S4 V8 any good?
Discussion
Hi guys/gals
I'm considering switching from a Noble to the S4 saloon. I use the Noble everyday and therefore think i'm due a little bit of comfort. I have previously owned 4 M3's in different guises and just wondered if anyone on here has switched from either of these cars. Is there anything particular to look out for and what are the general running costs?
Also are there any decent tuning mods available for this model?
All comments would be greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards
Col
I'm considering switching from a Noble to the S4 saloon. I use the Noble everyday and therefore think i'm due a little bit of comfort. I have previously owned 4 M3's in different guises and just wondered if anyone on here has switched from either of these cars. Is there anything particular to look out for and what are the general running costs?
Also are there any decent tuning mods available for this model?
All comments would be greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards
Col
Yertis said:
PetrolTed said:
handling is medioca.. It is enormous fun to drive though...
Can you elaborate on that Ted? Don't get me wrong, it's not bad it's just that my Alpina rides better on similar sized wheels/tyres.
It's a bit bumpy over potholes and the steering seems to vary in resistance as you turn. That's probably by design but it's not linear and it irks me a little.
Minor points. Don't let it put you off a very capable and fun car.
Many thanks for the replies. John, i would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the Noble and equally i'm interested to find out more about the S4.
I appreciate the points made regarding the ride and steering feel and have heard that before, but it's that engine that is pulling me towards the S4 and not back to something like the M3.
Kind Regards
Col
I appreciate the points made regarding the ride and steering feel and have heard that before, but it's that engine that is pulling me towards the S4 and not back to something like the M3.
Kind Regards
Col
Ted - I've heard that some of these cars have servotronic sterring (or some other relatively meaningless moniker). Apparently, with it being an optional extra, that can make a difference to the car's handling.
Do you have that on yours, or is it standard PAS?
Maybe this only applies to the S6/RS6 posts I've been reading recently.
Do you have that on yours, or is it standard PAS?
Maybe this only applies to the S6/RS6 posts I've been reading recently.
dubbs said:
Ted - I've heard that some of these cars have servotronic sterring (or some other relatively meaningless moniker). Apparently, with it being an optional extra, that can make a difference to the car's handling.
Do you have that on yours, or is it standard PAS?
Maybe this only applies to the S6/RS6 posts I've been reading recently.
Do you have that on yours, or is it standard PAS?
Maybe this only applies to the S6/RS6 posts I've been reading recently.
Its standard on S4 and optional on other A4.
PetrolTed said:
Yertis said:
PetrolTed said:
handling is medioca.. It is enormous fun to drive though...
Can you elaborate on that Ted? Don't get me wrong, it's not bad it's just that my Alpina rides better on similar sized wheels/tyres.
It's a bit bumpy over potholes and the steering seems to vary in resistance as you turn. That's probably by design but it's not linear and it irks me a little.
Minor points. Don't let it put you off a very capable and fun car.
Sorry Ted but I would describe the ride as firm and the handling and performance as as superb.
I switched from a 993S to a B6 S4 for comfort and running costs reasons...ok, the running costs bit turned out to be a bit of a false economy as the V8 drinks fuel at the same rate as the flat6 (between 18 -22mpg). Other than that I could not be happier with the Audi...OK sure I miss the Porsche but that was gonna happen whatever I replaced it with!
From a Noble to a S4? You'll miss the fun in the twisties but as a motorway muncher the S4 would take some beating. The V8 engine is great and gets into its stride at higher speeds... As a drivers car the M3 would always be one step ahead in the fun stakes if your driving at 9/10th's all the time but IMO the S4 a little less vulgar than the M3, its rarity alone compared to the M3 made it a no brainer for me. Its just a classy car. Quattro system is bonkers too...no more having to watch the back end in the wet/ice (now is that a good thing or not....?)
Give one a try, you might like it.
From a Noble to a S4? You'll miss the fun in the twisties but as a motorway muncher the S4 would take some beating. The V8 engine is great and gets into its stride at higher speeds... As a drivers car the M3 would always be one step ahead in the fun stakes if your driving at 9/10th's all the time but IMO the S4 a little less vulgar than the M3, its rarity alone compared to the M3 made it a no brainer for me. Its just a classy car. Quattro system is bonkers too...no more having to watch the back end in the wet/ice (now is that a good thing or not....?)
Give one a try, you might like it.
merlot said:
dubbs said:
Ted - I've heard that some of these cars have servotronic sterring (or some other relatively meaningless moniker). Apparently, with it being an optional extra, that can make a difference to the car's handling.
Do you have that on yours, or is it standard PAS?
Maybe this only applies to the S6/RS6 posts I've been reading recently.
Do you have that on yours, or is it standard PAS?
Maybe this only applies to the S6/RS6 posts I've been reading recently.
Its standard on S4 and optional on other A4.
On the older S4 (as in the original ones) you can disable the Servotronic by whipping out a relay. Not done it myself, found Servotronic fine once I got used to driving thumb and fore-finger instead of clenched fists.
Hi chaps,
Just picking up this thread as it is relevant to me, and I imagine to anyone who is lucky enough to be thinking of buying an S4.
Please can someone give me an indication of the servicing and maintenance costs of running a 'fairly' new S4.
I don't need information on miles per gallon as the thread already covers this well, but assuming I buy an S4 with say 25 - 30k miles on the clock (2003 or 2004 MY) and I add 6k p.a. of road driving for the next 2 years (mostly A / B roads in the UK and Europe) - any idea what I would be budgeting each year for servicing & maintainance (including any wear & tear items - tyres etc)?
Secondly, if you know how this would compare to an E46 M3 (similar miles and age) this would also be of interest to me?
Thanks in advance,
Ian
Just picking up this thread as it is relevant to me, and I imagine to anyone who is lucky enough to be thinking of buying an S4.
Please can someone give me an indication of the servicing and maintenance costs of running a 'fairly' new S4.
I don't need information on miles per gallon as the thread already covers this well, but assuming I buy an S4 with say 25 - 30k miles on the clock (2003 or 2004 MY) and I add 6k p.a. of road driving for the next 2 years (mostly A / B roads in the UK and Europe) - any idea what I would be budgeting each year for servicing & maintainance (including any wear & tear items - tyres etc)?
Secondly, if you know how this would compare to an E46 M3 (similar miles and age) this would also be of interest to me?
Thanks in advance,
Ian
Edited by MTY4000 on Thursday 28th September 12:18
MTY4000,
In terms of running costs, if you can afford to put fuel in it you should be able to cope with the servicing bills!
Compare to the M3 in what respect? From a drivers point of view, if you want to see the Top Gear test of the B6 S4 and the current M3 do a search on youtube.com under 'Top Gear S4'....that pretty much covers it.
Hope this helps
In terms of running costs, if you can afford to put fuel in it you should be able to cope with the servicing bills!
Compare to the M3 in what respect? From a drivers point of view, if you want to see the Top Gear test of the B6 S4 and the current M3 do a search on youtube.com under 'Top Gear S4'....that pretty much covers it.
Hope this helps
Thanks, I'll check out: youtube.com under 'Top Gear S4' - much appreciated
But, I'm primarily interested in the cost side as I have seen a number of favourable reviews of both models and will test drive both cars to see if they work for me. With costs its more difficult to get dependable information.....
The difficult thing for me to guage is how much do I need to put aside to service and maintain the car (maintaining it in 1st class condition) , after petrol (covered by this thread) & insurance (I can ring round and get quotes).
I can also get the price of standard services from Audi, but this is rarely the full picture - e.g. I know from running TVRs you might obtain the price of an annual service from a dealer and it in no way reflects the true service/maintenance costs that can easily be £2-3k p.a.
I basically need to hear from owners.
Thanks,
Ian
But, I'm primarily interested in the cost side as I have seen a number of favourable reviews of both models and will test drive both cars to see if they work for me. With costs its more difficult to get dependable information.....
The difficult thing for me to guage is how much do I need to put aside to service and maintain the car (maintaining it in 1st class condition) , after petrol (covered by this thread) & insurance (I can ring round and get quotes).
I can also get the price of standard services from Audi, but this is rarely the full picture - e.g. I know from running TVRs you might obtain the price of an annual service from a dealer and it in no way reflects the true service/maintenance costs that can easily be £2-3k p.a.
I basically need to hear from owners.
Thanks,
Ian
Edited by MTY4000 on Thursday 28th September 12:50
I've only had my S4 since May and in gerneral its been a gem (its German after all!) - however, one thing I have experienced is the Aux Radiator problem which seems fairly common. They basically leak at pretty random intervals as they are susceptible to stone damage from what I can gather (more here: rs246.com) so it would be worth making sure any potential car you buy either has recent rads fitted or you have a good warranty cover...maybe get the dealer/trader to pressure test them?
Please dont let this put you off though, I'm sure M3's are'nt without issues of their own. As for servicing, I came from a 993S that I used as a daily driver so my point of view was that the S4 was never going to cost me more to service! I know thats not much help to you...
Anyway, drive both the S4 and the M3 and just buy the one that pushes your buttons - forget the servicing!
Please dont let this put you off though, I'm sure M3's are'nt without issues of their own. As for servicing, I came from a 993S that I used as a daily driver so my point of view was that the S4 was never going to cost me more to service! I know thats not much help to you...
Anyway, drive both the S4 and the M3 and just buy the one that pushes your buttons - forget the servicing!
Thanks, the reference to the 993 costs does help - I've got a number of friends who have run various itterations of 911 so have a good feel for the cost and how they compare to my experience of running TVRs.
I too am expecting that servicing costs will be significantly less than TVRs (or Porsches), but with M3s the feedback I have had is the running costs are similar to recent 911s.
he, he.. "Forget about the costs", and "the best investment is fun" has been my mantra when running TVRs so I know exactly where you are comming from, life really is too short... however, I really want to put my money to work over the next 2 years and am starting to think in a "slightly" more responsible manner.
I guess I want to have my cake and eat it.
[good advice on the Rad too - thanks]
I too am expecting that servicing costs will be significantly less than TVRs (or Porsches), but with M3s the feedback I have had is the running costs are similar to recent 911s.
he, he.. "Forget about the costs", and "the best investment is fun" has been my mantra when running TVRs so I know exactly where you are comming from, life really is too short... however, I really want to put my money to work over the next 2 years and am starting to think in a "slightly" more responsible manner.
I guess I want to have my cake and eat it.
[good advice on the Rad too - thanks]
Edited by MTY4000 on Thursday 28th September 13:20
Edited by MTY4000 on Thursday 28th September 13:20
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