B9 S4 Avant - what to look out for
Discussion
I'm in the process of selling my Cayman after 7 years, and looking to replace it with something more practical as apparently we can't fit a Vizsla in a Cayman!
I've narrowed down my criteria, and a B9 S4 Avant is high up on the list, however I don't know a huge amount about them. I've read a bit about options/spec, and a handful of reviews, but would be keen to get some thoughts on any red flags, things to look out for, or any must-have options.
I've also seen this advertised on AT which I really like the look of, however it's a new import from Japan so would require a bit more research and digging. Does anyone have any thoughts on this one, or happen to know of any major spec differences between UK and Jap? It looks well specced from what I can see (which is part of the attraction).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406160...
Any thoughts on the car above, or more general hints and tips would be really useful!
Thanks
I've narrowed down my criteria, and a B9 S4 Avant is high up on the list, however I don't know a huge amount about them. I've read a bit about options/spec, and a handful of reviews, but would be keen to get some thoughts on any red flags, things to look out for, or any must-have options.
I've also seen this advertised on AT which I really like the look of, however it's a new import from Japan so would require a bit more research and digging. Does anyone have any thoughts on this one, or happen to know of any major spec differences between UK and Jap? It looks well specced from what I can see (which is part of the attraction).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406160...
Any thoughts on the car above, or more general hints and tips would be really useful!
Thanks
I recently bought a B9 S4 saloon, that one you linked to has a great spec, not too many have the 360 cameras. Along with that, it has all the must have options; B&O, virtual cockpit, memory seat, Matrix headlights, sunroof and folding mirrors. Milage looks good for the year, about the same as mine had (also 2018).
Not much to look out for on these, full service history obviously (all digital) and just the usual items, brakes, tires.. however these are actually quite reasonable to replace.
Not much to look out for on these, full service history obviously (all digital) and just the usual items, brakes, tires.. however these are actually quite reasonable to replace.
Jez m said:
I recently bought a B9 S4 saloon, that one you linked to has a great spec, not too many have the 360 cameras. Along with that, it has all the must have options; B&O, virtual cockpit, memory seat, Matrix headlights, sunroof and folding mirrors. Milage looks good for the year, about the same as mine had (also 2018).
Not much to look out for on these, full service history obviously (all digital) and just the usual items, brakes, tires.. however these are actually quite reasonable to replace.
Thanks, that's helpful. Hope you're enjoying yours! Not much to look out for on these, full service history obviously (all digital) and just the usual items, brakes, tires.. however these are actually quite reasonable to replace.
It seemed like it had most options, but sometimes it's difficult to tell what isn't there. I'll do a bit of digging on the service history/implications of it being an import, but looks like a nice one.
Fingers crossed my car sells this week, and I can pick up a new toy soon!
It is a Jap import so you might need to use a specialist insurer, a lot of the main insurers might not be keen to quote.
Not sure what the spec differences are, lots of stories about cars in Japan not being undersealed, etc so worth checking as the UK uses salt on the roads in winter.
Not sure what the spec differences are, lots of stories about cars in Japan not being undersealed, etc so worth checking as the UK uses salt on the roads in winter.
FMOB said:
It is a Jap import so you might need to use a specialist insurer, a lot of the main insurers might not be keen to quote.
Not sure what the spec differences are, lots of stories about cars in Japan not being undersealed, etc so worth checking as the UK uses salt on the roads in winter.
Thanks - yeah I have run some quotes with it being flagged as an import and it seems reasonable. I don't think it's as bad as a non-UK model, as that's where parts etc become problematic.Not sure what the spec differences are, lots of stories about cars in Japan not being undersealed, etc so worth checking as the UK uses salt on the roads in winter.
And yep the salt / underseal is something I've seen, so will have a look into that.
A normal UK car is probably easier, but colour/price/spec of this one is tempting!
I’m in the same boat RE B9 S4 Avant and that same one caught my eye.
I was of the understanding that any import wouldn’t have any crash damage history so it could have been a write off, repaired and shipped over with a clean history?
Plenty to choose from at the moment that’s for sure.
I was of the understanding that any import wouldn’t have any crash damage history so it could have been a write off, repaired and shipped over with a clean history?
Plenty to choose from at the moment that’s for sure.
I buy and sell a lot of these.
Tread very carefully with a Japanese import; correct conversion to UK spec can be expensive. A lot of importers won't bother. There's also the difficulty in chasing/translating history and the possibility of it being exported for a good reason. Wheels are original car to the car but a bit odd on an S4 by UK standards. A UK car with that specification would a good 30k.
Rear springs crack for no reason (right at the bottom, often goes unnoticed until MOT/service).
Rear spring seats split. Doesn't cause a problem but will be an MOT fail if they get bad.
Climate control motors, they get stuck. Feel for one side hot while the other is cold, air direction not changing as it should, or the fan buzzing away behind the dash with no airflow to the cabin. Usually power cycling the climate control clears it. Sometimes lubricating and recoding sorts them. Sometimes they need replacement. There are 3 in all from memory, and the driver side one doesn't have good access.
Top end noise - not completely unheard of for bearings in the cam followers to fail. When one goes it makes constant metallic clacky/rattly noise. The fuel pump makes a regular ticking noise, this is normal. If you suffer a failed cam follower (rare) then turn the engine off and get it to a garage. It can be fixed. It doesn't require engine removal. There are some people around who make this issue out to be considerably worse than it is.
Brake warning on dash. Turn it off as quick as you safely can, don't drive it any further than neccesary. Brake servo pressure sensor has failed. Cheap and easy (DIY) replacement. Ignore it at your peril; kills the ABS controller at four figures.
Front brakes can wear strangely if used lightly or very gently. Pads won't clear a fat band around the outside of the disc, and it's unlikely to clear in use. The Kinetix discs/pads are excellent and very good value for money. Brembo stuff available too. Audi parts overly expensive. Brakes are lovely on these cars actually.
Front upper arm bushes. They start to look perished when they're only a few years old. When they start to sag they mess up the front alignment which causes...
...inner shoulder wear. The extreme inner edges (think 10mm) of the front tyres. An alignment issue on an S4 will chomp the inner edge in short order. You'll have 6mm in the middle and less than nothing on the shoulder. The wear is in such a narrow band that it's easy to miss.
The standard brushed aluminium trim is insultingly easy to scratch.
The rear climate vents often get kicked and break. Easy to replace.
They use 0w20 oil. Not 5w30. Not 5w40. Not 0w30. Not the same as your old Audi. Complicated oiling system, so stick to the correct grade.
Servicing:
Oil every 9k ideally (most left the factory on longlife)
Oil & inspection every 18k
Plugs are 40k
Air filters are 60k. The air boxes hoover leaves up like mad which looks awful but causes no issue. Easy to open and vacuum, filters are cheap so may as well do it yourself at the same time.
No scheduled service for gearbox or differentials (including sport diff where fitted).
A "nice" specification means Virtual cockpit, Comfort & sound pack (B&O, Camera, Keyless), and folding mirrors. Everything else is a bonus. Sunroof, damping control, sport diff all desirable options. Navarra blue and Daytona grey (with black styling) are the most desirable colours.
Will update when I remember whatever else I've forgotten.
Tread very carefully with a Japanese import; correct conversion to UK spec can be expensive. A lot of importers won't bother. There's also the difficulty in chasing/translating history and the possibility of it being exported for a good reason. Wheels are original car to the car but a bit odd on an S4 by UK standards. A UK car with that specification would a good 30k.
Rear springs crack for no reason (right at the bottom, often goes unnoticed until MOT/service).
Rear spring seats split. Doesn't cause a problem but will be an MOT fail if they get bad.
Climate control motors, they get stuck. Feel for one side hot while the other is cold, air direction not changing as it should, or the fan buzzing away behind the dash with no airflow to the cabin. Usually power cycling the climate control clears it. Sometimes lubricating and recoding sorts them. Sometimes they need replacement. There are 3 in all from memory, and the driver side one doesn't have good access.
Top end noise - not completely unheard of for bearings in the cam followers to fail. When one goes it makes constant metallic clacky/rattly noise. The fuel pump makes a regular ticking noise, this is normal. If you suffer a failed cam follower (rare) then turn the engine off and get it to a garage. It can be fixed. It doesn't require engine removal. There are some people around who make this issue out to be considerably worse than it is.
Brake warning on dash. Turn it off as quick as you safely can, don't drive it any further than neccesary. Brake servo pressure sensor has failed. Cheap and easy (DIY) replacement. Ignore it at your peril; kills the ABS controller at four figures.
Front brakes can wear strangely if used lightly or very gently. Pads won't clear a fat band around the outside of the disc, and it's unlikely to clear in use. The Kinetix discs/pads are excellent and very good value for money. Brembo stuff available too. Audi parts overly expensive. Brakes are lovely on these cars actually.
Front upper arm bushes. They start to look perished when they're only a few years old. When they start to sag they mess up the front alignment which causes...
...inner shoulder wear. The extreme inner edges (think 10mm) of the front tyres. An alignment issue on an S4 will chomp the inner edge in short order. You'll have 6mm in the middle and less than nothing on the shoulder. The wear is in such a narrow band that it's easy to miss.
The standard brushed aluminium trim is insultingly easy to scratch.
The rear climate vents often get kicked and break. Easy to replace.
They use 0w20 oil. Not 5w30. Not 5w40. Not 0w30. Not the same as your old Audi. Complicated oiling system, so stick to the correct grade.
Servicing:
Oil every 9k ideally (most left the factory on longlife)
Oil & inspection every 18k
Plugs are 40k
Air filters are 60k. The air boxes hoover leaves up like mad which looks awful but causes no issue. Easy to open and vacuum, filters are cheap so may as well do it yourself at the same time.
No scheduled service for gearbox or differentials (including sport diff where fitted).
A "nice" specification means Virtual cockpit, Comfort & sound pack (B&O, Camera, Keyless), and folding mirrors. Everything else is a bonus. Sunroof, damping control, sport diff all desirable options. Navarra blue and Daytona grey (with black styling) are the most desirable colours.
Will update when I remember whatever else I've forgotten.
Dr G said:
I buy and sell a lot of these.
Amazing, thank you. That's a really helpful write-up. I had noticed the unusual wheels, but actually prefer them to some of the S4 options I've seen. There is definitely a risk with an import, but I am tempted to go and have a closer look around. As you say the spec seems to have everything that you'd want, but would potentially be safer waiting for the right UK car to come up.
I drove a higher mileage one without the digital dash last night and it was a lovely car, but didn't have some of the toys that I'd probably want if I was being fussy.
S4 Avant certainly seems to be the front-runner at the moment, but key will be finding the right one.
I've had one since 2020 and think its absolutely brilliant. I spent about 6 months searching for one that was blue or grey and had the Virtual cockpit, B&O, driver aid package (radar cruise) and a sunroof. A lot of them didnt come very well specced, I only saw one with the sports diff in 6 months!
I had not heard of most of the issues above, except for the split bushing, I had a split bushing (OR) that Audi replaced under warranty (mine is a 2017 car that I pay the extended warranty). Servicing is reasnoble (less than the GR Yaris) and parts are par for the course for a 5s to 60 saloon.
I now have it paired with a GR yaris for short fun journeys and cant really think of anything else to replace it with.
I had not heard of most of the issues above, except for the split bushing, I had a split bushing (OR) that Audi replaced under warranty (mine is a 2017 car that I pay the extended warranty). Servicing is reasnoble (less than the GR Yaris) and parts are par for the course for a 5s to 60 saloon.
I now have it paired with a GR yaris for short fun journeys and cant really think of anything else to replace it with.
I suggest you spend as much time sitting in the drivers seat getting comfortable, the driving position in my Porsche has never been uncomfortable or painful, I can't say the same thing about Audi.
My current S6 Avant (C8) has a very small sweet spot where I am comfortable driving it, it has taken a long time to find that, a previous loaner I had was absolute agony, never got comfortable so left it on the drive and got a taxi. I put the loaner seat issue down to the crap standard seats but I think since they stopped having Recaro in the S models getting comfortable is a problem.
For the record I had a B7 S4 Avant for 14 years with the Recaro seats, did 130k miles in it without having the problems I have in the S6.
And Sod's law struck today as just for kicks the car decided to move the seat back for no obvious reason (easy exit seat thing is set to off) and have now lost the seat position, 10 minute drive and I can feel the pain in my leg, no wonder I hate this car with a passion.
My current S6 Avant (C8) has a very small sweet spot where I am comfortable driving it, it has taken a long time to find that, a previous loaner I had was absolute agony, never got comfortable so left it on the drive and got a taxi. I put the loaner seat issue down to the crap standard seats but I think since they stopped having Recaro in the S models getting comfortable is a problem.
For the record I had a B7 S4 Avant for 14 years with the Recaro seats, did 130k miles in it without having the problems I have in the S6.
And Sod's law struck today as just for kicks the car decided to move the seat back for no obvious reason (easy exit seat thing is set to off) and have now lost the seat position, 10 minute drive and I can feel the pain in my leg, no wonder I hate this car with a passion.
Whilst we're all different that does sound like you have an unusually specific requirement there. I'm fussy about seating position and find B9 S4 to be both comfortable and supportive. The adjustable bolsters are a boon, and I even quite like the massage feature for longer motorway journeys.
Dr G said:
Whilst we're all different that does sound like you have an unusually specific requirement there. I'm fussy about seating position and find B9 S4 to be both comfortable and supportive. The adjustable bolsters are a boon, and I even quite like the massage feature for longer motorway journeys.
Maybe but I have driven lots of different cars over the years and the only 2 I have had real problems with have been Audi, I can get a comfortable seating position quickly, normally sorted by the 3rd drive so the current S6 has taken 18 months to get comfortable in which is extraordinary. I have seen other comments about this problem on the C8 A6 so it is not an isolated problem.The S6 is my 4th Audi I have owned and I have never had problems like this, I can be in agony in the S6, go sit in the Porsche and bliss. I think it is a combination of the seat and gearbox intrusion due to the RHD conversion compromising things.
I manage to get something workable and the stupid software cocks it up, I won't buy a modern Audi again, just don't need the hassle.
Edited by FMOB on Friday 2nd August 13:30
Dr G said:
I buy and sell a lot of these.
Tread very carefully with a Japanese import; correct conversion to UK spec can be expensive. A lot of importers won't bother. There's also the difficulty in chasing/translating history and the possibility of it being exported for a good reason. Wheels are original car to the car but a bit odd on an S4 by UK standards. A UK car with that specification would a good 30k.
Rear springs crack for no reason (right at the bottom, often goes unnoticed until MOT/service).
Rear spring seats split. Doesn't cause a problem but will be an MOT fail if they get bad.
Climate control motors, they get stuck. Feel for one side hot while the other is cold, air direction not changing as it should, or the fan buzzing away behind the dash with no airflow to the cabin. Usually power cycling the climate control clears it. Sometimes lubricating and recoding sorts them. Sometimes they need replacement. There are 3 in all from memory, and the driver side one doesn't have good access.
Top end noise - not completely unheard of for bearings in the cam followers to fail. When one goes it makes constant metallic clacky/rattly noise. The fuel pump makes a regular ticking noise, this is normal. If you suffer a failed cam follower (rare) then turn the engine off and get it to a garage. It can be fixed. It doesn't require engine removal. There are some people around who make this issue out to be considerably worse than it is.
Brake warning on dash. Turn it off as quick as you safely can, don't drive it any further than neccesary. Brake servo pressure sensor has failed. Cheap and easy (DIY) replacement. Ignore it at your peril; kills the ABS controller at four figures.
Front brakes can wear strangely if used lightly or very gently. Pads won't clear a fat band around the outside of the disc, and it's unlikely to clear in use. The Kinetix discs/pads are excellent and very good value for money. Brembo stuff available too. Audi parts overly expensive. Brakes are lovely on these cars actually.
Front upper arm bushes. They start to look perished when they're only a few years old. When they start to sag they mess up the front alignment which causes...
...inner shoulder wear. The extreme inner edges (think 10mm) of the front tyres. An alignment issue on an S4 will chomp the inner edge in short order. You'll have 6mm in the middle and less than nothing on the shoulder. The wear is in such a narrow band that it's easy to miss.
The standard brushed aluminium trim is insultingly easy to scratch.
The rear climate vents often get kicked and break. Easy to replace.
They use 0w20 oil. Not 5w30. Not 5w40. Not 0w30. Not the same as your old Audi. Complicated oiling system, so stick to the correct grade.
Servicing:
Oil every 9k ideally (most left the factory on longlife)
Oil & inspection every 18k
Plugs are 40k
Air filters are 60k. The air boxes hoover leaves up like mad which looks awful but causes no issue. Easy to open and vacuum, filters are cheap so may as well do it yourself at the same time.
No scheduled service for gearbox or differentials (including sport diff where fitted).
A "nice" specification means Virtual cockpit, Comfort & sound pack (B&O, Camera, Keyless), and folding mirrors. Everything else is a bonus. Sunroof, damping control, sport diff all desirable options. Navarra blue and Daytona grey (with black styling) are the most desirable colours.
Will update when I remember whatever else I've forgotten.
Very comprehensiive write up thanks. Had mine since new in 2017 and really like it. Brake servo pressure sensor changed after warning light came on and was easy enough to change. Front brakes judder unfortunately so planning on changing the discs and pads for Brembo soon. This rocker arm issue does concern me though. My car has only done 33k miles and is serviced annually but I’ve seen a few of these go with pretty dire consequences on a specialist YouTube channel. Not sure how common or not it is but if Audi redesigned the part (for the RS4 engine) a couple of years into the B9 model’s life it does make me wonder if I should get the extended warranty from Audi or have the rocker arm’s upgraded to the newer version. Expensive job though. Would be good to hear what others have experienced. Mine is standard with no remap etcTread very carefully with a Japanese import; correct conversion to UK spec can be expensive. A lot of importers won't bother. There's also the difficulty in chasing/translating history and the possibility of it being exported for a good reason. Wheels are original car to the car but a bit odd on an S4 by UK standards. A UK car with that specification would a good 30k.
Rear springs crack for no reason (right at the bottom, often goes unnoticed until MOT/service).
Rear spring seats split. Doesn't cause a problem but will be an MOT fail if they get bad.
Climate control motors, they get stuck. Feel for one side hot while the other is cold, air direction not changing as it should, or the fan buzzing away behind the dash with no airflow to the cabin. Usually power cycling the climate control clears it. Sometimes lubricating and recoding sorts them. Sometimes they need replacement. There are 3 in all from memory, and the driver side one doesn't have good access.
Top end noise - not completely unheard of for bearings in the cam followers to fail. When one goes it makes constant metallic clacky/rattly noise. The fuel pump makes a regular ticking noise, this is normal. If you suffer a failed cam follower (rare) then turn the engine off and get it to a garage. It can be fixed. It doesn't require engine removal. There are some people around who make this issue out to be considerably worse than it is.
Brake warning on dash. Turn it off as quick as you safely can, don't drive it any further than neccesary. Brake servo pressure sensor has failed. Cheap and easy (DIY) replacement. Ignore it at your peril; kills the ABS controller at four figures.
Front brakes can wear strangely if used lightly or very gently. Pads won't clear a fat band around the outside of the disc, and it's unlikely to clear in use. The Kinetix discs/pads are excellent and very good value for money. Brembo stuff available too. Audi parts overly expensive. Brakes are lovely on these cars actually.
Front upper arm bushes. They start to look perished when they're only a few years old. When they start to sag they mess up the front alignment which causes...
...inner shoulder wear. The extreme inner edges (think 10mm) of the front tyres. An alignment issue on an S4 will chomp the inner edge in short order. You'll have 6mm in the middle and less than nothing on the shoulder. The wear is in such a narrow band that it's easy to miss.
The standard brushed aluminium trim is insultingly easy to scratch.
The rear climate vents often get kicked and break. Easy to replace.
They use 0w20 oil. Not 5w30. Not 5w40. Not 0w30. Not the same as your old Audi. Complicated oiling system, so stick to the correct grade.
Servicing:
Oil every 9k ideally (most left the factory on longlife)
Oil & inspection every 18k
Plugs are 40k
Air filters are 60k. The air boxes hoover leaves up like mad which looks awful but causes no issue. Easy to open and vacuum, filters are cheap so may as well do it yourself at the same time.
No scheduled service for gearbox or differentials (including sport diff where fitted).
A "nice" specification means Virtual cockpit, Comfort & sound pack (B&O, Camera, Keyless), and folding mirrors. Everything else is a bonus. Sunroof, damping control, sport diff all desirable options. Navarra blue and Daytona grey (with black styling) are the most desirable colours.
Will update when I remember whatever else I've forgotten.
GRC70 said:
Very comprehensiive write up thanks. Had mine since new in 2017 and really like it. Brake servo pressure sensor changed after warning light came on and was easy enough to change. Front brakes judder unfortunately so planning on changing the discs and pads for Brembo soon. This rocker arm issue does concern me though. My car has only done 33k miles and is serviced annually but I’ve seen a few of these go with pretty dire consequences on a specialist YouTube channel. Not sure how common or not it is but if Audi redesigned the part (for the RS4 engine) a couple of years into the B9 model’s life it does make me wonder if I should get the extended warranty from Audi or have the rocker arm’s upgraded to the newer version. Expensive job though. Would be good to hear what others have experienced. Mine is standard with no remap etc
The Kinetix discs I really like; fitted a few sets with zero performance or quality issues. Very cost effective too. AZ Carparts in Wakefield sell them as axle and car sets.Rocker arm issue is massively overblown. I'm sure the garage you mention earns very good money off it, though. I buy and sell a lot of cars with this engine, and have seen a total of two failures, each one a single rocker arm bearing failure and a pretty routine repair.
If you ignore it you'll cause a big problem. If you hear a rattly noise turn it off and get the car to someone who knows what they're doing. Doesn't need the engine out, but does need the cam bridge off which is reasonable time consuming. I've always wondered if it's related to people putting the wrong oil in them. Still see garages throwing 5w30 in.
Dr G said:
The Kinetix discs I really like; fitted a few sets with zero performance or quality issues. Very cost effective too. AZ Carparts in Wakefield sell them as axle and car sets.
Rocker arm issue is massively overblown. I'm sure the garage you mention earns very good money off it, though. I buy and sell a lot of cars with this engine, and have seen a total of two failures, each one a single rocker arm bearing failure and a pretty routine repair.
If you ignore it you'll cause a big problem. If you hear a rattly noise turn it off and get the car to someone who knows what they're doing. Doesn't need the engine out, but does need the cam bridge off which is reasonable time consuming. I've always wondered if it's related to people putting the wrong oil in them. Still see garages throwing 5w30 in.
Good to know, thanks. My local main dealer said they’d seen very few as well when I mentioned possibly buying the extended warranty. Will have a look at those discs, thanks.Rocker arm issue is massively overblown. I'm sure the garage you mention earns very good money off it, though. I buy and sell a lot of cars with this engine, and have seen a total of two failures, each one a single rocker arm bearing failure and a pretty routine repair.
If you ignore it you'll cause a big problem. If you hear a rattly noise turn it off and get the car to someone who knows what they're doing. Doesn't need the engine out, but does need the cam bridge off which is reasonable time consuming. I've always wondered if it's related to people putting the wrong oil in them. Still see garages throwing 5w30 in.
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