Buying an Audi S4
Discussion
Plenty of advice over at www.rs246.com and on www.tyresmoke.net The forums there seem quite busy. There's lots to look out for in the S4, so do your research. Turbos are apparently a particular weakpoint.
You will find out more on the forum,,,turbos can possibly cause problems in early cars,,,but as you are looking at a later facelift model (like mine) they have a revised oil feed which is much less problematic.
There appear to be some problems when the cars are tuned,,,there are quite a few nutters out there with very quick S4'...good on them.
There appear to be some problems when the cars are tuned,,,there are quite a few nutters out there with very quick S4'...good on them.
Fontain seem to have a good reputation, but I beleive they do a plug in chip. Check out the B5 2.7 S4 forum
here;
www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewforum&f=27&sid=c97f9185df8bd3971f1e54877cf7a35b
A lot of the guys are ecstatic about their individual re-maps from MRC, approx 320 bhp and near 400 lb/ft torque for 500 pounds
My 43k miler is totally standard, I may well keep it like that for re-sale.
here;
www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewforum&f=27&sid=c97f9185df8bd3971f1e54877cf7a35b
A lot of the guys are ecstatic about their individual re-maps from MRC, approx 320 bhp and near 400 lb/ft torque for 500 pounds
My 43k miler is totally standard, I may well keep it like that for re-sale.
Things to look out for:
Noisy turbos - usually sounds like a quiet police siren. Appears to affect cars (modded or not) at around 60k + miles, although some have failed prior to that and some have gone on to 100k +. If the car has been remapped then this will obviously put more strain on the turbos through running higher boost and will ultimately accelerate wear and tear on not just the turbo but on other componants around the car.
Throttle body boot (TBB) is a weak point and can split, easily replaced or upgraded.
Diverter Valves - Plastic Bosch types can suffer from internal diaphragm splitting resulting in boost loss, again easily replaced with stronger piston type such as the Viper or Forge types.
MAF Sensor - mass air flow sensor failure results in power loss and as with most of the above faults will result in more strain being put on the turbos. Easily replaced or upgraded.
These appear to be the main problems, but I am sure there are a few less minor ones that I have not covered.
Best colours to go for are Noggy Blue, Silver or Black, but colour and spec is down to personal preference so go for what you prefer. Silk Nappa electric heated Recaros are a nice option to have if you can find a car specced with them.
For basic modding then check the RS246.com website, I had mine remapped at AmD in Bicester and they did an excellent job, the reason that I chose was because they carry out a full diagnostic check on your car prior to carrying out any work, through this they can identify any problems, on mine I had a MAF fault (which I knew about) and for peace of mind I had my DV's changed to Viper DV's, the MAF was changed and the car was remapped, it went from 274bhp and 306lbs torque to 340bhp and 380lbs torque
, the drive home back to South Yorkshire was fantastic, it was like driving a different car. I would fully recommend AmD.
Noisy turbos - usually sounds like a quiet police siren. Appears to affect cars (modded or not) at around 60k + miles, although some have failed prior to that and some have gone on to 100k +. If the car has been remapped then this will obviously put more strain on the turbos through running higher boost and will ultimately accelerate wear and tear on not just the turbo but on other componants around the car.
Throttle body boot (TBB) is a weak point and can split, easily replaced or upgraded.
Diverter Valves - Plastic Bosch types can suffer from internal diaphragm splitting resulting in boost loss, again easily replaced with stronger piston type such as the Viper or Forge types.
MAF Sensor - mass air flow sensor failure results in power loss and as with most of the above faults will result in more strain being put on the turbos. Easily replaced or upgraded.
These appear to be the main problems, but I am sure there are a few less minor ones that I have not covered.
Best colours to go for are Noggy Blue, Silver or Black, but colour and spec is down to personal preference so go for what you prefer. Silk Nappa electric heated Recaros are a nice option to have if you can find a car specced with them.
For basic modding then check the RS246.com website, I had mine remapped at AmD in Bicester and they did an excellent job, the reason that I chose was because they carry out a full diagnostic check on your car prior to carrying out any work, through this they can identify any problems, on mine I had a MAF fault (which I knew about) and for peace of mind I had my DV's changed to Viper DV's, the MAF was changed and the car was remapped, it went from 274bhp and 306lbs torque to 340bhp and 380lbs torque
, the drive home back to South Yorkshire was fantastic, it was like driving a different car. I would fully recommend AmD.great stuff! I like the AmD info especially...
Have taken on board all the foibles, will be buying some sort of warranty hopefully just in case...
many thanks for your comments and time spent replying, that goes for you all.
1st post on this site and it's been really helpful, you're a good bunch!
Cheers,
DtC
Have taken on board all the foibles, will be buying some sort of warranty hopefully just in case...
many thanks for your comments and time spent replying, that goes for you all.
1st post on this site and it's been really helpful, you're a good bunch!
Cheers,
DtC
Hello,
Just thought I'd mention...
Regarding the warranty, I'd recommend looking into getting an Audi extended warranty cos many other ones won't give as much cover on the higher end cars... IE, they cap the claim limit or hourly rate. I've dealt with customers with non Audi ones, and they've always had a bill to pay after the repair.
Audi one is probably alot of money, but you must consider it if you plan on keeping the S4 for sometime...
Enjoy!
Loretta x
Just thought I'd mention...
Regarding the warranty, I'd recommend looking into getting an Audi extended warranty cos many other ones won't give as much cover on the higher end cars... IE, they cap the claim limit or hourly rate. I've dealt with customers with non Audi ones, and they've always had a bill to pay after the repair.
Audi one is probably alot of money, but you must consider it if you plan on keeping the S4 for sometime...
Enjoy!
Loretta x
Yes Loretta is right about the warrenty. Try and find one that already has an Audi warrenty, this way you can continue to extend it. Most of the 2000 onwards cars should still have their warrenty, but it gets harder to get a decent warrenty as the car gets older.
I've seen a smart looking low mileage silver S4 on a number of websites, I think it may be on here as well, it's been for sale for a few weeks now so there may be room to haggle on the price, I think the owner is based in Leeds, if I find the ad I'll post a link. Here it is.....www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/46532.htm
Loretta, you'll enjoy the Chimaera....not as quick as your bike but the noise........
>> Edited by Cyclone1 on Saturday 13th August 17:55
I've seen a smart looking low mileage silver S4 on a number of websites, I think it may be on here as well, it's been for sale for a few weeks now so there may be room to haggle on the price, I think the owner is based in Leeds, if I find the ad I'll post a link. Here it is.....www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/46532.htm
Loretta, you'll enjoy the Chimaera....not as quick as your bike but the noise........
>> Edited by Cyclone1 on Saturday 13th August 17:55
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