Had M3...Just purchased an '04 S4 and couldn't be happier

[amlos]

Yet another previous M3 owner moving on (up) to an S4...

I purchased a showroom condition B6 S4 manual on Friday after months of searching and I am very impressed with it (silver on black/silver alcantera with aluminum trim, Bose, and BNS-4 nav) . The engine note alone is intoxicating and the V8, while not violently accelerative, seems to have power at any rpm.

Compared with the m3, what I have noticed so far is that the steering in the S4 is more muted but there is such a solid feeling to it that I really can't complain. The tracking on the freeway is extremely solid and the cruising noise levels are far superior to the e36 or e46 levels. The throttle response is not quite as quick but the engine is far less peaky and easier to use as a daily driver. The chassis feels like it's braced with unobtanium and the AWD affords such stability yet practicality that it blurs the line between sports and usability. Lets not even talk about interiors, I know everyone here knows which is superior... The M3's are undoubtably more precise track machines but, for a car that is more practical, comfortable, and, despite it's significant weight disadvantage, beat an M3 around the top gear test track, the S4 is a more livable, enjoyable daily solution. Basically, thus far, I have found that the S4 is a better combination of sport and sedan than I could have possibly imagined and the mere idea of driving it makes me relish the thought of going on a simple grocery run.

Anyway, having had too many severely modified cars in the past, I am hesitant to add anything to the car that may affect reliability and increase NVH. In fact, the only "mod" I have so far invested in is a 5yr warranty! That being said, for the future, I am curious which mods offer the best bang for the buck. For the moment, the stock suspension seems capable enough and comfortable so I suppose I'm looking more for mods that increase power and driving enjoyment in other ways (ie: shifting, driveline stabilization, etc.) Also, I have done and will continue to do track days and classes so no need to throw that in as the most important mod .

I have heard that the early B6 S4's have a vacuum actuated flapper in the exhaust. As an '03 built car, I would imagine that mine has this feature. Is there any benefit gained from disabling the actuators? Does the exhaust note become raspy as I have been told?

I am currently looking at doing the RNS-E retrofit and would be glad to find a reliable source for one.

It took me quite a while to stumble across this forum but I'm glad I did; there seems to be a lot of good information here in a format that is easy to search through. I hope to learn enough about this car to one day be to able offer advice myself. TIA

[PRVWing]

Glad you like it!! Awesome cars!!

One mod you will enjoy a lot, specially if you do track days, is the RS4 rear sway bar. Maybe you dont feel as much of an improvement like us, A4's, but its still a good mod. ECS has them for like $110 (something like that) and wont affect your warranty since the dealership wont notice it.

[jdmnomore]

Research aftermarket snub mounts if youre looking for improved shifting feel. Congrats on your purchase certainly cant knock you for doing what you did, for practicality our cars win hands down.

[JOS4AUDI]

very nice glad to hear it.

[wakzak33]

This sounds like the rivalry between me and my brother. My brother, has had an '05 E46 M3 Black on Red, and he is in love with it. I've driven in it, and rode in it, and it is very fun, but also a little to "crazy" for me. I purchased my first Audi about 2 weeks ago, and I would have to say that my '04 S4 is just much more refined. I would definetly say it's still crazy, but not ridiculous crazy. He has the 19" M3 CSL wheels, and didn't mod his car at all. The thing I did like about the M3, is that it's 6-cylinder engine has the really nice raspy sounding tone, but the S4's V8 is just monsterous. I have yet to purchase any mods, and was thinking about an exhaust, but I realized that it's decently loud already, and with the money I have left over that I'm able to spend, I'm thinking about H&R coilovers, to lower it around an inch. Also, tinting the windows, smoking the taillights, and possibly Sportec Mono 10's. It's Brilliant Silver, with black interior, 6 spd transmission. I was researching exhausts for a longtime, and a really good combination, for a loud, very throaty, but nice sounding tone, would be the AWE downpipes, and a Milltek Catback. Good luck with your car, and enjoy as much as I am enjoying mine.

-Zach.

[S4J]

I have heard that the early B6 S4's have a vacuum actuated flapper in the exhaust. As an '03 built car, I would imagine that mine has this feature. Is there any benefit gained from disabling the actuators? Does the exhaust note become raspy as I have been told?

You've got the exhaust. Just look at your cans and you'll see an actuator arm on each one. When I had my stock setup, I just tie-strapped them open to give me a little more sound at lower RPMs. Definitely still not loud enough for me though.
Welcome to the fold!

[amlos]

Glad you like it!! Awesome cars!!

One mod you will enjoy a lot, specially if you do track days, is the RS4 rear sway bar. Maybe you dont feel as much of an improvement like us, A4's, but its still a good mod. ECS has them for like $110 (something like that) and wont affect your warranty since the dealership wont notice it.

Thanks for the tip. What is the install time on sways?

[amlos]

Thanks everyone, glad to be here.

This sounds like the rivalry between me and my brother. My brother, has had an '05 E46 M3 Black on Red, and he is in love with it. I've driven in it, and rode in it, and it is very fun, but also a little to "crazy" for me. I purchased my first Audi about 2 weeks ago, and I would have to say that my '04 S4 is just much more refined. I would definetly say it's still crazy, but not ridiculous crazy. He has the 19" M3 CSL wheels, and didn't mod his car at all. The thing I did like about the M3, is that it's 6-cylinder engine has the really nice raspy sounding tone, but the S4's V8 is just monsterous. I have yet to purchase any mods, and was thinking about an exhaust, but I realized that it's decently loud already, and with the money I have left over that I'm able to spend, I'm thinking about H&R coilovers, to lower it around an inch. Also, tinting the windows, smoking the taillights, and possibly Sportec Mono 10's. It's Brilliant Silver, with black interior, 6 spd transmission. I was researching exhausts for a longtime, and a really good combination, for a loud, very throaty, but nice sounding tone, would be the AWE downpipes, and a Milltek Catback. Good luck with your car, and enjoy as much as I am enjoying mine.

-Zach.

Funny, my brother has an '05 M3 cabrio Black on Burnt Cinnamon.. I'm curious about an exhaust as it does seem to release a few ponies but my last 3 cars were far too loud and it's nice to not worry about the neighbors hating me when I decide to go somewhere at 1:00am. If if find an option out there with a subtle increase in volume, I may consider it. Good luck with the mods!

You've got the exhaust. Just look at your cans and you'll see an actuator arm on each one. When I had my stock setup, I just tie-strapped them open to give me a little more sound at lower RPMs. Definitely still not loud enough for me though.
Welcome to the fold!

Think I'll be heading outside with some zipties this morning! I'm not looking for that much volume, just a hint more of the V8's luciousness will do. Are the flaps usually closed at low rpm or high rpm?

[jerrym]

amlos do i know you?

[amlos]

amlos do i know you?

It's definitely possible, not sure. I've lived in OC for the past 6 years...

[ginkof]

Thanks for the tip. What is the install time on sways?

I installed both my front and rear sways in about an hour with common hand tools. If you jack up the car they are right there. i would say invest in the hotchkis sport RS4 swaybar set up. Its only $420 shipped and it will impress you beyond belief on onramps for the amount of money you spend.

In terms of shifting look into a JHM solid short throw shifter

a few companies sell snub mounts for this car

Consider getting an exhaust... if not a full exhaust with the downpipes then atleast the cat back. It sounds absolutely amazing. I have milltek full exhaust but they can get a bit pricy.. maybe since they are made overseas. Check out Fast Intentions, AWE, Labree, and APR.

There aren't really any HP gaining mods other then a full exhaust system. Some companies have a supercharger kit coming out soon but will run you 9k plus install and the exhaust is required.

Check out the search button on this forum and you will find tons of options and opinions.

[LampyB]

^^+1 for the Fast Intentions or AWE exhaust. both sound meaner than hell on an S4. welcome to AZ, hopefully you'll find a ton of help with just about anything you may need!

[Maverick]

JHM short shifter, you won't disappoint. maybe RS4 rear sway

just some basic mods

[Gordon Gekko]

It's definitely possible, not sure. I've lived in OC for the past 6 years...

How many former E46 M3 owners that now own S4/RS4s could there be in OC?

1. Gordon Gekko
2.

[MisanoRS4]

^^ Not in OC, but im one too. Congrats on the car

[akitamike]

Agreed on the above mods:
1. JHMotorsports "solid" shifter - check out his video on his webpage, you'll be sold.
2. catback exhaust - I went Fast Intentions, very nice product, tones down raspy stock.
3. RS4 swaybars, front and rear, 35mm front 29mm rear set to stiffest (not done yet but everyone says better turn in and less body roll in twisty turns).

[amlos]

Thanks everyone, great input! I'll be looking into these mods once the new car buzz dissipates. Still enjoying every minute of driving (despite the mileage ).

[c4racer]

I never owned a E46 M3, but that was the car I was about to get when I decided to go for an S4 Avant instead. I am so happy I did. I've had the car almost a year. And the S4 has been the best daily driver I've owned and not to mention the most practical too. Awesome in any weather including severe snow storms (with proper tires of course). So it has basically replaced a 2 vehicle stable because it covers most of what I need an SUV for these days.

Previous cars I owned:
E36 M3
E39 M5
Z06 Corvette
CTSV
Evo IX

The S4 beats all of those as a daily driver in so many ways - I am simply thrilled with the car, and this is the first car I've kept more than 1 year in quite some time. So I must like it!!

[Beelzeebub]

Congrats on the car. Like you, I was searching for months for a car. I wanted high performance, luxury and i wanted it to be a German car. I was initially looking at BMW E39 M5s. Seemed like i would drive home with one, but living in a climate that gets snow and ice, i just could not convince myself enough that I would get a bimmer. I wanted one and the E39 seemed like my car...but the rear wheel drive just completely put the final nail in the coffin. I have an SUV which the wife uses as her daily driver, so i dont have the luxury of choosing cars for whatever kind of weather. I went with a CPO B7 S4. Sometimes, I still think about the 340 bhp vs. the 400 bhp of the E39 M5. But its growing on me. :)

[amlos]

Out of curiosity, I have read conflicting reports on what the stock diveline distribution is on the B6 S4, I have read posts stating that it is 50:50 while others believe we have a more rear biased setup that makes it seem a little more variable towards a rear bias. These cars still use the T-2 Torsen center if correct? Is the bias still 50:50 or is there a little rear bias added for the s croud?