S4 > RS 4 "look"

[thomasthomas]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking in the forums and reading and now is the time to ask questions that will lead to purchase. First off, it's hard making the decision between an Audi and a BMW. I've never owned either so I've no loyalty until I actually sign any papers. With that said, I really really want an RS 4 but the price is more than I want to spend on a car. So that leaves me the next best option, which would seem an S4. I don't want to make an S4 behave or look identical to an RS 4 but is it possible to mimick some visual aspects of it? I'm most interested in the front grille, rear exhaust/dam and the fender flares. I realize the fenders would involve rolling but is it possible to get it to flare as much as the RS 4 without the paint cracking? I'm aware the S4 is not an RS 4 and mean no disrespect towards RS 4 or S4 owners, I just know that I like the RS 4 look but don't want to pay that premium, right now. Unless... if anyone is selling a stock black RS 4 for under $40K. :P Also, are RS 4's only available with manual transmissions?

Thank you,

Thomas

ps/ I've used the search function and found scatterings of info and thought I'd try and consolidate what I need into this thread I've created.

[Hamann]

yes, only 6spd manual transmissions are on the B7.

You can make changes to the S4, but if you want to get really detailed, it's going to cost you. If I were you, I'd pay the extra 10k and get the real deal. You can find them mid 40's right now, and you get more than just "looks." With the weight of these cars, the 80 extra HP is nice...imo.

Oh, and EVERYBODY has a BMW. Get an Audi...you won't regret it.

[PwAg]

If you wait another 6 months, you will see RS4's in the mid-30's with 30-40k miles.

[S4DTM]

^^doubt they'll drop THAT low, that'd be pretty incredible...and the closest stock look to an RS4 you're gonna get with the S4 is the DTM package. Not exactly like it, but I'm still a huge fan

[Ynnekdude]

I agree, the DTM package is your best bet. It looks outstanding on the S4, makes it a little more RS4-esque, yet keeps the car very subtle and classy as all Audi's are.

[nonsense55]

If you wait another 6 months, you will see RS4's in the mid-30's with 30-40k miles.

Here is one for under $40,000. It is in my area and I would be happy to have a look/drive for ya

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

[djstardom]

^^^^ Heh, heh... I just bought that car. Having it shipped out to Los Angeles early next week. Woo hoo!

[sakimano]

^^^^ Heh, heh... I just bought that car. Having it shipped out to Los Angeles early next week. Woo hoo!

hilarious

did you get a spanking good deal?

that car looks absolutely stunning. Love the grey, and it has the platinum seats too. Beauty.

[sakimano]

^^doubt they'll drop THAT low, that'd be pretty incredible...and the closest stock look to an RS4 you're gonna get with the S4 is the DTM package. Not exactly like it, but I'm still a huge fan

why not? They're almost there already. Audi auction prices are hovering around high 30s-low 40s for AWESOME cars with 5-15,000 miles.

[JMG]

The RS4 is already pretty affordable. I'd just get that if thats what you really wanted. THe DTM is the next best thing, but what you paid for a DTM just months ago could almost get you an RS4 today cpo.

[Hamann]

plan on keeping my RS4 for 24 months. Paid $44,000 for an 07 with 17,500 miles...fully loaded (sticker was 75,110).

If I can sell it for $28-$30k with 50k miles on it...I'll be happy.

[ArthurPE]

I bought a 2007 RS4
Imola, 0 options, sunroof delete
8500 miles, 2.5 yrs left on the base warranty
CPO'ed
previous owner: Audi NA
mid 40's

I love the car

[cellg8]

What people said here exactly... Get one with DTM Package... To me 'sprint blue' is supposed to be the RS4 'signature' color...so I got it + DTM/sports package + 7 double-spoke rims... Have had a few ppl come up to me (including a4 owners) and thought it was a RS4...lol...

[VVG]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking in the forums and reading and now is the time to ask questions that will lead to purchase. First off, it's hard making the decision between an Audi and a BMW. I've never owned either so I've no loyalty until I actually sign any papers. With that said, I really really want an RS 4 but the price is more than I want to spend on a car. So that leaves me the next best option, which would seem an S4. I don't want to make an S4 behave or look identical to an RS 4 but is it possible to mimick some visual aspects of it? I'm most interested in the front grille, rear exhaust/dam and the fender flares. I realize the fenders would involve rolling but is it possible to get it to flare as much as the RS 4 without the paint cracking? I'm aware the S4 is not an RS 4 and mean no disrespect towards RS 4 or S4 owners, I just know that I like the RS 4 look but don't want to pay that premium, right now. Unless... if anyone is selling a stock black RS 4 for under $40K. :P Also, are RS 4's only available with manual transmissions?

Thank you,

Thomas

ps/ I've used the search function and found scatterings of info and thought I'd try and consolidate what I need into this thread I've created.

Here you go:

Pick and choose the pieces you like.

http://www.lltek.com/hfltek_a4_8e_rs4look_b7.htm

[Hamann]

Have had a few ppl come up to me (including a4 owners) and thought it was a RS4...lol..

it's similar...but, audi owners should know better.

[AudiOso]

I realize the fenders would involve rolling but is it possible to get it to flare as much as the RS 4 without the paint cracking?

That doesn't make sense at all. You can't "roll" the fenders to flare them like that. You'd have to do some serious bodywork that would involve changing fenders up front and replacing the rear quarter panels. Fact is, if you want a car that looks like a RS4 then you need to buy a RS4. They're pretty affordable these days.

[djstardom]

hilarious

did you get a spanking good deal?

that car looks absolutely stunning. Love the grey, and it has the platinum seats too. Beauty.

-Thanks. It's been absolutely maddening to survive on pictures only, since I've been working the deal for about 2 weeks now. I was a millisecond away from buying a similarly-priced one here in California (Avus Silver), but I stuck with my gut and went for the exact color that I wanted and opted to go for the long-distance transaction instead.

I'm definitely happy with the deal I got. I'll just say that I paid less than asking price, got free shipping to California and an extra set of 5 newish winter tires included with the deal. (Look for them bad boys in the classified section of the forum soon)

I was looking at the same exact choices when I was considering the leap - DTM S4 Vs. RS 4. I found a couple of the S4's, but they kept getting sold out from under me before I was ready to make an offer. I then turned my sites to the RS 4, and realized that there were some really good deals floating around in classified land.

I'll post some pics once all the red tape is sorted, and the car lands onto Los Angeles soil... er, pavement that is.

[FastB7S4]

I must be the only one on here that doesn't really care for the DTM package. I'm not a fan of the foglight-less front bumper or the wider grill.

[ngng]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking in the forums and reading and now is the time to ask questions that will lead to purchase. First off, it's hard making the decision between an Audi and a BMW. I've never owned either so I've no loyalty until I actually sign any papers. With that said, I really really want an RS 4 but the price is more than I want to spend on a car. So that leaves me the next best option, which would seem an S4. I don't want to make an S4 behave or look identical to an RS 4 but is it possible to mimick some visual aspects of it? I'm most interested in the front grille, rear exhaust/dam and the fender flares. I realize the fenders would involve rolling but is it possible to get it to flare as much as the RS 4 without the paint cracking? I'm aware the S4 is not an RS 4 and mean no disrespect towards RS 4 or S4 owners, I just know that I like the RS 4 look but don't want to pay that premium, right now. Unless... if anyone is selling a stock black RS 4 for under $40K. :P Also, are RS 4's only available with manual transmissions?

Thank you,

Thomas

ps/ I've used the search function and found scatterings of info and thought I'd try and consolidate what I need into this thread I've created.

mod the s4 right and it'll out handle the RS4

[iconoclast]

^^doubt they'll drop THAT low, that'd be pretty incredible...

carcash is / auction is already seeing them at $35-37k.

[b00st]

lowest RS4 in the chicagoland area is 53k....up to 70k.
i wish they were in the mid 40s.

[ngng]

carcash is / auction is already seeing them at $35-37k.

I just saw an RS4 for 45k on maheim

[thomasthomas]

Thanks so much for everyone that replied - awesome! I'm still on the fence here on whether to go for an S4 or splurge for an RS 4. Sigh... This might come off as wimpy but if the RS 4 came with an AUTO transmission option, that would probably tilt the scale for me. I live in Seattle so the traffic is stop and go most times when I hit the roads. Also, I have this perception that a manual isn't as "safe" or "effective" in the wet and snow. I know it's ridiculous to think that because it depends on the driver. Speaking of Seattle, there's a grey 2008 S4 in the showroom at University Audi that's really nice. Does anyone know how long that car has been there? The sales guy made it seem like at that price ($47K and some change), it was going to go fast! As we were leaving the dealership, he stopped me and said that it is year end and they're trying to unload stock and that he spoke with the manager and wanted to know what i thought would be a "fair" price. Haha...

So I've pretty much ruled out BMWs. Was considering a 2005 M3 or a 2007 335i Coupe - both insanely good cars. I have nothing negative to say about those cars. Quattro tilted the scale, after realizing that I'm still considering a used Range Rover. So my choices: S4 / RS 4 / Range Rover. Crap, I hate buying cars.

Thanks for not flaming me too bad and letting a n00b rant.

[VR2V8]

I must be the only one on here that doesn't really care for the DTM package. I'm not a fan of the foglight-less front bumper or the wider grill.

I hear you on the foglights. I really wish I had them. I've been thinking about adding some but want it controlled just like factory. Do you guys with fogs have a different headlight switch? DTM has the normal auto/markers/headlights positions and the first (only) pull turns on the rear fogs. Does a normal S4 headlight switch add a second pull position? First pull is front fogs, second is rear fogs?

But, the DTM grille isn't wider than any other. It just looks that way because it is shorter. It's the same grille as the A4 non s-line cars. I have an RS4 grille on my DTM and all I had to do was trim about an inch off the bottom to make it fit my bumper. All but the bottom 1" is identical in size/shape/curve to every other grille.

[FastB7S4]

Does a normal S4 headlight switch add a second pull position? First pull is front fogs, second is rear fogs?

Yes, first pull front fogs and second is rear.

But, the DTM grille isn't wider than any other. It just looks that way because it is shorter. It's the same grille as the A4 non s-line cars. I have an RS4 grille on my DTM and all I had to do was trim about an inch off the bottom to make it fit my bumper. All but the bottom 1" is identical in size/shape/curve to every other grille.

Ahh...it's wider at the bottom because it does not extend down as far as the RS4/S/S-line. I see now. Still, it gives the illusion that it's wider because of that.

[iconoclast]

I just saw an RS4 for 45k on maheim

nov.19.2008 black with 15k sold at auction for 40k. someone whos taking it in as a trade in or at wholesale, is going to give you between 35-37k, this way if they sell it at auction theyre going to get at least 40k for it.

[ngng]

Thanks so much for everyone that replied - awesome! I'm still on the fence here on whether to go for an S4 or splurge for an RS 4. Sigh... This might come off as wimpy but if the RS 4 came with an AUTO transmission option, that would probably tilt the scale for me. I live in Seattle so the traffic is stop and go most times when I hit the roads. Also, I have this perception that a manual isn't as "safe" or "effective" in the wet and snow. I know it's ridiculous to think that because it depends on the driver. Speaking of Seattle, there's a grey 2008 S4 in the showroom at University Audi that's really nice. Does anyone know how long that car has been there? The sales guy made it seem like at that price ($47K and some change), it was going to go fast! As we were leaving the dealership, he stopped me and said that it is year end and they're trying to unload stock and that he spoke with the manager and wanted to know what i thought would be a "fair" price. Haha...

So I've pretty much ruled out BMWs. Was considering a 2005 M3 or a 2007 335i Coupe - both insanely good cars. I have nothing negative to say about those cars. Quattro tilted the scale, after realizing that I'm still considering a used Range Rover. So my choices: S4 / RS 4 / Range Rover. Crap, I hate buying cars.

Thanks for not flaming me too bad and letting a n00b rant.

I live in Seattle too and have a 6 spd...do you want to see my winter auto cross video in the snow? The transmission has nothing to do with "safety" ;) My buddy has an M3, if I didn't go up to the pass, I would have bought the M over the S. I'd pass on the Rover, it's so unreliable.

[cellg8]

Thanks so much for everyone that replied - awesome! I'm still on the fence here on whether to go for an S4 or splurge for an RS 4. Sigh... This might come off as wimpy but if the RS 4 came with an AUTO transmission option, that would probably tilt the scale for me. I live in Seattle so the traffic is stop and go most times when I hit the roads. Also, I have this perception that a manual isn't as "safe" or "effective" in the wet and snow. I know it's ridiculous to think that because it depends on the driver. Speaking of Seattle, there's a grey 2008 S4 in the showroom at University Audi that's really nice. Does anyone know how long that car has been there? The sales guy made it seem like at that price ($47K and some change), it was going to go fast! As we were leaving the dealership, he stopped me and said that it is year end and they're trying to unload stock and that he spoke with the manager and wanted to know what i thought would be a "fair" price. Haha...

So I've pretty much ruled out BMWs. Was considering a 2005 M3 or a 2007 335i Coupe - both insanely good cars. I have nothing negative to say about those cars. Quattro tilted the scale, after realizing that I'm still considering a used Range Rover. So my choices: S4 / RS 4 / Range Rover. Crap, I hate buying cars.

Thanks for not flaming me too bad and letting a n00b rant.

47K & some change is a great price...see if you can do 46k... i got mine in June (from CA) and it was 53K!

[thomasthomas]

@ ngng: that's the sickest B6 i've seen yet and I usually don't like yellow cars. Oh and I think everyone would love to see your winter autocross movie. Please....?

[Ben812]

I live in Seattle too and have a 6 spd...do you want to see my winter auto cross video in the snow? The transmission has nothing to do with "safety" ;) My buddy has an M3, if I didn't go up to the pass, I would have bought the M over the S. I'd pass on the Rover, it's so unreliable.

Do you speak from experience? My brother has had one for 4 years and my wife almost 5 years. (Both MKIII) They have been awesome and trouble free, infact, in the past 24 months, my S4 has given me 3 times the trouble I've EVER had with the RR.

Heres my conclusion

S4 Auto for DD
Range for DD with kids
RS4 for

[Hamann]

nov.19.2008 black with 15k sold at auction for 40k. someone whos taking it in as a trade in or at wholesale, is going to give you between 35-37k, this way if they sell it at auction theyre going to get at least 40k for it.

nope

[Kem]

plan on keeping my RS4 for 24 months. Paid $44,000 for an 07 with 17,500 miles...fully loaded (sticker was 75,110).

If I can sell it for $28-$30k with 50k miles on it...I'll be happy.

That's an incredible deal, have not seen one with that low miles go for that cheap yet.

I'm selling mine if anyone wants it, I'm asking $49.5k w/ prem pkg, magnaflow exahust, custom clear bra, tint and as a bonus a set of 18" hartmann b5 rs4 reps (no spracers needed +20et offset) with dunlop winter sport m3's for winter.

[Hamann]

That's an incredible deal, have not seen one with that low miles go for that cheap yet.

I'm selling mine if anyone wants it, I'm asking $49.5k w/ prem pkg, magnaflow exahust, custom clear bra, tint and as a bonus a set of 18" hartmann b5 rs4 reps (no spracers needed +20et offset) with dunlop winter sport m3's for winter.

yeah...it was a great deal...but, there's a certain someone on here... who loves to talk about auction prices....and, thinks he can get RS4's for like $5.00.

Good luck with your sale man...how many miles?

Marty

[Kem]

27k miles, so not too many. I'm willing to hear offers too if they are at least somewhere near my asking price.

[sakimano]

Do you speak from experience? My brother has had one for 4 years and my wife almost 5 years. (Both MKIII) They have been awesome and trouble free, infact, in the past 24 months, my S4 has given me 3 times the trouble I've EVER had with the RR.

Heres my conclusion

S4 Auto for DD
Range for DD with kids
RS4 for

Your family has been lucky...it's a well known fact that Land Rover products (including Land Rovers, Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport) are near bottom of the automotive heap for reliability. One owner's experience is not really a good indication of a vehicles 'likely' reliability.

Consumer Reports receives surveys of reliability from hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners, and summarizes the findings every year. Here's the Range Rover...and Range Rover Sport. 'Much Worse Than Average' was the verdict.