A6 C5 vs 3 Series E46: which is better?
Audi A6 C5 (1997–2004) vs BMW 3 Series E46 (1998–2006): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A6 C5
BMW 3 Series E46Specifications
| Audi A6 C5 | BMW 3 Series E46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1997–2004 | 1998–2006 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 V6 | 2.2 (320i) |
| Power, up to | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque, up to | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 796 mm | 4 471 mm |
| Width | 1 810 mm | 1 739 mm |
| Height | 1 453 mm | 1 415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 759 mm | 2 725 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 63 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 27 350 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A6 C5
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Audi multitronic (CVT): chain and clutch pack wear
- Age: the last cars were built in 2004, condition is everything
Gearbox (Audi multitronic (CVT)): chain and clutch pack wear; control unit failure.
BMW 3 Series E46
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW M52/M54 (2.0–3.0): oil consumption (rings)
Engine (BMW M52/M54 (2.0–3.0)): oil consumption (rings); crankcase ventilation system failure; cracked expansion tank and thermostat.
Which one to choose
- A6 C5 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- 3 Series E46 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: A6 C5 or 3 Series E46?
A6 C5: up to 170 hp, 3 Series E46: up to 170 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A6 C5 — about 28 750 ₸, 3 Series E46 — about 27 350 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.