Would you buy the B8 S4 if you knew about the DSG issues?

[zookie]

I drive 22k miles per year.

I have an Acura TL with 200k miles. Been rock solid since the day I bought it. I thought about getting rid of it and bought a B7 S4, which I LOVE!!! For those not familiar with that car, it has some *potential* issues that owners may or may not be confronted with during their ownership of the car. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...pdate-12-03-11

So I kept my TL and tried to keep the miles off the S4. This was great but now that the TL has 200k miles and some minor, non-mechanical, issues, it's time for it to finally go.

I prefer AWD because I don't like FWD and RWD, like CTS-V is suicidal in the winter. I needed something with a little more room in the back seating area and was pleasantly surprised when I found the B8 S4 had just that. I also needed an automatic transmissions because my wife is incapable of learning how to drive my 6MT in my TL and S4 and sometimes I need her truck. Was equally happy when I drove the DSG B8 S4 and found it acceptable to live with as a daily driver. Really liked the S-tronic. I was so happy because I'd have two S4 cars (my V8 S4 isn't going anywhere) and my needs would be satisfied.

But now here we are a model newer and an equally, if not more-so, troubling *possibility* of having major repairs. And this time isn't 80k+ miles like some of the B7 engine issues, this time I'm seeing people with DSG "mechatronics" issues very shortly after buying their cars new. And then carrying up through the miles, 40k, 60k, who knows where or if it will end or if the 8.5 fixed it until miles get racked up. Just look at the insane number of people reporting this issue and even multiple occurrences by the same person on this thread: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...on-Please-post
A $6000-8,000 out of warranty repair each time is a bit insane. I'm not suggesting this issue exists with every car but I will say that reading as many posts as there are on this site (and not from the same users, they are different) that there is clearly an issue with the DSG. Fine, I'll get manual, oops, then my wife can't drive it (not that this is all bad). Rock and a hard place.

The B8 S4 I was looking at is CPO and that's great except with my mileage, it just doesn't take too long to get out of warranty (less than 4 years) on a 20k mile used car.

I drove a vanilla CTS, I drove the GS350 (which is nice but not sporty compared to the S4). I was all set to buy the B8 S4 but figured I'd come on here and check out issues that people are having and I'm just hugely disappointed to find out that yet another model newer has big issues that dozens of people are reporting.

I really can't sell myself on the GS350, though it is a nice riding luxury packed car. It just isn't even remotely fun compared to the S4. But it doesn't have this DSG nonsense either. Yes, Lexus has some issues sometimes to but you don't see this. And when they do have any issue, they eventually issue a recall (you can see this in the GS350 forums for a misfire issue they had).

About the best I can come up with is to not dare own the B8 S4 outside of warranty which is a silly way to be forced to own a vehicle. And dare you do anything fun to it you get flagged with with Audi's TD1 and then you're really in for no warranty service.

I know this post has a negative tone and for that I apologize but I am tremendously disappointed to learn of these DSG issue.

So the question is: If you knew about the DSG issues beforehand (as I now do), would you still have purchased this car?

Thanks!

[MrFunk]

There are not a ton of people having DSG issues. Given how many DSG S4's are out there I'm sure it's a fraction of a percent. Get one with a warranty and don't worry about it. Or get a 6MT. My fiance was terrified about MT cars and when she was looking at the Fiat I told her she could only get it in a 5MT cause it would be idiotic to buy a 1.1l car in anything other than a MT... took her 2 weeks to get it and now she LOVES driving MT -

[blackfunk]

Yes, and consider and extended warranty.

[b6Hate4]

^^ same with my girlfriend. Couldn't drive stick but wanted a GTI and got a 6MT. First couple days were rough, now 3 months later shes cant imagine driving an automatic again.

[drob23]

Some of it is just paying to play with class leading powertrain tech. This was pretty impressive back in 2009, when there weren't many putting DCT's in "reasonably" priced cars, maybe BMW the only other one. Who knows whether Audi botched something, but the units are failing at a relatively high rate. Enough to be concerned if opting for a DSG. I'm happy so far, great transmission to have your fun when you want and relax while commuting, but am slightly worried about getting a tune or owning past the warranty period.

I made a poll for this yesterday, and on the bright side it looks like things might be better for the B8.5, although early to say. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ind-of-failure

Also, would absolutely buy the car again, although maybe an s5 lol

[riegeraudi]

I think the DSG failure rate is much higher than it should be at considering these cars are only 3-4 years old. Transmissions should not fail at so early so I would consider it an Audi fail. The bigger fail is that Audi hasn't acknowledge this and provided a 10 year extended warranty to owners.

[TexasDfwS4]

I've had two B8's 2012 and 2013 and don't think i would like to row my own in the traffic here. I believe that if you drive it with care and not the way you here in the forum you'll do fine. There's a post of one person that had 170,000 miles on his and everything was good with the exception of the paint. Still you need to have fun and for this you have to except that this is a car that is made to run. I have a friend that has a B7 and loves it, and has 120,000 on his. The thing is if you take care of the car it will last. My buddy replaced the chain tightener and did all the mantenance on it and is happy with it. You own the B7 and I think if you want to drive a nice ride B7 is nice.

Edit there's a post of someone beating on the DSG and still doing good.

[1flossedS4]

I have a DSG car, never had issues. The transmission is amazing in this car,.

[zookie]

Thanks for the replies. I guess it really comes down to keeping the car in warranty. That's something that doesn't inherently sit well with me because it is very suggestive that the car has notoriety for having issues or a particular issue. And who wants to spend $40-60k knowing there is a probability that you will have issues.

I take very good care of my cars but I absolutely do not pamper them so that might add me to the list of people having replacement units sooner than later. I can't find a substitute for the S4 so I guess keeping the car in warranty is the best option.

I saw the poll, that was a good idea. Not a sufficient sample by any means, but at the current 66 responding at this time, over 20% report problems which isn't a comforting statistic.

So if I could get my wife to learn how to drive a manual transmission (which I can't, I've tried on both of my cars and she just doesn't "get it"), have there really been and issues with the 6MT cars other than water pumps?

[Dominick's S4]

I have a 2014 S4 8.5 DSG and APR tuned Stage II. I really drive the car hard, race on the weekends and use launch control all the time. I've had no issues and I'd have to say, so far, the S4 has the best transmission out of any of the cars I've ever owned. Let's hope it lasts as I'd have to remove all my mods to take it in for warranty work..

[b8audis4]

Just so that you know guys it is always funny when people say that they are afraid owning this car out of warranty. They said the same thing on the 335i forum. Every car is going to have issues. Yes the DSG is a major issue on this car but you pay to play.

[Pilfer]

No issues either at 13k mi. It's a great transmission, I wish it didn't shift at redline in manual mode but other than that no issues for me. I drive in manual mode most of the time.

[Hatchman]

I don't have a DSG, but my Tiptronic was just replaced at 33K miles under warranty.

[RickFLS4]

I did (B8.5) and I drive as much or more than you. In my mind (right or wrong) lots of highway driving shouldn't be nearly as detrimental as 1/2 as many miles driving in a city. I will likely extend the warranty out to 100K or 125K and either be comfortable enough to keep driving it or get a new car at the end of that.

I bought a 2008 Lexus LS, which was supposed to be the most reliable car on the plant - specifically due to its reliability and my expectations to keep it for 150K - 200K miles. (I wanted an E550 at the time.) After about 3 years and numerous unforeseen quality issues, ranging from worn out seat belts, crappy paint, blown speakers, unresolved issues with ABS and an engine recall, I dumped it and decided I would make sure I got the car I want going forward. I also decided I wouldn't base any purchase decisions on a horizon more than 5 years / 125K miles because anything longer is too hard to predict. If a car has minimal problems over that period, I'm not gonna worry about it after that, and I can extend warranty to 125K.

So far so good with the S4 and I enjoy driving it a helluva lot more than a Lexus LS (or GS or ES I had before the LS).

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[AudiDTMA4]

Thanks for the replies. I guess it really comes down to keeping the car in warranty. That's something that doesn't inherently sit well with me because it is very suggestive that the car has notoriety for having issues or a particular issue. And who wants to spend $40-60k knowing there is a probability that you will have issues.

I take very good care of my cars but I absolutely do not pamper them so that might add me to the list of people having replacement units sooner than later. I can't find a substitute for the S4 so I guess keeping the car in warranty is the best option.

I saw the poll, that was a good idea. Not a sufficient sample by any means, but at the current 66 responding at this time, over 20% report problems which isn't a comforting statistic.

So if I could get my wife to learn how to drive a manual transmission (which I can't, I've tried on both of my cars and she just doesn't "get it"), have there really been and issues with the 6MT cars other than water pumps?

Not only is the sample size far too small to look at overall population fail rates, but the population surveyed is not representative.

Do you really think Audi or any car maker would stand for a fail rate of 20% at $6k + per claim? They would erase the S4's profitability. Also worth noting that the majority of S4's sold are DSG.

The sky is not falling. When you put a few thousand parts together to make a car hundreds of thousands of times, some shit goes wrong. Its basic statistics and a fact of life.

[Bomiz]

Personally just find someone that doesn't smash their DSG, or find one that already had their transmission replaced under warranty.

[zcd2.7t]

...Do you really think Audi or any car maker would stand for a fail rate of 20% at $6k + per claim?... The sky is not falling....

^^^This^^^

Every car has its issues - even brands and models that would traditionally call "reliable" (Toyota/Honda oil sludge issues, as an example).

Transmission issues that affect a small percentage of cars is hardly a reason to cross a car off a shopping list, IMO.

But if "no issues at all" is what you're after, buy a Honda or Toyota or a Lexus. Oh, wait.... :-P

[saxon]

2011 dsg and not worried

[will13k7]

The DSG is a ticking time bomb, its wishful thinking to believe otherwise. You guys are in denial!

[Moto One]

Yes!

I have had many of the so call problem makes. Range Rover (1988 350k, 1995 LWB 250k, 2003 Mk3 200+k) Audi allroads (2001 140k before changing out timing belt, 260k on the clock when sold still running strong in the hands of a local) Audi B7 S4, running strong at 140k (totaled but a school bus, but still running). And there were more. As noted, all makes have there on-line problems in the forms.

You just have to make your own choices and live with it.

Mark

[raudiace4]

The DSG issue is blow out of proportion. If you don't plan to to ECU tunes on your car you dont have to worry about it.

[IanCH]

As has been posted, if you take all the problems you read about on this forum and take the percentages and extrapolate Audi would literally be going bankrupt on fixing these cars.

A forum is where you come to ask about or vent about problems for 99% of owners. The rest are nuts like us who have too much free time.

[Acejam]

This is the internet. One thing you should keep in mind is that people don't go running to the forums to post positive reviews about their cars. They will however come running when something negative happens.

[redrocker55]

I just hit 115,000 miles on my 2010 yesterday. I got the APR tune at 25,000 miles. DSG shifts like new.

Agree forums are not close to the real world when discussing failure rates.

Audi/VW has been putting DSG's in cars for years. 2.0 gas and diesel engined vehicles, 3.0 TFSI, Etc. They probably have the most experience with this technology compared to all other manufacturers combined.

My advice...get the DSG, remember to service they transmission correctly by a quality dealer and enjoy the car. You will be bored with the GS and always wish you bought the Audi.

[AuditsaF]

If you want the car, buy it! If your afraid, then don't!

[hodrosS42001]

I think it's funny you see this kind of thread in every forum and sub forum.. As if every transmission is supposed to be 100% bulletproof. Every component 100% perfect 100% of the time.. life doesn't work like that.

[zcd2.7t]

I think it's funny you see this kind of thread in every forum and sub forum.. As if every transmission is supposed to be 100% bulletproof. Every component 100% perfect 100% of the time.. life doesn't work like that.

INORIGHT?!?!?!

[Dusten]

I bought one a week ago, knowing full well of the issues. Also knowing full well that internet forum issues != real world issues

[robdog289]

I read forums up and down about this car before buying. Still bought a 2011 CPO with 21k miles. Im at 29k and zero issues besides backup cam issue. Driven in 98 degree heat and recently 1 degree F and shifts perfectly all the time. I am pretty confident that forums show alot of the bad and not enough good.


2011 s4

[LINDW4LL]

Here's my thinking on the DSG issues. I would not hesitate to buy a higher mileage DSG B8 as 95% of them have no issues. However I would acknowledge that there is a possibility it will need to be repaired/replaced it in the long run.

If that scares you, get a 6MT.

[riegeraudi]

I just hit 115,000 miles on my 2010 yesterday. I got the APR tune at 25,000 miles. DSG shifts like new.

Agree forums are not close to the real world when discussing failure rates.

Audi/VW has been putting DSG's in cars for years. 2.0 gas and diesel engined vehicles, 3.0 TFSI, Etc. They probably have the most experience with this technology compared to all other manufacturers combined.

My advice...get the DSG, remember to service they transmission correctly by a quality dealer and enjoy the car. You will be bored with the GS and always wish you bought the Audi.

VW's has had DSG in their cars before Audi I believe, but they only recently found out that the oil in the DSG caused overheating or electrical problems and did a huge recall that involved 1.6million vehicles.

Fact is that the DSG technology is still not perfected and these transmissions have a higher failure rate than normal automatics.

OP These cars are only 4 years old and do a search for DSG failure or problems. You will see abnormal amount of problems with the DSG for only a 4-5 year old model. People can say they come here to complain but that isn't true as most people here are audi enthusiasts and love there cars. Is the DSG bad, no but it does have some problems.

[A4 Joe]

I love my tranny, but know my car will always be under warranty since I am in a lease. I would never own this car without a warranty.

[IanCH]

I love my tranny, but know my car will always be under warranty since I am in a lease. I would never own this car without a warranty.

Except you easily pay the same cost as an aggregate "problem car" repair bill in paying new car prices. The only difference is that yours is predictable and problem cars arent.

Using "I buy a new car so I can avoid repair bills" is not a good justification people. Your "warranty" is more like a thank you note for paying the 10k in depreciation when you drove off the lot.

[BirdmanQ5]

Its funny, I actually went with the DSG largely due to the fart and smoothness but also thinking long term that I would have clutch issues on a 6MT due to human error figuring that transmissions wear faster on manuals than autos. Guess I was wrong.

[MrFunk]

I'm keeping mine well outside of warranty.
If you're worried about DSG failure and want to keep it a long time then go with a 6MT. If the only reason you are leaning towards Auto is because of your girlfriend then simply teach her MT...

[Notfast]

I put ~ 40k miles on a DSG GTI and had no issues with it. <shrug>

[Boris]

i dont know how even a cursory search about the b8 s4 wouldnt warn if not scare any would be buyer about the dct tranny.

even with a extended warranty, i find my mind over analyzing small changes in the trannies behavior, paranoid of an impending failure that would leave me stranded on the way smewhere, at least thats how i felt on an exended warranty on a SMGIII m5.

MT is much easier in traffic than any previous s4, with the slight assist, and the clutch weight is easy even in traffic.

DCT though really brings the most out of the engine, takes a lot of energy to really max out the 6mt as easily as the DCT does all day.

[shadycrew31]

I bought my car with 46k last June I now have 56k non-cpo... The only issue I have is the speeding tickets and a possible failed wheel bearing/UCA, I still need to look into that. The DSG seems to be holding up fine.

[breyton490]

Looking back, If I had done more homework and really understood all the potential issues with the 2010 model DSG and reading about the issues some people are having with the APR tunes on DSG's, I would have gone with a manual even though at times it would really suck driving it in all the stop and go traffic in my daily commute.

With that said, I had a mechatronics failure while the car was under warranty and there have been zero issues since. Its a fantastic transmission otherwise, but it has me seriously re-thinking getter a stage 1 or 2 tune. I just don't want to trigger some failure that puts me out the $6-$7K a transmission job would run me, not including the tune.