Opinions on B7 RS4 reliability

[Reach]

I'm hoping members here can point me to some threads with reliability information for the RS 4, or perhaps what common issues and maintenance routines are necessary for this vehicle.

I am coming from BMWs, and considering moving to an RS 4 instead of having just another M3. I'm new to the mark, so please be nice! I'd appreciate any information on expected costs of ownership, as I'd be looking for this to replace my daily driver.

[JGreen76]

There might be some good info on europeancar.com. The December 2008 issue(vol.39 No. 12) compares the RS4, M3, and C63..... it's a good article, and I would elaberate more, but I am heading out of the house.... Just remember, it's always nicer to have what is less common... That would be the RS4 in my eyes. Also a better choice for the daily driver.

[RAudi Driver]

If Reach gets one it wont be less common. At this rate, everyone's gonna have one. jk

RS4 for a daily driver works. It's actually a great daily driver but need to stretch it's legs on regular basis. DRC is going to be a problem so plan on getting a new suspension. Also if you are buying used, get an oil analysis before you purchase as some tend to burn quite a bit of oil. Don't know why but my guess would be weak break-in procedure and letting the dealer do the scheduled oil changes.

My B6 burned oil. My B7's (purchased new) oil was changed out at 1,000 miles and then again at 4k and 7k and I have no oil burning issues to date. Keeping my fingers crossed. I use Motul Excess 5-40.

Tires and brakes go fast on these cars and the brakes pads are quite expensive. So are the rotors.

Gas mileage is 12 to 16 on the streets and you'll hover at around 21 to 25 on the highways.

Hope this helps.

[zachf88]

What Ed said^^^

[Auditude2.0T]

Hey my dad has an RS4 but luckily i get to drive it very often. IMO this is the one of the greatest cars ever made. The car is good on gas for a car with 420+ ponies, my dad averages 21mpg all around with the car. My dad has it for 26k miles and the only thing he has done is brake pads once just fronts and oil change 0w-40 every 3k miles. Brake pads are actually pretty cheap, cheaper than my moms old mercedes ml.

[CanuckRS]

It's my daily driver and it's fantastic. No oil burning issues, never had one in my B7S4 either for that matter. Brake component wear are a function of your driving, nothing out of the ordinary there. Suspension upgrade is necessary but that is about it. Phenomenal car, i'd recommend it every day of the week...and of course twice on sunday :) If you are concerned about fuel mileage, well then don't buy a 4.2L V8. I'd recommend an A4 2.0T instead. Cheers

[Reach]

Tires and brakes wear, that's normal. Gas mileage is not a concern or I wouldn't be looking at the RS 4 at all. What does raise an eyebrow is the stories of suspension failure and oil burn. If anyone could tell me more about the hows and whys of these happening, or provide links, that would be great.

I couldn't find any RS 4 articles on europeancarweb.com either. A link to the previously mentioned article would be appreciated. I've read lots of positive reviews of this car, some of them a little over-gushingly so, but I'd be interested in reading more about ownership impressions. Not just the usual bit about wow! the engine and the brakes.

A little more about what I'm looking for: I'd really like this vehicle to last me a good 4 years as a daily driver. I'm not afraid of maintenance costs as long as they are predictable, what I hate is unexpected costs... things breaking. It should be able to handle 15k miles a year over all kinds of terrain, auto-x during the warm weather and maybe even 1-2 HPDE per year. I know I'm asking a lot, but I think I'm looking in the right place with the RS 4. If you audi guys think I may be barking up the wrong tree anywhere here, please let me know! I'd rather move down to an S4 and give up a little performance if it brings with it that stability factor. However, if the RS 4 can do it as well, I'll pony up for it.

Oh yeah, and its got to do all this while keeping a smile on my face. I have been able to test drive one already, and I think it can manage that last item.

[RS4POWER]

My Rs4 has 44k miles and not one problem (knock on wood). During the break in period it did burn some more oil but now everything is normal. I still change the oils every 5k miles and the car runs great! No DRC issues either or some of the other problems people have mentioned. At times my right headlight flickers. I will get to the bottom of that and extend the warranty at the 45k service.
Every time I start the car it excites me like the very first time I started in the showroom.
A very rewarding experience, you cant go wrong!

[JetBlue]

The suspension failures are well documented on a fairly large number of vehicles. It is covered under warranty and Audi is aware of the problem. Most people are just replacing the entire system with KW or Stasis.

I have not heard of oil burning problems.

[RS4POWER]

It is common the high revving engines burn a little extra oil during the break in period. I heard the same thing about the new m5. It was no big deal, a few extra quarts on hand and after 7k miles everything was normal and I didn't have to top the engine off anymore.


There is a low oil indicator light that comes on if the oil starts to get low which gives you ample time to get to some more oil.

Regarding suspension, I have hears that many people have switched over to Stasis and KW. However there is talk of an upgraded DRC solution. Hopefully this will solve this situation when mine decide to give up.

[two2]

mines burn a quart about every 4k miles.. audi does state the rs4 burns some oil. it's not a big deal for me, i just keep a couple quarts in the trunk and throw a quart in every time the Low oil lite comes on (once oil light comes on your about 1 quart low). i bought my rs4 certified with 19k miles with warranty to 100k..

as some already mentioned the car is amazing no matter how you look it. DRC or burning some oil isn't really an excuse not to get this car. i also smile each time i turn it on,. especially when cold,.. literally the car shakes followed by a deep roar that sound, just amazing and the feeling driving it. i could of practically bought any audi model (r8 exception) and i couldn't be happier with my choice.

[Charlescrs6]

MOST powerful cars burn oil. Hell if I drive my 3.0 hard for a long time I'll end up burning some oil... My friend has an M6 and he is always adding oil to that thing, and there's nothing wrong with it (except that he drives it hard).

[gjc]

DRC is the biggest problem, do a search as there are tons of threads on it here, AW and 6speedonline. I think some guy is putting a law suit together regarding the issue....

[zx9]

the car is pretty solid imo. awesome car for a daily driver. mine does burn oil every few thousand miles so I just keep extra oil in the trunk. i just had 1 of my shocks replaced under warranty due to leakage. some say that rs4 suspension issues are common, while others say that there is just a few of us that have experienced this. even still, I would buy this car 10 times over.

[RS4POWER]

ZX9-

How many miles are on your car? After 7-10k miles you shouldn't need to top it off anymore.

GJC- I read the thread where the guy is putting a law suit together. Lets just hope he is not the only one that benefits from it.

[scotty607]

just gettin to know my RS4 but I had to take it to Audi for a repair and he showed me how the suspension is sweating fluid and that 1 day it would be a problem. Also said that Audi has no warranty for it as of yet. But a Stasis or KW suspension would take out the understeer and just bring the vehicle to an even higher level. I drove an Evo IX MR before I bought my RS4. Its got more growl and more functions, its more refined more comfortable. This is one of the best vehicles you can buy today. Check the back issue of Modified Luxury Exotics article on the KW suspension with Hotchkis sway bars.

[zx9]

ZX9-

How many miles are on your car? After 7-10k miles you shouldn't need to top it off anymore.

GJC- I read the thread where the guy is putting a law suit together. Lets just hope he is not the only one that benefits from it.

28500, I dunno what it is, but just about every car I've owned has burned oil!

[RS4POWER]

Zx9- You must run your car pretty hard, thats what you're supposed to do anyway. Do you change your oils often?
Off topic, what color is your car. I saw an avus silver twice on route 16, delaware with MD tags. Maybe you?

[VVG]

Just FYI.....

The suspension failure you are hearing about is fluid leaking from the dynamic ride control tubing which diagonally links the shock absorbers. While there has no doubt been a problem, most RS4's are still trouble free. That said, it is covered under warranty, and there has been an improved part produced should your system develop leaks. Otherwise, the stock suspension is very capable. If you want to regularly track your car, you should certainly upgrade the suspension, but if this is a real daily driver, the stock suspension provides a great ride/handling balance.

My car has been totally trouble free in my 2 years and 1 month of ownership. It is a simply phenomenal machine. If you are coming from BMW, you will be amazed at how hard you can drive a car with quattro with no worries about losing control.

[MontyRS]

Just wanted to revisit this thread...anyone with an RS4 that has worked into some serious repair bills? Anyone driving past the warranty period that has an crazy stories? I have CPO and plan on driving it for a while so I'm not too worried, but the "I'm sick of this car!" thread gets you thinking...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268057

[crafty]

Just wanted to revisit this thread...anyone with an RS4 that has worked into some serious repair bills? Anyone driving past the warranty period that has an crazy stories? I have CPO and plan on driving it for a while so I'm not too worried, but the "I'm sick of this car!" thread gets you thinking...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268057

I thought about it too (I currently have both an S4 and an RS4, at least until I put the S up for sale!). I just got the RS (CPO as well), and it is a DIFFERENT car! You pretty much cannot draw any conclusions from his issues in that thread on he RS I don't think... built in differnt factory, to a different standard, completely different motor, suspension, brakes, most of the body, and on and on.

As a side note had my S for about 25K mi (bought used with 23K mi, now has 48K mi) and had a couple of very minor problems (window regulator, hole in exhaust, all warrantied), and I exercise my cars (not rag... I baby, but I also stretch its legs, not healthy for a performance hi revving motor not to!). My S treated me very well.

My RS makes some really weird noises (burboling everytime I let off the accellerator, and backfiring every once in a while too), but it has FB non-res valved Milltek on it, so I really don't know what to expect either since I never haveeven heard an RS in person :). I planned on taking some pics that I owe anyway, and trying to get video sound of my RS noises to get forum feedback... but other than that (which may be normal), the RS seems great. According to the Audi service history, nothing has gone wrong with it either, no history of DRC repair, and it has 38K mi and was delivered in June 2006 to the original owner. Since the owner is the one that modded it with the exhaust, I suppose I should check if he already replaced the DRC :).

[MontyRS]

Don't worry about that "burble" with an aftermarket exhaust. I just went from OEM to a GMG exhaust and you hear the same burble as you let off the gas. I'm nearing 25k miles and nothing notable in terms of maintenance either...keeping fingers crossed!

[PetrolDave]

I've owned an RS4 Avant since July 2006 and have covered 29,000 miles

- time off road for routine servicing? 2 days.

- time of road for fixing and/or investigation of problems? 0 days.

- time of road for repairing accident damage? 4 days, my fault.

Not what I would call an unreliable car...

[nimski62]

Have you ever posted pics of your 'dream car' as we would call it here in the US?^^

[RS Maniac]

DRC is obviously a chronic item and has been beaten to death, so won't say much more other than I've had 6 shocks and 2 central accumulators (valves) replaced already. Never had issues with oil burning or check engine lights. It seems a decent amount of people have complained about carbon buildup, so something to be mindful of whether this FSI engine is susceptible to such...

[benjithehunter]

Zombie thread I know but I have the same question now that these have dropped so much in price and I think it should be under the same topic. SO! Lets get the ball rolling, again.

New comments in term long term reliability?? Most used ones have around 100k.

How much have people spent on carbon cleaning over the years? Major issues? Thanks!

[PetrolDave]

I've had my RS4 Avant from new in July 2006 and have done 84k miles.

Has it ever let me down? - no.

How much have I spent on CC? - zero.

Major repairs? - oil cooler and pipes, nearside aux radiator, DRC valve and 2 shocks. Apart from that just normal servicing and wear items (one set of front discs and two sets of front pads, still on original rear discs and pads).

What's my 3k-8k time? - 8.6 seconds, so no point in doing a CC.

[NastyNogaro]

Zombie thread I know but I have the same question now that these have dropped so much in price and I think it should be under the same topic. SO! Lets get the ball rolling, again.

New comments in term long term reliability?? Most used ones have around 100k.

How much have people spent on carbon cleaning over the years? Major issues? Thanks!

I'll play. Bought mine in 2010 with 20,100 miles, now have 93k on it. Would sell it for maybe mid 20s, but I don't need to, and not sure what else I'd get into if I did. When I first got the car, it was still under warranty until 50k miles (or until some date in 2012 IIRC). Shortly after ownership the DRC shocks started leaking so I had the recall done, (car now has Billstein PSS9) - then around 46k miles (right before end of warranty) my check engine light came on due to a misfire, it was deemed a carbon issue by their techs so I was actually able to get carbon cleaned under warranty.

Since then, only brakes, oil changes.. Did another carbon clean around 70k which my shop charged me $650, thought it was a solid deal. FORGOT to tell them to install my JHM IM spacers lol so next clean which is gonna be my upcoming 95k service I'm gonna have those put on.

No issues here, with any of my stock parts (minus the suspension) (knock on wood) in about 73k miles of driving. I've got a full catless exhaust but no CEL with the JHM tune. Only other stuff I've had happen is cosmetic - one of my interior trim carbon fiber pieces decided to develop a huge crack. Prob due to sitting out in the parking lot at my work on a couple of real cold days here in NJ. My interior otherwise still looks fantastic (I have the black/red 2 tone) and I've seen other RS4 interiors with 60k that look like total ass. I guess I'm a skinny guy with a skinny gf so zero stress on the recaros

[d2a4]

Anyone in SoCal has his/her CC? By stealer, private or indy shop? How much? I know BMW 335 CC can be done for $250 at indy shop (but they did not even response to my request).

[benjithehunter]

Awesome responses so far, those PSS9 shocks are absolutely amazing, I put some on my first Audi, 1.8t and the shocks were worth more than the car but rode like a dream (and I raised it up in the Vermont Winters). Id probably put them on the rs4 eventually because it deserves it.

So seat wear seem to be an issue and I bet everyone's trying to get a set of rs4 recaros when they come up on auction so it would be hard to get replacements.

Stock shocks were defective in most cases.

And it looks like a carbon cleaning is obviously the biggest issue, for about $850, every 20k, hopefully double that with the JHM spacers? [Disregard, these do not prolong carbon cleanup intervals] I guess the real question is why wouldn't I get one.

[d2a4]

Awesome responses so far, those PSS9 shocks are absolutely amazing, I put some on my first Audi, 1.8t and the shocks were worth more than the car but rode like a dream (and I raised it up in the Vermont Winters). Id probably put them on the rs4 eventually because it deserves it.

So seat wear seem to be an issue and I bet everyone's trying to get a set of rs4 recaros when they come up on auction so it would be hard to get replacements.

Stock shocks were defective in most cases.

And it looks like a carbon cleaning is obviously the biggest issue, for about $850, every 25k, hopefully double that with the JHM spacers? I guess the real question is why wouldn't I get one.

Yes, on stock shocks, yes on Recaro. I thought JHM spacing is for temp & torque, does not help in prolong CC, correct?

[alancaster]

So no one has had timing chain tensioner or race wear issues? Has anyone had this inspected and can refute over-wear nearing 100k? Thanks all!