.
“The climate systems in both cars work well for Irish weather, but the A4’s rear controls are great if you’re carrying family,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Cruise Control Functionality
Both cars feature adaptive cruise control as standard. These systems keep a safe distance and can even stop the car in traffic.
BMW’s cruise control links up with steering assistance. It works well on Irish motorways and dual carriageways. If you switch on speed limit recognition, the car will adjust your speed automatically.
Audi’s system works similarly, though the controls are on the steering wheel. It includes traffic jam assist, so you don’t have to keep stopping and starting in heavy traffic.
Lane keeping assistance comes with both cars. BMW’s system nudges the wheel to keep you centred. Audi lets you adjust the sensitivity.
Both require you to touch the steering wheel every so often. It’s a safety thing, so you don’t zone out on long drives.
Parking Sensor Capabilities
Front and rear parking sensors are standard on both the 3 Series and A4. You’ll get beeps and on-screen displays to help you park.
BMW offers a 360-degree camera as an option. This gives you a bird’s-eye view and on-screen parking lines, which really helps in tight spaces.
Audi includes park assist that can steer the car into spaces for you. You just handle the pedals while the car takes care of the steering.
Both cars give you rear-view cameras as standard. The displays show guidelines and distance markers, and the image quality holds up in most Irish weather.
If you want even more help, both brands offer advanced parking packages with automated systems and extra sensors for city parking.
Driving Performance and Handling
The BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 each bring their own driving style to the table. BMW usually delivers sharper handling, while Audi focuses on comfort and quattro all-wheel drive.
Engine and Gearbox Choices
The BMW 3 Series lineup includes efficient 2.0-litre petrol engines from 156hp to 258hp, plus diesel engines that Irish drivers love for long trips. BMW fits most models with a slick 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The 320d stands out in Ireland for its punchy torque and great motorway economy. The petrol 320i offers enough performance for most people without breaking the bank.
Audi matches BMW with similar 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. Diesel A4s still attract Irish drivers who rack up high mileage. Audi’s 7-speed S tronic automatic shifts quickly, but it can feel a bit jerky in stop-and-go traffic.
Both brands sell performance versions—the BMW M340i and Audi S4—but you’ll pay a premium for those, and insurance isn’t cheap in Ireland.
Four-Wheel Drive Availability
BMW gives you xDrive four-wheel drive on most 3 Series models. This system helps a lot with traction, especially on wet Irish roads.
You’ll notice xDrive adds a bit of weight and bumps up fuel use slightly. Still, it just feels more reassuring when the weather turns bad.
Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive comes as standard on many A4s. It’s honestly one of the big reasons people pick Audi in the first place.
Quattro provides better grip than front-wheel drive, and that’s a real bonus with Ireland’s rainy climate.
“Quattro all-wheel drive typically adds €2,000-3,000 to the purchase price, but Irish buyers often find the investment worthwhile for improved safety and resale values,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Irish buyers usually get better resale value from four-wheel drive models than from front-wheel drive ones.
Saloon Versus Estate Dynamics
The regular 3 Series saloon feels sharp and precise, especially when you’re steering through corners. It really comes alive on Ireland’s twistier roads.
BMW’s 3 Series Touring estate keeps most of that fun-to-drive feeling. It just adds more practicality.
The estate version gives you better cargo space than the saloon. You don’t lose much in terms of handling, which is nice.
The Audi A4 saloon leans more toward comfort than sportiness. The ride feels smoother and just a bit more relaxed, which actually works well on Irish roads.
Its suspension soaks up bumps, making longer trips less tiring.
The A4 Avant estate adds a lot of boot space but keeps that comfy ride. I find it’s not quite as agile as the BMW Touring, probably because Audi tunes the suspension for comfort.
Safety and Euro NCAP Ratings
Both the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 picked up five-star Euro NCAP ratings. Still, you’ll spot some differences in standard safety gear and driver assistance tech.
Audi fits more safety features as standard, while BMW charges extra for some collision-avoidance systems.
Crash Test Scores
Euro NCAP gave both cars five stars in their test years. The BMW 3 Series grabbed its 2019 Euro NCAP assessment with top marks across the board.
The Audi A4’s Euro NCAP rating covers both the saloon and estate. Euro NCAP also applies the A4’s score to the A5 Coupé and Sportback since they share the same platform.
Both cars scored maximum points for adult occupant protection. Child occupant protection was just as strong.
Thatcham Research tested security and gave both models the same results. Each car earned top marks for theft resistance and four out of five for break-in protection.
“Irish buyers often overlook that five-star Euro NCAP ratings can mask significant differences in real-world safety equipment between premium German rivals,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Audi gives you more safety tech as standard. Rear climate control and xenon headlights come included.
BMW makes you pay extra for some safety systems that Audi throws in. That definitely affects the total cost if you want matching safety features.
Both BMW and Audi build in driver assistance systems to help prevent crashes. You can get automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings on both.
The 3 Series comes with leather seats as standard, while the A4 mixes leather and Alcantara. You’ll find sat-nav, DAB radio, and Bluetooth standard in both.
Climate control and cruise control come as standard too. These little things really help on long drives around Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Comparing Practicality and Everyday Use
Both the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 give you about 480 litres of boot space. The A4 Avant estate adds a bit more, which families might appreciate.
The Audi A4’s interior feels a touch more refined, but honestly, both cars work well for daily commutes and family life.
Boot Space and Interior Layout
The BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 saloons both offer 480 litres of boot space. That’s plenty for shopping or medium-sized luggage.
The A4’s boot shape is more square, so it’s easier to load awkward items. You really notice this with boxes or sports gear.
If you need more room, the Audi A4 Avant gives you 495 litres. That’s 15 litres more than the saloon versions.
Inside, the A4’s interior feels more upmarket than the 3 Series. The materials and finish just feel a bit more premium.
The 3 Series still looks good and is easy to use. Controls are right where you’d expect, which makes life simpler behind the wheel.
“Irish drivers often underestimate boot shape importance until they’re loading prams or golf clubs – the A4’s square design wins here,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Suitability for Families
Both luxury saloons suit families with kids. Rear seats offer similar comfort and space.
You’ll find fitting child seats easy in both. ISOFIX points are clear and reachable.
The A4 Avant stands out for bigger families. That extra boot space swallows prams, sports bags, or holiday luggage with less hassle.
Rear doors open wide, so getting kids in and out isn’t a struggle.
Both cabins have plenty of storage spots. Cup holders, door bins, and centre consoles keep things tidy.
The BMW 3 Series gives a bit more rear legroom. Taller kids or teens will thank you on long trips.
Both cars include the safety features families look for. You get multiple airbags and stability control as standard.
Running costs don’t differ much for family use. Insurance and fuel economy are pretty close for most engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Irish drivers weighing up these German saloons usually have a lot of cost questions. Both cars come with premium ownership costs, but the details can shift between the Republic and Northern Ireland.
What are the typical maintenance costs for BMW 3 Series versus Audi A4 in Ireland?
BMW 3 Series maintenance usually runs €800-1,200 per year in the Republic of Ireland. That covers routine servicing every 10,000-15,000 miles and replacing worn parts.
BMW needs new spark plugs every 4 years, while the Audi A4 can go up to 6 years. That difference really adds up over time.
Audi A4 owners see similar yearly costs, but the service intervals are different. Major services come every 20,000km, with smaller checks at 10,000km.
Northern Ireland owners pay roughly the same, just in pounds. Independent garages charge 20-30% less than main dealers in both places.
“BMW’s more frequent component replacements often balance out Audi’s higher individual service costs over a five-year ownership period,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
How do the fuel efficiencies of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 compare in an Irish context?
Both cars get about the same real-world fuel economy on Irish roads. Diesel versions usually manage 45-55mpg in mixed driving.
Irish traffic, especially in places like Dublin and Cork, knocks official economy down by 10-15%. You’ll see the best numbers on the motorway.
The 2.0-litre diesels in both cars hit the sweet spot between power and efficiency. Petrols use about 20% more fuel for typical Irish driving.
Automatic gearboxes eat up 5-8% more fuel than manuals, but the latest eight-speed autos have really narrowed that gap.
What is the average insurance cost difference between the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 in Ireland?
Insurance can differ by €200-400 a year between the two in the Republic of Ireland. The BMW 3 Series usually sits in a slightly higher group.
Younger drivers face big premiums—€2,500-4,000 for either car. More experienced drivers pay around €800-1,500 per year for comprehensive cover.
Northern Ireland insurance is 15-20% cheaper than in the Republic. Insurers group both cars pretty closely in the UK system.
Engine size and trim level make a big difference. M Sport or S-Line versions cost 20-30% more to insure than basic models.
Which has a higher resale value in the Irish market, the BMW 3 Series or the Audi A4?
BMW 3 Series tends to keep 52-58% of its value after three years. That’s a bit better than most rivals in Ireland.
Audi A4 holds onto 50-55% over the same period. Quattro versions do better than the front-wheel drive ones.
Diesels lose value slower than petrols in both brands. Manuals also hold their price better than automatics in Ireland.
If you go for white, black, or silver, you’ll see less depreciation. Odd colours can hurt resale by 10-15%.
How do the warranty periods for the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 compare in Ireland?
Both brands offer three-year warranties with unlimited mileage in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland gets the same deal.
BMW throws in three years of roadside help and breakdown cover. If you want to extend, it’s €800-1,200 for two more years.
Audi matches that with its own three-year warranty. Their extended warranty prices are about the same as BMW’s.
Neither covers wear parts like brake pads, tyres, or clutches. Battery warranties for mild-hybrids last eight years.
In terms of parts availability and pricing, how do the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 fare in Ireland?
Genuine BMW parts usually cost about 10-20% more than what Audi charges for similar service items.
Both brands have solid dealer networks spread out across Ireland.
A lot of independent suppliers offer quality aftermarket parts, and you can save around 30-40% that way.
You’ll find popular items like brake pads, filters, and spark plugs without much trouble.
Audi engines use more standard components than BMW or Mercedes, so you might end up paying less for parts in the long run.
This standardisation makes life a bit easier for independent repair shops, too.
In Northern Ireland, people benefit from UK parts availability, and prices often come in lower than what you’ll see from dealers in the Republic.
Crossing the border for parts? That can save you anywhere from €100 to €300 on big repairs.