A4 - opinions please!

[The Fly Fisher]

Hi everyone

After several months of lurking about these parts I've decided to put my head above the parapet and say hello to all! So here's my first post...

I'm due to replace my company car and have decided to go for an Audi A4 (currently have Alfa 159) so any thoughts on the following spec would be appreciated:

- S Line 2.0 TDI Multitronic
- Phantom Black Pearl Effect
- Valcano leather sports seats
- Audi concert radio
- Standard 18" wheels
- S Line suspension (30mm lower then Standard) in lieu of Sport suspension

Note the wheels on the S Line aren’t actually the five spoke ones in Audi's brochure, in fact those are on a S Line spec'd car but the wheels aren't available on S Lines according to the brochure?!

I'll be doing ~40K miles p.a., so any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jimmyb]

I would suggest getting the dsg gearbox over multitronic which have a history of being problematic. Also make sure you get te front armrest.

[The Fly Fisher]

Thanks - DSG isn't available on the A4 yet and I wanted 2 litre diesel so this is the only automatic option. What's the problems with multitronic?

[Isoproturon1]

Had 3 A4s now and do 30-40K a year in them. Avoid multitronic at all costs, other than that the spec is good.

ETA: not sure of what problems you get with the m/tronic but it is poorly regarded and harder to sell; I believe it is unreliable but not being into autos, can't be sure why.

Edited by Isoproturon1 on Monday 18th August 14:24

[jimmyb]

Basically the old version had a weak spot in that the clutches used to let go. New version has a 7 speed box and a new stronger clutch to address the old issue so from the sounds of it if you buy a new B8 a4 multi you should be fine simply make sure you change oil and filter at 40-50k mls. The new one is said to be a better feeling gbox as well.

Was unaware of this on my first post so go multitronic if its what you really want so long as brand new.

[Tame Technician]

The newer spec, 7 plate clutch pack Multi-tronics still fail. Not in the same number as the earlier 6 plate ones (every car) Newer box feels nicer, but you can still tell its a multi-tronic though, feels like clutch slip, but its just how CVT works.

You can only have auto that isnt multi it you have quattro, then its called trip tronic, but essentially its just a normal automatic gearbox with a proper torque converter, instead of CVT.

Multi-tronic is the work of the devil.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Tuscaholic]

Arent the A4 being phased out ???

Get the A5 if its within your budget :O)

[jimmyb]

Tame Technician said:

The newer spec, 7 plate clutch pack Multi-tronics still fail. Not in the same number as the earlier 6 plate ones (every car) Newer box feels nicer, but you can still tell its a multi-tronic though, feels like clutch slip, but its just how CVT works.

You can only have auto that isnt multi it you have quattro, then its called trip tronic, but essentially its just a normal automatic gearbox with a proper torque converter, instead of CVT.

Multi-tronic is the work of the devil.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

True however as i said new one is stronger than old (though sure it may not be perfect dont have enough knowledge to judge either way) but to be safe changing the oil every 40-50k should make it safe ish bet.

[nr123]

does the oil have anything to do with the gearbox? (general question)

[jimmyb]

nr123 said:

does the oil have anything to do with the gearbox? (general question)

Yup. Gearbox oil. A lot of auto boxes are "sealed for life" now suggesting zero maintenance however it is advised to have the oil replaced every 40k miles or so iirc.

[LeoSayer]

The multitronic boxes must be serviced according to the service schedule (before 40k miles I believe) otherwise Audi will not entertain repairing your gearbox when it inevitably goes wrong. Otherwise they will charge you £1800 for a new clutch pack or £7000 for a new gearbox.