Looking at a 2001.5 S4... Help!

[Bimmerchop]

Hey guys, it's been a long time since I've found myself back in these forums, but my time with my bimmer is finally up. I'm in desperate need of a fast replacement for my car. Looking for a fun, daily.... but most importantly, reliable. That's where the issue lies.

I've been also considering an evo 9, but I can't seem to get over the cheap interior and the fact that it looks a little to "childish". I'd also like to stick with either BMW or Audi.

As I said, I need a car ASAP, needs to be around $15k ($20k tops), AWD, fun to drive, and most importantly... reliable! I know these cars aren't cheap to maintain, and am willing to do most of the basic maintenance work myself. However, would I be shooting myself in the foot if I were to buy a 2001.5 modded S4?

There are only a couple selling close enough in my area for me to drive to and inspect myself, but both of them have been modified. I can't find a decent well maintained stock s4 anywhere, and I'm running out of options here.

Ideally, I'd like to keep my car as I've put a lot into it already, but I'm just too fed up with it... I don't want to make the mistake of jumping from one troublesome vehicle to the next. What should I look for as far as problem areas go on the 2001.5 models? I'm going to look t these S4s hopefully with my buddy whose a mechanic.

[team_soy]

buy a stage 3 and be happy

[JDM EJ1 95]

buy my stage 3 and be happy.

its a bit more than 15k.. but i have a ton of paperwork on the maintnence and everything that has been done to it.

its a top notch example of a well maintained s4.

i know all previous owners and the whole history of the vehicle.


pm me if your interested

87k which is kinda low mileage.
nogaro
clean carfax
stg3 +
porsche brakes
+more

[Daness373]

All stock (engine) 2001.5 Silver/Alcantera. Ecodes. H$R coilovers. RS4 grill. 18"DTM's. I'll snap some photos for you when i get a new card for my camera. Maintained at matrix Integrated and clean title.

[andru1313]

buy my 2001.5 Stage 2+ low miles. Silver with sport package. And there is no such thing as a trouble free S4.

[Bimmerchop]

Thanks for the offers everyone, but I already have a particular local one in mind. I'm going to be looking at it this week hopefully, but I'll consider your offers as well.

All you guys trying to get rid of your S4s is making me a bit worried though about my decision to go with the B5 S4

I know every car has it's fair share of headaches, I don't expect to find a worry free S4, but are they really not that reliable if well maintained?

[andru1313]

Even when they are well maintained they are expesive to do routine stuff. Parts are pricey and labor is a pain. In my opinion they are not real easy to work on. I can say i have no clue what i am going to buy when i sell mine. there is nothing like the S4 on the market. I am also looking into an Evo 9. The interior doesn't even compair as well as teh boy racer status....

[gointoscott]

I dont want to sell mine I love it

I think sometimes guys want to sell their car because they stuck a lot of money in modding it and they are in debt so they want to sell to get out of debt.

[Bimmerchop]

Owning a BMW is not cheap to maintain either, so I'm used to the high costs of parts and labor. I'm not so worried about spending $ on maintaining it, as I am on buying an unreliable vehicle. I don't want something that will always keep breaking down on me. The S4 I'm currently considering has minor power mods on it; APR 5.0 software

[andru1313]

Well I wouldn't say they break down. The CEL thing gets annoying invest in a VAG

[xx_s4quattro_xx]

Why dont you just keep your bimmer and get the s4 too? Ha thats what i did i dont care for the price to maintain my car im always happy every morning when driving a beast to work. I spend more money on this car than my girl lol hope she dont read this.

[GramCracker]

Or they are selling because the car isn't practical for them at the moment (maybe they had a kid, or are buying a house). I know 2001S4CT (Paul) is selling his car. He's in Fairfield County. Shoot him a PM. He's stage 3 I'm pretty sure.

[Bimmerchop]

Why dont you just keep your bimmer and get the s4 too? Ha thats what i did i dont care for the price to maintain my car im always happy every morning when driving a beast to work. I spend more money on this car than my girl lol hope she dont read this.

Trust me, if I could, I would. I love my car, it's been giving me subframe trouble though, so I have to get rid of it. She will be missed ...

[Bimmerchop]

Or they are selling because the car isn't practical for them at the moment (maybe they had a kid, or are buying a house). I know 2001S4CT (Paul) is selling his car. He's in Fairfield County. Shoot him a PM. He's stage 3 I'm pretty sure.

Thanks, I'll look up his thread in a bit

[JDM EJ1 95]

dont get the wrong idea bud.


i dont wanna nor do i HAVE to sell my car.

theyre not that bad of cars.. just make sure you have some money saved up in case something ends up going wrong.

i just really want an avant (wagon)

so its not like im getting rid of it cause its an S4.. cause ill just be buying another S4

[TPC303]

Even when they are well maintained they are expesive to do routine stuff. Parts are pricey and labor is a pain. In my opinion they are not real easy to work on. I can say i have no clue what i am going to buy when i sell mine. there is nothing like the S4 on the market. I am also looking into an Evo 9. The interior doesn't even compair as well as teh boy racer status....

My next will be a 335xi.

[GramCracker]

Trust me, if I could, I would. I love my car, it's been giving me subframe trouble though, so I have to get rid of it. She will be missed ...

That is a sick car!

[SourDieselS4]

I wouldnt call the S4 unreliable, mine has never let me down. It has its problems as any car does but what you get for the money is great. Also if youre spending 15-20k you should have the luxury or getting one that is well maintained and dosnt have crazy miles on it.

If i got a car now for what i spent 3 years ago it would be hooked up $$$$$ stage 3 nogaro maybe even JDM EJ1 95's

<3 b5 s4

[VonPooper]

this car is a pita but worth it in the end. choose wisely.

[Daness373]

Yeah i am not trying to sell either but for the right price i would do anyting hah. they are unreliable if you treat them bad, mine has never caused one problem thus far. Just lucky i guess

[Bimmerchop]

After some more digging around, I've been able to find quite a few other s4 owners still going strong (100k+ miles) with very minor problems if any, which is reassuring.

I took a look at one of the cars yesterday... it seemed to be overall in great shape. Unfortunately, I was unable to drive it and fully inspect it. I just gave it a quick look over since it was parked near by. I did find a couple paint flaws that have me concerned though. The clear coat on a small area by the driver's side door molding is peeling. However, other than that, it seemed fine, and the interior was in great shape as well. I plan on meeting with the current owner later on this week in order for me to give it a good look over and take it out for a spin. If that goes well, I definitely see myself pulling the trigger and purchasing the car very soon.

Does the exterior color have a strong effect on the price of used S4s btw? I've been seeing a wide range of prices for comparable S4s, anywhere from $10-15k. Some as high as $18k. The nogaros, imolas, and pearls seem to be selling at a higher price range than other colors...?

My next will be a 335xi.

The 335Xi is a great car. My friend has one in alpine white/black. If I currently had the funds, it would definitely be near the top of my list. Got other more important things that come first though, so it's out of the question for now.

[Daness373]

You will see a slightly higher price for cars of certain colors (barely noticable). It is normal, but there are enough cars for sale that it shouldn't be hard to find one that is in your price range and in good shape. If i was you i would either get one stock, or stage 3. Not to say ones that have been tuned have problems but you are running a higher risk, but plenty of people on here have been chipped for 50k miles and have had hardly any issues. Its a lot of luck when picking one of these cars.

[Bimmerchop]

You will see a slightly higher price for cars of certain colors (barely noticable). It is normal, but there are enough cars for sale that it shouldn't be hard to find one that is in your price range and in good shape. If i was you i would either get one stock, or stage 3. Not to say ones that have been tuned have problems but you are running a higher risk, but plenty of people on here have been chipped for 50k miles and have had hardly any issues. Its a lot of luck when picking one of these cars.

I assume that you would prefer to get a stage 3 over a simple tune because of the greater risk of the stock turbos going??? Or are there other factors involved as to why a used stage 3 would be better than stage 1-2 in terms of reliability?

[Bimmerchop]

Okay, I have 2 options now to get the car inspected...

1) Just bring a mechanic with me when I go look at the car

2) Bring it into the audi dealership to have the inspection done

I called the dealership to see how much an inspection would run me, they said $115 + tax. This is just for them to inspect the mechanical parts of the car like the suspension and such. If I bring my friend, obviously it's free. However, the dealership might be able to inspect the car better. What do you guys think? Would the $ be well spent?

I'll also be meeting with the seller Saturday afternoon to finally take the car out for a spin. What problem signs/sounds should I look for?