A8 D3 vs 5 Series E60: which is better?
Audi A8 D3 (2002–2010) vs BMW 5 Series E60 (2003–2010): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A8 D3
BMW 5 Series E60Specifications
| Audi A8 D3 | BMW 5 Series E60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2002–2010 | 2003–2010 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 4.2 V8 | 3.0 (530i) |
| Power, up to | 335 hp | 258 hp |
| Torque, up to | 430 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 051 mm | 4 841 mm |
| Width | 1 894 mm | 1 846 mm |
| Height | 1 444 mm | 1 468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 944 mm | 2 888 mm |
| Fuel tank | 90 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 507 425 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A8 D3
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 335 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 90 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
BMW 5 Series E60
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 258 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW N52 (3.0): hydraulic lifter ticking
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Engine (BMW N52 (3.0)): hydraulic lifter tapping; valve cover gasket and filter housing leaks; electric water pump failure.
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Which one to choose
- A8 D3 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- 5 Series E60 — 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: A8 D3 or 5 Series E60?
A8 D3: up to 335 hp, 5 Series E60: up to 258 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A8 D3 — about 507 425 ₸, 5 Series E60 — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.