Are Audi engines better than BMW?

Car fans often debate which German luxury brand makes better engines – Audi or BMW. Both companies have loyal followers who believe their favorite brand is superior. This question doesn’t have a simple answer because both make great engines with different strengths. Let’s look at how Audi and BMW engines compare, what makes each special, and which might be better for different kinds of drivers.

Comparing Audi and BMW Engine Design

Engine Layout and Philosophy

Audi and BMW take different approaches to engine design. BMW is famous for its inline engines, especially inline-six designs. For many years, BMW has stuck with this layout because it naturally balances well and provides smooth operation. BMW’s slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine” shows how much they focus on making cars fun to drive, and their engine designs reflect this goal.

Audi, on the other hand, uses more V-configuration engines and has been a pioneer in widespread turbocharging. Audi also places many of their engines differently in the car. Because most Audis have quattro all-wheel-drive, they often position the engine farther forward to make room for the front driveshafts. This affects how the car feels when driving.

Technology and Innovation

Both companies have created important engine technologies, but they’ve focused on different areas:

Feature	Audi Approach	BMW Approach
Engine Layout	Mostly V-configuration (V6, V8, V10)	Emphasis on inline engines (I4, I6)
Turbocharging	Early adopter of turbo technology across lineup	Traditionally focused on naturally aspirated, now embracing turbo
Cylinder Count	4, 5, 6, 8, 10 cylinders	3, 4, 6, 8, 12 cylinders
Material Use	Aluminum blocks common	Mix of aluminum and magnesium components
Valve Technology	Valvelift system	Valvetronic variable valve lift
Position	Often mounted far forward	Typically set back for better weight balance
Hybrid Tech	Mild hybrid systems common	Plugin hybrids emphasized
Signature Engine	2.5L 5-cylinder turbo	3.0L inline-six
Performance Focus	Traction and all-weather capability	Rear-wheel drive dynamics
Oil Change Interval	~10,000 miles	~10,000 miles

Audi was early to adopt technologies like five-cylinder engines, widespread turbocharging, and direct injection. Their five-cylinder engines in models like the RS3 and old Quattro rally cars create a unique sound that fans love. Audi’s current EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is used in many of their cars and has proven reliable while making good power.

BMW has focused on technologies like variable valve timing (VANOS), variable valve lift (Valvetronic), and precision direct injection. Their inline-six engines are legendary for smoothness. BMW’s N55 and B58 inline-six turbocharged engines have won many awards and are considered some of the best engines available today.

Performance and Reliability

Power and Efficiency

When it comes to making power efficiently, both companies do well but in different ways. Audi has embraced smaller engines with turbochargers, while BMW has traditionally preferred larger, naturally aspirated engines (though they now use turbocharging too).

Audi’s current engines typically deliver excellent low-end torque, making them feel powerful in everyday driving. The turbochargers help smaller engines feel much stronger than their size suggests. This approach helps with fuel economy in normal driving, but can sometimes result in slightly less linear power delivery.

BMW engines, especially their straight-six designs, often deliver power more smoothly and consistently throughout the RPM range. Their engines typically love to rev higher and often feel more engaging when driven hard. While newer BMW engines are turbocharged too, they’ve worked hard to keep that smooth, linear power delivery they’re known for.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability is where the debate gets most heated among fans. The truth is that both brands make engines that can last a long time when properly maintained, but both have had problem engines too.

Audi has had issues with oil consumption in some of their 2.0T engines from the late 2000s and early 2010s. They’ve also had timing chain problems in certain engines. However, their newer designs have improved considerably. The current generation EA888 engines have proven quite reliable when maintained properly.

BMW has had its share of problems too, including issues with high-pressure fuel pumps, valve cover gaskets, and oil leaks in some models. Their N54 engine had injector and turbo problems, while the N20 four-cylinder had timing chain issues. Like Audi, their newer engines (like the B58) show improvements in reliability.

Both brands require premium fuel and synthetic oil, making routine maintenance more expensive than mainstream brands. Both also have similar recommended oil change intervals of around 10,000 miles, though many owners change oil more frequently.

Notable Engines From Both Brands

Audi’s Most Impressive Engines

1. 2.5L TFSI Five-Cylinder: Used in the RS3 and TT RS, this unique engine has won multiple “Engine of the Year” awards. It makes a distinctive sound and delivers up to 400 horsepower from just 2.5 liters.
2. 4.2L V8: This naturally aspirated V8 was used in the R8, RS4, and RS5. It could rev to 8,500 RPM and made an incredible noise. Many consider it one of the best-sounding engines ever made.
3. 5.2L V10: Shared with Lamborghini (which Audi’s parent company owns), this engine powers the R8 V10. It’s a screaming naturally aspirated engine that represents a dying breed in today’s turbocharged world.
4. EA888 2.0T: Found in everything from the A3 to the Q5, this versatile four-cylinder can be tuned from around 200 horsepower to over 300 in the Golf R (a Volkswagen that shares this Audi-developed engine).

BMW’s Most Impressive Engines

1. S55 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-Six: Used in the previous M3/M4, this engine makes up to 444 horsepower and delivers incredible performance.
2. B58 3.0L Turbo Inline-Six: Found in many current BMWs, this engine has won several “Engine of the Year” awards and is widely considered one of the best six-cylinders available today.
3. S65 4.0L V8: The naturally aspirated V8 from the E92 M3 could rev to 8,400 RPM and made an amazing sound. It was hand-built and shared technology with BMW’s Formula 1 engines.
4. N74 6.6L V12: Used in the top 7-Series and Rolls-Royce cars (BMW owns Rolls-Royce), this twin-turbo V12 is monumentally powerful and incredibly smooth.

Real-World Ownership Experience

Driving Feel

The way an engine feels to drive is subjective but important. Audi engines, paired with quattro all-wheel drive, often feel extremely capable and secure, especially in bad weather. The turbocharged nature of most Audi engines means they deliver strong low-end torque, making them feel responsive in everyday driving.

BMW engines often feel more engaging and sporty. Their inline-six engines are famously smooth, and BMW typically tunes their engines to deliver power in a way that works well with their rear-wheel drive platforms. Many driving enthusiasts prefer the more balanced feel of BMWs, partly because of how the engines deliver power.

Long-Term Ownership Costs

Neither brand is cheap to maintain, but there are differences. According to several reliability surveys, BMW engines typically cost slightly more to maintain over the long term. However, individual models vary greatly, and maintenance history matters more than the brand for a specific used car.

Repair costs for both brands are higher than mainstream manufacturers. Parts can be expensive, and both companies’ engines often require specialized tools and knowledge to work on. Finding a good independent mechanic who specializes in German cars can save substantial money compared to dealer service.

Which Is Better For Different Drivers?

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

For pure driving enjoyment, especially on dry, twisty roads, many enthusiasts prefer BMW engines. The balanced nature of their inline engines and the way BMW tunes them for responsive, linear power delivery makes them extremely satisfying to drive hard. Models like the M2, M3, and M5 showcase what BMW does best.

Audi’s performance models, especially RS variants, offer a different kind of performance. The combination of powerful engines and all-wheel drive makes them incredibly quick off the line and very capable in all conditions. The five-cylinder in the RS3 and the V10 in the R8 offer unique character that some enthusiasts prefer.

Best for Luxury and Comfort

For luxury-focused drivers who want smooth, refined power, both brands offer excellent options. BMW’s larger engines, particularly the inline-six and V8 models, provide very smooth operation and plenty of power without needing to work hard.

Audi’s approach of using turbocharged engines means even their smaller engines in larger cars rarely feel underpowered. Their V6 and V8 engines in models like the A6, A7, and A8 deliver power smoothly and quietly when cruising, which suits luxury buyers well.

Best for All-Weather Driving

If you live in an area with harsh winters or frequently drive in bad weather, Audi’s combination of turbocharged engines (with good low-end torque) and quattro all-wheel drive is hard to beat. The engine’s power characteristics work perfectly with the all-wheel drive system to deliver confidence in slippery conditions.

BMW has improved their xDrive all-wheel drive system over the years, but Audi’s quattro still has an edge in really challenging conditions for most drivers.

Conclusion

There’s no clear answer to whether Audi engines are “better” than BMW engines. Each brand has strengths and weaknesses, and both make some truly excellent engines. Your personal preferences and how you plan to use the car matter more than brand generalizations.

Audi engines tend to excel in:

• All-weather performance when paired with quattro
• Low-end torque for everyday driving
• Compact packaging allowing for more cabin space
• Unique engine options (like the five-cylinder)

BMW engines tend to excel in:

• Smooth, refined operation (especially inline-six models)
• Engaging driving character
• Linear power delivery
• Performance at higher RPMs

The best choice depends on your specific needs, driving style, and which particular models you’re considering. Both companies continue to innovate and improve their engines, and competition between them benefits consumers by pushing both to be better.

FAQ

Are Audi engines more reliable than BMW engines?

Neither brand has a clear reliability advantage overall. Both have had problematic engines and excellent ones. Specific models and how well they’ve been maintained matter more than the brand when buying used.

Do Audi engines require more maintenance than BMW engines?

Both require similar maintenance schedules, with oil changes using synthetic oil every 10,000 miles (though many owners change more frequently). Both have similar inspection intervals and maintenance requirements.

Which brand has better engine technology?

Both companies have innovative engine technology but focus on different areas. BMW excels at inline engine design and smooth power delivery. Audi pioneered widespread turbocharging and direct injection. Both continue to develop new technologies.

Are Audi engines more powerful than BMW engines in comparable models?

Power figures are very similar between comparable Audi and BMW models. Neither has a consistent advantage in horsepower or torque across their lineups.

Do Audi engines last longer than BMW engines?

With proper maintenance, engines from both brands can last 200,000+ miles. Maintenance history is much more important than whether the engine is from Audi or BMW.

Are BMW engines more fun to drive than Audi engines?

Many enthusiasts prefer the feel of BMW engines, especially in rear-wheel drive applications, but this is subjective. Audi engines paired with quattro offer a different kind of driving enjoyment that some prefer.

Which brand has better fuel economy?

Neither brand has a consistent advantage in fuel economy. It varies by specific model and engine. Both offer efficient four-cylinder options and thirstier performance variants.

Has either brand had major engine recalls or problems I should know about?

Both have had issues with specific engines. Some Audi 2.0T engines had oil consumption problems. Some BMW engines had timing chain and fuel pump issues. Research the specific model year and engine you’re interested in for detailed information.