A6 C7 vs 3 Series F30: which is better?
Audi A6 C7 (2011–2018) vs BMW 3 Series F30 (2011–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A6 C7
BMW 3 Series F30Specifications
| Audi A6 C7 | BMW 3 Series F30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2011–2018 | 2011–2019 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 TFSI | 2.0 Turbo (320i) |
| Power, up to | 180 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque, up to | 320 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 915 mm | 4 624 mm |
| Width | 1 874 mm | 1 811 mm |
| Height | 1 455 mm | 1 429 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 912 mm | 2 810 mm |
| Fuel tank | 73 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A6 C7
Pros
- Large fuel tank: 73 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines
- Gearbox Audi multitronic (CVT): chain and clutch pack wear
Engine (VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI)): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines; timing chain stretch and tensioner on early engines; plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
Gearbox (Audi multitronic (CVT)): chain and clutch pack wear; control unit failure.
BMW 3 Series F30
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW N20 (2.0 Turbo): timing chain guide wear on engines before ~2015
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Engine (BMW N20 (2.0 Turbo)): timing chain guide wear on engines before ~2015; oil leaks.
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- A6 C7 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- 3 Series F30 — if you care more about: power.
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 C7 or 3 Series F30?
A6 C7: up to 180 hp, 3 Series F30: up to 184 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A6 C7 — about 16 475 ₸, 3 Series F30 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.