Who went B5 to B8

[Tyler S4]

I recognize some familiar faces in here from the B5 S4 community. I am looking to sell my B5 S4 here soon to switch to something newer/more reliable. I have done tons of maintenance on the B5 in the 4 years of ownership but just rolled over 150k and been itching for a change the last year or so. I am looking to get into a 2010 - 2012 with Sport diff (price jump to the 8.5 would put me out of what I really would like to spend) but also torn between the 6MT and the DSG. The DSG is probably faster however nothing beats canyon carving with a manual gearbox IMO. Also nice to see a pretty active Colorado community in here!

Those of you who made the switch, what are your thoughts?

[theweebabyseamus]

Have you driven a B8 yet? I've had a B5 and in test driving this B8...its a different animal.

[Tyler S4]

Have you driven a B8 yet? I've had a B5 and in test driving this B8...its a different animal.

Not yet. Not an s4 at least. I have driven a few b8 a4s a few years ago when I worked at a dealership. Different in what way? There is one manual near me I want to go test drive here soon, but not one I would want to purchase. CO prices on anything awd are crazy, 90% sure I will travel for one.

[RAD69]

Very different animals... My B5 was modded up and had K24s. It was way more fun for spirited driving, but my B8.5 is sooooo much nicer for a daily. The B8 is more capable out of the box, and it handles very well for a larger car and when you go stage 2 it is pretty fast. DSG is my favorite part of the car, it was hard to accept buying an auto, but i actually love it.

[Dr GP]

Very different animals... My B5 was modded up and had K24s. It was way more fun for spirited driving, but my B8.5 is sooooo much nicer for a daily. The B8 is more capable out of the box, and it handles very well for a larger car and when you go stage 2 it is pretty fast. DSG is my favorite part of the car, it was hard to accept buying an auto, but i actually love it.

My 6MT is/was the favorite part of my 3 B8 S4s. Never had a B5 S4, but did have a B6 S4(not a great car)

[SepangS4me]

I agreed, the two cars are definitely different in many ways. I had a B5.5 Stg 2+ 8 yrs ago, switched to a g37xs and now own a b8.5. My b5 was definitely much stronger when it came to the butt dyno while the b8 has more linear power. B8 handles much better and new tech features make it more comfortable for everyday driving. The seats on the B8 are definitely nicer and hold you in better. With all that said, I still wish I kept my b5 to cruise around in occasionally but I definitely don't regret getting the b8. In an ideal world, I'd love to own both.

[S4tranquility]

I made the switch a couple years ago. You won't regret it. B5 is an amazing car and I have extreme fondness for it and the memories of my stage 3. That said, I don't regret the switch. I've put 25k miles on it and it's been super solid.

[Tyler S4]

I agreed, the two cars are definitely different in many ways. I had a B5.5 Stg 2+ 8 yrs ago, switched to a g37xs and now own a b8.5. My b5 was definitely much stronger when it came to the butt dyno while the b8 has more linear power. B8 handles much better and new tech features make it more comfortable for everyday driving. The seats on the B8 are definitely nicer and hold you in better. With all that said, I still wish I kept my b5 to cruise around in occasionally but I definitely don't regret getting the b8. In an ideal world, I'd love to own both.

Very different animals... My B5 was modded up and had K24s. It was way more fun for spirited driving, but my B8.5 is sooooo much nicer for a daily. The B8 is more capable out of the box, and it handles very well for a larger car and when you go stage 2 it is pretty fast. DSG is my favorite part of the car, it was hard to accept buying an auto, but i actually love it.

My 6MT is/was the favorite part of my 3 B8 S4s. Never had a B5 S4, but did have a B6 S4(not a great car)

My car is only Stage 2+ so I havent experienced that power from the B5, other than riding in a buddies Tial 605 car. I am guessing a stock b8 s4 should be about as fast as my car now. I like the bang for the buck aspect with power increased out of the gate on the b8 with a simple tune. I agree though, in a perfect world I would keep the b5 and snag a b8. I am just worried if I go with DSG I am going to miss rowing through gears a few months down the road. With my commute now I rarely run into times where I sit there wishing I had an auto at that time.

I made the switch a couple years ago. You won't regret it. B5 is an amazing car and I have extreme fondness for it and the memories of my stage 3. That said, I don't regret the switch. I've put 25k miles on it and it's been super solid.

This is good to hear, I remember watching all your vids back in the day and they persuaded me to buy one. You ought to make some for the b8 now!


I want to go drive some around me however after working in a dealership, I hate going without an intention on buying thus wasting their time.

[elijahallen]

I made the switch this year, after 10 years and 4 stage 3+ B5 S4 avant and the last one a widebody I finally wanted something new. I am happy with the B8, its slow compared to a healthy modded B5 but its fast enough and I use it primarily for daily driving so it will be good enough until audi brings us another fun car hopefully in wagon form :-)

[hodrosS42001]

I did in 2012.. Then I sold the B8 and bought a second B5. Rationale was purely financial. I miss the B8, which was Stage 2. Quick enough by my and many people's standards.

Been curious about where this platform is going.. Will probably jump back in soon.

[slmds4]

I had a stage 2+ B5 6 speed for about 4.5 years, then bought a 135i 6 speed for about 3 years. Just purchased a 13 S4 with a manual (driven 3k miles on it), they are definitely different but in a good way.

My b5 was easily one of my favorites of all time but I really have enjoyed the B8 much more so far. I miss the boost and engine from the 2.7T but all around the B8 is everything you can ask in the car (still plenty of power, steering is smoother, interior bits, seats, etc. is just much better than the B5's were). The power in this car is just way different for me - I'd prefer the turbo vs supercharger but still a lot of fun. DSG was never an option for me, I always opt for the manual so I can't shed any light on that end. I had to find mine out of state and shipped, DSG's are definitely more common.

If you're looking for anything else specifically to compare, let me know.

[bmoreS4]

Keep the b5 as the race car, that's what I ended up doing and I'm glad I did.

[Tyler S4]

This is really reassuring that everyone seems happy with the switch. I think I am going to go test drive one tomorrow and see for myself how much different it feels. I would keep the b5 but cant have 3 cars and I wont sell my Jeep.

[Low Flyer]

I kept my B5 S4 as my toy. The B8 S4 is definitely better suited in the role as a dd. It is more refined and has a bit more interior space, reminds me of the C5 cars as far as space goes. The B5 is obviously more raw and gives a bit more of a purist feel. I feel that either are a great drive depending on the needs.

[CELison]

I went to the B8 world but kept my B5. B8 is DSG, B5 is a 6spd. DSG is fun but it's not the same as rowing your own gears. B8 on pump is eh, not that impressive. I keep 93/E85 and the tank and roll around on the race gas map which is a fun set up, but it's not as fun as driving a B5. Keep your B5, you'll miss it if you sell it.

[doug97gxe]

I recognize some familiar faces in here from the B5 S4 community. I am looking to sell my B5 S4 here soon to switch to something newer/more reliable. I have done tons of maintenance on the B5 in the 4 years of ownership but just rolled over 150k and been itching for a change the last year or so. I am looking to get into a 2010 - 2012 with Sport diff (price jump to the 8.5 would put me out of what I really would like to spend) but also torn between the 6MT and the DSG. The DSG is probably faster however nothing beats canyon carving with a manual gearbox IMO. Also nice to see a pretty active Colorado community in here!

Those of you who made the switch, what are your thoughts?

the manual is actually faster

[fitzydude]

the manual is actually faster

Maybe from a higher speed roll, but that's about the only place it might be.

[doug97gxe]

Maybe from a higher speed roll, but that's about the only place it might be.

not that much higher

[MrFunk]

I came from a B6 so can't give perspective, but a friend of mine came from a B5 S4 to a B8 and he said the chassis is the biggest improvement.
Stick with MT if you like rowing your own gears, grab one while you can.

[CELison]

not that much higher

There could me more factors than just transmissions. Passenger in the 6spd car?

[doug97gxe]

There could me more factors than just transmissions. Passenger in the 6spd car?

good point, but going off what i see so far ...

[doug97gxe]

When we dynoed the DSG it was putting down slightly less power than the 6MT which we all assumed was somewhat related to drivetrain loss.

APR's comment on youtube

[doug97gxe]

There could me more factors than just transmissions. Passenger in the 6spd car?

i guess the passenger was heavier in the MT

Yes. Same fuel (both had the fuel lights come on at the end). Both had two passengers. The passengers in the white car were slightly heavier. Both cars have the same OEM equipment and OEM wheels

[CELison]

APR's comment on youtube

Some cars with the same mods will just make more/less power. I was an intern at AWE a few years back and that B8 on race gas did 430whp. It was a factory freak.

[LordMagnet]

the manual is actually faster

Would a TCU tune even this out? And from a dig, the auto has the advantage?

[doug97gxe]

Would a TCU tune even this out? And from a dig, the auto has the advantage?

It's 2 B8's TCU tune won't help much ..from a dig yeah easier to press and go


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[LordMagnet]

It's 2 B8's TCU tune won't help much ..from a dig yeah easier to press and go


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Is this not the case for the B8.5? Are there different autos in the B8 and B8.5?

[doug97gxe]

Is this not the case for the B8.5? Are there different autos in the B8 and B8.5?

the B8's have a higher redline than the B8.5's.. that's why the TCU tune is highly recommended for the 8.5 over the 8

[LordMagnet]

the B8's have a higher redline than the B8.5's.. that's why the TCU tune is highly recommended for the 8.5 over the 8

Ah! Thanks for the info, as always Doug!


P.S. I went from a B4 to a B8, haha not really relevant to this thread, but big upgrade

[doug97gxe]

Ah! Thanks for the info, as always Doug!


P.S. I went from a B4 to a B8, haha not really relevant to this thread, but big upgrade

No prob... Hmm I didn't know about the B4


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[CELison]

B4 huh?

[kobrian85]

CO prices on anything awd are crazy, 90% sure I will travel for one.

Tyler, I sourced my B8.5 locally, but it was shear luck really. I found that the pricing for them in CO is in-line with anywhere around the country. Some areas are a little higher than others, mine was certainly cheaper than ones I found in the Upper North East or Chicago, hell a few in Salt Lake City were overpriced in my opinion.

The real challenge for me was finding one with the 6MT that checked most of the boxes. I had settled into believing that I would have to purchase one out of state and have it shipped (Which is a whole new level of suckery for purchasing a car). I crazy enough found one at Prestige the afternoon they listed it and had a deposit on it before the they closed that evening, well before I drove it, that's how fast the inventory is moving, and that's everywhere, not just CO. It was a long process for me, but I'm glad that I stayed the course because I ended up with a car that checked every box.


Also, if you want to meet some more locals, get in on this local group... https://www.facebook.com/groups/alphAEuros

[LordMagnet]

No prob... Hmm I didn't know about the B4


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B4 huh?

Not an S4. The S4 of that era was based on the Audi 100 which became the A6. I had a 1995 B4 Audi 90 Sport Quattro, which became the B5 A4 the next year. 172 HP 2.8L V6 12V, 5 speed manual.

[CELison]

Here I thought you meant C4. You're right. I digress.

[Tyler S4]

The faster statement was more referring to the shift times not the power loss differentials between the transmissions. I would keep the B5 but want something newer and more reliable for a dd.

[Boris]

I recognize some familiar faces in here from the B5 S4 community. I am looking to sell my B5 S4 here soon to switch to something newer/more reliable. I have done tons of maintenance on the B5 in the 4 years of ownership but just rolled over 150k and been itching for a change the last year or so. I am looking to get into a 2010 - 2012 with Sport diff (price jump to the 8.5 would put me out of what I really would like to spend) but also torn between the 6MT and the DSG. The DSG is probably faster however nothing beats canyon carving with a manual gearbox IMO. Also nice to see a pretty active Colorado community in here!

Those of you who made the switch, what are your thoughts?

Get 6mt , it's no question more fun. I test drove a auto tho and it was top notch.

For all the talk of differences, I think the b8 s4 actually really circled back closer to the b5 after the b6/7. It's a very tunable car, although we currently have a ceiling on power...but above 400 wheel on this car is really sufficient fun for the street.

It feels lighter than the 6/7 and its steering has a much better feel and communication than the 6/7/ and 5

It has been amazingly reliable, and has handled a lot of high rpm abuse flawlessly. Decent mpg too , even with daily flogging.


It's engine is interesting...once tuned up, it actually behaves much like a small block v8...wall of torque and very linear, but sounds almost like a 911's flat six straight times...

But the low down power on tap is really where you notice the power, and this allows effortless fun everywhere, just squirt here and there without making a scene if you don't want to.. A lot of hipo cars can't do that, you need to wind the shit out of the engine for it it to bloom, not so this engine...although of course I love a high rpm limit and a banshee wail, but for DD, very hard to beat.

[xuandatou]

11' B8 A5 6MT --- 13' B8.5 S5 6MT & 01.5' B5 S4 Avant 6MT as daily

I definitely agree that those are totally different animals.

They both have huge tuning potentials and both are the best choices within their classes comparing with BMW & MB

Keeping them both is my plan for now, I feel B5 pulls harder even just with STG 2 Tune and exhaust, while the B8's power band is more linear

For me, B8 is more reliable but I would never want to sell my B5

[bayonet14]

Had a B5.5 Black on Black and loved it - when I switched I went to a B7 and straight to STG II+ - current B8.5 STG II+

Not much beats the growl of a V8 - but the instant response of the supercharger offset the loss of 2 cylinders...there was an adjustment period to the rasp/burp of the V6 supercharged

I am REALLY looking hard at doing the RS3 - I love that it will be a 5 cylinder - same cabin size as the B5 - will have that unmistakable sound whole on throttle (again not a V8) but all around just be as fun with some nice upgrades. Besides - having less displacement / fewer cylinders / but having a simple tune/downpipe on that RS3 and ability to flog a wide range of other vehicles that have more cylinders and greater displacement is what puts a grin on my face nowadays ;)...they are just fun cars that you can daily drive / sleeper ... yet flog when you need too and make others scratch their heads - and do it with German Engineering elegance.

If I stayed w/a V8 I would have gone from the B5 to say a RS5 or a S5

[doug97gxe]

Had a B5.5 Black on Black and loved it - when I switched I went to a B7 and straight to STG II+ - current B8.5 STG II+

Not much beats the growl of a V8 - but the instant response of the supercharger offset the loss of 2 cylinders...there was an adjustment period to the rasp/burp of the V6 supercharged

I am REALLY looking had at doing the RS3 - I love that it will be a 5 cylinder - same cabin size as the B5 - will have that unmistakable sound whole on throttle (again not a V8) but all around just be as fun with some nice upgrades.

If I stayed w/a V8 I would have gone from the B5 to say a RS5 or a S5

Supercharged JHM B8 S5