Audi S4 (B5): Spotted
Stealth winter wheels with a surprisingly exotic powertrain - the PH answer to November gloom
This beautiful ‘B5’ Audi S4 definitely isn’t that car. But it does raise an interesting question. Surely something like this is now getting close to being too nice to be used in the sort of slippery, salty winter conditions that it excels in?
Although it’s the RS4 that always gets the plaudits, the massively cheaper S4 is arguably the better car for everyday use. Both used the same 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6, but while the RS4’s Cosworth-developed engine produced a stonking 380hp, the S4’s was in a far lazier 265hp state of tune. Still plenty, especially by the standards of 1999.
But the S4’s softer-edged suspension (and far less outrageous running costs) makes it supremely good at doing what fast Audis have always been best at: covering serious distances at high speed, pretty much regardless of the prevailing conditions. No, it’s not the most dynamic companion when you really turn the heat up – the heavy front end seems to attract the scenery in tighter corners and you’d need to be caning it on an ice rink to experience anything but understeer at the limit. That said, we do remember the steering as being considerably better on the B5 than it was on the subsequent B6, and hooning really isn’t what this car’s about.
This one certainly looks to be in immaculate condition, with its previous owners seeming to have sensibly resisted the temptation to modify it. The dark navy exterior is a proper sleeper colour, although the same can’t be said for the bright blue Nogaro trim of the seats and doors. We’re sure you’d get used to that in time, especially as sitting on those tight-fitting buckets also gives you the chance to spend time looking at the S4’s grey dials: surely one of the clearest and best-looking sets of instruments ever put on a car.
Four and a half grand seems like a very fair price considering the condition of the car, what looks like an obsessively detailed history and a relatively low mileage considering it’s now 15 years old. You’d have to spend at least twice that for an even half-decent RS4. As with all elderly Audis the availability of more obscure parts won’t be great, but everyday running costs are acceptable considering the performance on offer, with mid-to-high 20s mpg on longer journeys presuming you keep off the Autobahn.
But if you bought it would you actually use it in the winter?
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AUDI S4 AVANT (B5)
Engine: 2,671cc V6 turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power (hp): 265@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@1,850rpm
MPG: 25mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: Pre-2001 VED; £231
First registered: 2000
Recorded mileage: 105,000
Price new: c. £36,000
Yours for: £4,450 ONO
[Sources: spec info via auto-data.net]
It is as easy going at 30 mph as 200 mph.
Reliable and depending on the tyres also stable and capable in snow or crappy weather.
Very comfortable. Drove from Scando to the UK in one stint and no aches or pains. Very nice place to be, instruments are clear and everything is well placed.
Given it is 2001 the technology is also pretty advanced. Compared to todays cars is really is only missing parking sensors which are for numpties.
Boot size is good and room in the back for adults as long as they are not over 1.85.
Given the S4 is the same DNA, would recommend it. However find a good indy dealer. Audi Dealers in my experience treat every car like it is going through a full body exam even when you just want the oil changed. Resulting in a three figure bill and a 200 point diagnosis which helps them sell your next visit.
In that colour and guise it is also very understated.
Bank on a couple of grand per year if you want to do anything with it power-wise, but in stock form you're probably only just scraping into four figures for the annual maintenance (things do go wrong with them, and they were once £40k cars). Soon as you remap it (and beforehand if you drive it briskly) it needs better brakes, and the drivetrain at 100k is starting to show it's age so will likely need to see some new bushes before too long.
Having said that, I wouldn't swap it for much else.
a mechanic friend of mine has one and has owned it for the past 6 years and has no desire to get rid, he bought it for an absolute steal and runs it as his daily and maintains it religously but as far as im aware it has been a very reliable car and hasnt cost him much if anything went wrong (not includin labour as he is a mechanic) his is a nagaro blue but he put the bigger RS6 wheels on his and it looks mint.
i would buy one but you still have to pay strong money for a decent one or be very lucky.
i also think that with a 2.7 v6 Biturbo lump it should have come with more power from the factory as you see puny 2.0 turbo lumps with the same power.
Rotta
Seller hasn't had the car long so I'd err on the side of him being a trader personally. That does appear to be a Mk2 at the end of that line of Golfs though so could well be an enthusiast too.
Seems like a well-turned out car though so go with your wits about you and all may be well.
What I see is a average/high mileage (and condition) car, being sold by a guy who is almost certainly a trader, light looking service history (All those tax discs and yet only two invoices!?), no mention of turbos being changed (known issue, engine out to replace) with dark, rubbish pictures at the high end of the price spectrum for this model of car. I'm a bit confused as to what purpose the example serves?
If you wanted to do a 'B5 S4' surely it would have been more relevant to a car enthusiasts website to find one of the many modified K04 turboed cars available for around this budget and asking the question 'Can you go quicker for £5,000'.
A standard B5 S4 was a bit of a dull car performance wise when it was released. Yeah, the engine is the same as the RS4 (sort of), but then so is the engine in the 2.7 A6 of the same age. That doesn't stop them being shed money.
It probably is one of the best all rounder cars, especially at this time of the year.
What are these actually like to use in heavy snow and ice? They sit relatively low, so wanted to see how they behave in those conditions...
When it snows bad, my BM's or Jags don't like moving anywhere!
What I see is a average/high mileage (and condition) car, being sold by a guy who is almost certainly a trader, light looking service history (All those tax discs and yet only two invoices!?), no mention of turbos being changed (known issue, engine out to replace) with dark, rubbish pictures at the high end of the price spectrum for this model of car. I'm a bit confused as to what purpose the example serves?
If you wanted to do a 'B5 S4' surely it would have been more relevant to a car enthusiasts website to find one of the many modified K04 turboed cars available for around this budget and asking the question 'Can you go quicker for £5,000'.
A standard B5 S4 was a bit of a dull car performance wise when it was released. Yeah, the engine is the same as the RS4 (sort of), but then so is the engine in the 2.7 A6 of the same age. That doesn't stop them being shed money.
Dude chill out its some light reading for a thurday whilst at work or other commitments, not a full 5 page speread on the S4 or road test.
As for snow and ice forget it, they have pretty fat wheels and they don't respond that great, maybe some winter tyres would help but don't think your getting 'Landie' that can go all areas. If your driving in the wet i wouldn't want to be in any other car as they are epic in the wet, really enjoyable to drive.
I intend never to sell my S4, don't know what it is about them but they are very addictive and just a joy to be in. Miltek is a must though to get the full Quattro sound.
Get it for £2.5k, spend around £500 on the bodywork, and you have a nice example for £3k!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-AUDI-S4-B5-QUATTRO-...
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