Audi S4 Avant B9
Discussion
Hello All,
My two front runners for next family wagon are a Leon ST 300 4-Drive or a Mk7.5 Golf R estate. After an encouraging Q4 2023, prices don't seem to have fallen much at all throughout 2024 and the thick end of £20k is still the going rate! I prefer the look of the Leon, but the interior and slightly larger boot of the Golf.
Sitting only fractionally above those two in terms of 2nd price is the Audi S4 Avant B9 with the 3.0T engine. I had not considered one of these until this week, however it is a very handsome looking thing indeed and as we all know a car can only be a good if the number of cylinders exceeds the number of seats :-). 6 cylinders + ZF8 + lovely interior all appeal. Virtual cockpit, DCC, matrix lights and B&O stereo I think would be dream spec. Not fussed about pan roof, definitely don't want red leather.
I was wondering if there is anyone on here running a B9 S4 Avant into 5,6,7yrs old and if there are known/guaranteed huge bills associated? I can afford to run and maintain cars, but if the S4 is inherently wallet emptying it would be good to know.
Thank you
My two front runners for next family wagon are a Leon ST 300 4-Drive or a Mk7.5 Golf R estate. After an encouraging Q4 2023, prices don't seem to have fallen much at all throughout 2024 and the thick end of £20k is still the going rate! I prefer the look of the Leon, but the interior and slightly larger boot of the Golf.
Sitting only fractionally above those two in terms of 2nd price is the Audi S4 Avant B9 with the 3.0T engine. I had not considered one of these until this week, however it is a very handsome looking thing indeed and as we all know a car can only be a good if the number of cylinders exceeds the number of seats :-). 6 cylinders + ZF8 + lovely interior all appeal. Virtual cockpit, DCC, matrix lights and B&O stereo I think would be dream spec. Not fussed about pan roof, definitely don't want red leather.
I was wondering if there is anyone on here running a B9 S4 Avant into 5,6,7yrs old and if there are known/guaranteed huge bills associated? I can afford to run and maintain cars, but if the S4 is inherently wallet emptying it would be good to know.
Thank you
Mine is almost 7 years old with 43k on it. Had it almost 3 years. In that time I've had to replace the air-con radiator, but nothing else big. Niggles that I've had have been the driver's side heated mirror not working (replaced with new glass), the fuel cap not opening, and the illuminated door sill breaking. Nothing drastic, but annoying niggles on a not-that-old car.
I love it, I came from a few BMWs and was surprised how good it is to drive. Maybe not quite 3 series level but not as far off as Audi used to be - IMO BMW have struggled with electric steering whilst Audi haven't to the same extent, so it's probably that the F generation of 3er is not as good to drive as an E90 for example.
Makes a good noise, seats are great and standard Android Auto for Waze on the screen. I live in rural Aberdeenshire so quattro is a real bonus at this time of year, I dislike SUVs and the S4 proves I don't need one. I've got roofbars on and I'm averaging 33mpg according to the car. Tank could do with being a little bigger, real world range is 400 miles. Coming from a 530d I notice the increased fill-ups.
Not planning on ever selling it tbh
I love it, I came from a few BMWs and was surprised how good it is to drive. Maybe not quite 3 series level but not as far off as Audi used to be - IMO BMW have struggled with electric steering whilst Audi haven't to the same extent, so it's probably that the F generation of 3er is not as good to drive as an E90 for example.
Makes a good noise, seats are great and standard Android Auto for Waze on the screen. I live in rural Aberdeenshire so quattro is a real bonus at this time of year, I dislike SUVs and the S4 proves I don't need one. I've got roofbars on and I'm averaging 33mpg according to the car. Tank could do with being a little bigger, real world range is 400 miles. Coming from a 530d I notice the increased fill-ups.
Not planning on ever selling it tbh
I bought a 2017 Avant in March this year, I've done nearly 14k in it so far this year which has surprised me.
Servicing is sensible money, its every 9k which I didn't realise so mines been done twice this year, will do 35mpg on the motorway fairly easily but my average is 27-28 generally.
It is very good on long journeys the front seats are very comfortable and have a massage function which is a nice touch, plenty of space for the kids and the boot isn't a bad size for going away, it makes a pleasing sound too which is missing from most cars these days.
I really like it and I struggle to think what I could buy for sensible money that could replace it that can blend the subtlety practicality and decent performance and be a genuinely nice place to sit, I had a Golf R back in 2014 which I never really got on with in the 3 years I owned it, I found it pretty bland. Only thing I would say is I don't find it particularly quick not sure what others that own them think...
Well worth looking out for one with the options you mention, there are a lot of them out there in pretty much base S4 spec I'm guessing there must have been decent lease deals about at the time, the B&O is particularly good imo.
Servicing is sensible money, its every 9k which I didn't realise so mines been done twice this year, will do 35mpg on the motorway fairly easily but my average is 27-28 generally.
It is very good on long journeys the front seats are very comfortable and have a massage function which is a nice touch, plenty of space for the kids and the boot isn't a bad size for going away, it makes a pleasing sound too which is missing from most cars these days.
I really like it and I struggle to think what I could buy for sensible money that could replace it that can blend the subtlety practicality and decent performance and be a genuinely nice place to sit, I had a Golf R back in 2014 which I never really got on with in the 3 years I owned it, I found it pretty bland. Only thing I would say is I don't find it particularly quick not sure what others that own them think...
Well worth looking out for one with the options you mention, there are a lot of them out there in pretty much base S4 spec I'm guessing there must have been decent lease deals about at the time, the B&O is particularly good imo.
Morning,
I've got a B9 S4 Avant in the spec you call out - matrix lights, B&O, 360 cam, virtual cockpit, adaptive dampers, sports diff, self park, adaptive cruise and probably at least one or two things I'm forgetting!
Currently on 65k ish miles and I've owned it for 8 months and 6k miles or so. December 2016, 66 plate.
I am hot and cold with it at the moment, it's an absolutely LOVELY thing to drive and a real do-it-all daily.
However, I'm finding it a bit more demanding on the wallet for maintenance than I'd like, because in my ownership it's had:
- Rear spring pads
- Differential oil pressure sensors
- PCV valve and air+fuel breather hoses
- Fuel filler cap
And I'm currently trying to resolve an evap system leak and needing to get the radar sensors recalibrated, so another couple hundred on the way for sure.
As well as the routine oil+filter, air filter and brake fluid as well as a gearbox fluid and filter change - which has been pretty reasonable to be fair. As is fuel economy, insurance and VED.
Maybe I'm just hitting a rough patch and I'll be past it after these currently outstanding two bits are addressed, but I must admit rocker arms are at the very back of my mind!
Might be looking to move it on in March or so to free up the capital and operating costs 👀
I've got a B9 S4 Avant in the spec you call out - matrix lights, B&O, 360 cam, virtual cockpit, adaptive dampers, sports diff, self park, adaptive cruise and probably at least one or two things I'm forgetting!
Currently on 65k ish miles and I've owned it for 8 months and 6k miles or so. December 2016, 66 plate.
I am hot and cold with it at the moment, it's an absolutely LOVELY thing to drive and a real do-it-all daily.
However, I'm finding it a bit more demanding on the wallet for maintenance than I'd like, because in my ownership it's had:
- Rear spring pads
- Differential oil pressure sensors
- PCV valve and air+fuel breather hoses
- Fuel filler cap
And I'm currently trying to resolve an evap system leak and needing to get the radar sensors recalibrated, so another couple hundred on the way for sure.
As well as the routine oil+filter, air filter and brake fluid as well as a gearbox fluid and filter change - which has been pretty reasonable to be fair. As is fuel economy, insurance and VED.
Maybe I'm just hitting a rough patch and I'll be past it after these currently outstanding two bits are addressed, but I must admit rocker arms are at the very back of my mind!
Might be looking to move it on in March or so to free up the capital and operating costs 👀
mholt1995 said:
Morning,
I've got a B9 S4 Avant in the spec you call out - matrix lights, B&O, 360 cam, virtual cockpit, adaptive dampers, sports diff, self park, adaptive cruise and probably at least one or two things I'm forgetting!
Currently on 65k ish miles and I've owned it for 8 months and 6k miles or so. December 2016, 66 plate.
I am hot and cold with it at the moment, it's an absolutely LOVELY thing to drive and a real do-it-all daily.
However, I'm finding it a bit more demanding on the wallet for maintenance than I'd like, because in my ownership it's had:
- Rear spring pads
- Differential oil pressure sensors
- PCV valve and air+fuel breather hoses
- Fuel filler cap
And I'm currently trying to resolve an evap system leak and needing to get the radar sensors recalibrated, so another couple hundred on the way for sure.
As well as the routine oil+filter, air filter and brake fluid as well as a gearbox fluid and filter change - which has been pretty reasonable to be fair. As is fuel economy, insurance and VED.
Maybe I'm just hitting a rough patch and I'll be past it after these currently outstanding two bits are addressed, but I must admit rocker arms are at the very back of my mind!
Might be looking to move it on in March or so to free up the capital and operating costs ??
Thanks MHolt1995! That's what's so useful about forums like this. I had not previously been aware of the rocker arm issue. Is yours showing signs of the issue? What is the cost to replace preventatively, rather than after the engine is destroyed!? Feel free to PM me in March if I am not sorted before hand and if you still plan to sell it. It sounds like yours will be a well sorted and very well specc'ed example then so may well appeal!I've got a B9 S4 Avant in the spec you call out - matrix lights, B&O, 360 cam, virtual cockpit, adaptive dampers, sports diff, self park, adaptive cruise and probably at least one or two things I'm forgetting!
Currently on 65k ish miles and I've owned it for 8 months and 6k miles or so. December 2016, 66 plate.
I am hot and cold with it at the moment, it's an absolutely LOVELY thing to drive and a real do-it-all daily.
However, I'm finding it a bit more demanding on the wallet for maintenance than I'd like, because in my ownership it's had:
- Rear spring pads
- Differential oil pressure sensors
- PCV valve and air+fuel breather hoses
- Fuel filler cap
And I'm currently trying to resolve an evap system leak and needing to get the radar sensors recalibrated, so another couple hundred on the way for sure.
As well as the routine oil+filter, air filter and brake fluid as well as a gearbox fluid and filter change - which has been pretty reasonable to be fair. As is fuel economy, insurance and VED.
Maybe I'm just hitting a rough patch and I'll be past it after these currently outstanding two bits are addressed, but I must admit rocker arms are at the very back of my mind!
Might be looking to move it on in March or so to free up the capital and operating costs ??
mholt1995 said:
Morning,
I've got a B9 S4 Avant in the spec you call out - matrix lights, B&O, 360 cam, virtual cockpit, adaptive dampers, sports diff, self park, adaptive cruise and probably at least one or two things I'm forgetting!
Currently on 65k ish miles and I've owned it for 8 months and 6k miles or so. December 2016, 66 plate.
I am hot and cold with it at the moment, it's an absolutely LOVELY thing to drive and a real do-it-all daily.
However, I'm finding it a bit more demanding on the wallet for maintenance than I'd like, because in my ownership it's had:
- Rear spring pads
- Differential oil pressure sensors
- PCV valve and air+fuel breather hoses
- Fuel filler cap
And I'm currently trying to resolve an evap system leak and needing to get the radar sensors recalibrated, so another couple hundred on the way for sure.
As well as the routine oil+filter, air filter and brake fluid as well as a gearbox fluid and filter change - which has been pretty reasonable to be fair. As is fuel economy, insurance and VED.
Maybe I'm just hitting a rough patch and I'll be past it after these currently outstanding two bits are addressed, but I must admit rocker arms are at the very back of my mind!
Might be looking to move it on in March or so to free up the capital and operating costs ??
I love big fast Audis however would not buy another due to the endless maintenance bills. My S8 was basically a grand a visit to the garage and it spent a lot of time there, every time I got in the car I was just waiting for the orange light to come on again, knowing another grand was imminent. I've had 4 TVRs over the years and had less trouble with all 4 than the one Audi.I've got a B9 S4 Avant in the spec you call out - matrix lights, B&O, 360 cam, virtual cockpit, adaptive dampers, sports diff, self park, adaptive cruise and probably at least one or two things I'm forgetting!
Currently on 65k ish miles and I've owned it for 8 months and 6k miles or so. December 2016, 66 plate.
I am hot and cold with it at the moment, it's an absolutely LOVELY thing to drive and a real do-it-all daily.
However, I'm finding it a bit more demanding on the wallet for maintenance than I'd like, because in my ownership it's had:
- Rear spring pads
- Differential oil pressure sensors
- PCV valve and air+fuel breather hoses
- Fuel filler cap
And I'm currently trying to resolve an evap system leak and needing to get the radar sensors recalibrated, so another couple hundred on the way for sure.
As well as the routine oil+filter, air filter and brake fluid as well as a gearbox fluid and filter change - which has been pretty reasonable to be fair. As is fuel economy, insurance and VED.
Maybe I'm just hitting a rough patch and I'll be past it after these currently outstanding two bits are addressed, but I must admit rocker arms are at the very back of my mind!
Might be looking to move it on in March or so to free up the capital and operating costs ??
Bought mine as a pre-reg car back in late 2017 and have done 33k miles in it. Haven’t had any major problems with the car. Had to change the brake servo pressure sensor after an ABS warning came up on the dash. Fortunately the car was at home at the time as I have read that if you drive the car for any distance under that warning it can damage the ABS control unit itself which is expensive. Was about £100 for the part and I changed it myself. Other than that the wireless charging mat no longer works and the passenger dipping mirror sometimes doesn’t dip when going into reverse. Front brakes judder a bit and need to change them, think that is quite common though. Was slightly converned to see some of the reports regarding rocker arm failure but think that this is actually quite rare and often involves cars that have tuned. Despite not doing high mileage, I have the car serviced every year still at a main dealer and it hasn’t been that expensive at all.
Performance is strong, easily as quick as my old e46 M3 and the car in general drives well. As others have said, the seats and interior quality are good so no real complaints. I was lucky in that mine came with the digital dash, B&O sound and matrix headlights. If you can fine a good one, I’d definitely consider it.
I had a B9 S5. While the engine was a peach, the car as a package was hopeless.
It just never felt super premium and I couldn’t get on with the sport seats. Rattles galore.
B&O system was diabolical, despite replacing all of the speakers with some really decent kit (>£1500) and doing a lot of sound deadening.
Didn’t have adaptive dampers - would 100% spec these as standard ride was quite firm. Don’t think you’ll get away from the understeer either.
About 2 years after I bought a G20 320d, which was leagues better in every way other than engine. As a package, so good though that if I was offered either car for free with whichever spec I wanted, I’d pick the 320d all day long. Much more fun to drive, even though it’s a diesel.
If I ever had one again, it would need to have a gearbox tune as in comfort it drove like every BMW I’ve had in eco mode. Accelerator was quite soggy feeling.
Sport mode was decent but it wouldn’t go into 8th on the motorway unless you were on cruise.
I just don’t think Audi have got the calibration of the car right at all. On paper it’s a winning formula. Stunning looks, intoxicating power plant and exhaust note, reasonable cost to run and pretty reliable from what I’ve heard, but it just never hit the spot. It felt utterly dull and I was quite happy to get rid after only 9 months or so.
If your heart is set on one, ensure it has:
Lights package with Matrix + interior lights
Adaptive dampers
Memory seats because what’s the point of electric if they’re not memory
Wouldn’t get B&O as the speakers are shocking, and it’s much harder to upgrade.
Virtual dash is pointless if you use apple CarPlay/Android Auto as you can’t see sat nav directions on it if the phone is plugged in.
It just never felt super premium and I couldn’t get on with the sport seats. Rattles galore.
B&O system was diabolical, despite replacing all of the speakers with some really decent kit (>£1500) and doing a lot of sound deadening.
Didn’t have adaptive dampers - would 100% spec these as standard ride was quite firm. Don’t think you’ll get away from the understeer either.
About 2 years after I bought a G20 320d, which was leagues better in every way other than engine. As a package, so good though that if I was offered either car for free with whichever spec I wanted, I’d pick the 320d all day long. Much more fun to drive, even though it’s a diesel.
If I ever had one again, it would need to have a gearbox tune as in comfort it drove like every BMW I’ve had in eco mode. Accelerator was quite soggy feeling.
Sport mode was decent but it wouldn’t go into 8th on the motorway unless you were on cruise.
I just don’t think Audi have got the calibration of the car right at all. On paper it’s a winning formula. Stunning looks, intoxicating power plant and exhaust note, reasonable cost to run and pretty reliable from what I’ve heard, but it just never hit the spot. It felt utterly dull and I was quite happy to get rid after only 9 months or so.
If your heart is set on one, ensure it has:
Lights package with Matrix + interior lights
Adaptive dampers
Memory seats because what’s the point of electric if they’re not memory
Wouldn’t get B&O as the speakers are shocking, and it’s much harder to upgrade.
Virtual dash is pointless if you use apple CarPlay/Android Auto as you can’t see sat nav directions on it if the phone is plugged in.
Edited by Deviation on Sunday 1st December 00:48
SlowV6 said:
I had not previously been aware of the rocker arm issue. Is yours showing signs of the issue? What is the cost to replace preventatively, rather than after the engine is destroyed!?
~£3.5k, VAG Technic (Dudley) can do this in their sleep.Another responder has knocked the S5 - I've had an S4 Avant & S5 Sportback & the S4 was a significantly better car, better screwed together, less rattles less problems full stop. The only area where the S5 beats the S4 is in handling, the arse end of the S4 was a bit on the slack side & it felt pretty nose heavy (snow plough), no issues with the S5 handling at all.
Holy Thread resurrection.
18 months on I still haven't got a new car. B9 S4 Avant's have gone off and back onto my radar again. Leon ST 300 4-Drive's haven't depreciated at all, F31 M340i's are the same, but the Audi is still super handsome and looking increasingly better value against those too.
Is anyone still running one into higher mileages please? There is a nice blue one an hour or two from me as linked below. It doesn't have adaptive dampers or B&O but does have matrix, pan roof (do these leak?) and virtual cockpit. Is on 96k miles, 2 owners and is a private seller. £17.5k.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603220...
18 months on I still haven't got a new car. B9 S4 Avant's have gone off and back onto my radar again. Leon ST 300 4-Drive's haven't depreciated at all, F31 M340i's are the same, but the Audi is still super handsome and looking increasingly better value against those too.
Is anyone still running one into higher mileages please? There is a nice blue one an hour or two from me as linked below. It doesn't have adaptive dampers or B&O but does have matrix, pan roof (do these leak?) and virtual cockpit. Is on 96k miles, 2 owners and is a private seller. £17.5k.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603220...
SlowV6 said:
Holy Thread resurrection.
18 months on I still haven't got a new car. B9 S4 Avant's have gone off and back onto my radar again. Leon ST 300 4-Drive's haven't depreciated at all, F31 M340i's are the same, but the Audi is still super handsome and looking increasingly better value against those too.
Is anyone still running one into higher mileages please? There is a nice blue one an hour or two from me as linked below. It doesn't have adaptive dampers or B&O but does have matrix, pan roof (do these leak?) and virtual cockpit. Is on 96k miles, 2 owners and is a private seller. £17.5k.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603220...
I've had mine for nearly 2 years and it's a brilliant car. Mine is a 2018 with around 65k miles. It was a fresh import from Japan when I bought it which meant it was in brilliant condition and full of toys (B&O, virtual cockpit, 360 camera etc) however I'm guessing I will get a bit of a hit on resale value being an import. For the money the car you've linked above looks great, and I agree they do seem very good value for money.18 months on I still haven't got a new car. B9 S4 Avant's have gone off and back onto my radar again. Leon ST 300 4-Drive's haven't depreciated at all, F31 M340i's are the same, but the Audi is still super handsome and looking increasingly better value against those too.
Is anyone still running one into higher mileages please? There is a nice blue one an hour or two from me as linked below. It doesn't have adaptive dampers or B&O but does have matrix, pan roof (do these leak?) and virtual cockpit. Is on 96k miles, 2 owners and is a private seller. £17.5k.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603220...
I've not had any issues with mine so far, and no apparent leaks with the pan roof!
I keep flipping between keeping it long term as I think it's a brilliant car and it does everything I need it to, versus selling it while it's in good condition and decent mileage and getting an EV or PHEV as my mileage has shot up and it feels like a waste trudging up and down the motorway every day.
It isn't well known but Audi offer an aftermarket warranty for cars bought from anywhere as long as they have <100,000 miles and FSH. The first year's cost is pretty high (I paid 2k) but the subsequent years are much more reasonable. I had a bunch of suspension work done on an 8 year old car by the main dealer under this product. I'm not sure if any other brands offer the same. There's no requirement for an inspection like with Porsche
Also, re. options:
Dynamic steering - irrelevant adds nothing probably detracts
Adaptive dampeners - I had steel and these were good. Thought handling & ride was good. Adaptive will eventually leak and need to be replaced. Comfort is too soft and Dynamic is too hard so you just use comfort. Steel was fine
Rear dif - I had this and it was good. But it needs good servicing and is expensive to replace if it fails. Even with the risk I think this is worth it. Make sure it has been serviced every 50k miles or so
Matrix lights - first thing I do with a car with adaptive headlights is turn them off. The standard LEDs are just as bright. But some people love adaptive lights
Sunroof - I like sunroofs and find it dark inside without but lots of stories about leaks although I've never had one
Interior LED pack - why?
Virtual cockpit - I think was standard on the S4 but I don't see what it adds. If you like lots of tech you use carplay if you don't you just set it to speedo/rev counter. The other options are pointless - you can set it to be a bright distracting map, pretend its a porsche with a central rev counter or have the speedo small and have a cartoon of the car for some reason. Adds nothing imo
Comfort & sound - Personally I don't care. The package includes the annoying hands free key. B&O system don't know, standard was fine but I'm not bothered by sound quality in cars. Rear view camera is in this pack but could be specced alone
Wireless phone charger - its fine but slow, your phone may or may not fit
Driver assistance - one of the great things about this generation is this is all optional. So no more nanny devices and their miscalibrations. But some people love adaptive cruise. This is a firm no for me
Parking assistance - 360 camera. I don't care. Adds a lot of other systems like blind spot monitoring which is fine but isn't totally reliable (false positives and negatives) so you still need to check the blindspot
Headup display - problem is you get reflection on the screen sometimes of the projection box which can be annoying
Hillhold - never understood why in an auto
Make sure DSG has been serviced every 40k miles
That said it is hard to find a low/high spec car - few of these were specced with the differential and sunroof without the other packs. So you tend to get everything or nothing. Then even fewer have been maintained properly.
Dynamic steering - irrelevant adds nothing probably detracts
Adaptive dampeners - I had steel and these were good. Thought handling & ride was good. Adaptive will eventually leak and need to be replaced. Comfort is too soft and Dynamic is too hard so you just use comfort. Steel was fine
Rear dif - I had this and it was good. But it needs good servicing and is expensive to replace if it fails. Even with the risk I think this is worth it. Make sure it has been serviced every 50k miles or so
Matrix lights - first thing I do with a car with adaptive headlights is turn them off. The standard LEDs are just as bright. But some people love adaptive lights
Sunroof - I like sunroofs and find it dark inside without but lots of stories about leaks although I've never had one
Interior LED pack - why?
Virtual cockpit - I think was standard on the S4 but I don't see what it adds. If you like lots of tech you use carplay if you don't you just set it to speedo/rev counter. The other options are pointless - you can set it to be a bright distracting map, pretend its a porsche with a central rev counter or have the speedo small and have a cartoon of the car for some reason. Adds nothing imo
Comfort & sound - Personally I don't care. The package includes the annoying hands free key. B&O system don't know, standard was fine but I'm not bothered by sound quality in cars. Rear view camera is in this pack but could be specced alone
Wireless phone charger - its fine but slow, your phone may or may not fit
Driver assistance - one of the great things about this generation is this is all optional. So no more nanny devices and their miscalibrations. But some people love adaptive cruise. This is a firm no for me
Parking assistance - 360 camera. I don't care. Adds a lot of other systems like blind spot monitoring which is fine but isn't totally reliable (false positives and negatives) so you still need to check the blindspot
Headup display - problem is you get reflection on the screen sometimes of the projection box which can be annoying
Hillhold - never understood why in an auto
Make sure DSG has been serviced every 40k miles
That said it is hard to find a low/high spec car - few of these were specced with the differential and sunroof without the other packs. So you tend to get everything or nothing. Then even fewer have been maintained properly.
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