A4 --> S4?

[3point0]

Hey everyone,
I have an A4 2.8LQM and am considering selling it for an S4. I've done my research, but my one concern is turbos. I am looking at this car in particular:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ax_price=13000

Having a car without turbo has been kind of nice because I don't have to worry about maintaining them. I have heard from time to time that B5 S4 K03s tend to blow out, and I really don't want to regret trading cars when I have to spend 4 grand to replace them. Is this a good idea? Are they almost guaranteed to go soon? Please let me know from your experience. Thanks!

[s4turbo01]

I had a 2000 a4 for a couple months. It was fun and all, but i had always wanted the s4. so i saved up and bought it about 3 months ago. I would recommend buying the s4. I've never been happier, and i havnt had any problems with it yet.

[lil' is 300]

You see it's really quite simple. If you can't afford to fix this car, don't buy it.

[/end thread]

[00Nogaro]

I did the same thing, had an A4 for a few months sold it and got a S4. Its like night and day. So much better.

[3point0]

I know they're more fun, but I'm asking about maintenance. Do the turbos blow often in general?

[lil' is 300]

I know they're more fun, but I'm asking about maintenance. Do the turbos blow often in general?

Yes. Find all your answers here

[slmds4]

Like others above, I came from the 12v 2.8 a4...never looked back. My car has accually been less of a maintainence queen than my a4 ever was and Ive had the s4 for a year and a half. I would try for one with a little bit lower mileage though..

[UnkleGatsby]

i had an allroad 2.7 tt. In my mind the turbos take more abuse because its haulin more weight. no problems during 89000 mi to 104000 mi range. i talked to the owner and its still rollin at 120000mi. just keep up on maintenance.

[Matt Danger]

I live in Buffalo and would be happy to go check the car out in person for you. PM me if you're interested.

I'm kind of surprised I haven't seen it around I thought I knew most of the S4 owners around here.

[3point0]

I live in Buffalo and would be happy to go check the car out in person for you. PM me if you're interested.

I'm kind of surprised I haven't seen it around I thought I knew most of the S4 owners around here.

Yesss thank you so much! PM sent.

[So_NAudi]

you See It's Really Quite Simple. If You Can't Afford To Fix This Car, Don't Buy It.

[/end Thread]

+1000000000000000000000000000

[Videlov]

I had a 2.8 for about 6-7 months and I bought a B5 S4 last week and I haven't been happier. I actually bought mine from a VW dealer and along with the car I bought a 3 year warranty which covers my turbos, which for me is a big plus cause I know I don't have the money to buy new turbos.

[ThirdStrike]

you See It's Really Quite Simple. If You Can't Afford To Fix This Car, Don't Buy It.

[/end Thread]

+100000001

[Rated S]

I came from a GTI 2.8 VR6 (practically same engine) and couldn't be happier.

But, like Alex said, if you can't afford maintenance on this car, it definitely isnt right for you.

[Lensch09]

I came from a GTI 2.8 VR6 (practically same engine)

Wow....
-Dan

[lil' is 300]

Wow....
-Dan

My thoughts exactly. Couldn't be any more wrong...

[tike0rz]

Is he saying the Audi 2.8 and the GTi 2.8 are practically the same engine?

[gointoscott]

you are asking how reliable the turbos are.

The answer has a lot of variables. Yes they are prone to go. If one goes you should replace both.

Some go for 150,000 and still strong, others barely make it to 50,000

The earlier model S4's (00's) had smaller oil lines and seamed more prone to go bad. But can happen to any 2.7 car.

The maintenance and abuse will def have to be factored in, but at the same time some guys beat the crap out of their cars and the turbo's last a long time.

So for the overall reliability factor for K03's Its hard to say.

As you've read the best answer is they are known to have problems and need replacement. So if you buy one be prepared for the possibility of having to replace them. Thats the best way to approach it.

If you cant afford to fix them, then its probably better not to buy one.

[NastyNogaro]

I've done my research

Do the turbos blow often in general?

I think you need to do a little more "research" if this question has not been answered yet.

[Rated S]

Wow....
-Dan

Yeah I know the VR6 is 15o and the 2.8 in the Audi is is normal 30o and it has more valves. I'm talking power output here and toqrueness of the engine, yeah, yeah Audi is 190 and VR6 is 175... nevermind.

I could have phrased that better.

[Lensch09]

Yeah I know the VR6 is 15o and the 2.8 in the Audi is is normal 30o and it has more valves. I'm talking power output here and toqrueness of the engine, yeah, yeah Audi is 190 and VR6 is 175... nevermind.

I could have phrased that better.

Yeah you could of. At least is sounds like you somewhat know what you're talking about. Thats better than most people
-Dan

[Rated S]

Yeah you could of. At least is sounds like you somewhat know what you're talking about. Thats better than most people
-Dan

I would hope I know what I'm somewhat talking about. I owned and modded both cars.
Technically the Audi was my girlfriends, but all the same.

[casawhites4]

I know they're more fun, but I'm asking about maintenance. Do the turbos blow often in general?

come on now
do some more "research" lol
http://http://www.audizine.com/forum...d.php?t=224503

[CruzS4]

the turbos blow as the rule, not the exception... but then you have an excuse to go stage 3 or at least 3-, judging by your budget. unfortunately when mine went i was a broke ass college student and needed my car for school so i had to get k03s again but whatever at least i won't have to worry about them most likely for the duration of my ownership of the car. night and day over A4, go for it, but be wary about the maintenance

[S"ftw"]

ive had my s4 for about 2 and a half years and its given me tranny problems, ive had multiple problems with boost leaks and various other costly experiences. Overall i still love the car its worth the aggrivation. If you do get the s4 get ready to buy 710's for about 35 bucks, a samco hose kit with tbb for 400 bucks and get em installed b4 you have any problems with that.

[lil' is 300]

Here's an excel list I've compiled of parts I replaced under just a few years of warranty (out of date, there are many more):



PS: Labor not included.

For all the younger ones that think this car is a great buy because it's cheaper than a new Civic, let this be a warning/reality check to all.

[Rated S]

Aww, cmon. How many people replace a short block.

[lil' is 300]

Aww, cmon. How many people replace a short block.

How many dealerships forget to tighten the oil drain plug to spec? Either way, you're looking at over $10,000 in parts without the short block.

Funny thing is, I'm the second owner of the car and got it with 32,000 miles on it over 4 years ago. Most of the S4's in the market today are 90k+ mile cars going onto the 5th, 6th, 7th owners...

[Militant-Grunt]

I've been working on both motors long enough to know to stick with a 1.8t motor. (just the rest of the components around it are rubbish). Pulling the motor to do a few different jobs is too much of a pain in the ass.

[ThirdStrike]

I've been working on both motors long enough to know to stick with a 1.8t motor. (just the rest of the components around it are rubbish). Pulling the motor to do a few different jobs is too much of a pain in the ass.

my 2.7 is the toy my 1.8 is the reliable daily driver
id say overall both are reliable but thats only because im not scared to fix my own shiz.

[GramCracker]

The autotrader link posted in the OP, the guy isn't using G12. Just thought I'd share.