Long term Owners - Wanna share the Love

[FourRinger14]

I’ve had my S4 since I picked it off the lot in 2014, since then always been my favorite car bone stock even starting with all the American muscle from 69 mustang 302 to 99 LS1 magic. After taking moderately good care of car since 2014 (new off lot) I put 144k on it and have always loved it without much interest to look at anything new other than the M3 when it went to the 6 turbo, wasn’t enough to make the change and since no major maintenance issues it kept me locked in to the S4, so decided to stay with my AWD beauty and finally went with a tune this year (All these years later). ECU and TCU. I don’t know how long this engine/power train will last but at 146k now I must say I look forward to driving it every day now more than when it was new, stage 1, I know is not groundbreaking but still an awesome combination of agility and capability in all weather conditions, which I love, and anyone who stayed stock long term, I’d recommend to really consider the potential of this engine with even a mild tune.
Just wanted to post about long term ownership with the base capability and how just a stage 1 bump is a great awakening even to a long term owner.
I’m gonna drive it till the wheels fall off, love it. The new S4’s interest me but if I can keep this one running I’ll stick with it as long as I can.
BTW I have a 17 Q7 3.0t and a 19 A4, so I’m a bit of an Audi fanboy after owning this car, previously being an American muscle only guy.
Cheers!

[akop18]

I’ve had my S4 since I picked it off the lot in 2014, since then always been my favorite car bone stock even starting with all the American muscle from 69 mustang 302 to 99 LS1 magic. After taking moderately good care of car since 2014 (new off lot) I put 144k on it and have always loved it without much interest to look at anything new other than the M3 when it went to the 6 turbo, wasn’t enough to make the change and since no major maintenance issues it kept me locked in to the S4, so decided to stay with my AWD beauty and finally went with a tune this year (All these years later). ECU and TCU. I don’t know how long this engine/power train will last but at 146k now I must say I look forward to driving it every day now more than when it was new, stage 1, I know is not groundbreaking but still an awesome combination of agility and capability in all weather conditions, which I love, and anyone who stayed stock long term, I’d recommend to really consider the potential of this engine with even a mild tune.
Just wanted to post about long term ownership with the base capability and how just a stage 1 bump is a great awakening even to a long term owner.
I’m gonna drive it till the wheels fall off, love it. The new S4’s interest me but if I can keep this one running I’ll stick with it as long as I can.
BTW I have a 17 Q7 3.0t and a 19 A4, so I’m a bit of an Audi fanboy after owning this car, previously being an American muscle only guy.
Cheers!

I've been considering a 034 stage 1 tune but I've hesitated because my B8 has 122k miles on it. But reading your experience gives me some confidence about finally pulling the trigger on a stage 1 tune. Would you recommend doing anything in terms of prep? For example new plugs/coils or anything like that? My S4 runs great and has no issues (knock on wood). What tune did you get if you don't mind me asking?

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[sacandagaD]

I've been considering a 034 stage 1 tune but I've hesitated because my B8 has 122k miles on it. But reading your experience gives me some confidence about finally pulling the trigger on a stage 1 tune. Would you recommend doing anything in terms of prep? For example new plugs/coils or anything like that? My S4 runs great and has no issues (knock on wood). What tune did you get if you don't mind me asking?

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I have 94k on mine with a Stage 1 ECU/TCU tune from EPL since 75k, but if I were to do it again, I would definitely consider 034 instead. If you have kept up with regular maintenance up to this point, you should be fine. Plugs should definitely be fresh for a tune, and be changed out every 25k instead of 50, but your tuner will have more guidance on that. It also depends on whether you plan on just occasional spirited runs, or want to hunt down racers every day, these cars hate heat, and a tune is going to generate more of that, so your cats and intercoolers can suffer, if you consistently beat on it with a tune and are otherwise stock. Also, consider a Heat Exchanger from Mercracing or similar if you want some extra peace of mind.

[akop18]

I have 94k on mine with a Stage 1 ECU/TCU tune from EPL since 75k, but if I were to do it again, I would definitely consider 034 instead. If you have kept up with regular maintenance up to this point, you should be fine. Plugs should definitely be fresh for a tune, and be changed out every 25k instead of 50, but your tuner will have more guidance on that. It also depends on whether you plan on just occasional spirited runs, or want to hunt down racers every day, these cars hate heat, and a tune is going to generate more of that, so your cats and intercoolers can suffer, if you consistently beat on it with a tune and are otherwise stock. Also, consider a Heat Exchanger from Mercracing or similar if you want some extra peace of mind.

Thanks for that insight. I don't really wrap on it too hard honestly. I drive it enthusiastically most of the time but not enough to stress the car too much. If I go the 034 way, would you say the TCU tune is necessary? I'm always a little scared of being hard on these DSG's considering they are not cheap to replace. But from my experience and from what I've read the gearbox itself is pretty resilient so maybe I shouldn't worry about it as much as I do.

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[sacandagaD]

Thanks for that insight. I don't really wrap on it too hard honestly. I drive it enthusiastically most of the time but not enough to stress the car too much. If I go the 034 way, would you say the TCU tune is necessary? I'm always a little scared of being hard on these DSG's considering they are not cheap to replace. But from my experience and from what I've read the gearbox itself is pretty resilient so maybe I shouldn't worry about it as much as I do.

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With a later gen DSG like the 8.5, I would definitely say to get the TCU tune to go with it, as long as you have kept up with it's maintenance, but it wouldn't hurt to get it serviced first if it's been a while.

[akop18]

With a later gen DSG like the 8.5, I would definitely say to get the TCU tune to go with it, as long as you have kept up with it's maintenance, but it wouldn't hurt to get it serviced first if it's been a while.

I have a B8, 2011. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the tune then. I have a 2.0 B7 APR stage 1 and even with that motor the tune really woke it up, I'm looking forward to experiencing a stage 1 3.0.

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[Fresh.S4]

I've been considering a 034 stage 1 tune but I've hesitated because my B8 has 122k miles on it. But reading your experience gives me some confidence about finally pulling the trigger on a stage 1 tune. Would you recommend doing anything in terms of prep? For example new plugs/coils or anything like that? My S4 runs great and has no issues (knock on wood). What tune did you get if you don't mind me asking?

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i didnt get into hardcore modding until 115k miles lol.

the only thing my car needed was new injectors.

[613b8s4]

134k and stage 2+ DP ported blower. thing is amazing

[akop18]

Does anyone have experience with the 034 stage 1 tune? Is it a pretty simple install? This will be the first tune I do myself so some insight about the specifics would be great.

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[sepheroth86]

My A6 3.0t now has 172k on it. Tuned since 150k. Still going strong!

[wangshuo1989]

Mine is at 89K miles, APR Stage 2 tuned since 67K and ARP Stage 2 DP since 73K. Discovered valve cover gasket leaking last week when upgrading to APR coils and colder plugs. Going to have it fixed next week. It's the first repair on this car, simply amazing reliability.

[FourRinger14]

I've been considering a 034 stage 1 tune but I've hesitated because my B8 has 122k miles on it. But reading your experience gives me some confidence about finally pulling the trigger on a stage 1 tune. Would you recommend doing anything in terms of prep? For example new plugs/coils or anything like that? My S4 runs great and has no issues (knock on wood). What tune did you get if you don't mind me asking?

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I didn’t do any particular prep, had relatively new plugs, just replaced brakes a few months prior. I asked the shop what they suggested, said plugs were good but next time in probably could go with some new ones and coils. They recommended an in intake more for the whine than anything else.
The the car ran great, no engine issues/chain rattle, etc, dsg in good shape but will probably service it soon. The good strong condition the car was in at 144k is what gave me the comfort in pulling the trigger, plus I was always wanting to go straight full stage 2+ but just never could do it with full confidence since it was still my DD so I finally just decided to take a baby step instead, I’m usually a believer of if it can be done it can be overdone but in this case I can’t say how happy I am with the stage 1 ecu & tcu. Long trips still get 27-28mpg, just has so much more potential on demand when needed or wanted.

I went APR 93 stage 1 and APR TCU but not sure if there’s much difference between the top dogs. Kinda glad I recently did the brakes, I do find myself laying on them a little harder/longer with the extra power.

[akop18]

I didn’t do any particular prep, had relatively new plugs, just replaced brakes a few months prior. I asked the shop what they suggested, said plugs were good but next time in probably could go with some new ones and coils. They recommended an in intake more for the whine than anything else.
The the car ran great, no engine issues/chain rattle, etc, dsg in good shape but will probably service it soon. The good strong condition the car was in at 144k is what gave me the comfort in pulling the trigger, plus I was always wanting to go straight full stage 2+ but just never could do it with full confidence since it was still my DD so I finally just decided to take a baby step instead, I’m usually a believer of if it can be done it can be overdone but in this case I can’t say how happy I am with the stage 1 ecu & tcu. Long trips still get 27-28mpg, just has so much more potential on demand when needed or wanted.

I went APR 93 stage 1 and APR TCU but not sure if there’s much difference between the top dogs. Kinda glad I recently did the brakes, I do find myself laying on them a little harder/longer with the extra power.

Ya I think I just need to go for it, as you said. I just did new pads and new drilled rotors about 3k miles ago so brakes are all good. Might just get new plugs and coils anyway, it's been a little while so I might as well.

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[s4Koan]

I've been considering a 034 stage 1 tune but I've hesitated because my B8 has 122k miles on it. But reading your experience gives me some confidence about finally pulling the trigger on a stage 1 tune. Would you recommend doing anything in terms of prep? For example new plugs/coils or anything like that? My S4 runs great and has no issues (knock on wood). What tune did you get if you don't mind me asking?

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2010 B8, went stage 2 ECU and TCU at 94k miles with EPL. Went DP 2k miles ago at 107k and going strong. I would've went 034 from the beginning if I knew EPL would go out of business lol..

If you're considering stage 2 in the future, just skip it and go DP. The 3.0 desperately needs cooling mods beyond stage 1 anyways. In that case, I would definitely do some preventative maintenance like PCV, thermostat, water pump, colder plugs, and DSG service.

[akop18]

2010 B8, went stage 2 ECU and TCU at 94k miles with EPL. Went DP 2k miles ago at 107k and going strong. I would've went 034 from the beginning if I knew EPL would go out of business lol..

If you're considering stage 2 in the future, just skip it and go DP. The 3.0 desperately needs cooling mods beyond stage 1 anyways. In that case, I would definitely do some preventative maintenance like PCV, thermostat, water pump, colder plugs, and DSG service.

You think I would need to be at all concerned with cooling at stage 1? I have no immediate plans to go stage 2, it is my DD right now and so my goal is to make it a little more fun to drive while maintaining reliability as much as possible. I would like to go stage 2 in the future when I am not using it as my DD, because I have some other things I'd like to do with it as well, but that is not in the near future.

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[s4Koan]

You think I would need to be at all concerned with cooling at stage 1? I have no immediate plans to go stage 2, it is my DD right now and so my goal is to make it a little more fun to drive while maintaining reliability as much as possible. I would like to go stage 2 in the future when I am not using it as my DD, because I have some other things I'd like to do with it as well, but that is not in the near future.

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It really depends on the weather where you're at and how hard you beat on the car. Since it's your DD, I wouldn't imagine you doing back to back pulls everyday so cooling shouldn't be an issue.