First year production issue(s)?

[Fineass4]

Hi all,

I've been following the B8 S4 for a while and have read through most if not all of the raving reviews of the new "thupercharged" V6, looking at the possibility of picking one up myself. However, given it's a 1st year car, new supercharged engine, and not proven (reliability wise) DSG transmission, I am looking to get input from current owners. Let us know what problem/issue/annoyance you have experienced so far, I am sure everyone will find it helpful. Thanks!

[Phantom S5]

Hi all,

I've been following the B8 S4 for a while and have read through most if not all of the raving reviews of the new "thupercharged" V6, looking at the possibility of picking one up myself. However, given it's a 1st year car, new supercharged engine, and not proven (reliability wise) DSG transmission, I am looking to get input from current owners. Let us know what problem/issue/annoyance you have experienced so far, I am sure everyone will find it helpful. Thanks!

I have had no problems/issues/annoyances with the car. The engine is amazing, give torque throughout all the RPMs. I love the car, seems to be working great. The S-tronic is great, I haven't had any problems with it. The transmission is reliable. I really suggest buying one. If you have any other questions just ask.

[L0U]

Biggest issue so far has been the denial from bmw camp, that a lowly S4 is teaching the 335 what a car built for 2010 should look and drive like. Buyers remorse from those that thought the msrp was going to be sky high, so went ahead and bought a 2009 3.2 litre A4, or 335. Last issue, the cpu is tuff to crack, so the ecu tuners are gouging the crap outa the S4 owners....3000 bucks vs. 1000.

[SebGood]

Hi all,

I've been following the B8 S4 for a while and have read through most if not all of the raving reviews of the new "thupercharged" V6, looking at the possibility of picking one up myself. However, given it's a 1st year car, new supercharged engine, and not proven (reliability wise) DSG transmission, I am looking to get input from current owners. Let us know what problem/issue/annoyance you have experienced so far, I am sure everyone will find it helpful. Thanks!

S Tronic transmission is awesome! I've only have 2,200 miles on mine so all I can tell you on reliability is that it will most likely last you more than 2,200 miles based on my experience :)

No major issues. A couple of little interior rattles... Don't get the sunshades if you don't need them, just more pieces to rattle.

MMI has done strange things with answering phone calls and wouldn't change Sirius stations once, but those are most likely software bugs that will be fixed with updates.

Overall, awesome car.

[Sandy S]

First 1000 miles and no issues.

[Ryan_T]

I think most of the bugs were ironed out during 2009 A4. Nice eh.

[adbender]

hey...dont forget the s4 came out as a 2009 in europe.

3.0 V6T has also been offered in the A6...so its not that new!

[Fineass4]

hey...dont forget the s4 came out as a 2009 in europe.

3.0 V6T has also been offered in the A6...so its not that new!

True, I forgot about that one! Can someone with the prestige but WITHOUT driver assist packages confirm whether or not you've rearview camera via the navi screen when in reverse? I don't care for the sensors but loves the rearview camera, one of the reason why I bought my MDX a while back.

[JTurbo]

Hi all,

I've been following the B8 S4 for a while and have read through most if not all of the raving reviews of the new "thupercharged" V6, looking at the possibility of picking one up myself. However, given it's a 1st year car, new supercharged engine, and not proven (reliability wise) DSG transmission, I am looking to get input from current owners. Let us know what problem/issue/annoyance you have experienced so far, I am sure everyone will find it helpful. Thanks!

DSG has been around for years In other Audi and VW cars ... A3 and Golf.

[B8 Phantom S4]

True, I forgot about that one! Can someone with the prestige but WITHOUT driver assist packages confirm whether or not you've rearview camera via the navi screen when in reverse? I don't care for the sensors but loves the rearview camera, one of the reason why I bought my MDX a while back.

It's true. For some reason they took out that feature for the Prestige Navi. I test drove a Prestige w/o driver assist and no back-up camera or parking sensors. I feel the same way about the blindspot sensors, don't really need them, but I had to change my order so that I could get the back-up camera.

[Babyfoood!]

I have had no problems/issues/annoyances with the car. The engine is amazing, give torque throughout all the RPMs. I love the car, seems to be working great. The S-tronic is great, I haven't had any problems with it. The transmission is reliable. I really suggest buying one. If you have any other questions just ask.

I'm in the market now. Is the S-tronic regarded like the previous model's chick-tronic? I don't want to be flamed for owning the wrong transmission (not a chick).

[ranch]

Hi all,

I've been following the B8 S4 for a while and have read through most if not all of the raving reviews of the new "thupercharged" V6, looking at the possibility of picking one up myself. However, given it's a 1st year car, new supercharged engine, and not proven (reliability wise) DSG transmission, I am looking to get input from current owners. Let us know what problem/issue/annoyance you have experienced so far, I am sure everyone will find it helpful. Thanks!

Here's the list that I know of:
1. Random Sport Diff Failures
- mine had incorrect basic settings from the factory
- others have just gone away after a short time
2. MMI bugs
- I have had my MMI reboot by itself, freeze, screen go black
- Others have had similar issues
- In all cases, it either fixes itself or you give it the three finger salute (yes, there is one)

[andyollie]

ive had water pump failure at 6k miles, but i think it is a one off, other than that its awesome

[Ryan_T]

I'm in the market now. Is the S-tronic regarded like the previous model's chick-tronic? I don't want to be flamed for owning the wrong transmission (not a chick).

S-Tronic is a great transmission. Using a manual or auto should be a personal choice, not a fashion statement. If you're that concerned about how manly you look or are if you don't drive stick, then just drive one, or re-evaluate your insecurities(look down).

[Nickyracer]

Also had problems with my S4B8:
2000 miles - fuel pump failure;
3000 miles - "program collision" between engine's and tramsmission's controlling units, transmission switched into protection mode.

All quickly fixed at the dealership through warranty. Pump - replaced, ECU - reprogrammed, then, "just in case", as I was told, a gadget called "mechatronic" inside S-tronic replaced.

[Akatsuki...]

Seeing the DSG problems on VW MKVs concerns me when deciding on my next vehicle w/ DSG option

[Leo]

Also had problems with my S4B8:
2000 miles - fuel pump failure;
3000 miles - "program collision" between engine's and tramsmission's controlling units, transmission switched into protection mode.

All quickly fixed at the dealership through warranty. Pump - replaced, ECU - reprogrammed, then, "just in case", as I was told, a gadget called "mechatronic" inside S-tronic replaced.

S Tronic transmission started giving me problems today at 4500km. On 2nd, 3rd gear getting funny things in manual mode - it seems to be lost - engaging and disengaging, seems like it's someone popping the clutch. Also, when stopped with brake pedal down and in 1st gear it seems to do the same thing. Bringing to dealer tomorrow.

[L0U]

4500kms, you must be getting decent gas milage by now too.

[B8 Phantom S4]

S Tronic transmission started giving me problems today at 4500km. On 2nd, 3rd gear getting funny things in manual mode - it seems to be lost - engaging and disengaging, seems like it's someone popping the clutch. Also, when stopped with brake pedal down and in 1st gear it seems to do the same thing. Bringing to dealer tomorrow.

Sorry to hear that, man. Makes me happy I went with the MT.

[Nickyracer]

S Tronic transmission started giving me problems today at 4500km. On 2nd, 3rd gear getting funny things in manual mode - it seems to be lost - engaging and disengaging, seems like it's someone popping the clutch. Also, when stopped with brake pedal down and in 1st gear it seems to do the same thing. Bringing to dealer tomorrow.

They will surely replace a mechatronic - electronic-hydraulic controlling unit inside S-tronic. Done plenty of this in Russia.
There's another issue with my car: when accelerating in ful throttle from a complete stop, swithing from 1st to 2nd gear take ages - about 1 second, ADS in Auto/Comfort mode. In Dynamic mode shifting is fast and flawless, other shifts are also great, but 1-2 - ...
Dealer could not answer, they sent an inquiry to Germany depicting my problem. Still awaiting for the answer.

[notjoefromnh]

They will surely replace a mechatronic - electronic-hydraulic controlling unit inside S-tronic. Done plenty of this in Russia.
There's another issue with my car: when accelerating in ful throttle from a complete stop, swithing from 1st to 2nd gear take ages - about 1 second, ADS in Auto/Comfort mode. In Dynamic mode shifting is fast and flawless, other shifts are also great, but 1-2 - ...
Dealer could not answer, they sent an inquiry to Germany depicting my problem. Still awaiting for the answer.

The Stronic is going to be updated throughout the life of this car I bet. We should be able to just get software updates from the dealer.

[Nickyracer]

The Stronic is going to be updated throughout the life of this car I bet. We should be able to just get software updates from the dealer.

This is sad. My software has already been updated. Noticed no improvements.

[Leo]

Got car back from dealer and unfortunately they were not able to reproduce what happened. They also scanned for error codes and found nothing. Funny thing is, that the problem isn't happening anymore. However, this morning, got an error message "Gearbox Failure, it ok to drive vehicle". It flashed for approximately 2-3 seconds on center display. I then took car back to dealer - they scanned and finally got an error code. They are now sending info to AOC for analysis. Keep you guys updated as to what happens next.

[Akatsuki...]

Got car back from dealer and unfortunately they were not able to reproduce what happened. They also scanned for error codes and found nothing. Funny thing is, that the problem isn't happening anymore. However, this morning, got an error message "Gearbox Failure, it ok to drive vehicle". It flashed for approximately 2-3 seconds on center display. I then took car back to dealer - they scanned and finally got an error code. They are now sending info to AOC for analysis. Keep you guys updated as to what happens next.

Good luck buddy.

Although not the same vehicle, my GTI MKV DSG also had similar issues, where it was stuck in gear 1 and the display was flashing. When I took it to the dealer, they couldnt find any errors. However, after long discussions, my mechatronics is being replaced right now.

I have been looking at a S4, and I'll definitely be getting 6MT instead if I do end up getting one..

[riegeraudi]

It looks like they still haven't fixed the DSG issue. Is the S4 DSG the exact same as the ones on other Audi Cars? If they are then we are in for problems looks like.
http://a.abcnews.com/m/screen?id=8378724&pid=248

http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=4541521

http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelea...95CAD2?id=1454

It says voluntary but in reality they didn't do it until they were forced to by the NHTSA. It really pisses me off that they German companies don't really care about it's customers and the Japanese who do care just haven't been able to produce something as good yet. I hope to live to the day when either the Japanese can build just a good driving car or the Germans start to care about the customers.

[Infra]

It really pisses me off that they German companies don't really care about it's customers and the Japanese who do care just haven't been able to produce something as good yet. I hope to live to the day when either the Japanese can build just a good driving car or the Germans start to care about the customers.

Really?

I have a Japanese car - IS250 6MT. This car probably has the worst transmission ever designed - especially for a $30k+ car.

But we only represent < 1% of IS250s sold, so Lexus ignores the problems with it.

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-s...e-problem.html
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-s...sison-6mt.html
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-s...e-problem.html
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-s...nsmission.html

The phenomenon you describe isn't acute to one specific manufacturer - it is a policy every corporation follows to ensure maximized profit. Just the nature of the beast.

[ranch]

It looks like they still haven't fixed the DSG issue. Is the S4 DSG the exact same as the ones on other Audi Cars? If they are then we are in for problems looks like.
http://a.abcnews.com/m/screen?id=8378724&pid=248

http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=4541521

http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelea...95CAD2?id=1454

It says voluntary but in reality they didn't do it until they were forced to by the NHTSA. It really pisses me off that they German companies don't really care about it's customers and the Japanese who do care just haven't been able to produce something as good yet. I hope to live to the day when either the Japanese can build just a good driving car or the Germans start to care about the customers.

The S4 S-Tronic is not the same DSG trans, so it wouldn't be involved with any of the links above.

[riegeraudi]

Than hopefully Leo and nickyracers problems are isolated problems with their mechatronics.

[zillmc]

Glad I went with the 6MT on my order; I really disliked the S-Tronic when I test drove it. I never even test drove the manual before ordering. It's just one more piece of complicated hardware in an already expensive car, let's hope Audi can resolve these issues soon for those of you who have S-Tronic.

[Leo]

Got car back from dealer and unfortunately they were not able to reproduce what happened. They also scanned for error codes and found nothing. Funny thing is, that the problem isn't happening anymore. However, this morning, got an error message "Gearbox Failure, it ok to drive vehicle". It flashed for approximately 2-3 seconds on center display. I then took car back to dealer - they scanned and finally got an error code. They are now sending info to AOC for analysis. Keep you guys updated as to what happens next.

Well, it's confirmed.......MECHATRONIC will be replaced.

[NWS4Guy]

Well, it's confirmed.......MECHATRONIC will be replaced.

Good deal, let us know how she drives after that's changed?

[trigoe]

It's true. For some reason they took out that feature for the Prestige Navi. I test drove a Prestige w/o driver assist and no back-up camera or parking sensors. I feel the same way about the blindspot sensors, don't really need them, but I had to change my order so that I could get the back-up camera.

i test drove a prestige without DA and with NAV and it absolutely has the backup camera.

[NWS4Guy]

i test drove a prestige without DA and with NAV and it absolutely has the backup camera.

I have mine no order, a Premium Plus, which I added Nav to and the Nav options explictly states "Nav W/Camera" so yes you can have the backup cam with Nav and not the driver assit package or Prestige required.

[Infra]

I have mine no order, a Premium Plus, which I added Nav to and the Nav options explictly states "Nav W/Camera" so yes you can have the backup cam with Nav and not the driver assit package or Prestige required.

You don't order the Nav package with a prestige (it is standard at that trim level). If you look at the prestige option on the order sheet, it lists the 3G MMI Nav +, but no backup camera. And the side assist is a prestige only option, and lists the backup camera & sensors as included.

There many conflicting reports on whether the Prestige non-nav has the camera and sensors, or not...

http://home.comcast.net/~joemacd/2010s4guide.pdf

[Nickyracer]

Well, it's confirmed.......MECHATRONIC will be replaced.

My car after transmission sowtware's reflash performed normally - I drove about 2000 miles before my mechatronic was replaced - "just in case", as I was told. And no improvements were noticed after its replacement.
By the way, if not covered by warranty, replacement of mechatronic in the S4 B8 costs 5000 euros here in Russia.

[jonmiles]

Hi all,

I've been following the B8 S4 for a while and have read through most if not all of the raving reviews of the new "thupercharged" V6, looking at the possibility of picking one up myself. However, given it's a 1st year car, new supercharged engine, and not proven (reliability wise) DSG transmission, I am looking to get input from current owners. Let us know what problem/issue/annoyance you have experienced so far, I am sure everyone will find it helpful. Thanks!

We have 8 on the road as a dealership since the end of August, and none of them have been back in for anything.

[02A4TURBO]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318765

This issue seems to be limited to cars with July build dates...

[adbender]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318765

This issue seems to be limited to cars with July build dates...

No issues with my...took delivery in August.

[Phantom S5]

I just walked to my car to notice oil leaked all over the garage. My car is leaking, and I just got it back from the 5,000 mile service. I'm not sure but I can't find a dipstick (not sure if the car has one actually). Anyone know what this could be?

[L0U]

There is no dipstick on the new S4s. Just mmi indication on the nav screen. It could be leaking from the filter o-ring pinched, loose, from the drain plug, or loose plug, or they spilled a bunch while filling it, and it ran down the engine pooled in the belly pan, leaked out.

Bring it back, or check into it. Check the mmi, last thing you need is the plug backing out and emptying the pan.