Looking into an '05 S4...

[ChiefyMan55]

So, having gone digging into the forums before posting, it appears...

1. Listen for rattling - timing chain may need replacement past 100k miles (this one is at 108k miles)
2. Oil consumption is hit and miss - some have major oil-aholic issues, others none.
3. Otherwise, the 4.2L is a very solid engine when taken care of.
4. Major maintenance at the 30k's are spendy, but otherwise cost of ownership isn't too bad.

Is that a fair overview of these S4's, am I missing anything - positive or negative - and any additional input?

Will be doing a PPI at Audi, it's a used '05 convertible, manual S4 with 108k miles at a used car dealership with doesn't have too many reviews online, but what is online is pretty positive.

[arrogntbastrd06]

Have it scoped and checked for cylinder scoring and compression if you can (during the PPI at Audi presumably). If that is clear, try to determine if the timing system was ever rebuilt (service records, etc.). If you can verify that the timing system was serviced and the cylinders are in good shape... well then welcome aboard.

If the block is in good shape, but you have no way of verifying the timing system was rebuilt, I would try to drop your purchase price as much as possible, considering a full timing job can be costly.

If the block is trashed, just move on to something else.

Good luck!

[bmwpower603]

So, having gone digging into the forums before posting, it appears...

1. Listen for rattling - timing chain may need replacement past 100k miles (this one is at 108k miles)
2. Oil consumption is hit and miss - some have major oil-aholic issues, others none.
3. Otherwise, the 4.2L is a very solid engine when taken care of.
4. Major maintenance at the 30k's are spendy, but otherwise cost of ownership isn't too bad.

Is that a fair overview of these S4's, am I missing anything - positive or negative - and any additional input?

Will be doing a PPI at Audi, it's a used '05 convertible, manual S4 with 108k miles at a used car dealership with doesn't have too many reviews online, but what is online is pretty positive.

I'll sell you my 04 with 150k.

Engine is currently out, and getting updated guides, JHM adjusters, and tensioners. And you can do what you want with it. Good compression. I can send the results for test.

It's Moro blue, black interior. 6 speed MT

[seblove]

So, having gone digging into the forums before posting, it appears...

1. Listen for rattling - timing chain may need replacement past 100k miles (this one is at 108k miles)
2. Oil consumption is hit and miss - some have major oil-aholic issues, others none.
3. Otherwise, the 4.2L is a very solid engine when taken care of.
4. Major maintenance at the 30k's are spendy, but otherwise cost of ownership isn't too bad.

Is that a fair overview of these S4's, am I missing anything - positive or negative - and any additional input?

Will be doing a PPI at Audi, it's a used '05 convertible, manual S4 with 108k miles at a used car dealership with doesn't have too many reviews online, but what is online is pretty positive.

Pretty on point. But i'd change the part about the timing chain guides from "may need replacement" to "will need replacement". And with that said, I'd look for another car -_- ... If you're super interested in this platform then I'd look for one that's had the guides replaced. Ppl have flamed me and others for being so negative about it, so take it as you will, there are definitely people out there who never need to replace the guides, but few and far between.

[bmwpower603]

Pretty on point. But i'd change the part about the timing chain guides from "may need replacement" to "will need replacement". And with that said, I'd look for another car -_- ... If you're super interested in this platform then I'd look for one that's had the guides replaced. Ppl have flamed me and others for being so negative about it, so take it as you will, there are definitely people out there who never need to replace the guides, but few and far between.

But there are people who have will never have to replace guides. But will most likely have to replace at least the hydraulic tensioners every 100k-150k.

[xhackerekx]

I replace my self everything ,pic for proof:

and I can sell car for good money

[bmwpower603]

I replace my self everything ,pic for proof:

Nice work. Mine will hopefully look like this by next week!! Did you replace any of the brown guides? (The long upper ones) Are you also doing your head gaskets?

[xhackerekx]

Nice work. Mine will hopefully look like this by next week!! Did you replace any of the brown guides? (The long upper ones) Are you also doing your head gaskets?

I replace every single piece timing included mechanical cam adjusters and chains no touch the heads because no needed. the new guides what I install is black crazy iphone change colors with no reason.

[bmwpower603]

OP Need to get the engine checked by someone who can compression test the vehicle correctly/manually.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Audizine mobile app

[xhackerekx]

u no check compression before remove engine ?

[bmwpower603]

Everything looks good.

1-185

2-180

3-190

4-195

5-185

6-200

7-190

8-190



Sent from my SM-G900T using Audizine mobile app

[ChiefyMan55]

What sort of cost would I be looking at for the timing system, if I have a shop do it? How tough is this engine to work on myself?

[ChiefyMan55]

bmwpower - check PM.

[bmwpower603]

What sort of cost would I be looking at for the timing system, if I have a shop do it? How tough is this engine to work on myself?

There is a lot to replace on the back of the engine. Most shops will want to purchase ecs tuning full kit for $4500.00. Labor can vary from $2500-5k probably from audi...

I'm paying my friend who is a BMW master tech $1500.00. He's doing guides, tensioners, and jhm mechanical adjusters, (Sprocket side ONLY) I did opt OUT of buying the electrical adjusters. Since the are 1k each.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Audizine mobile app

[xhackerekx]

Everything looks good.

1-185

2-180

3-190

4-195

5-185

6-200

7-190

8-190



Sent from my SM-G900T using Audizine mobile app

this numbers on hot engine ???

[bmwpower603]

No. Cold.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Audizine mobile app

[xhackerekx]

valve seals leaking for 100% 200psi on cold engine wow .

[badger.]

200psi on cold engine wow .

Yeah those are some pretty damn impressive compression #s for this engine cold. I'd take them with a grain of salt. HOWEVER for the compression test, whether or not his tester was calibrated right I think the most important aspect is variation between cylinders. Since they are all within +/- 20 psi that means everything should be in decent shape.

OR everything is equally scored and the tester is just way, way off.... but that is a lot less likely :)

[bmwpower603]

Yeah those are some pretty damn impressive compression #s for this engine cold. I'd take them with a grain of salt. HOWEVER for the compression test, whether or not his tester was calibrated right I think the most important aspect is variation between cylinders. Since they are all within +/- 20 psi that means everything should be in decent shape.

OR everything is equally scored and the tester is just way, way off.... but that is a lot less likely :)

It was done by JFJ autoworks. (compression test)

Charged me $80.00

[ScooterT]

I just picked up a 2004 with 126k for $5,500. Couldn't pass that up. Thing looks mint, I'm overseas so I won't get to drive it for a few weeks when I get home on vacation. Definitely looking forward to that. Good luck with the one you're looking at. I guess there's also an issue with the coil packs but they get replaced under warranty. So that's something to look into. The newest version is Q I guess.

[ChiefyMan55]

So, I've come across three convertible S4's...

A blue convertible 2005 with 45k miles on it. Automatic (I love my manual transmissions, but hey... 45k miles on an 05?) - Priced at $13,995. Thoughts? At that mileage and age, what should I be looking for?

A blue convertible 2005 with 75K miles on it, manual. Price: $10,990

And a 91k mile grey 2004, manual. At that mileage, the timing system replacement/rebuild is a must, yes? Price: $8995

Any input is greatly appreciated!