Looking into B8.5 S4 :)

[hyunsoo1803]

I've been debating whether I should change the car or not and I'm really interested in 2013 S4.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hyunsoo1803-albums-370z-picture56140-rolling.jpg
I currently DD 370z and it lacks the practicality (2 seats) (Not winter friendly)

I got into modding cars when I first bought a performance oriented car and I plan on doing some performance/exterior mods if I ever do decide to order a S4.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hyunsoo1803-albums-370z-picture50095-370z-3.jpg
Due to its characteristics of being modded, exhaust tone was loud, car sat really low, got hassled by cops a lot....
http://www.the370z.com/members/hyunsoo1803-albums-370z-picture52531-2.jpg
So right now I'm looking for a fun sedan with some luxury = S4? :)

But here are some questions

1. How many people hear came from a Z though I doubt there are any.... :(

2. Who tracks the car and what are the common issue when doing so? For example Zs were known for excessively high oil temp and fuel starvation. How about S4?

3. Did anyone had a run against a Z? Drag strip? random highway pulls? friendly pulls just for sh*ts and giggles?
- Though I'm not trying to point people out for being a street racer or some sorts, but I would really like a baseline since I've only drove the s4 once.

[LODOSS]

Here is my brief history.

I had a 06 350z with the turbonetics kit on it and then upgraded to a 335ci then 535i and now a S4. The Z was a manual and it was really fun but the ride was crap. Powerwise, it dynoed around 330@wheel with a full 3 inch catback. The 335ci was a lot quicker espeically with a Tune and a lot more comfortable and luxurious. When my lease ended on the 335 I got a 535i for even more luxury but retaining the awesome twin turbo engine. The 535i was great but it was almost too mature/quiet so my relationship with it only lasted 1.5 years. The S4 is the closest thing you can get right now to a M3/C63/ISF but still being practical. Obviously the Z has made a lot of progressed since my Z days but I think the roots of the car is still the same. The Z is built to be more of a track car in mind but being that it is still an entry level sports car, it has its limits.

I have not had mine for a long time but from what I have read the main complaint is that the brakes are not up to par with the rest of the car. Also better cooling for the engine and tranny oil would be recommended for track use.

Now.. on to your car.. My Z was a total sleeper. No cops bothered with me because it looked stock even though it had a turbo kit on it. But if you are planning to mod the S4 like you did with your Z.. then expect the same result. It is okay to make the car look unique but trying to make it look like somthing it is not is a waste of money in my opinion. Props to the wheels.

There is no point to ask for info on runs with a Z. There are obviously lots of fast Zs so unless we are talking about stock for stock then there will always be a winner and a loser base on how much money one is willing to spend.. My best recommendation would be to compare some of the results that have been posted.

[hyunsoo1803]

Here is my brief history.

I had a 06 350z with the turbonetics kit on it and then upgraded to a 335ci then 535i and now a S4. The Z was a manual and it was really fun but the ride was crap. Powerwise, it dynoed around 330@wheel with a full 3 inch catback. The 335ci was a lot quicker espeically with a Tune and a lot more comfortable and luxurious. When my lease ended on the 335 I got a 535i for even more luxury but retaining the awesome twin turbo engine. The 535i was great but it was almost too mature/quiet so my relationship with it only lasted 1.5 years. The S4 is the closest thing you can get right now to a M3/C63/ISF but still being practical. Obviously the Z has made a lot of progressed since my Z days but I think the roots of the car is still the same. The Z is built to be more of a track car in mind but being that it is still an entry level sports car, it has its limits.

I have not had mine for a long time but from what I have read the main complaint is that the brakes are not up to par with the rest of the car. Also better cooling for the engine and tranny oil would be recommended for track use.

Now.. on to your car.. My Z was a total sleeper. No cops bothered with me because it looked stock even though it had a turbo kit on it. But if you are planning to mod the S4 like you did with your Z.. then expect the same result. It is okay to make the car look unique but trying to make it look like somthing it is not is a waste of money in my opinion.

There is no point to ask for info on runs with a Z. There are obviously lots of fast Zs so unless we are talking about stock for stock then there will always be a winner and a loser base on how much money one is willing to spend.. My best recommendation would be to compare some of the results that have been posted.


Thanks for the advise :)

Having to own a car like this... is a headache

Anyways, that's one of the reason why I'm debating on getting a new car and I really appreciate its power and drivetrain as well as the subtleness.

So this time, NO, I won't be doing anything crazy. :)

As for the track, I've heard people complaining how their cars understeer. But I also heard it is fixed? can anyone chime in for this factor?

Again, thanks for the kind words :)

[LODOSS]

Again, I am only speaking from what I have read and the short time I have had it. The car will steer like most of the best RWD cars (with sport diff) but still being an AWD car, it will have its limits. The S4 is 90-95% of a M3 on the track but you won't get the same driving sensation. Really, you need to figure out what you really want to do with the car you get

[ENV²]

I had a 04 350Z for about 3 years. It was the longest I had a car (so far). THe S4 may be kept a while longer. The S4 with the basic (all) Eurocode goodies will make you never even think about your Z again. It handles very well on the track and it you get the Eurocode sway bars front and rear with adjustable links and the Alu Kreuz you can have the car oversteer and rotate. With a Miltek resonated exhaust paired with the Eurocode headers you will have a much better sounding car than the Z with minimal cabin resonance. If you dont want to splurge on the headers and their expensive labor rate than just get the Miltek Non resonated exhaust and it will keep you VERY happy until the funds for headers are saved (ask me how I know lol). Then you definitely will need the Eurocode Short throw shifter kit because the one thing I missed about my Z when I first got the S4 was the shortness of the throws.

Buy the S4 you wont be disappointed

[dparm]

I had my B8 S4 on a track last weekend. It's very compliant and predictable. With the Sports Rear Differential, you can get some oversteer if you want. The power is extremely linear and the supercharger makes the throttle response nearly instantaneous -- very easy to modulate power and control things. This is still a 3800lb car but in stock form I would say it's a lot of fun.

[hyunsoo1803]

I had a 04 350Z for about 3 years. It was the longest I had a car (so far). THe S4 may be kept a while longer. The S4 with the basic (all) Eurocode goodies will make you never even think about your Z again. It handles very well on the track and it you get the Eurocode sway bars front and rear with adjustable links and the Alu Kreuz you can have the car oversteer and rotate. With a Miltek resonated exhaust paired with the Eurocode headers you will have a much better sounding car than the Z with minimal cabin resonance. If you dont want to splurge on the headers and their expensive labor rate than just get the Miltek Non resonated exhaust and it will keep you VERY happy until the funds for headers are saved (ask me how I know lol). Then you definitely will need the Eurocode Short throw shifter kit because the one thing I missed about my Z when I first got the S4 was the shortness of the throws.

Buy the S4 you wont be disappointed

Interesting....haven't driven awd car on the track.


I had my B8 S4 on a track last weekend. It's very compliant and predictable. With the Sports Rear Differential, you can get some oversteer if you want. The power is extremely linear and the supercharger makes the throttle response nearly instantaneous -- very easy to modulate power and control things. This is still a 3800lb car but in stock form I would say it's a lot of fun.

Looks like you also had fun :) thanks for the response

[IanVr6]

I don't know stock vs stock, but my tuned S4 is so much faster than my friend's 370Z nismo. It's not even close from a roll.

I'm not saying straight line performance is all that matters.

[focusaudi]

sick Z, what kind of harassment stories do you have w/ the Z?

[hyunsoo1803]

sick Z, what kind of harassment stories do you have w/ the Z?

random pull overs, VI threat in gas station, and etc [;)]

[hyunsoo1803]

I'm leaning towards Ibis white with two tone interior probably red/black or white/black; since I'm in verge of parting out the Z if I do so [:D]

Planning on test driving the new s4 when I go for audi's maintenance [;)]

[dparm]

Try and drive a Stasis one -- that way you'll know what the extra power is really like. I drove a stock B8 S4, didn't think it was that exhilarating. Drove a Stasis one and bought it an hour later.

[hyunsoo1803]

Try and drive a Stasis one -- that way you'll know what the extra power is really like. I drove a stock B8 S4, didn't think it was that exhilarating. Drove a Stasis one and bought it an hour later.

It would be cool if a dealership has one in stock for a test drive [:D]

I went to Audi to service q7 the other day and was told to test drive the s4 (2011 I believe) but I wasn't abel to fully observe its performance due to morning traffic [headbang] (8:15)

The sales person whined about being in the morning [=(]

However, I was surprised that the dealership now provides (or is friendly) stasis ecu tune which doesn't void the warranty even if it's the ECU's fault [confused]

But anyhow, I would love to sit in tuned s4 soon :)

[jamez]

I went from a 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe with just about every modification besides forced induction (had it for seven years!!) to my new 2012 6MT S4 and all I have to say is good riddance, Nissan. I only have 5K miles on the car and I haven't done any mods besides tints nor am I going to since it's a lease (but may buy it out at the end, depending on how many problems I'll have, if any). I did have some spirited driving sessions with a few G37S coupes and won pretty easily on the highway. The biggest improvements coming from a Nissan to a German car, especially an Audi, is the improved interior, smooth engine response, tranny, clutch, and a very comfortable, solid ride. I couldn't wait to get rid of my G. Don't get me wrong, I loved my G35 but the S4 is a huge improvement both performance and aesthetics wise. You won't regret it!

[Imtired]

I'm in the same boat as the op. I have an '09 Z and I'm looking for something i can drive year-round so I can ditch my winter beater. I test drove a '10 S4 since my dealer wont have any '13s until mid-month and i decided that I'll order a new one next spring.

[hyunsoo1803]

I went from a 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe with just about every modification besides forced induction (had it for seven years!!) to my new 2012 6MT S4 and all I have to say is good riddance, Nissan. I only have 5K miles on the car and I haven't done any mods besides tints nor am I going to since it's a lease (but may buy it out at the end, depending on how many problems I'll have, if any). I did have some spirited driving sessions with a few G37S coupes and won pretty easily on the highway. The biggest improvements coming from a Nissan to a German car, especially an Audi, is the improved interior, smooth engine response, tranny, clutch, and a very comfortable, solid ride. I couldn't wait to get rid of my G. Don't get me wrong, I loved my G35 but the S4 is a huge improvement both performance and aesthetics wise. You won't regret it!

I agree.

I don't mean to bash the japanese cars nor the VQ engine composited cars (I'm driving it) but S4 definitely is more subtle in every angle than a Z. "improved interior, smooth engine response, tranny, clutch, and a very comfortable, solid ride."

I hear S4 is underrated by Audi. Crank HP audi provides on their website is 333. Does anyone have a stock awhp ? Sorry if this is a repost as I have joined this community 2 days ago :/

[dparm]

We're seeing around 300-310whp, which suggests 360 crank.

Find a Stasis-certified dealer and see if they have an S4 with their ECM. Drive it.

The way the Stasis warranty works is that they will step in and cover any repairs Audi denies due to their parts. So if the motor blows and Audi says "your Stasis ECM did it", Stasis will cover the engine repair cost directly with Audi. It's NOT Audi warrantying the Stasis parts.

[S4morris]

Problem with finding a Stasis one to test drive is that there are no tunes out for 13's and doubt there are too many 12 models still around unless you're looking to buy used.

I contemplated a Z a few years back before I got my 335, good looking car, but the interior was a total turn off for me. Still think its a good car for the money but its not in the same league as an S4 (and it shouldn't be for ~20k less).

I never really was an Audi fan, but I drove the S4 after test driving the new 335 and I was sold. Interior was a world better, loved the way it looked and the Ibis exterior with the magma interior had me sold. I've had some pretty nice cars in my day but I have to say the S4 is my favorite to date and it may have made me an Audi guy now! Good luck with the purchase.

[Borti]

I have a B8.5 S4 with a 6-speed manual if you want to drive it. No tune but still a crap load of fun. Spec's in my signature. I am in Calgary, then Edmonton but back in Van on Friday. Let me know.

[dparm]

Problem with finding a Stasis one to test drive is that there are no tunes out for 13's and doubt there are too many 12 models still around unless you're looking to buy used.





So buy a 2012. Save $10k and get a faster car, unless that "new car smell" is really important.

[hyunsoo1803]

I have a B8.5 S4 with a 6-speed manual if you want to drive it. No tune but still a crap load of fun. Spec's in my signature. I am in Calgary, then Edmonton but back in Van on Friday. Let me know.

[az] Thank you for the kind words

[hyunsoo1803]

There are a lot of good advises and comparison

Thanks guys. Hopefully I will start a new thread soon(with s4) [;)]

[A4RX7]

I have an '04 350Z (wife's car) and a '13 S4 DSG (also had an'11 S4 DSG). The S4 is, of course, a totally different car than the Z. Bigger, heavier, smoother, quieter, more refined. And stock-stock it's a significantly quicker car 0-60. I love the S4 (that's why I bought another!) for what it is - a 1st class sport sedan with all-weather capability. But it's not a sports car. That's both good and bad depending on what you want/need from the car. I also have a '93 RX-7. The RX-7 is a pure sports car - light (2,800 lbs), immediate repsonse to every input, etc. But it has just about zero practicality and the S4 (in a straight line) is as quick, maybe a tick or 2 quicker.

Hard to get it all in one car. But if you can only have one the S4 is a great choice.

[hyunsoo1803]

I have an '04 350Z (wife's car) and a '13 S4 DSG (also had an'11 S4 DSG). The S4 is, of course, a totally different car than the Z. Bigger, heavier, smoother, quieter, more refined. And stock-stock it's a significantly quicker car 0-60. I love the S4 (that's why I bought another!) for what it is - a 1st class sport sedan with all-weather capability. But it's not a sports car. That's both good and bad depending on what you want/need from the car. I also have a '93 RX-7. The RX-7 is a pure sports car - light (2,800 lbs), immediate repsonse to every input, etc. But it has just about zero practicality and the S4 (in a straight line) is as quick, maybe a tick or 2 quicker.

Hard to get it all in one car. But if you can only have one the S4 is a great choice.

always a fan of rx7 [:)]

Now we will see how the test drive goes and my impression.

I will try to snap some photos if I can [drive]

[jdwk]

Is it not possible to upgrade your living space to accomodate two cars? I have had a 2005 C6 since new, and it only did about 3 months of daily duty before I bought my Mazdaspeed Protege. Two-seaters, even with a bunch of cargo space, can be very annoying at times, and dragging the air dam across every curb and speed bump is no picnic either. But the S4 is no replacement for a true sports car. It is too big and too heavy, and if your Z is anything like my Vette, then you'll love the S4 but miss your Z.

On both the Autobahn and the 'ring the past two weeks (just got back from Euro delivery), the S4 was a dream, but still had me wishing it would magically turn into the C6 and I could run down the packs of 911s that were everywhere you looked in Germany.

Now I have to decide what to do with the MSP, because the S4 isn't really a replacement for the 2800lb turbocharged go-kart either, and my wife already said she is not getting kicked out of the garage. Guess I need to start house-hunting again.

[hyunsoo1803]

Is it not possible to upgrade your living space to accomodate two cars? I have had a 2005 C6 since new, and it only did about 3 months of daily duty before I bought my Mazdaspeed Protege. Two-seaters, even with a bunch of cargo space, can be very annoying at times, and dragging the air dam across every curb and speed bump is no picnic either. But the S4 is no replacement for a true sports car. It is too big and too heavy, and if your Z is anything like my Vette, then you'll love the S4 but miss your Z.

On both the Autobahn and the 'ring the past two weeks (just got back from Euro delivery), the S4 was a dream, but still had me wishing it would magically turn into the C6 and I could run down the packs of 911s that were everywhere you looked in Germany.

Now I have to decide what to do with the MSP, because the S4 isn't really a replacement for the 2800lb turbocharged go-kart either, and my wife already said she is not getting kicked out of the garage. Guess I need to start house-hunting again.

My current car + a beater would be nice too. I also have owned a 2010 370z since new and started from ground up. Though my z is nothing like your c6, i spent a lot of time and effort to make the car what it is today and I still love the way it drives and behaves on the road and on the track.

But I won't be able to keep two cars :(

I believe s4 will still give me joy of driving and will be even better with proper mods

and that new face lifted front end is too sexy to ignore !!!

[jdwk]

Yeah, I originally ordered the S4 thinking I would leave it bone stock so I'd have more time to mess with the other two since I am always working on one of them. But you always want more, and I'll probably start ordering parts as soon as it gets back here. Selling the Protege would buy quite a few mods for the S4, but I always think, would I rather have the S4 with 6k worth of mods or have both cars, and it's hard not to choose both cars.

[13S4]

If you don't want to Mod you really should delete your Audizine account... This forum is like crack. I originally didn't plan on doing mods as I don't track my vehicles, or really even get to drive that often. I'm only at 3100km and all I have left to do is Exhaust, Ecu and Alukruez.

[jdwk]

Yeah I know how it goes. Although if I could make a dollar for every hour I spent researching mods on my cars, it would pay for nearly anything out there.

[Borti]

Regarding power - it's commonly accepted that the S4 is underrated from the factory. It's pretty common to see 300whp or very close on a mustang dyno. Results vary per car, per dyno, with temps and etc... but the car is likely putting out closer to 350-360hp crank horsepower.

For mileage - on my 6-speed I usually average 15-21 in city (all depends on how aggressive I am driving) and I usually get between 27-29 on the highway with a cruising speed of 70-75mph. I do a lot of driving between Vancouver and Portland so I achieve that mileage regularly.

[Monsoon]

Regarding power - it's commonly accepted that the S4 is underrated from the factory. It's pretty common to see 300whp or very close on a mustang dyno. Results vary per car, per dyno, with temps and etc... but the car is likely putting out closer to 350-360hp crank horsepower.

For mileage - on my 6-speed I usually average 15-21 in city (all depends on how aggressive I am driving) and I usually get between 27-29 on the highway with a cruising speed of 70-75mph. I do a lot of driving between Vancouver and Portland so I achieve that mileage regularly.

Hoping your mileage numbers are close to what I will get. I do a lot of freeway driving and am hoping for high 20's. Your numbers are right in line with EPA estimates but a look of people have posted they get much less than that. As you said, depends on driving style but freeway miles at 70 mph should be about the same for everyone, right? I guess I will find out in a few weeks when car gets here.

[Borti]

Hoping your mileage numbers are close to what I will get. I do a lot of freeway driving and am hoping for high 20's. Your numbers are right in line with EPA estimates but a look of people have posted they get much less than that. As you said, depends on driving style but freeway miles at 70 mph should be about the same for everyone, right? I guess I will find out in a few weeks when car gets here.

Did you get 6-speed or DSG? The overdrive gear on the DSG will help achieve even higher mileage. My best mileage on my DSG S4 was 29.9. I even dipped over 30 at a few points during my drives. Not driving aggressive, but not driving with a light foot either. When I want to pass, I often floor it in 6th gear to get around trucks or slow drivers.

With exhaust / tune I expect even higher mileage when cruising. Overall - I am extremely pleased that this car gets above 25 mpg with this much power.

[Monsoon]

Did you get 6-speed or DSG? The overdrive gear on the DSG will help achieve even higher mileage. My best mileage on my DSG S4 was 29.9. I even dipped over 30 at a few points during my drives. Not driving aggressive, but not driving with a light foot either. When I want to pass, I often floor it in 6th gear to get around trucks or slow drivers.

With exhaust / tune I expect even higher mileage when cruising. Overall - I am extremely pleased that this car gets above 25 mpg with this much power.

I got DSG and it will be my first dual-clutch car. The DSG impressed me more on the test drives than any other aspect of the car. I will be thrilled if I get high 20s on the highway. Trading in a C63 that got maybe 22 on the highway if you drove like an old lady, and don't even ask what it was in town or if you drove agressively. Let's just say single digits were easily possible. I knew that going in and just loved the car regardless of its apetite for gas and tires, but it was time to trade. By the way, the biggest weakness on the C63 was the old-fashioned slushbox automatic. Looking forward to the S4 DSG and better gas mileage even if the overall performance will be a little slower.

[jfabes]

OP, nice Z. S4 is a completely different car. nothing against a z, but the s4 is more grown up, sophisticated and mature. the z is more boy racer...that's why if you look at the demographics, there is a 10yr age difference between the two :)

fwiw, i pulled on a 350z when i had my gti with an apr tune ;)

sorry OP, don't mean to highjack, but where are you guys getting your awhp and crank hp numbers? it's all wheel drive, it's probably taking close to 20% dt loss. that puts it at closer to 390/400 at the crank based on those awhp dyno numbers...or am i missing something?

[hyunsoo1803]

If you don't want to Mod you really should delete your Audizine account... This forum is like crack. I originally didn't plan on doing mods as I don't track my vehicles, or really even get to drive that often. I'm only at 3100km and all I have left to do is Exhaust, Ecu and Alukruez.

Look what it did to you[:p]

28% Tint, Full 3M Wrap, Euro Code Front/Rear Sways, Euro Code Front/Rear End Links, H&R OE Springs, 15mm H&R Spacers Front/Rear, Roc-Euro Intake, Euro Code Meisterwerk Shifter, Hard-wired Bel-RX65, Ziza 6000k Fogs, 19”x9.5" AluFelgen SF-71

[hyunsoo1803]

Update

Was busy with life but I got a surprise in my mail box.

I was invited to S party from Audi being held on 25th in Vancouver.

I guess going to dealership for maintenance is a good thing.

I will be seeing all S models as well as RS models (only RS5 I think)

It will be a fun time !