B7 S4 Advice... Please.
Discussion
I'm looking for a B7 S4 Avant, preferably a late 05/early 06 to use on weekends.
After doing a search online, I can't see a lot to worry about (timing chain being one issue I found); however, I wondered if there were other issues I should look out for?
I'm trying to find one without stellar mileage (circa 60-80k being ideal).
Would appreciate hearing from current and past owners regarding the ups and downs of this model.
TIA.
After doing a search online, I can't see a lot to worry about (timing chain being one issue I found); however, I wondered if there were other issues I should look out for?
I'm trying to find one without stellar mileage (circa 60-80k being ideal).
Would appreciate hearing from current and past owners regarding the ups and downs of this model.
TIA.
Budget for a carbon cleaning. Proper walnut grit blasting or head-off, soak-in-detergent one. The former is less expensive and probably just as good.
DRC suspension leaks and issues.
Intake manifold flaps.
People breaking into it to steal the seats.
Those are the only ones that spring to mind.
DRC suspension leaks and issues.
Intake manifold flaps.
People breaking into it to steal the seats.
Those are the only ones that spring to mind.
Believe all B7 S4's are non-FSI so the carbon build up isn't an issue.
Other than that the auxiliary rads can corrode unless they are kept clear of leaves and other detritus, glove box damper can become stiff and snap the hinge (generic B6/B7 problem).
I would also suggest you check the roof seams for corrosion, does seem to be a weak point in the B7 chassis as both sides of mine are showing problems, had one fixed and before leaving the dealership after the repair spotted corrosion on the other side.
If mileage is over 60k then check the clutch/flywheel has been changed, this is an expensive fix with the parts alone over £1k.
Other than that is try and get one that hasn't been on the variable service schedule, these engines are better on the annual service schedule.
Other than that the auxiliary rads can corrode unless they are kept clear of leaves and other detritus, glove box damper can become stiff and snap the hinge (generic B6/B7 problem).
I would also suggest you check the roof seams for corrosion, does seem to be a weak point in the B7 chassis as both sides of mine are showing problems, had one fixed and before leaving the dealership after the repair spotted corrosion on the other side.
If mileage is over 60k then check the clutch/flywheel has been changed, this is an expensive fix with the parts alone over £1k.
Other than that is try and get one that hasn't been on the variable service schedule, these engines are better on the annual service schedule.
Sound advice; plenty of cars on 60k are still on their original clutches with no issues. Powerful car and four wheel drive, hamfisted driving will wear it prematurely so condition is almost entirely down to the driver.
They foul their spark plugs well before the suggested 60k interval too, budget to do them at 40 instead (or every few years if you're not doing many miles).
Autos marginally better on fuel on a run as they're taller geared. Manuals almost feel a little under geared at a cruise.
They foul their spark plugs well before the suggested 60k interval too, budget to do them at 40 instead (or every few years if you're not doing many miles).
Autos marginally better on fuel on a run as they're taller geared. Manuals almost feel a little under geared at a cruise.
I had an auto Avant and it was great, very reliable. There are some tales of timing chain tensioner issues but I never had an issue.
The aux rads are a problem and will go at some stage, and due to the weight up front they are quite hard on things like front suspension bushes but other than that a solid car. Not interstellar fast but they sound great and are well built.
Oh and the laser can wear out in the RNS-E head unit so check the sat nav works!
The aux rads are a problem and will go at some stage, and due to the weight up front they are quite hard on things like front suspension bushes but other than that a solid car. Not interstellar fast but they sound great and are well built.
Oh and the laser can wear out in the RNS-E head unit so check the sat nav works!
I sold my 05 B7 S4 in May this year with 120k on it and loved it to bits, but things were starting to go wrong (thermostat & water pump, aux belt and rear window motor in the space of a couple of months and the suspension was getting creaky) but after doing a couple of other cars in between (BMW 535d touring, aweful; just truely aweful. I really don't know why people like them so much, and an A3 sportback runabout) the only car I could find to replace it was another S4!
I picked up my new one with a smidge over 70k miles for £8.5 with all the toys on. I'd say jump on them quick if you find one as they tend to go.
Steve
I picked up my new one with a smidge over 70k miles for £8.5 with all the toys on. I'd say jump on them quick if you find one as they tend to go.
Steve
Edited by VeegasS4 on Wednesday 17th September 16:17
I recently bought a 06 S4 Avant with the auto box, just what you are after from the sounds of it! There doesn't seem ot be any manjor weak points on these, which is one of the reasons I went for one. Just give it a going going over, take it for a decent test drive and I'm sure you will be fine. Very happy with mine so far.
VeegasS4 said:
I sold my 05 B7 S4 in May this year with 120k on it and loved it to bits, but things were starting to go wrong (thermostat & water pump, aux belt and rear window motor in the space of a couple of months and the suspension was getting creaky) but after doing a couple of other cars in between (BMW 535d touring, aweful; just truely aweful. I really don't know why people like them so much, and an A3 sportback runabout) the only car I could find to replace it was another S4!
I picked up my new one with a smidge over 70k miles for £8.5 with all the toys on. I'd say jump on them quick if you find one as they tend to go.
Steve
I have a b6 s4 cab and its good (although it's up for sale)I picked up my new one with a smidge over 70k miles for £8.5 with all the toys on. I'd say jump on them quick if you find one as they tend to go.
Steve
Edited by VeegasS4 on Wednesday 17th September 16:17
That's a nice looking example above
I had a 535d before and loved it, did you have a LCI version?
I would imagine not many to choose from and after post march 06 the tax band is like £500!?!
MancDan said:
There is a web site, where you can waste hours looking at vehicles for sale?!! 
...oh no, you have opened Pandora's box
Seriously Dan, do you think that any self respecting petrolhead wouldn't have looked their first? I have a saved search set up and the app is always running.
Cheers nevertheless.
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