RE: Audi S4 (B5): Spotted
Thursday 20th November 2014
Winter is here, and so many a car buyer’s thoughts turn to four-wheel drive. Meaning that many an unscrupulous seller tries to offload any old wreck that sends its power to all four corners on the basis that – as anyone down the pub can assure you – you will never, ever get stuck.
Going by photos literally blends into backgroundThis 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?
Much more interesting under the bodyworkThis 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.
Audi S4 (B5): Spotted
Stealth winter wheels with a surprisingly exotic powertrain - the PH answer to November gloom
Going by photos literally blends into background
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.
Much more interesting under the bodywork
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?
Does the S4 take your fancy? Browse second hand cars for sale on PH Classifieds
Read more:
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]
Discussion
I have an RS4 B5. @500BHP, if that helps?
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.
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.
smilo996 said:
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.
Audi treated me like s
te, because it was just some old POS to them. It didn't get to the service in the end, it went elsewhere.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.
Ive always fancied a saloon and with a bit of a tweak and a remap you dont really need to change much else to achieve 300+ bhp.
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.
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.
owned a fairy heavily tuned one for a few years ludicrously fast from no revs and in any gear beautifully put together cabin still doesn't feel that dated, they lunch suspension arms quite regularly, std brakes arent up to it rs4 brakes much more suitable, be ready for a 4k bill when a turbo fails, look for one thats had the k04 turbos done already, and the face lift car is a much nicer thing and had alot of the pre facelift common issues resolved 
Rotta
Rotta
WojaWabbit said:
Eight cars on the drive in a private sale.... either there are fibs being told, or the seller is a top bloke!
My thoughts too. 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.
Genuinely, how much effort does the writer put in looking for an example for these 'spotted' articles? Did it HAVE to be a S4 that HAS to be on the PH classifies today, or did this car catch the eye somehow, and why?
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.
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.
Edited by 279 on Thursday 20th November 13:21
I do quite fancy one of these. Or even the earlier S6 (2.2 Turbo I think?).
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!
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!
279 said:
Genuinely, how much effort does the writer put in looking for an example for these 'spotted' articles? Did it HAVE to be a S4 that HAS to be on the PH classifies today, or did this car catch the eye somehow, and why?
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.
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.
Edited by 279 on Thursday 20th November 13:21
Owned a B5 S4 for 6 years, it has a stage 1 tune and is lowered. I wouldn't touch this example if it only had two receipts, undoubtedly the Turbo's have about 15-20k miles left then they will blow (mine did at 119K) then you have 4K bill on your hands. Recently just sold an B5 RS4 with a stage 2(begrudgingly)and the S4 is definitely better as a daily driver, for some reason they feel quicker. The S4 doesn't exactly take corners with 'Aplomb' but if you lower and upgrade suspension this does go a long way to better handling. The only thing a S4 really cries out for is cruise control which the RS4 has.
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.
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.
There are cheaper ones out there. This needs some minor bodywork, but looks pretty original.
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-...
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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