My two cents on Audi vs BMW questions.
I've owned 2 e30 3-series, 1 e36 3-series, 3 e46 3-series, 1 5 series from BMW. From Audi, I've owned 2 B5 A4's (1 avant) and 1 B6 A4 Avant.
None of the Audi's had the same road feel as the BMW's. Each of the above was a great car and better from a driving perspective than most of their competitors.
In the end, it was more about style and design than anything else. Audi's have some beautiful cars - the new A5 is a stunner - and I hate the Bangle-ization of BMW. Audi gets a slight node on interiors - just about the best in the business but BMW's have always been close. Both handle great, drive long distances great and have been reliable or more accurately, durable.
I love the way my Box handles - better than an any of the above cars. However, switching to an M3 would bring much more power and a different (but fun) driving experience.
These are all great cars. We are fortunate to have these choices and plenty of open road to exercise those choices
