B8 s4 reliability

[914dude]

I sold my FBO 335i a few months ago and am looking for its replacement and was set on a CLA45 amg but can't find the perfect one. I am now seriously considering to just wait a year or two and pickup a C63 amg or the new E63.

So i need a car to last me 1-2 years. I am looking at the b8 s4, 2011-2012 models with 40-60k miles. I am not going to modify the car do just simple cosmetics and my main concern is reliability. I don't mind spending a couple hundred here and there but I am not interested in taking my car to the shop every xyz days (which is what I was doing with my 335).

I know the 3.0 is a good motor and is used across Audi but I was hoping for some feedback from current owners. Anything to look out for any common issues or anything to stay away from?

I always buy low mileage CPO or new so this a first buying a car like this.

thanks and appreciate all help

[carlosvjr92]

I would be careful as some of the early models have transmissions issues. I would say if you're not getting a B8.5 I would avoid it. Besides that they're extremely reliable and well built. Seems like a lot of money to spend for a car you would only have a year or two though. There is probably cheaper temporary solutions you could come up with

[914dude]

Does the b8.5 have a different transmission than the b8?

I am all ears for a cheaper alternative that would be just as fun to drive and would look just as nice as the S4. I was considering the W204 C63, E90 M3 and E60 M5 but I think the S4 would be more fuel efficient/more reliable out of any of those.

[Loe]

Its a revised gen II transmission on the b8.5

The issues on the earlier models normally centered around the mechatronic units, which have come down considerably in price if one were to go out.

The other reliability concerns, there were a few water pump issues on the earlier models, but they have since been replaced (not all, some) with updated units. Other than that, this car doesn't appear to have as many coil pack/spark plug issues as other Audi vehicles from past experience, doesn't appear to have too many carbon build up issues as other FSI/TFSI engines, and this engine is built pretty robust IMHO for the level of power its capable of making.

[914dude]

That doesn't sound too bad at all.

I am coming from a N54 motor platform which has had issues with pretty much everything.

[mmm def]

I had an 07 335 for 35k. Excellent car and I miss it. On my 2nd b8 s4 (6mt both) they are solid as a rock.

[Vanimal]

The c63 is a awesome little POWERFUL car! Only thing that turns me off is the interior is a tad weak on the 08-11. I think it got a little update in 2012. But being used to the B8 interior it's miles better all around.

I actually looked into possibly getting a c63 but being used to the B8 interior I was let down. It's really just a smidge upgraded over a regular c-series. Expensive MSRP car too, more than a S4 you'd think it would have a equal or better interior.

If not under warranty the DSG problem is a little scary as they aren't cheap to fix at ALL.


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[Vanimal]

To add to my post do you need AWD? If I weren't in PA I'd probably strongly consider a C63 or even a e93/e90 M3 as a DD.


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[Frinkferta]

The b8 is a solid platform! Try to look for MY 12 and up, is my recommendation.

[amz]

The b8 is a solid platform! Try to look for MY 12 and up, is my recommendation.

I second this. Also, if you look at a MY13 pay attention to see if the car is wandering around the highway

[Loe]

That doesn't sound too bad at all.

I am coming from a N54 motor platform which has had issues with pretty much everything.

I came from one too. VANOS solenoid, fuel injector (particularly #5 on mine), coil packs, and I forget some sort of cam tray item which required the removal of the engine head. That last item threw me over the edge to unload the car. They perform well when running well, however it was a slightly iffy at times with mine.

Interestingly, there were two N54's running against each other a few weeks back at my drag strip. Both cars managed a loud back pop running against each (within a second of each other) other and both cars had to roll to the finish line...

[914dude]

Cam tray sounds like cam bearing ledgings. That was one repair I managed to avoid.

I am going to check out two 11 S4 today. They have the sports differential and one was a previous CPO and one was a one owner and both cars have full service records.

[kcobourn]

If you're into a 6MT the 2011 is just as solid as the 2012. Having said that my motor has oil burn challenges that led to a piston & ring swap covered under warranty. Plus PCV values, thermostats, axels, etc are all common issues every MY will experience.

[jsh139]

You didn't mention an important piece of information. 6MT or DSG? The 6-speed cars' transmissions are rock-solid, aside from a weak clutch that depending on your driving style (and the PO's) may need to be replaced at some point before 100K. The DSG cars have possible mechatronics issues, as was mentioned earlier. Aside from that, there aren't too many things to watch out for. Early waterpump failures and thermostats sticking closed, but those may have already been replaced on whatever car you pick up. Most owners drive these cars for years and put little into them aside from gas, brakes, and tires.

Good luck on your search.

[cspcrx]

2012 doesn't have the issues the 10s and 11s are known for and you don't have the electronic steering that the 8.5 (13+) got.

[mungie]

My 2013 B8.5 has had 6 TSBs applied prior to 50k miles. None of them were powertrain related, which is what it sounds like you are concerned about.

[kcobourn]

2012 doesn't have the issues the 10s and 11s are known for and you don't have the electronic steering that the 8.5 (13+) got.

Besides water pumps (which are covered under warranty) what are these issues people talk about with 2011 vs 2012 cars?


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[mmm def]

Besides water pumps (which are covered under warranty) what are these issues people talk about with 2011 vs 2012 cars?


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Trans issues on the s-tronic. As previously stated the 6mt 2011 is going to be fine.

[Dr GP]

I had an 07 335 for 35k. Excellent car and I miss it. On my 2nd b8 s4 (6mt both) they are solid as a rock.

Same here, but I'm on my 3rd B8 S4 and don't miss the 335i coupe. The S4 is really better in so many ways. Gas mileage and exhaust sound are better on the 335i. Otherwise, S4 come out on top. Would never go back even to a newer 3 series.

[Dr GP]

You didn't mention an important piece of information. 6MT or DSG? The 6-speed cars' transmissions are rock-solid, aside from a weak clutch that depending on your driving style (and the PO's) may need to be replaced at some point before 100K. The DSG cars have possible mechatronics issues, as was mentioned earlier. Aside from that, there aren't too many things to watch out for. Early waterpump failures and thermostats sticking closed, but those may have already been replaced on whatever car you pick up. Most owners drive these cars for years and put little into them aside from gas, brakes, and tires.

Good luck on your search.

Agree. Just remember only 20% were built with a 6MT. They are hard but not impossible to find.

[Dr GP]

Besides water pumps (which are covered under warranty) what are these issues people talk about with 2011 vs 2012 cars?


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Nothing. All B8 s4s have had T Stat issues. Some also with the PCV valve. 2013s went to electronic steering which many feel is not as good as the previous mechanical steering. But really, forget about one year being better than another. The 2013 and newer have a different front grille, flat bottom steering wheel and advanced MMI with google maps. These are nice to have but the driving experience in a 2010 and a 2016 is EXACTLY the same. What you should be looking for is one with the lowest mileage, best condition, and the options, trans and color you want. BTW, you should really be looking for one with the Sport dif. IMHO, it is THE option that makes this car special. Also consider either a CPO car. If not, get an extended warranty when factory warranty is done.

[914dude]

I checked out the two cars. One had so much damage and was dirty so I ruled it out the other one was in for service at Audi but was clean.

I have a chance to get a 14 for good price. It was ex CPO car it's 3 hours away before I make the drive I was wondering how I can tell if it has sports differential?

Is there a vin decoder?

[14S4GWM]

I checked out the two cars. One had so much damage and was dirty so I ruled it out the other one was in for service at Audi but was clean.

I have a chance to get a 14 for good price. It was ex CPO car it's 3 hours away before I make the drive I was wondering how I can tell if it has sports differential?

Is there a vin decoder?

Call AOA with the vin and they can tell you. They will also email you the window sticker.

[jsh139]

Agree. Just remember only 20% were built with a 6MT. They are hard but not impossible to find.

Yup. Took me months to find what I was looking for. And even then I had to compromise on color and mileage. Buying used is tough when you have a bunch of criteria.

[914dude]

Call AOA with the vin and they can tell you. They will also email you the window sticker.

Thanks for the reply. I did exactly that and discovered the car was ordered with absolutely no options besides a front license plate bracket :(

At this point I like the 2011. It's clean and was also ex CPO and has a year left of it. It also has the sports differential and good service records, the fluid for transmission was just changed as well.

[14S4GWM]

Thanks for the reply. I did exactly that and discovered the car was ordered with absolutely no options besides a front license plate bracket :(

At this point I like the 2011. It's clean and was also ex CPO and has a year left of it. It also has the sports differential and good service records, the fluid for transmission was just changed as well.

No problem, might want to look into some other stuff too.
https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/audiusa/Documents/maintenance-schedules/Audi-Maintenance-Schedule-Model-Year-2011.pdf

[ZGskibum]

Besides water pumps (which are covered under warranty) what are these issues people talk about with 2011 vs 2012 cars?

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There is also a rear CV axle TSB on 2011 models, and it never got recalled so many owners are unaware of it. Look underneath and make sure it doesn't look like there's oil seeping out of the joint between the CV axle and sport diff. If it is leaking it's no big deal, it's just the oil component of the CV grease. Though it may ultimately lead to premature CV axle failure, that's not exactly a surprise failure that damages other components. Nor one that'll likely occur before 100k miles.

Otherwise it's an incredibly reliable platform. Even my auto-up windows still work!

[kcobourn]

There is also a rear CV axle TSB on 2011 models, and it never got recalled so many owners are unaware of it. Look underneath and make sure it doesn't look like there's oil seeping out of the joint between the CV axle and sport diff. If it is leaking it's no big deal, it's just the oil component of the CV grease. Though it may ultimately lead to premature CV axle failure, that's not exactly a surprise failure that damages other components. Nor one that'll likely occur before 100k miles.

Otherwise it's an incredibly reliable platform. Even my auto-up windows still work!

Yup I had issues with the rear axel a few years ago. Still only stranded twice & consider that reliable on Audi standards ;-)

[Loe]

Cam tray sounds like cam bearing ledgings. That was one repair I managed to avoid.

I am going to check out two 11 S4 today. They have the sports differential and one was a previous CPO and one was a one owner and both cars have full service records.

Yes, that would be correct, the cam ledger. It would come on every so often, however it wasn't on a daily basis (maybe a CEL once a month). Good luck on your search!

[Loe]

Yup I had issues with the rear axel a few years ago. Still only stranded twice & consider that reliable on Audi standards ;-)

lol nice! yeah, thankfully this particular Audi engine series has come a long way from the HPFP, coil pack, spark plug, issue days of Audi's in the low-mid 2000's.