Thinking about getting a C7 S7.. what are your thoughts?

[RaffianiS5]

Im currently looking into a 2017 S7, trading in or selling my 2014 S5. The S7 has 43k miles and is Black with red seats and red carbon. I'm curious to know what model year S7s actually have android auto/carplay? And what is the Audi smartphone option I saw in the MMI menu? I feel like each listing I look at doesn't give me a clear answer. Is RSNAV the solution if not? Is the car as reliable as the 3.0T? better or worse? Should I still be concerned about oil screens? Is there anything else I should be looking into before I make a decision?

Thanks in advance!

[Audibot]

I believe 2017+ can have Carplay/Auto enabled (and certain 2016s).

Which RSNav were you looking at? I got the 9" and tried installing, and it seems like a distinct lack of instructions vs the other units. And no response from them yet. But 10.25" and 12.3" seem to be straightforward.

Oil screens have a recall, IIRC, but removing them is popular.

[RaffianiS5]

Not any one in particular yet, just want to make sure I have it in the new car. I know its a little thing but it drives me nuts not to have it in the coupe.

[Valpo A7]

I think the 2017 is on the screen recall list so talk to a dealer about getting it done. The PCV can be an issue but they extended the warranty to 10 years 120,000 miles. Motor mounts and control arms can be a problem.

[MattyMarkey]

In terms of reliability, I’d give the 3.0T the edge there. It’s also not as costly to maintain, even regular maintenance (probably obvious). But they are also both Audi’s, so still costly.

Keeping it stock, you are covered with Extended Warranties and Recalls for another 3-4yrs/up to 120k miles for the potential major engine issues. If you can wrench, you’ll save a bunch on routine maintenance. You likely already have it, but get yourself a VCDS if you don’t already.

As Valpo stated: control arms ($1500-$2k) / Motor mounts ($2500-$3500) are some big ticket wear items that are failure prone.


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[Burkeomatic]

I say this as someone who likes to mod their cars, but I think the A7/S7 probably come out in a wash.

I originially went with the A7 out of fears of the transmission in the S7 (which as I see now are a little overblown and manageable). Kind of my thing was I didn't want to have to be removing the engine and transmission.

Well, my car needed timing chains, which luckily I didn't pay for, and after running around 40k in san antonio heat on stage 2 my cats started disintegrating and I had sold my engine lift to do mounts and cats (although in theory I didn't need it for my cats) which set me on about a $2300 mission to make my exhaust not sound like shit. Plus I can't run full E85 like the v8 cars... not sure if that interests you at all though.

I understand that I have had earlier failures than many people, but they are looming on the horizon depending on how you use your car. I am the type of person that will get out infront of a potential failure though. I could have probably gone 20-50k more miles on both my cats and my timing chains. The only thing that has caught me off guard was my alternator and a coolant solenoid (knock on wood). If I had to do it again, I would get the S7, but that is just me, a guy on the internet, giving advice which is worth exactly what you pay for it.

I've still had to do control arms, wheel bearings, and motor mounts which are issues common to both cars.

[RaffianiS5]

Thank you all for your input!

I think you all have helped quite a bit an I am working on a deal to trade in my S5. I test drove the car today so I do have a few extra questions..

I felt what I think is common in Audis, when rolling at speed or down a hill, and then stepping on the gas, I feel like I noticed play in the drive train. Like a little knock. To my memory, my S5 has always felt the same way, and so has my brothers S4.. so hopefully that's kind of a normal thing.

I also noticed a bit of vibration over 75, but nothing crazy.

What is everyone's solution to mount radar detectors? I noticed the 12v plug is kinda far away, can I pickup power somewhere around the rearview?

Thoughts on exhaust? Currently interested in AWE touring, Id like something tasteful but I want 0 drone. If you guys have any further input Id love to hear it.

[Valpo A7]

You can get a mount that integrates with the rear view and use a mirror tap kit to power it.

[RLCree]

Thank you all for your input!

I think you all have helped quite a bit an I am working on a deal to trade in my S5. I test drove the car today so I do have a few extra questions..

I felt what I think is common in Audis, when rolling at speed or down a hill, and then stepping on the gas, I feel like I noticed play in the drive train. Like a little knock. To my memory, my S5 has always felt the same way, and so has my brothers S4.. so hopefully that's kind of a normal thing.

I also noticed a bit of vibration over 75, but nothing crazy.

What is everyone's solution to mount radar detectors? I noticed the 12v plug is kinda far away, can I pickup power somewhere around the rearview?

Thoughts on exhaust? Currently interested in AWE touring, Id like something tasteful but I want 0 drone. If you guys have any further input Id love to hear it.

The DSG's feel that way coming back on the throttle. Dunno why. Wife's C8 does the same. Vibration could be a bad motor mount.

[RaffianiS5]

Are engine mounts that likely to fail at 43,000 miles? I'm sure anything is possible, but this sounds early to me?

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[RLCree]

Yes. You can test them with VCDS. If you get a PPI, it would be worth checking out.

[Valpo A7]

OEM mounts are around $800 each, 034 mounts can be bought from FCP for about $400 each. Guessing here but I bet the dealer will charge $800 per side for install. If you buy S7 from the dealer and get the warranty they it just about paid for itself on the first repair.

[RaffianiS5]

The dealership I'm (potentially) purchasing from is not an audi dealer unfortunately. I will discuss warranty for sure. Especially if it covers the engine mounts.

I'm going to call the audi dealer today and discuss that and the screen recall like we talked about earlier in the thread.

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[RLCree]

OEM mounts are around $800 each, 034 mounts can be bought from FCP for about $400 each. Guessing here but I bet the dealer will charge $800 per side for install. If you buy S7 from the dealer and get the warranty they it just about paid for itself on the first repair.

My Indy just quoted me this week 880 installed for the Passenger side. I would agree with your estimates from the dealer, as my Indy is usually at least 40% cheaper lol.

[Audisthesia]

Are engine mounts that likely to fail at 43,000 miles? I'm sure anything is possible, but this sounds early to me?


I've seen them die at 30k miles, and others at 60k on originals. it's a crap shoot IMO. My personal advice, run the motor mount test BEFORE buying. If it fails, make seller pay for that or demand a couple K off the sales price.


I believe 2017+ can have Carplay/Auto enabled (and certain 2016s).


Im currently looking into a 2017 S7, trading in or selling my 2014 S5. The S7 has 43k miles and is Black with red seats and red carbon. I'm curious to know what model year S7s actually have android auto/carplay? And what is the Audi smartphone option I saw in the MMI menu? I feel like each listing I look at doesn't give me a clear answer. Is RSNAV the solution if not? Is the car as reliable as the 3.0T? better or worse? Should I still be concerned about oil screens? Is there anything else I should be looking into before I make a decision?

Thanks in advance!

2016 can have aa/cp activated. In fact, you can do it yourself for free. 2017-2018 came with aa/cp working from the factory.

[MattyMarkey]

Vibration in drivetrain could be anything honestly: motor mounts, unbalanced tires, bent wheel, driveshaft carrier bearing, bad tires.

But yes, mounts fail for many. My passenger side failed at a whopping 14k miles (6yr old at the time)

If you want an exhaust without drone, get a “valved” exhaust.


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[Alabama]

What is everyone's solution to mount radar detectors? I noticed the 12v plug is kinda far away, can I pickup power somewhere around the rearview?

There are AZ threads from folk showing how to install a dashcam, same power access.

[Devorak13]

I'd avoid the C7 S6/7 due to the transmission alone. Only proceed if you have a deep wallet IMO

[MattyMarkey]

I'd avoid the C7 S6/7 due to the transmission alone. Only proceed if you have a deep wallet IMO

That second statement is true on any high-end German auto; routine maintenance and upgrades aren’t cheap.

Had mine for 3.5yrs, almost 50k miles, and no issues with the transmission. Others have more miles. They are certainly a weak point in the drivetrain, but proper care and maintenance goes a long way. There are also steps to mitigate the failure points - besides just getting an RS7/S8 with a ZF8 haha


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[RaffianiS5]

I've seen them die at 30k miles, and others at 60k on originals. it's a crap shoot IMO. My personal advice, run the motor mount test BEFORE buying. If it fails, make seller pay for that or demand a couple K off the sales price.





2016 can have aa/cp activated. In fact, you can do it yourself for free. 2017-2018 came with aa/cp working from the factory.

Would any AMI to usbc cable work? or is this an audi specific item I need to buy?

[RaffianiS5]

[QUOTE=MattyMarkey;14960460]Vibration in drivetrain could be anything honestly: motor mounts, unbalanced tires, bent wheel, driveshaft carrier bearing, bad tires.

But yes, mounts fail for many. My passenger side failed at a whopping 14k miles (6yr old at the time)






They sent me a pic of the car on the lift with the wheels off .. said 3 or 4 (i dont remember) of the wheels were out of balance. Im not overly concerned. Only felt the vibration at highway speed.

I know these cars can be expensive to maintain, I put a ton of money into my B8.5 S5, hoping I have better luck with this S7

[MattyMarkey]

[QUOTE=MattyMarkey;14960460]Vibration in drivetrain could be anything honestly: motor mounts, unbalanced tires, bent wheel, driveshaft carrier bearing, bad tires.

But yes, mounts fail for many. My passenger side failed at a whopping 14k miles (6yr old at the time)






They sent me a pic of the car on the lift with the wheels off .. said 3 or 4 (i dont remember) of the wheels were out of balance. Im not overly concerned. Only felt the vibration at highway speed.

I know these cars can be expensive to maintain, I put a ton of money into my B8.5 S5, hoping I have better luck with this S7

There ya go. NY roads will do that. As for the diagnostic cable, you may already have it, if you owned an S5 - just the usual Ross-Tech VCDS cable and interface, or you could get an OBD11 interface

Just an example - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-vcds-diagnostic-interface-ross-tech-vchv2_10?ads_cmpid=20307857014&ads_adid=148970258085&ads_matchtype=&ads_network=g&ads_creative=663446040640&utm_term=&ads_targetid=pla-293946777986&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&ttv=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwwb6lBhBJEiwAbuVUSjQ7sn5VlQPGqfocGF6E eoTN48ljmMvFZroeaFFHlupXx87NjH2Z1BoCV1MQAvD_BwE

[RaffianiS5]

Ahah I was more so asking about a cable to get aa/ac working on the MMI screen, but my next question was the VCDS, so thank you for that!!

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[KingMota]

I have a 2017 S7 with 86k problem free miles. Had turbo oil screen replaced about six months ago via recall. Vibration at highway speeds is not normal. For me the DSG is perfectly smooth in normal mode, but jerky in sport mode. Audi DSG is OK, but nothing like Porsche PDK. I bought the "Audi" extended warranty (provided by Fidelity) when I bought the car new from another dealership other than where I got my car as they were selling them at a much better price. Many threads on extended warranties discussing exclusionary types.

You should cannot beat the S7/RS7 for combination of V8, looks and cargo capacity if you want a car and not a SUV. Other than the Civic/Integra I don't think any other hatchback car comes close to the 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity in the S7 with rear seat up.