Considering buying a B8 S4. What do I need to know?

[sortasuave]

Hi everyone. I've been a long time lurker on the site. For the longest of time, I've wanted a B6/B7 S4 but when the opportunity came up to purchase one from a friend of mine who's babied the car, I backed out. The main reason being that he had just started to get the dreaded ticking sound we believe is related to the timing chain guides. When we had the car checked out by an mechanic, he agreed the timing chain guides were most likely the cause of the issue. The bill for fixing it was estimated to be between 6K-8K. The purchase of the car plus the cost of fixing it made it not a great buy for someone like me.

So what am I doing in the B8 group?

Well, glad you asked!

If I was to start looking for a B8 version of an S4, what do I need to be aware of?

I was hopeful that someone had started a thread on this topic already, but my google foo seems to be failing me today.

About the only complaint I'm seeing over and over again are thermostat replacement. Cost for having a shop do it is about $700. (I'm not sure how ugly of a job that is, or if there is a better overall solution)

What else should I know?

If anyone can point me to a thread on this, I'd be most thankful!

[GRUMPY-S4]

Early B8s had the Mechatronic issues

[fillyo]

6MT are fairly bulletproof, thermostat as mentioned. CPO would be nice, I have a 2011 with 48k and its been good, I am out of warranty.

[TMurt]

I just picked up a relatively high mileage 2010 a few months ago and had created a thread beforehand. Odds are the thermostat will have already been replaced on whatever you're looking at. As mentioned above the early models had mechatronic issues which could be expensive. Also I'm currently having carbon cleaning done for buildup in the secondary air ports but Audi released an extended warranty for the problem and is covering it. Other than that, the cars seems to be solid, might occasionally have a sensor go somewhere but most owners seem to have few if any large problems. I'm guessing you're price range is 25k give or take based on everything you said? If that's the case you'd be looking at 60k+ miles. 6MT would be your best bet but be ready to replace the clutch eventually


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...igh-mileage-S4

[14S4GWM]

Get the VIN and call Audi and see if there are any service records for it.

[SteveYem]

I would look for a 2012. Any thermostat/water pump issues should have been taken care of by that model year, and you still get the hydraulic assist steering which does not have any inherent issues like the 2013+ electric assist system. I had a 2012 6MT and traded it when it had 51000 miles on it, and it was running very strong and healthy as far as I could tell. I did have a problem with a bad PCV valve which was causing the engine to consume oil, but it was fixed under warranty and no more oil was apparently consumed after the fix. Good luck with your search.

[GTItoS4]

Which transmission is OP shopping for? If DSG, I'd go 2013 or newer (B8.5) for the new center crown diff and updated/improved DSG. Only downside is the lower redline (even though it's just as fast), but that can be fixed with a tune.

[sortasuave]

I'm OK with either transmission.

At this point, I'm mostly asking so that I can define what I should be looking for. (i.e. manual because the automatic's have problems, specific years, etc)

[sortasuave]

I just picked up a relatively high mileage 2010 a few months ago and had created a thread beforehand. Odds are the thermostat will have already been replaced on whatever you're looking at. As mentioned above the early models had mechatronic issues which could be expensive. Also I'm currently having carbon cleaning done for buildup in the secondary air ports but Audi released an extended warranty for the problem and is covering it. Other than that, the cars seems to be solid, might occasionally have a sensor go somewhere but most owners seem to have few if any large problems. I'm guessing you're price range is 25k give or take based on everything you said? If that's the case you'd be looking at 60k+ miles. 6MT would be your best bet but be ready to replace the clutch eventually


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...igh-mileage-S4

Thanks for sharing the link. Sounds like you picked up a nice car there! There was some good information there about higher mileage versions of the car.

[SteveYem]

I'm OK with either transmission.

At this point, I'm mostly asking so that I can define what I should be looking for. (i.e. manual because the automatic's have problems, specific years, etc)

From a cost perspective, it can be a gamble between 6MT and DSG. The only problems I have read about pertaining to the 6MT on this car is worn-out OEM clutch, which is more of a user issue than a systemic one. If/when the clutch needs to be replaced, you are likely looking at a bill in the ballpark of $3000. Meanwhile with the DSG there is the risk (I won't say likelihood) of much more expensive repairs being required should one or more components of the gearbox fail. Also keep in mind the mandatory DSG gearbox fluid change (EDIT: every 35k miles) which is something like a $600 service.

I do not recall reading about any issues regarding bad synchros, chronic gear grinding etc. with the 6MT in this car, so that's a good thing.

[sortasuave]

Early B8s had the Mechatronic issues

Can you be a bit more specific? What kind of issues?

[Dr GP]

What you really need to know is that there is no year to avoid. There have been some issues with the mechatronic units of the S tronic cars. The clutch assembly can be a weak point on 6MT cars. You should make sure you have some type of warranty. Either the balance of factory warranty, CPO warranty or aftermarket extended warranty. With a warranty, the mechatronic unit will be covered. The Clutch assembly is not covered under any warranty. These cars have been surprisingly reliable, even with higher mileage. MOST IMPORTANT THING IS to get a car with a Sport differential

[Dr GP]

What you really need to know is that there is no year to avoid. There have been some issues with the mechatronic units of the S tronic cars. The clutch assembly can be a weak point on 6MT cars. You should make sure you have some type of warranty. Either the balance of factory warranty, CPO warranty or aftermarket extended warranty. With a warranty, the mechatronic unit will be covered. The Clutch assembly is not covered under any warranty. These cars have been surprisingly reliable, even with higher mileage. MOST IMPORTANT THING IS to get a car with a Sport differential. BTW, very good decision NOT to get a B6/B7 S4.

[Chandler]

If you want to go stage 2, Go ahead and get a DSG, b8.5. The manual is great, I like mine, but unless you can wrench, it could be very expensive to put down power if you run into some clutch issues, you may as well be spending money replacing the mech device on the DSG IMO. I have had a bit of a sour experience personally though.

[GTItoS4]

The DSG flush is due every 35k miles.

There's no major concerns on any particular year or variant of these cars that haven't been mentioned (tstat and mechatrontic unit on early cars). Everything is well sorted into the B8.5 years.

Service history, warranty, options, and color are the only items to address when shopping! Have fun test driving!

[SteveYem]

Keep in mind that the electric assist steering in the 2013+ cars has been hit or miss. Some people have no issues or possibly just don't notice it or don't care, others have major issues requiring software and/or hardware updates from Audi. Meanwhile the 2010-2012 hydraulic assist steering system appears to be rock solid with no complaints from anyone except "the steering in my old 335i was much better".

[dizzlesizzle]

I just picked up a relatively high mileage 2010 a few months ago and had created a thread beforehand. Odds are the thermostat will have already been replaced on whatever you're looking at. As mentioned above the early models had mechatronic issues which could be expensive. Also I'm currently having carbon cleaning done for buildup in the secondary air ports but Audi released an extended warranty for the problem and is covering it. Other than that, the cars seems to be solid, might occasionally have a sensor go somewhere but most owners seem to have few if any large problems. I'm guessing you're price range is 25k give or take based on everything you said? If that's the case you'd be looking at 60k+ miles. 6MT would be your best bet but be ready to replace the clutch eventually


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...igh-mileage-S4

not to run this thread off topic, but what is the extended warranty valid at for the carbon build up? Mileage/year

I remember getting something in the mail about it but I can't find the letter about the details.

[Audacious]

2012 is the year to buy for B8. Upgraded Gen 1.5 DSG (B8.5 has Gen 2, no difference except gearing), 7000 rpm redline (no TCU tune required), no electric steering issues. 2013+ are just as good if you like the styling and can swing the extra $$. Sport diff is a must like others have said.

[phoebeusfenix]

I've got a pretty little red 2013 CPO with the DCT/DSG tranny & 20k miles for sale...just in case you need a direction to go :) I've had no issues at all With her, and she still makes me ooze every time I drive her ..

[SteveYem]

I've got a pretty little red 2013 CPO with the DCT/DSG tranny & 20k miles for sale...just in case you need a direction to go :) I've had no issues at all With her, and she still makes me ooze every time I drive her ..

OP, if you go with this one make sure you perform a thorough inspection of the driver seat, what with all the oozing

[phoebeusfenix]

^ coworkers wondering what I'm cackling about over here lol

[TMurt]

not to run this thread off topic, but what is the extended warranty valid at for the carbon build up? Mileage/year

I remember getting something in the mail about it but I can't find the letter about the details.

It is good until 10 years or 120,000 miles. Copy of letters here http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8998279

[dizzlesizzle]

It is good until 10 years or 120,000 miles. Copy of letters here http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8998279

Thank you sir!

[Dakkath]

my only advice is to immediately replace the OEM conti's, they are fucking terrible after about 7K miles.

[GTItoS4]

2012 is the year to buy for B8. Upgraded Gen 1.5 DSG (B8.5 has Gen 2, no difference except gearing), 7000 rpm redline (no TCU tune required), no electric steering issues. 2013+ are just as good if you like the styling and can swing the extra $$. Sport diff is a must like others have said.

The Gen2 DSG has more differences than just gearing. It shifts faster and harder stock (and modified) than any of the other gens due to some hardware and software changes. APR has commented on it several times in their TCU thread.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10743021

[vwblackb5]

my only advice is to immediately replace the OEM conti's, they are fucking terrible after about 7K miles.

Are you for serious @ 7k? I'm only at 1900 miles on my 2016 and it's winter now, but the Conti Sport Contact 3's were pretty good in the dry.. but I just need any excuse to go Michelin Super Sports a little earlier

[Dakkath]

Are you for serious @ 7k? I'm only at 1900 miles on my 2016 and it's winter now, but the Conti Sport Contact 3's were pretty good in the dry.. but I just need any excuse to go Michelin Super Sports a little earlier

Unfortunately I am. Read the reviews on here about them. They last at maximum ~17K... They are good in dry, yeah. But at around 7-10K they just become unruly (depending on how you baby the car).

[pdqgp]

Are you for serious @ 7k? I'm only at 1900 miles on my 2016 and it's winter now, but the Conti Sport Contact 3's were pretty good in the dry.. but I just need any excuse to go Michelin Super Sports a little earlier

^^ I agree. I understand some people hate them and while I don't love them, I have about 14k on mine and expect them to last through next fall. I'll have my winter tires on through Feb/Mid March. After that I'll put Michelin summer only tires on her.

[vwblackb5]

Unfortunately I am. Read the reviews on here about them. They last at maximum ~17K... They are good in dry, yeah. But at around 7-10K they just become unruly (depending on how you baby the car).

Thanks for the feedback, will have to follow up and search. Really tempting, Michelin PSS 255/35/R19 XL 96Y's can be had at Costco for 217$ per tire vs 260 @ tire rack......

[Audacious]

The Gen2 DSG has more differences than just gearing. It shifts faster and harder stock (and modified) than any of the other gens due to some hardware and software changes. APR has commented on it several times in their TCU thread.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10743021

Nice link, that explains it very well. Never heard about the harder grabbing and launch for the Gen 2. Still makes the 2012 the best B8 year to get, while all B8.5 years proven to be very reliable as well.