B8 or B9?

[AudiS4SD]

Ok. I haven't been on the forum in a while, so if this has already been posted, kindly direct me in that direction

Long story short, I had to sell my S4 a while back, but am missing every moment. This said, with the B9 coming out sometime soon, how many of you would try to find an outgoing B8.5 vs. waiting for the B9? Not sure if dealerships will be heavily discounting them to get rid of them. Maybe I could still find a new or low-mileage model. Also, besides getting slightly more power, I always LOVED the supercharger on my B8.5 despite the fuel efficiency and not sure I would care for twin turbos like BMW/Mercedes.

Other thoughts running in my head: since the B9 will be new internally, I expect to see some quirks and issues just like any new model. I bet the outgoing B8.5 MY16 (mine was MY14) should be pretty much free of major issues. Anybody disagree? Any long-term issues that I could/should expect to address? I remember DSG service at some point, but I might go back to manual.

What do you guys think? Should I get back into a B8.5 or wait for the B9?

Cheers!

[GRUMPY-S4]

I went with a B8.5 because I just didnt like the B9 styling and because of what you stated on the first year issues. Add to that the fact that I got 12K under MSRP... Done!!!!

[waxxonMTL]

I would wait for b9 if money is no object. this engine should make 500whp with tunes, well just look at n55 engine how easy it is to get to 500whp compared to us.

no more dsg which was the biggest flaw of the b8.. i mean why are people so scared to be td1 flagged ? its because they dont want to pay 12k for a tranny repair lol.

However, i prefer the interior of the b8.5 than the b9. the screen reminds me too much of the mercedes and bmw. exterior is sweet looking.

[carlosvjr92]

I personally prefer the B8 because of styling, but if you're planning on tuning then definitely go with the B9. If I was gonna go with the B9 I would just wait until they're out a year or two so you can avoid any potential issues

[chaos2984]

With real life looking at the B8.5 and the pics of the B9 I like the B8.5 much better. But There are things on paper that I like about the B9. But ill wait and sit and drive a B9 before I lay judgement on it.

[Nightkiller6]

If I had the choice I would choose the B8.5 everytime. I just dont like the styling of the B9 besides the new DRLs and front end.

[S4NJ]

I personally prefer the B8 because of styling, but if you're planning on tuning then definitely go with the B9. If I was gonna go with the B9 I would just wait until they're out a year or two so you can avoid any potential issues

+ this

[Dr GP]

The exterior changes on the B9 are evolutionary. The interior is much different. The twin turbo engine should have some extra power, but you will have to give up the 6MT or DSG trans for a Tiptronic. I don't think the mechanicals will be so different that it will have a lot of glitches. B7 to B8 changes were more revolutionary. Water pump and Tstats were the only real major problems with first yr B8s. But you never know.

[carlosvjr92]

The exterior changes on the B9 are evolutionary. The interior is much different. The twin turbo engine should have some extra power, but you will have to give up the 6MT or DSG trans for a Tiptronic. I don't think the mechanicals will be so different that it will have a lot of glitches. B7 to B8 changes were more revolutionary. Water pump and Tstats were the only real major problems with first yr B8s. But you never know.

Always better to be safe than sorry for sure. I'd wait at the least a year before purchasing a B9

[torinalth]

someone above said it perfect. if the looks are not a factor one way or the other and funds are appropriate i'd go with the B9. For this car I had to have manual so the B9 would be a no go for me. that said, it will be faster, have more power, and be easier to work with and have a smoother transmission (if not a bit slower). If you don't really care and just want a great car, then get a CPO 15 or 16 for a good savings and an ironed out platform.

But do you want something you have already had? I can't own the same car twice, even if it was amazing. I'd have to get a different model.

[Vanimal]

I went with a B8.5 because I just didnt like the B9 styling and because of what you stated on the first year issues. Add to that the fact that I got 12K under MSRP... Done!!!!

Holy crap, what was the Msrp? Sounds like a great deal. Did you go through Audi financing? Down payment?

I'm possibly looking to add a used B8.5 4 door to go along with my B8 S5 4.2. I was looking at a 2013 with 45k for $31,000 locally. Don't ever really buy brand new just good condition used and has always worked out for me. But dang 12k off Msrp.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[GRUMPY-S4]

Holy crap, what was the Msrp? Sounds like a great deal. Did you go through Audi financing? Down payment?

I'm possibly looking to add a used B8.5 4 door to go along with my B8 S5 4.2. I was looking at a 2013 with 45k for $31,000 locally. Don't ever really buy brand new just good condition used and has always worked out for me. But dang 12k off Msrp.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

I went through my own financing. MSRP was 66K.

I couldn't pass up on it.

[Lensch09]

I see in your sig that your old car was a 6MT. If you're looking to keep all 3 pedals, your only option would be to get back into a B8.5 (6MT is not even an option in the B9...at least not yet).

-

DL

[AudiS4SD]

I see in your sig that your old car was a 6MT. If you're looking to keep all 3 pedals, your only option would be to get back into a B8.5 (6MT is not even an option in the B9...at least not yet).
DL

Tough to say, I really loved the 6MT, but might want DSG for the lady. Always liked the B8.5, so maybe the CPO 15 or 16 if I can get the Black Optics (the nice ones) again.

[MrFunk]

Here are the facts:

There will be no 6MT with the B9 - you are stuck with Auto - IT WILL NOT BE A DSG (dual clutch) either... it will be a conventional 8 speed auto (which I believe means no launch control)
There will be no B9 S4 until at the earliest late (sep?) 2017
The B9 will surely be a "better car" with more tuning potential.

If you don't mind the wait and don't mind auto then wait.
If you want manual then grab one now if you can find one.

[AudiS4SD]

someone above said it perfect. if the looks are not a factor one way or the other and funds are appropriate i'd go with the B9. For this car I had to have manual so the B9 would be a no go for me. that said, it will be faster, have more power, and be easier to work with and have a smoother transmission (if not a bit slower). If you don't really care and just want a great car, then get a CPO 15 or 16 for a good savings and an ironed out platform.

But do you want something you have already had? I can't own the same car twice, even if it was amazing. I'd have to get a different model.

Overall I think I prefer the B8.5. My opinion might change once seeing the B9 in-person though. From what I've read, and this will be confirmed once the B9 comes out, but it seems like it will be on-par or even slightly slower stock vs. B8.5.

[AudiS4SD]

Here are the facts:

There will be no 6MT with the B9 - you are stuck with Auto - IT WILL NOT BE A DSG (dual clutch) either... it will be a conventional 8 speed auto (which I believe means no launch control)
There will be no B9 S4 until at the earliest late (sep?) 2017
The B9 will surely be a "better car" with more tuning potential.

If you don't mind the wait and don't mind auto then wait.
If you want manual then grab one now if you can find one.

Not until 2017? If it was 2016, I might consider waiting, but if it's not for another 1.5 years, then screw that, ha.

[MrFunk]

Not until 2017? If it was 2016, I might consider waiting, but if it's not for another 1.5 years, then screw that, ha.

Plus if you are a MT guy then grab one now if you can. They aren't making them any longer (even B8's) so you'll have to find one built and on a lot.

[jygesq]

first year for b9 = BAD. STYLING for b9 = bad. no Steptronic= bad . B.8.5 has been very good for reliability. Possible discounts for b8.5. Maybe not happen as car supply gets less and release date for B9 is many months away. Get a B8.5 IF you can get it the way you want it. Get Sport diff. B&O , Tech DSG. the rest is not needed.

[cjw]

I'll likely go B9 eventually, but I want to see numbers and reviews. I would prefer a DSG as well (and many would prefer a manual trans), but I find the B8 dated.

[TomPaul10]

why in the f*ck are they using a ZF trans instead of Dual clutch??? ( dont tell me the ZF makes more power, BS ) pisses me off. end rant

[jygesq]

why in the f*ck are they using a ZF trans instead of Dual clutch??? ( dont tell me the ZF makes more power, BS ) pisses me off. end rant

It really makes no sense, Dual Clutch on new A4, yet not on S4. Too much power ? R8 uses dual clutch.

[fitzydude]

I don't know if you guys have been noticing but the SQ5 guys have been putting down some excellent times with the ZF? Trans and their cars are heavier than ours.

[pdqgp]

why in the f*ck are they using a ZF trans instead of Dual clutch??? ( dont tell me the ZF makes more power, BS ) pisses me off. end rant

IMO I think it might be due to capability. The ZF likely handles the power better which will be a plus down the road for folks who mod. I think it also performs as good if not better and offers the same experience in manual modes. Less cost to build is likely another reason. Less cost to repair is a bonus for owners. Less complicated overall really. All opinions and hunches mind you.

That said, I'm not a fan of the styling compared to the B8.5 especially the interior. I would be hesitant on any NEW model. Wait for the B9.5 would be my insight. Not sure if the extra power stock really means much if it's going to have a torque converter to go through.

Has it been "confirmed" by Audi to be a twin turbo? I would suspect it's just a single but reserve the right to be incorrect. WIth that the other reason one might want to wait is to allow for the tuning community to have at them and get a reliable bump made available.

Just my thoughts.

[anerbe]

why in the f*ck are they using a ZF trans instead of Dual clutch??? ( dont tell me the ZF makes more power, BS ) pisses me off. end rant

They are probably saving money by commonizing the transmission with the engine. The turbo 6 will probably be on all the mid level A6-A8 vehicles, where currently they split between DSG and Auto Tranny for S4 and other models.

Only reason I got this car in DSG is due to dual clutch. I've driven plenty of the latest auto trans options, and there's just something so boring/disconnected with them, they are all the same - no matter how close in speed they shift to Dual Clutch.

Some of the excitement dual clutch adds is the little nuances/harshness/imperfections in daily driving that make you feel it's more like a manual.

[pdqgp]

Some of the excitement dual clutch adds is the little nuances/harshness/imperfections in daily driving that make you feel it's more like a manual.

I forgot one point that you brought up......I think also the public overall isn't used to the above noted nuance and harshness. Most average Joes just know they didn't want a manual transmission and bought the "auto" / DSG for what they've been used to. I mean even here in AZ people comment on the "jerkiness" of the stock DSG Tune. Thus one reason why I'm glad I've never had a stock S4. Love my DSG tune,

[treejs4]

I would wait for b9 if money is no object. this engine should make 500whp with tunes, well just look at n55 engine how easy it is to get to 500whp compared to us.

I think you mean the n54 which is the twin turbo'd engines. And even better, most bmw enthusiast prefer this engine bc it has more potential than the n55 which should in theory be better for us since the b9 will be twin turbo'd!

[Schadenfreude]

Also, besides getting slightly more power, I always LOVED the supercharger on my B8.5 despite the fuel efficiency and not sure I would care for twin turbos like BMW/Mercedes.

B9 S4 is single turbo, not twin turbo fwiw. The RS4 is expected to be twin (if it comes here). The loss of a manual option killed it for me. Personally I like the B9 styling almost as much as my B8 which I bought right at the model change for 2013 because I did not like the 8.5 styling

[pdqgp]

I think you mean the n54 which is the twin turbo'd engines. And even better, most bmw enthusiast prefer this engine bc it has more potential than the n55 which should in theory be better for us since the b9 will be twin turbo'd!

I'm not sure there's been any confirmation on the B9 being a dual turbo. A friend of mine here on AZ just got back from the B9 training and Audi hasn't announced anything official yet.

[BaumerS4]

Just ask yourself if you can deal with the "tacked on at the last minute" look of the MMI screen in the B9 vs the integrated into the dash look of the B8/B8.5.

[jl87]

Yeah, I thought it was a new V6 with single turbo...possibly twin scroll, but not twin turbos.

[Dr GP]

someone above said it perfect. if the looks are not a factor one way or the other and funds are appropriate i'd go with the B9. For this car I had to have manual so the B9 would be a no go for me. that said, it will be faster, have more power, and be easier to work with and have a smoother transmission (if not a bit slower). If you don't really care and just want a great car, then get a CPO 15 or 16 for a good savings and an ironed out platform.

But do you want something you have already had? I can't own the same car twice, even if it was amazing. I'd have to get a different model.

I'm om my 3rd B8/8.5 S4. Still can't find anything I like or want that I think is better. Lately though, I have been looking at the new M2 and Jag XE and Focus RS. All come with a MT and the Jag and Focus are available with AWD as well. Same price range as the S4 for Jag and M2. Focus should top out at $42K. Saw all 3 at the Phila auto show. Interesting, but I am not in the market for a new car at this time. None available used either.

[TomPaul10]

IMO I think it might be due to capability. The ZF likely handles the power better which will be a plus down the road for folks who mod. I think it also performs as good if not better and offers the same experience in manual modes. Less cost to build is likely another reason. Less cost to repair is a bonus for owners. Less complicated overall really. All opinions and hunches mind you.

That said, I'm not a fan of the styling compared to the B8.5 especially the interior. I would be hesitant on any NEW model. Wait for the B9.5 would be my insight. Not sure if the extra power stock really means much if it's going to have a torque converter to go through.

Has it been "confirmed" by Audi to be a twin turbo? I would suspect it's just a single but reserve the right to be incorrect. WIth that the other reason one might want to wait is to allow for the tuning community to have at them and get a reliable bump made available.

Just my thoughts.

all good points.

Cost of build/repair is huge for them i think,and less problems most likely down the road. and them putting dual clutch in the 50K sports luxury saloon was a big statement back in 2009. the 335i didn't have it till later dow the road only the M3 was introduced to it first in 2008. All of your reasons are legitimate from a companies perspective, But i feel a sense of just going backwards from the dual clutch.

and for new B9, I feel it will grow on all of us as it always does, i will not be to harsh on the exterior; but rear end is atrocious and the body lines and new shape are not matching up with me when they say its an "S4" somethings off exterior wise a bit and i cannot pin point it.

- Im not 100 percent as well on that but from my knowledge its looking single turbo... and the thing will make some serious power ! tuning companies will be all over that as always, kinda like going back the B5 days in a way

[SteveYem]

I would wait until model year #2 for the B9, which would put you out into 2017/2018. In the meantime, find a low-mileage used B8.5 with the options you want (and hopefully you won't have to compromise too much if you are patient and wait for the "right" car to come up), then if/when you sell it 2 years down the road you won't lose your shirt on it. Other than the wonky electro-mechanical steering rack, I think you'll find the B8.5 to be a very pleasing experience.

[schoi623]

B9 no question


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vanimal]

I vote the "two year method"

Get your itch fixed by finding yourself a nice b8.5 right now & enjoy the hell out of it. Keep her for 2 years, probably be two enjoyable ones.

Wait for year two of the B9, to see if any kinks need to be worked out etc. See if the styling grows on you "in person" etc. IF it does trade up.

[Wusty]

B9 S4 will be in the US in FEB 2017. This information was released to Sales Managers in an end of Nov 2015 corporate conference meeting in Texas. Call your local Audi dealer and ask for a Sales Manager, get the scoop from him.

[RudyH]

It really makes no sense, Dual Clutch on new A4, yet not on S4. Too much power ? R8 uses dual clutch.

Don't get me started on this topic...can't handle power?
Bugatti Veyron using dual clutch > anything ZF is used in

"Oh but the RS7 needed to use the ZF because it had more power then the A7/S7" - what about the Porsche Panamera Turbo S that uses a dual clutch? It has 10 hp less then the RS7 but produces more torque (where transmissions would actually break)...the only perk is the extra gear you get in the ZF. So extra time it takes to shift to the next gear. The only thing is if that gearing utilizes the power band better and therefore compensates for the quicker shifting of the dual clutch

Bunch of corporate fed bull from Audi on the dual clutch...

I think I'm more pissed because my 2010 is running fine, I have warranty, and couldn't justify ordering a 2016...but now regretting it from the long term. B8.5 is likely going to be in my driveway and then start looking at other options unless Audi comes out with a B9.5 that I want.

Edit :

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post11392167
Dropping my keys off for a downgrade to the A3...see Aug 2017....it has a dual clutch and a sweet exhaust note :)

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...di-rs3-debuts/

[AudiS4SD]

B9 S4 will be in the US in FEB 2017. This information was released to Sales Managers in an end of Nov 2015 corporate conference meeting in Texas. Call your local Audi dealer and ask for a Sales Manager, get the scoop from him.

Looks like I'll be searching for a B8.5 again...good and bad, assuming I can find what I want!

[dansjuice]

Wait to see if the RS4 is brought over