B7 RS4 or B8 S5?

[Bronc0]

I have asked this question in both the B7 RS4 and A5/S5/RS5 sections of the forum to try and get as many opinions (I expect some bias!)

So I'm choosing between my current B8 S5 and a B7 RS4 which has popped up locally. I've had my 112,000 miles 4.2 6MT 2009 S5 for 2 weeks, I love it. But the throw out bearing is becoming noisy and I'm having some clutch issues already. Dealer said they will put that right so that's not a huge concern.

The local RS4 in concern has 113k and had a new clutch, rotors pads and carbon cleaning done in July. I know this for a fact as the owner of the Indy shop I use is a close friend and showed me the RS4s service record.

I've always loved the idea of an RS4, I must admit it was my dream car in high school not so long ago. I also love my S5 and I think with some JHM supercharger love it will be more of the speed demon it deserves.

In any case, PERSONALLY which one would you go with? I plan on supercharging either one of them by the summer time.



Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[shonseb]

Rs4, much more of a special car

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[verymickey]

i like having four doors.

[Beast]

I would go for the RS4. Holds value much better also

[mcbuck]

RS4, more rare and more of a head turner. Plus the B7's have very nice lines.

And welcome to the AZ

[Bronc0]

I'm surprised so far that in an S5 oriented group the consensus is RS4. Would I be right in saying the RS4 is more of a head turner to Audi guys as we know what we're looking for? Because thus far I've received a lot of compliments on my S5's appearance from the general public.

God this isn't an easy decision to make!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[chrissurfr]

rs4

[LINDW4LL]

RS4!

[b6onboost]

Yes.

The S5 will impress the average person more because its a coupe that just comes off as sportier looking. The RS4 will impress enthusiasts more as they know how to spot it and how rare it is.

Would I be right in saying the RS4 is more of a head turner to Audi guys as we know what we're looking for? Because thus far I've received a lot of compliments on my S5's appearance from the general public.

[Bronc0]

Yes.

The S5 will impress the average person more because its a coupe that just comes off as sportier looking. The RS4 will impress enthusiasts more as they know how to spot it and how rare it is.

Ok, so what are your thoughts on a "Full" JHM S5 in comparison. Full exhaust with supercharger, BBK etc. More desirable to drive than an RS4?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Pelican Parts]

If it's always been a dream car, then go for it. We just added an RS4 to our stable as it was too always a dream car. It was purchased with 80k miles and we did the following maintenance in less than about 4ish months of ownership:

Spark plugs
Axles
Valve cover gasket
Carbon clean up
The Ohlins/Stassis kit coilovers that we purchased it with were blown so we changed those out for Bilsteins
Top hats
Upper control arms
Clutch (original clutch)
Fluid changes
Front brakes
Ambient air temp sensor
Upgraded front grille to RS6 full honeycomb

Just a note: This car was in rough shape when purchased. It seems the previous owner just did not care to keep up on any of the maintenance. So, we have been fixing things to bring it back to its original state. There is a weird issue with the traction control light that we have yet to diagnose. The dash went blank on it for a brief moment and then came back, no issues since. A few weird noises currently that we are trying to diagnose. The other thing I'd be wary about going bad is the AC compressor as those things are not cheap to replace. A friend just had his go out on his RS4, but he takes extremely good care of it. Honestly, even though a lot of money has been put into it since owning it, it is still just an amazing feeling walking into the garage and seeing it every morning. It will probably be a vehicle that is kept permanently. Also, plans to supercharge it in the future as well. Oh and also, there is a B8 S5 in the family and I'd still grab the keys to the B7 RS4 over the S5 any day of the week. Personal opinion of course.

[Bronc0]

If it's always been a dream car, then go for it. We just added an RS4 to our stable as it was too always a dream car. It was purchased with 80k miles and we did the follow maintenance in less than about 4ish months of ownership:

Spark plugs
Valve cover gasket
Carbon clean up
The Ohlins/Stassis kit coilovers that we purchased it with were blown so we changed those out for Bilsteins
Top hats
Upper control arms
Clutch (original clutch)
Fluid changes
Front brakes
Ambient air temp sensor
Upgraded front grille to RS6 full honeycomb

Just a note: This car was in rough shape when purchased. It seems the previous owner just did not care to keep up on any of the maintenance. So, we have been fixing things to bring it back to its original state. There is a weird issue with the traction control light that we have yet to diagnose. The dash went blank on it for a brief moment and then came back, no issues since. A few weird noises currently that we are trying to diagnose. The other thing I'd be wary about going bad is the AC condenser as those things are not cheap to replace. A friend just had his go out on his RS4, but he takes extremely good care of it. Honestly, even though a lot of money has been put into it since owning it, it is still just an amazing feeling walking into the garage and seeing it every morning. It will probably be a vehicle that is kept permanently. Also, plans to supercharge it in the future as well. Oh and also, there is a B8 S5 in the family and I'd still grab the keys to the B7 RS4 over the S5 any day of the week. Personal opinion of course.

Thanks, that's a pretty good personal summary! I need to go and check out this RS4 when I and the owner are not so busy and see what the deal is. I wish I had the budget to do both!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[doug97gxe]

didn't the RS4 have maintenance issues once they got up in age? if thats the truth i would go Supercharged S5 otherwise RS4 with MT

[Bronc0]

didn't the RS4 have maintenance issues once they got up in age? if thats the truth i would go Supercharged S5 otherwise RS4 with MT

My S5 is a manual itself. The RS4 in question is meticulously maintained and had the major things done in July (Carbon Cleaning, Brakes, and Clutch replaced) that's part of why it is so attractive to me


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[TomPaul10]

im sorry to go on a tangent; but wow this is one of the most ugly RS's ive ever came across lol
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...ting=153879022

and yes rs4 all the way, I almost bought one, but I wont let my experience of why I didnt scare you off, I just had a lemon

[doug97gxe]

My S5 is a manual itself. The RS4 in question is meticulously maintained and had the major things done in July (Carbon Cleaning, Brakes, and Clutch replaced) that's part of why it is so attractive to me


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I remember a RS4 or B8 S4 thread and the guy had the RS4 and he said he was tired of fixing stuff so i got the impression they are a maintenance nightmare

[WinterRunner]

The B7 RS4 is MORE reliable than the S4, and I would wager the S5 too. I owned one for 8 years (80K miles) and was not let down by it's reliability even once. I drive hard too, and always put the cars I own through the ringer in terms of hard driving habits. As long as you prescribe to good maintenance habits and following the intervals, you'll have one of the greatest RS cars ever made.

[Sweep]

Seems pretty unanimous. RS 4!

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

[doug97gxe]

The B7 RS4 is MORE reliable than the S4, and I would wager the S5 too. I owned one for 8 years (80K miles) and was not let down by it's reliability even once. I drive hard too, and always put the cars I own through the ringer in terms of hard driving habits. As long as you prescribe to good maintenance habits and following the intervals, you'll have one of the greatest RS cars ever made.

More reliable than a B8.5 S4?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bronc0]

Ok. Think I know what I need to do now!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[WinterRunner]

More reliable than a B8.5 S4?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was referring to the B6/7 S4 but I would put my money where my mouth is on the B8 also, I am that confident.

[doug97gxe]

I was referring to the B6/7 S4 but I would put my money where my mouth is on the B8 also, I am that confident.

lol well we are all entitled to our opinion


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[b6onboost]

The B7 RS4 is MORE reliable...I owned one for 8 years (80K miles) and was not let down by it's reliability even once.

Yes, but you started with a brand new RS4. Starting with one 10yrs old with 100k is completely different.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WinterRunner]

Yes, but you started with a brand new RS4. Starting with one 10yrs old with 100k is completely different.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I started with 18k miles and daily drove it through New England winters for 80k miles. It's a pretty fair representation of the car's reliabilty in my opinion. That being said, if the car has a good history and up to date mantainence it shouldn't be far off the mark, though I get your point.

[doug97gxe]

I started with 18k miles and daily drove it through New England winters for 80k miles. It's a pretty fair representation of the car's reliabilty in my opinion. That being said, if the car has a good history and up to date mantainence it shouldn't be far off the mark, though I get your point.

The funny thing is the B8 doesn't need all that and the motor is still bulletproof


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shonseb]

The funny thing is the B8 doesn't need all that and the motor is still bulletproof


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's too bad the sports diff ain't

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[doug97gxe]

It's too bad the sports diff ain't

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

I haven't seen much failures and even for dual Pulley cars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shonseb]

Sorry you're right, I meant too say the mech unit and sports diff.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7961669

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8205198


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9437940

There's been discussion about reliability of the B8 DSG (DL501) and mostly speculation about how widespread the problem is. To weed out very low mileage B8's, will further partition that set. We can include the B8.5 S5, but not the B8 S5 or B8.5 RS5 since they are mounted to different engines (although feel free to argue for inclusion). It goes without saying this sample is preconditioned on being a member at audizine, but there are enough people here (IMO) to prevent any kind of "only members with mech unit failures join" bias argument. Decided to make this about "failure" rather than "mech failure" since any kind of early transmission failure (less than 50k miles) should be viewed as highly problematic IMO.

Purpose: Get some actual numbers about DSG failure rates. Help prospective buyers and current owners have an idea of failure probability.

The major failure modes we know of are

1) Mechatronic Units Failing - the ECU that controls the DSG shifting is packaged within the oil cooled system, with the PCB exposed. The failure of this unit is either due to the chemical properties of the oil reacting with board, the heat from this oil or some combination of both. The result can be a bucking sensation on the 1-2 shift or 2-1 shift. Replacing this unit can cost anywhere in the 5-8k neighborhood;

2) Gear Change Sensor Failure - TSB relating to the "drive range sensor". Can show up as the warning "Gearbox Malfunction You Can Keep Driving" but no bucking sensation. Not sure of cost, but guessing somewhere in 3k range? Someone have source?;

3) Clutchpack Failure or Premature Wear - Caused by driving the transmission hard or long-term wear. Haven't heard of anyone with this problem, so including it in the poll but doubt it factors in much.

Background - The VW/Audi group released a worldwide recall for the 7 spd transverse unit, which can only be found on the jetta hybrid in NA. This recall pertained to replacing the DSG fluid - from synthetic to mineral. The failure was described by VW/Audi as " electric malfunctions could occur in the gearbox power supply if synthetic gearbox oil is used" source. This unit (DQ250) uses only a single oil circuit, compared to the dual oil circuits in the logitudinal DSG.

There was an update to the DSG in 2013, the ratios were changed, not sure what else. The center differential was also changed (not that this matters). This transmission should be in the B8.5 S4/S5 and RS5. (If anyone has details about technical differences, please post!)

Also, if you debate any of the technical info provided, please provide the correct info with source and I will update the OP.

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[doug97gxe]

I was thinking more of the motor and specifically the 3.0 but yes the earlier B8 S4 had water pump, thermostat and mech unit issues. The clutch on the MT is pretty weak and delay valve seems to be doing more help than harm.

Off the top of my head I think most mech unit failures are pre 2014 I could be wrong I think also read some where there is a mech unit fix or prevent it or maybe that was a rumor

I know there are DP cars running low 11's consistently with no transmission issues and couple of them are early B8's


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shonseb]

I was thinking more of the motor and specifically the 3.0 but yes the earlier B8 S4 had water pump, thermostat and mech unit issues. The clutch on the MT is pretty weak and delay valve seems to be doing more help than harm.

Off the top of my head I think most mech unit failures are pre 2014 I could be wrong I think also read some where there is a mech unit fix or prevent it or maybe that was a rumor

I know there are DP cars running low 11's consistently with no transmission issues and couple of them are early B8's


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Your right about the 3.0, it really a bulletproof engine. One of the best engines Audi has made. People have abused it and it has been very reliable. I was referring to the model (B8/B8.5)

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[namvar]

RS4, more rare and more of a head turner. Plus the B7's have very nice lines.

And welcome to the AZ

this

[WinterRunner]

The funny thing is the B8 doesn't need all that and the motor is still bulletproof


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Need all of what? An oil change? regular maintenance?

[doug97gxe]

Need all of what? An oil change? regular maintenance?

Yup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WinterRunner]

...

[doug97gxe]

i don't even put gas in mine.. she still runs like a champ

[mufflerman]

This is such an easy one for me. RS all day. Nothing against the S5 or any other S from Audi, but they aren't even close to anything RS. RS is the ultimate Audi in any model and the B7 is one of my favorites with the bubble fenders.

[Brozee]

Get ready to replace the suspension as the stock RS4 suspension is a leaky POS. Also carbon clean every 20k. Seriously it is that bad. Great car, but it looks too much like a standard S4 or even A4 IMO. Plus it's older and slower unless you really tune it with the APR supercharger which is buko bucks.

I drove three different ones a few years ago as I was going to buy one myself. I really enjoyed the car but the maintenance involved and terrible gas mileage kinda thwarted me away. Then i randomly went out the next day and bought a W12 that I wasn't even looking at...

[Bronc0]

The RS4 owner is making it impossible to get hold of. In the meantime I've weighed up the pros and cons and I think I will stay with the S5 and build it the way I want it over the next few years.

I just received my first Job offer out of college and I think if I can prove myself over the next few years I can really afford to build the S5 motor to a lower compression and ramp up the capabilities of that JHM kit! I think in the long run I will be happy with my S5. There's not many built V8 S5s around that I'm aware of


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Benzo1133]

[QUOTE=Bronc0;12010535]The RS4 owner is making it impossible to get hold of. In the meantime I've weighed up the pros and cons and I think I will stay with the S5 and build it the way I want it over the next few years.

I just received my first Job offer out of college and I think if I can prove myself over the next few years I can really afford to build the S5 motor to a lower compression and ramp up the capabilities of that JHM kit! I think in the long run I will be happy with my S5. There's not many built V8 S5s around that I'm aware of


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine[/QUOTE

Not many in Idaho. Stay there, I'll hold it down for built B8 S5 in WA. Lol

[WinterRunner]

Get ready to replace the suspension as the stock RS4 suspension is a leaky POS. Also carbon clean every 20k. Seriously it is that bad. Great car, but it looks too much like a standard S4 or even A4 IMO. Plus it's older and slower unless you really tune it with the APR supercharger which is buko bucks.

I drove three different ones a few years ago as I was going to buy one myself. I really enjoyed the car but the maintenance involved and terrible gas mileage kinda thwarted me away. Then i randomly went out the next day and bought a W12 that I wasn't even looking at...

Carbon cleaning is a maintenance item, do it every 20K, it's about ~800-1000$. The suspension was fixed with a rev "B" system. I was on stock DRC WITH lowering springs for ~50K miles, in New England driven in all conditions. And gas mileage? It's a rev happy V8, what do you expect?