After 100,000 km, the BMW vs. Audi debate isn't settled by the badge on the hood. At this mileage, costly repairs more often arise from a problematic engine-gearbox pairing and previous owners than from a “bad brand.” On average, BMW looks like the safer bet, but only in the right configurations. Journalists from SPEEDME.RU have examined the nuances in detail.

Citing the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study 2025, experts note that BMW recorded 189 problems per 100 vehicles, compared to Audi's 273. Lower scores are better. The 2026 study also ranks BMW well above Audi, though exact brand scores remain undisclosed. This is particularly critical for premium cars: beyond 100,000 km, costly issues extend beyond engines and transmissions to include electronics, multimedia, control modules, and complex diagnostics.

On the used market, BMW's most reassuring choices are the B48 and B58 gasoline engines paired with the classic ZF 8HP automatic. The B48, widely deployed since 2016, ranks among the brand's best modern engines. The B58 delivers more power and driving pleasure, but it costs more to run—injectors, cooling, oil, and taxes quickly remind you that it's the top inline-six. However, both engines' weak spots are well known, making repair strategies straightforward.

Audi is far more version-dependent. Late-model 2.0 TFSI engines are noticeably better than the trouble-prone early units, and diesels with healthy fuel systems can also hold up well. But after 100,000 km, you need to check the specific EA888 generation, the condition of the S tronic transmission, timing chain, turbo, mechatronics, clutches, and all-wheel-drive operation. For crossovers like the Q5, by 100,000–130,000 km, you may also encounter suspension wear, creaks, electronics faults, and expensive diagnostics.

In practice, the rule is simple: a good Audi with a transparent history beats a BMW that has been overheated and rarely had its oil changed. But if you're choosing from typical market options, a BMW with the B48/B58 and ZF 8HP usually looks more predictable than an Audi with an uncertain S tronic history.

Before buying, don't just check the service book. Pay attention to control unit error codes, leaks, cooling system health, transmission behavior, oil change intervals, and evidence of aggressive driving. The most reliable guide isn't the badge but the trio of engine, gearbox, and maintenance. Right now, BMW offers a slightly larger share of these successful combinations.