My 1000 Mile Review

[F80Dreamer]

Feel like I have enough seat time to offer up my thoughts on my S4; as you are reading the below, know that I am coming from a long line of BMW's, and this is my first Audi:

Positives
- Subtle/classy look...I know many people say Audi's have boring shapes, but I have always loved the way the S/RS models have looked over the years
- Interior design/quality...I am still blown away by the incredible interior, beautiful design and functionality all rolled into one great package
- B&O sound...I am not an audiophile at all, but all I can say is this is the best car stereo system I have ever had
- Comfort...80% of my drive is in stop/go traffic, so I put it in comfort mode and play some great music...very comfortable car when you want it to be
- Performance...I am just now starting to tap into it's potential and the car definitely has great all around performance
- Size...I am a pretty big guy (6'2), but I find the car to be plenty spacious, with enough room for the kids and wife if we need to take my car
- Efficiency...pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage I am getting, considering the performance and the stop/go nature of my commute

Negatives
- Lack of "edginess"...I do wish in the most sporty settings it was a bit more visceral, still a bit too tame for me. I know I can fix that through some mods, but I am comparing to my last M3 which was absolutely wild in the most sporty settings (yes, not a fair comparison I know)
- Power...there is plenty of it, but I think it would be about perfect with 50 more HP and 50 more ft lbs of torque...patiently waiting for the right tune :)

Overall, I love this car...super happy with my decision, and it has been great learning from all of you on this forum!

[nicknice91303]

Feel like I have enough seat time to offer up my thoughts on my S4; as you are reading the below, know that I am coming from a long line of BMW's, and this is my first Audi:

Positives
- Subtle/classy look...I know many people say Audi's have boring shapes, but I have always loved the way the S/RS models have looked over the years
- Interior design/quality...I am still blown away by the incredible interior, beautiful design and functionality all rolled into one great package
- B&O sound...I am not an audiophile at all, but all I can say is this is the best car stereo system I have ever had
- Comfort...80% of my drive is in stop/go traffic, so I put it in comfort mode and play some great music...very comfortable car when you want it to be
- Performance...I am just now starting to tap into it's potential and the car definitely has great all around performance
- Size...I am a pretty big guy (6'2), but I find the car to be plenty spacious, with enough room for the kids and wife if we need to take my car
- Efficiency...pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage I am getting, considering the performance and the stop/go nature of my commute

Negatives
- Lack of "edginess"...I do wish in the most sporty settings it was a bit more visceral, still a bit too tame for me. I know I can fix that through some mods, but I am comparing to my last M3 which was absolutely wild in the most sporty settings (yes, not a fair comparison I know)
- Power...there is plenty of it, but I think it would be about perfect with 50 more HP and 50 more ft lbs of torque...patiently waiting for the right tune :)

Overall, I love this car...super happy with my decision, and it has been great learning from all of you on this forum!

Awesome. I am coming from a E60 bmw and looking to buy a 2018 S4 or S5 sport back haven't made up my mind yet. But I was worried about the room inside for a family of 4. I love my bmw but I love the S4 aswell. It's more sportier looking and far more things to do as far as mods. Do you have the sport package? I'm looking to have red interior, black optics package, sport package and prestige package..

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[m332is]

I agree whole heartedly with your assessment. I also think that another 40-50 HP and torque would be nice, but I think a stiffer lower suspension and a bit throatier exhaust would be the first boxes I checked. So far, I addressed that with ED springs and rear bar and unplugged the exhaust flap controllers - still debating a new exhaust. As a daily driver, the B9 S4 is a great compromise of comfort and power.

[ssabripo]

same here...Just came from 3 gens of M3's (e46, e90 m3, F80 M3), and had to get the S4 for various reasons.

Here are my comments from a Bmw forum post I posted a couple of days ago:

PROS

• The interior is TO DIE FOR! I'm sorry, it may not be an M3 (see CONS below), but the interior is just plain FANTASTIC. The virtual cockpit is amazing, the ambient lighting is beautiful, the seats...OMG, the seats! they have better bolstering than my M3, the leather is classier and feels better, and they even have Massage features!
• The electronics on this car are years away than the 3-series. Setting up the garage opener, the connectivity to the phone, the apple car play implementation, the streaming of media content from your phone to the car, you name it, it's just done better. I'm a 2 decade old BMW fanatic, but interior wise, Audi truly has done great with this latest batch of cars
• Power is not in the same ballpark as the M3 (see below), but off the line with Quattro and in stock form, this car has some pep. It really feels faster than the 340i. I imagine once they crack the ECU, an APR or similar flash will take care of this in no time.

CONS

• Obviously the power (compared to the M3) and the driving dynamics are not in the same ballpark. That's not to say it's anemic...it actually feels faster than the 340i i drove for 2 weeks a few months ago. But the M3 just has more power, more balance, and it's a more raw of a drive. A true driver's car in this segment.
• The wheel offsets are pretty pathetic in this car. I can barely fit a 265 width tire with some after market rims. Even on a 340i you can easily put some 275 rears with the correct offset wheels, but this thing lacks that. The fenders should be more bulged in my opinion
• it doesn't have the presence of the M3. The stance, the looks, the overall lines of the M3 is obviously much more aggressive and eye catching

Overall, I'm super happy with the decision. I agree with the TS that 50hp + 50lb-ft more power would do this car wonders, but hopefully APR and GIAC and company will crack the ECU soon enough. I REALLY wished the offsets and fender flares in this car were better... not M3 like perhaps, but at least closer to the RS4 or even the S5 coupe at minimum. This car needs some wider fenders and just a tad bit more aggressive looks than the standard A4.

[chrishansin]

same here...Just came from 3 gens of M3's (e46, e90 m3, F80 M3), and had to get the S4 for various reasons.

Here are my comments from a Bmw forum post I posted a couple of days ago:

PROS

• The interior is TO DIE FOR! I'm sorry, it may not be an M3 (see CONS below), but the interior is just plain FANTASTIC. The virtual cockpit is amazing, the ambient lighting is beautiful, the seats...OMG, the seats! they have better bolstering than my M3, the leather is classier and feels better, and they even have Massage features!
• The electronics on this car are years away than the 3-series. Setting up the garage opener, the connectivity to the phone, the apple car play implementation, the streaming of media content from your phone to the car, you name it, it's just done better. I'm a 2 decade old BMW fanatic, but interior wise, Audi truly has done great with this latest batch of cars
• Power is not in the same ballpark as the M3 (see below), but off the line with Quattro and in stock form, this car has some pep. It really feels faster than the 340i. I imagine once they crack the ECU, an APR or similar flash will take care of this in no time.

CONS

• Obviously the power (compared to the M3) and the driving dynamics are not in the same ballpark. That's not to say it's anemic...it actually feels faster than the 340i i drove for 2 weeks a few months ago. But the M3 just has more power, more balance, and it's a more raw of a drive. A true driver's car in this segment.
• The wheel offsets are pretty pathetic in this car. I can barely fit a 265 width tire with some after market rims. Even on a 340i you can easily put some 275 rears with the correct offset wheels, but this thing lacks that. The fenders should be more bulged in my opinion
• it doesn't have the presence of the M3. The stance, the looks, the overall lines of the M3 is obviously much more aggressive and eye catching

Overall, I'm super happy with the decision. I agree with the TS that 50hp + 50lb-ft more power would do this car wonders, but hopefully APR and GIAC and company will crack the ECU soon enough. I REALLY wished the offsets and fender flares in this car were better... not M3 like perhaps, but at least closer to the RS4 or even the S5 coupe at minimum. This car needs some wider fenders and just a tad bit more aggressive looks than the standard A4.

I would definitely recommend looking at the DTUK box. I have no affiliation with them at all. Just a very satisfied customer. I just installed the box, 30 minutes of my day, and just that simple. The car is completely different.

It “feels” way faster and the fun part of driving heavy footed is incredible!

[nicknice91303]

I waiting for APR to drop there tune and just gonna go with them. I'm not a fan of piggy back systems.

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[ssabripo]

I waiting for APR to drop there tune and just gonna go with them. I'm not a fan of piggy back systems.

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same here. I've done piggy backs (JB3 in a N54, JB4 in the M3) etc, and just not a huge fan. Just rather do a flash tune and be done. I still recall the APR I had in a GTI MKIV years ago and it was really good

[chrishansin]

same here. I've done piggy backs (JB3 in a N54, JB4 in the M3) etc, and just not a huge fan. Just rather do a flash tune and be done. I still recall the APR I had in a GTI MKIV years ago and it was really good

I agree on a tune is better. The piggyback is just to tie me over until that happens. I am waiting on APR as well. But as piggybacks go, I am happy with it.

[Yabi]

Great feedback here, it was a pleasure to read. I totally agree with the desire to add a little more power to the S4 and second chrishansin's recommendation on the DTUK/DTE/DT-Power Tune Box. It's simple to install, easy to manage, and can be removed in 5-minutes or less prior to any service visits.

If you still rather hold out for a non-piggy tune, I'd at least consider the PedalBox which improves the standard response times of the accelerator; essentially making the car feel faster and more nimble. Personally I really enjoy both boxes working together in harmony; however, for some the PedalBox would be enough and comes in at a much more reasonable price point with the same 14-day satisfaction guarantee. Just something to consider... they both totally chance the driving experience for me.

Hope this helps!

[joe biker]

Great feedback here, it was a pleasure to read. I totally agree with the desire to add a little more power to the S4 and second chrishansin's recommendation on the DTUK/DTE/DT-Power Tune Box. It's simple to install, easy to manage, and can be removed in 5-minutes or less prior to any service visits.

If you still rather hold out for a non-piggy tune, I'd at least consider the PedalBox which improves the standard response times of the accelerator; essentially making the car feel faster and more nimble. Personally I really enjoy both boxes working together in harmony; however, for some the PedalBox would be enough and comes in at a much more reasonable price point with the same 14-day satisfaction guarantee. Just something to consider... they both totally chance the driving experience for me.

Hope this helps!

IMG_0807.JPGIMG_0808.JPG
There’s your 50hp with only a piggy back !!!!

I have owned my B9 for just about a year.
I just drove a Porsche 718S and was not impressed and it MSRP was 98k
I also drove a 15 911S Crono pkg,
Sport exhaust and didn’t do it either.
Dollar for dollar the B9 is a comfortable car with a 2 person trunk
that gets great Milage.
Just get one with the sport diff only
complain I have is the Nav sucks however you can plug in your phone and use goggle maps.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[S3 lover]

same here...Just came from 3 gens of M3's (e46, e90 m3, F80 M3), and had to get the S4 for various reasons.

Here are my comments from a Bmw forum post I posted a couple of days ago:

PROS

• The interior is TO DIE FOR! I'm sorry, it may not be an M3 (see CONS below), but the interior is just plain FANTASTIC. The virtual cockpit is amazing, the ambient lighting is beautiful, the seats...OMG, the seats! they have better bolstering than my M3, the leather is classier and feels better, and they even have Massage features!
• The electronics on this car are years away than the 3-series. Setting up the garage opener, the connectivity to the phone, the apple car play implementation, the streaming of media content from your phone to the car, you name it, it's just done better. I'm a 2 decade old BMW fanatic, but interior wise, Audi truly has done great with this latest batch of cars
• Power is not in the same ballpark as the M3 (see below), but off the line with Quattro and in stock form, this car has some pep. It really feels faster than the 340i. I imagine once they crack the ECU, an APR or similar flash will take care of this in no time.

CONS

• Obviously the power (compared to the M3) and the driving dynamics are not in the same ballpark. That's not to say it's anemic...it actually feels faster than the 340i i drove for 2 weeks a few months ago. But the M3 just has more power, more balance, and it's a more raw of a drive. A true driver's car in this segment.
• The wheel offsets are pretty pathetic in this car. I can barely fit a 265 width tire with some after market rims. Even on a 340i you can easily put some 275 rears with the correct offset wheels, but this thing lacks that. The fenders should be more bulged in my opinion
• it doesn't have the presence of the M3. The stance, the looks, the overall lines of the M3 is obviously much more aggressive and eye catching

Overall, I'm super happy with the decision. I agree with the TS that 50hp + 50lb-ft more power would do this car wonders, but hopefully APR and GIAC and company will crack the ECU soon enough. I REALLY wished the offsets and fender flares in this car were better... not M3 like perhaps, but at least closer to the RS4 or even the S5 coupe at minimum. This car needs some wider fenders and just a tad bit more aggressive looks than the standard A4.

Just as a side note, a lot of people compare the M3 to the S4 but people forget that the S4 is meant to be a direct competitor to the 340 and in that segment it blows it out of the water. The RS4 is what’s made to compete with the M3. Since we don’t get that here there is no true equivalent. Maybe when the RS5 Sportback gets here it’ll fill that void.

[Logtec]

I agree whole heartedly with your assessment. I also think that another 40-50 HP and torque would be nice, but I think a stiffer lower suspension and a bit throatier exhaust would be the first boxes I checked. So far, I addressed that with ED springs and rear bar and unplugged the exhaust flap controllers - still debating a new exhaust. As a daily driver, the B9 S4 is a great compromise of comfort and power.

Stiffer, lower suspension, the ED are not stiff enough? Im still thinking should I buy ED or 034 motors. Should I buy the rear sway only or front also? From 034 they told front is quite pointless if you are not tracking the car every weekend.

[mmeads]

Just as a side note, a lot of people compare the M3 to the S4 but people forget that the S4 is meant to be a direct competitor to the 340 and in that segment it blows it out of the water. The RS4 is what’s made to compete with the M3. Since we don’t get that here there is no true equivalent. Maybe when the RS5 Sportback gets here it’ll fill that void.

Well even that is not quite right. The M3 sits between the S and RS models. For the same power output as the RS you have to move to the M3 Competition, or the C63 "S". Which, when similarly equipped, are both a fair bit more expensive than the RS.

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[m332is]

Stiffer, lower suspension, the ED are not stiff enough? Im still thinking should I buy ED or 034 motors. Should I buy the rear sway only or front also? From 034 they told front is quite pointless if you are not tracking the car every weekend.

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear... stock wasn't low enough and the ED springs were exactly what I was looking for - lower and a similar ride to stock, just a touch stiffer. I am very happy with the ED springs. As for sway bars, I agree, I can't imagine you would really see the benefit of the front bar on the street. I did the rear bar and honestly, I am not sure if I feel a big difference on turn in. But for the price, I'm not complaining.