NEW S4 Owner some questions/issues I could use some info on please

[Tella27]

Hello All
Just bought a 2006 S4 from the auction last night - car is black and has 177K on it. Everything on the car is stock including rims (even has the BBS spare tire). Car is an auto and has no chain noise, seems to start, stop, drive normal without issues*

Car does NOT have power steering - no normal power steering noise when its bad - no noise no power steering. I read that there is an A40 mod people do o I'm hoping that is it and I can replace the fuse/relay. Any other ideas please let me know.

2nd problem - my drivers side headlight will be on then it drops out and the dash lets me know. It weird, will be on and then off then come back on. When it goes off it take that side fog light out too. Any ideas of this issue?

Lastly does anyone know where I can pick up an extra key for this car - it only came with one. Do I have to go through the dealership for this?

Dropped the car off this morning to get the oil changed and an inspection on the car. The only dash info it was telling me was the headlight, brakes worn and it has a check engine light that I'll find out what code its pulling when I pick it up.

Any help or info would be greatly appreciated, my last VW was a Corrado so things have obviously changed since 92.

Thanks in advance - Chris
IF ANYONE KNOWS OF A GOOD SHOP IN CHICAGO PLEASE LET ME KNOW

[Cinna696]

Well you definitely bought a project car.

I'm surprised you are paying to have the oil changed, it doesn't bode well for the rest of your wallet with these cars if you are not able to do a lot of the work yourself.

Steering: have you checked the fluid level?

Lights: sounds like an intermittent fuse/relay. Look over all the wiring etc. maybe swap the passenger side fuses and see what happens.

Keys: dealer

Advice: take some serious time to document everything the car requires and start working your way through that list. If you are not familiar with what it takes to care for these cars then PM me or start reading every thread on the forum


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[IslandHydro]

Given that the headlight and corresponding fog go off together, I'd look to see if the ground is lifting. Power steering pump failure is common and expensive since its shaft driven on the bottom of the motor. Key is a dealer thing, $250 or so.

[Tella27]

I had the oil changed so I could get a free inspection of everything. I'd normally do it myself and save a ton but wanted them to run the codes for the dash lights, check my power steering pump, brakes and all that. The car by itself is very nice - not even a door ding. Interior is awesome, even the floor mats are perfect. The pump and hoses get changed early next week. New plugs, coils and o2 sensors are getting changed too just to know they are good. Brakes and pads on the front got done. Just slowly combing over the car to make sure it's sound. For what I bought it for even with the maintence im putting into it I'm still way ahead.

[Guitarmageddon]

Hey where about in chicago do you live? In the suburbs? City?

[jr1415us]

I recommend Dynarev for your repairs. They are in Mundelein, but their labor rates are by far the lowest, and Audi what they specialize in.
If you want the car scanned I'm in Rogers Park, and have VCDS. PM if you want to drop by my 'hood to check the trouble codes.

[Tella27]

Glad to see some people in my area - I live downtown (another reason why I can't really work on my car, parking garage). I found a place called Midwest Performace or something along those lines. It's not too far from me. I'm just slowly checking things off the list.
Power steering pump
New p/s hoses
Front rotors and pads
Front pass axle
02 sensors
Plugs
Coils
Not everything is bad but I like to have a fresh start on wear items like that.

[jr1415us]

Another highly regarded shop: Chicago Performance and Tuning. Lots of quattroworld members swear by this place.

[Tella27]

I'm sure this is a stupid question to long time owners but where do I look to see if my car is BHF or BBK? Engine codes show both up until 2008

[bmwpower603]

Was this a public auction? Hopefully you paid well under 5k for this.

[TEB]

I'm sure this is a stupid question to long time owners but where do I look to see if my car is BHF or BBK? Engine codes show both up until 2008

IIRC, all USA S4's have the BHF. I believe the code is listed in the trunk (spare tire well).

[Tella27]

Thanks - what's IIRC mean? Again first Audi and my last VW was a 92 Corrado so I'm catching up

[Crispy Waffle]

IIRC means 'if I recall correctly'

Welcome and congrats on the S4. Hopefully you got a good deal on an S4 from an auction.

[marcmo60]

+1 on Chicago Performance and Tuning, worth the drive. If you call ahead they will even drop you off and pick you up at the Melrose Park Metra station...

http://gocpt.com/

[Tella27]

Thanks for the info - the only thing that sucks for me is I live downtown - like state and grand off the Ohio exit. Everywhere outside of this area takes like 40 mins to get to. I'll check them out

[marcmo60]

Thanks for the info - the only thing that sucks for me is I live downtown - like state and grand off the Ohio exit. Everywhere outside of this area takes like 40 mins to get to. I'll check them out

I hear you, I am 40 minutes west but as I said... well worth the drive. That being said, if you find a good local shop please report back so others can benefit.

[Tella27]

I can say after talking with Midwest Performace in the city they are not a good shop unless you are willing to pay their markup on parts. You can't buy anything on your own and must purchase parts only through them so they can make their margin. They want 30% above the price of a power steering pump not including labor.. Misewell go to the dealership

[jr1415us]

Go to Dynarev, you can bring them parts.

[Tella27]

Go to Dynarev, you can bring them parts.

I tried calling them today but no answer. I get that shops make money off parts but to tell someone that they order from their own place and do not compete with online prices. They say this is what you are going to pay for the part and you can't say hey why is it $300 more than these other 6 sites. Plus pay their margin - and the guy was a jerk on the phone.. I guess they feel they make enough money that they don't need to be professional on the phone. Back home there was a shop I use to take my Corrado to and my MKI GTI, awesome place, all they did was euro cars. I guess things are different when in a major city.

[jr1415us]

Leave a message. The office person also makes parts runs, so was probably away, but she always returns calls.

[Tella27]

Called and talked to them - the lady I spoke with was very nice and knowledgable. Best thing is they will let me purchase my own parts and they'll just charge me for labor. Great call on the shop - big thanks