A4 AFB Alternatives: Best Options & Reviews

Hello,

'I've been driving an A4 AFB (V6 TDI 150 hp) for a few years now, and I'm generally happy with it. But you should always stay up-to-date, so I want to start a discussion here about potential alternatives (successors?!).'

Here's my perspective on the situation:
Here are the two main things I have to complain about regarding my vehicle. Firstly, the engine's power delivery is a bit weak in the lower RPM range (below 2000 RPM). (There are no defects, and the engine is in excellent condition). Secondly, the suspension feels soft, which is particularly noticeable now with the winter tires. I'm going to set aside other age-related issues (like the noisy transmission) for now. What's great and doesn't need improvement is the combination of top speed (230-240 km/h) and fuel consumption (I haven't managed to get it above 8.3 liters per 100 km) in the mix of city, country, and highway driving I do, including extended periods of full throttle).

In theory, there are initially 3 possible options.
1. Audi successor models.
'In this forum, the tendency for the AFB engine to develop faults is frequently criticized, and it's often pointed out that the subsequent models have been improved in that regard. However, this isn't a concern for me, as my AFB has never let me down. What about the power output? The 180 hp versions are often praised, but it's only 30 hp more, and then you have all that all-wheel-drive stuff...'
What are people's experiences with the standard suspension? Is it possible to drive at 230 km/h even in windy conditions without any issues?

2. Mercedes-Benz C270 CDI.
Actually, there isn't really a real alternative. I wouldn't be surprised if this was the top performer at low speeds. In terms of top speed, I once had the pleasure of racing one on a (nearly) empty track. He eventually gave up.
Allerdings hatte ich mal einen der ersten C220 CDI mit sportlicher Fahrwerksabstimmung probegefahren und war positiv überrascht. That's something else.
(at a hefty surcharge), any other manufacturer can also provide it.

3. BMW 330d.
The only thing that really excites me (technically speaking, in terms of cars). The engine specs are incredible. But how is that thing supposed to work?
'Driving dynamics behavior??? A heavy engine at the front with enormous torque, combined with rear-wheel drive. Without any electronic intervention, that would probably be too much of a challenge for the average driver, especially since everything has to be idiot-proof these days. Therefore, this thing is likely equipped with an electronic safety net, which is what some disappointed passengers have told me. If that's really the case, then the appeal is immediately lost.'
I don't expect much from the standard suspension either. My previous car (the predecessor to the A4) also gave a rather 'floating' feeling at higher speeds.

Can anyone provide more details? I don't have the time to test drive all the different models, and first impressions can often be misleading.

Hello,

Quote:

2. Mercedes-Benz C270 CDI. Actually, there isn't really a real alternative

.

"Then, why don't you test drive it? The current version has 425 Nm of torque. Even the older model in the E-Class is significantly better than an AFB. I'm referring to automatic vehicles. I'm not sure how the Multitronic transmission is, but Mercedes has consistently outperformed everyone else with its torque converter automatics."

Best regards,
Albrecht.

The 330d has an axle load distribution of 50:50. BMW heavily promoted this feature when it was first introduced.
Regarding the driving characteristics (suspension), I can only describe the BMW as sporty and firm.
Not like the 5-series, which is more focused on comfort.

"So, I recently drove a friend's 330d, and I have to say, it's incredibly powerful. It's an absolutely fantastic vehicle in every way. It runs smoothly, has a lot of torque, and the suspension is truly top-notch."

@Albrecht:
I can imagine that the 270CDI engine, when combined with an automatic transmission, works much better than an AFB engine with an automatic transmission. An AFB engine and an automatic transmission probably don't go well together, because the AFB engine needs to be shifted frequently to provide good performance.
However, since I'm not a big fan of automatic transmissions, this advantage doesn't weigh as heavily for me. And regarding standard manual transmissions, I only have terrible memories of the test drive with the C220CDI. The clutch adjustment was disastrous (no pressure point, it's only engaged in the last centimeter of pedal travel). The shifting itself was even worse. In contrast, a Golf transmission gives a much better feeling. That's also why I'm hesitant about Mercedes.

@Golfmann, matthiasTDI96
Everything sounds very good. The 330 remains my favorite.

What I'm particularly interested in is the responsiveness of the engines. While each manufacturer advertises torque values, in practice, there's often a noticeable delay between pressing the pedal and actually feeling the torque. The AFB is supposedly able to reach its maximum torque (I think it's 310 Nm) at 1500 (or maybe 1800) RPM. However, if you're cruising along with just 10% throttle and then suddenly press the pedal, nothing seems to happen initially. In my opinion, this is because the engine control unit reduces the turbocharger boost pressure to a minimum at 10% load (probably a sensible measure to protect the materials). When the load is increased to 100%, the target boost pressure naturally jumps to its maximum, but at 1800 RPM, the engine only produces a weak puff of air, which then has the task of accelerating the turbine to its maximum speed. It would be interesting to know how the successors to the AFB and the competition are addressing this issue.

TKN wrote:

2. Mercedes-Benz C270 CDI. Actually, there isn't really a real alternative. I wouldn't be surprised if this was the top performer at low speeds. In terms of top speed, I once had the pleasure of racing one on a (nearly) empty track. He eventually gave up. Allerdings hatte ich mal einen der ersten C220 CDI mit sportlicher Fahrwerksabstimmung probegefahren und war positiv überrascht. That's something else. (at a hefty surcharge), any other manufacturer can also provide it.

I don't have any information about the C270CDI, only about the E270CDI. The engine in the E270CDI isn't really that great; the E-Class is simply too heavy for it. The E300CDI would be a better choice.
I can't say exactly how much lighter the C-Class is. However, the engine seems very vulnerable. The electronics in the E-Class, and those of the engine, tend to malfunction frequently, even in new cars. I hope Mercedes has this under control now. The engine in the E-Class has good low-end power; it's impressive how the torque kicks in. However, I can easily keep up with it in my 130hp Golf, and the E-Class can't overtake me except on the highway, which is probably due to the E-Class's combat weight. On the other hand, the automatic transmission shifts very smoothly .

Quote:

3. BMW 330d. The only thing that really excites me (technically speaking, in terms of cars). The engine specs are incredible. But how is that thing supposed to work? "Driving dynamics behavior??? A heavy engine at the front with enormous torque, combined with rear-wheel drive. Without any electronic intervention, that would probably be too much of a challenge for the average driver, especially since everything has to be idiot-proof these days. Therefore, this thing is likely equipped with an electronic safety net, which is what some disappointed passengers have told me. If that's really the case, then the appeal is immediately lost." I don't expect much from the standard suspension either. My previous car (the predecessor to the A4) also gave a rather "floating" feeling at higher speeds. Can anyone provide more details? After all, I don't have the time to test drive all the boxes, and besides, first impressions can often be misleading.

The car drives great! It has enormous power and a huge 0-100 km/h acceleration for a diesel. The rear-wheel drive has significantly fewer problems transferring the torque to the road compared to a front-wheel drive. Of course, you shouldn't start in first gear with the accelerator pedal fully pressed, but the ASR (traction control) will take care of it .
Otherwise, there are no problems with the drive system.
The only thing I don't like is the suspension when I'm a passenger. It's bumpy in the back, and you constantly get jolted in the lower back, which I wouldn't want to experience for 200 km. But that shows the sporty orientation of the sedan. And the 6-speed transmission isn't bad either.

I would still prefer the Audi, simply because of the design. I don't find the interior of the 3-series that great. And as I said, while the suspension might be good for the two passengers in the front and for the sporty driver, I wouldn't want to ride in the back seat for long. It's too bumpy. But if you're only traveling with one other person or alone, that might not matter.