Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| S5 | 4 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | BMW |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Hybrid |
| Fuel economy | 23.0 mpg | 29.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 386 g/mi | 285 g/mi–320 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The EA839 3.0T V6 vacuum-actuated water pump internal seal can fail, allowing coolant to leak into the vacuum-control system on 2019-2024 Audi S5 models. The first symptom is typically a coolant-level warning, followed by coolant residue on switching valve N649; it may also trigger P0299 turbo under-boost and 'Drivetrain Malfunction' warnings, creating a risk of sudden power loss while driving. Audi issued TSBs MC-10245526-0001 and MC-10172894-0001 acknowledging the coolant pump leak issue.
The most frequently reported issue is electrical system malfunctions, with complaints logged for model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025. The source does not itemize symptoms, but the category indicates faults in electrical components. Fire-related severity signals were also recorded for several years, making electrical problems a safety-relevant area to inspect.
Powertrain and engine complaints were reported for model years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, with 12 complaints in 2019 and 10 in 2020. The source does not specify symptoms, but the category covers engine and transmission faults. It is recommended to have a specialist inspect for drivability problems, warning lights, fluid leaks, and repair history.
Service brake complaints were logged for model years 2023 and 2024, with 7 complaints in 2023 and 4 in 2024, plus hydraulic brake complaints in 2023. The source does not detail symptoms, but the category indicates brake system faults. Inspecting brake pedal feel, fluid level, lines, and warning messages is advised.
Audi S5 and BMW 4 Series suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
The models use different powertrains: S5 — Gasoline; 4 Series — Hybrid. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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