B8 S4 Ownership

[deadscoob]

Hi Guys,

Am starting the hunt for an Avant after giving up on searching for an Alpina Touring.

I know a few seem to have gone BMW>S4 and vice versa, but has anyone gone from an Alpina?

I'm not looking for the last word in driving dynamics, just a good, reliable, practical and relatively supple car for every day use. Not interested in RS models.

Any pitfalls to be aware of?

Cheers

Edited by deadscoob on Monday 5th December 10:06

[fastgerman]

catso said:

Phill_1981 said:

fastgerman said:

Hi All,

Started using my S4 again recently (2015 Black Edition Avant), its a great car and very different to the S5 (early 4.2 V8). One thing I had forgotten is how much the car pulls you around on uneven roads. Does anyone else get this? I haven't ticked the dynamic steering option so just standard, whatever that is.

I get this in mine, it's so bad sometimes I actually got the dealer to check everything was ok with it. They said it's normal. (I have dynamic steering) Even the camber of the road pulls you to the curb meaning you have to always have some sort of pressure on the steering wheel. Sometimes it ruins the enjoyment of the car for me.

Same here, car is very keen to follow the undulations, camber etc. of the road and so need to be a little more aware than in 'other' cars.

I put it down to the low profile tyres and stiff suspension.

Only thing is my S5 doesn't have this problem so guess its an overly sensitive electric steering issue?

[apreading]

fastgerman said:

catso said:

Phill_1981 said:

fastgerman said:

Hi All,

Started using my S4 again recently (2015 Black Edition Avant), its a great car and very different to the S5 (early 4.2 V8). One thing I had forgotten is how much the car pulls you around on uneven roads. Does anyone else get this? I haven't ticked the dynamic steering option so just standard, whatever that is.

I get this in mine, it's so bad sometimes I actually got the dealer to check everything was ok with it. They said it's normal. (I have dynamic steering) Even the camber of the road pulls you to the curb meaning you have to always have some sort of pressure on the steering wheel. Sometimes it ruins the enjoyment of the car for me.

Same here, car is very keen to follow the undulations, camber etc. of the road and so need to be a little more aware than in 'other' cars.

I put it down to the low profile tyres and stiff suspension.

Only thing is my S5 doesn't have this problem so guess its an overly sensitive electric steering issue?

My B6 A4 was bad for tramlining with the original continental tyres. Switched to Goodyear Eagle F1s and it was loads better (in all aspects, not just this).

Havent noticed it to be that bad in the B8 S4.

[catso]

apreading said:

fastgerman said:

catso said:

Phill_1981 said:

fastgerman said:

Hi All,

Started using my S4 again recently (2015 Black Edition Avant), its a great car and very different to the S5 (early 4.2 V8). One thing I had forgotten is how much the car pulls you around on uneven roads. Does anyone else get this? I haven't ticked the dynamic steering option so just standard, whatever that is.

I get this in mine, it's so bad sometimes I actually got the dealer to check everything was ok with it. They said it's normal. (I have dynamic steering) Even the camber of the road pulls you to the curb meaning you have to always have some sort of pressure on the steering wheel. Sometimes it ruins the enjoyment of the car for me.

Same here, car is very keen to follow the undulations, camber etc. of the road and so need to be a little more aware than in 'other' cars.

I put it down to the low profile tyres and stiff suspension.

Only thing is my S5 doesn't have this problem so guess its an overly sensitive electric steering issue?

My B6 A4 was bad for tramlining with the original continental tyres. Switched to Goodyear Eagle F1s and it was loads better (in all aspects, not just this).

Havent noticed it to be that bad in the B8 S4.

Mine is on Eagle F1s (255/35 x 19)...

[fastgerman]

catso said:

apreading said:

fastgerman said:

catso said:

Phill_1981 said:

fastgerman said:

Hi All,

Started using my S4 again recently (2015 Black Edition Avant), its a great car and very different to the S5 (early 4.2 V8). One thing I had forgotten is how much the car pulls you around on uneven roads. Does anyone else get this? I haven't ticked the dynamic steering option so just standard, whatever that is.

I get this in mine, it's so bad sometimes I actually got the dealer to check everything was ok with it. They said it's normal. (I have dynamic steering) Even the camber of the road pulls you to the curb meaning you have to always have some sort of pressure on the steering wheel. Sometimes it ruins the enjoyment of the car for me.

Same here, car is very keen to follow the undulations, camber etc. of the road and so need to be a little more aware than in 'other' cars.

I put it down to the low profile tyres and stiff suspension.

Only thing is my S5 doesn't have this problem so guess its an overly sensitive electric steering issue?

My B6 A4 was bad for tramlining with the original continental tyres. Switched to Goodyear Eagle F1s and it was loads better (in all aspects, not just this).

Havent noticed it to be that bad in the B8 S4.

Mine is on Eagle F1s (255/35 x 19)...

Interesting as my S5 was on Dunlop Sports so could be tyre related

[FUBAR]

My S4 only tramlines when the tyres are wearing low. New tyres always cures it

[apreading]

Never expected to see this:



I guess being stuck in slow moving traffic on the motorway has some advantages...

[theboyfold]

FUBAR said:

My S4 only tramlines when the tyres are wearing low. New tyres always cures it

Me too. I moved my fronts to Michelin PS3 (I think it's 3s) and that cured it, but it's started to come back. Time to rotate and replace as the backs are close to being shot soon.

[LocoBlade]

Not to burst your bubble but the individual trip mpg always seems rather optimistic for me! On my 20 mile each way commute the individual trip mpg always says between 28 and 32mpg for the trip, so you'd think the longer term mpg trip that I reset and record an average over a tank should in theory be an average of all those journeys (~29-30mpg), but that's rarely above 27mpg and that's still about 1mpg optimistic compared to actual brim to brim measurement.

apreading said:

Never expected to see this:



I guess being stuck in slow moving traffic on the motorway has some advantages...

[Cupramax]

apreading said:

Never expected to see this:

Me neither, im not sure admitting listening to the Pointer Sisters Greatest hits is a good idea

[jimmyjimjim]

Cupramax said:

Me neither, im not sure admitting knowing the Pointer Sisters Greatest hits is a good idea

FTFY.

[apreading]

Cupramax said:

Me neither, im not sure admitting listening to the Pointer Sisters Greatest hits is a good idea

I wondered if anyone would notice that! It was actually 80s blockbusters compilation... Some other equally embarassing tunes on there!

[Dr G]

Think my best (DIS) over a trip is 35.7 going from Tebay services (M6) back to London on a particularly quiet afternoon and evening. Trip included once not having to touch the cruise control for just over an hour.

[apreading]

Managed to get it down to 11 mpg tonight...

[daveydees]

Hey,

You'll probably want to make sure you get one with drive select (ADS). The damper settings make all the difference IMO. Compared to my old B8 3.0tdi A4 (also with ADS) and the new shape 330d, my S4's ride is a lot nicer(on 19's). I can't compare it to an Alpina though as I've not been in one to try!

The biggest thing to look out for (I've said this before and I'll say it again!) - If you're looking at an s-tronic, if it's applicable, make sure that the geabox oil was changed on schedule. Audi state 38k miles. If you're over and you start having mechatronic unit problems they won't help you (warranty or not). At best it'll cost you a couple of grand to replace the unit. If it's taken the clutch pack with it (which mine did) be prepared to be relieved of the best part of £5000. You can spot a dodgy one by any jerkiness when pulling away. It should be smooth with no hesitation. Also with mine there was some slight rev bouncing when driving at constant speeds.

deadscoob said:

Hi Guys,

Am starting the hunt for an Avant after giving up on searching for an Alpina Touring.

I know a few seem to have gone BMW>S4 and vice versa, but has anyone gone from an Alpina?

I'm not looking for the last word in driving dynamics, just a good, reliable, practical and relatively supple car for every day use. Not interested in RS models.

Any pitfalls to be aware of?

Cheers

Edited by deadscoob on Monday 5th December 10:06

[Adrian E]

Interesting take on the ADS options - ours (S5 Sportback) has the steering and diff options, but not damper control. I would've liked it but the rest of the spec was really good and on test drive I thought the ride was fine on the factory 20s ours has.

Diff makes the biggest difference to handling playfulness, the steering I could live without as I don't like the way it artificially loads at relatively low speed.

I've always liked Alpinas and have tried buying one a couple of times, but failed to finalise a deal both times. They're a niche product and some are utterly poverty spec whilst others are dripping with every option.

Back to S4/S5 - I think we test drove nearly a dozen examples and they all varied a lot in terms of how planted they felt. Tyres seem to be the biggest factor. I'd recommend trying a few to see what you think rather than basing a decision on your first drive.

[JonV8V]

Just joined the fold having sent my Tesla company car back and gone on gardening leave. You forget what an engine sounds like, and a car that handles unlike a 2.5 ton monster, and has power at higher speeds.. B8.5 Black Edition Avant

Anyway.. the Sat Nav is out of date and I've seen downloads that can update it and the various MMI software versions. Is this something anyone has tried or would I be in danger of bricking the car before I've had it a week? I've updated BMWs in the past so handy at following instructions.

And is there no way round the Google/Traffic/Weather thing other than to get a SIM?

TIA

Oh, and if anyone knows where the build label is, I can't find it. Its not obvious on the boot by the space saver.

Edited by JonV8V on Wednesday 7th December 17:18

[Dr G]

iPhones don't like doing Connect via Bluetooth, annoyingly. Android stuff works fine.

[JonV8V]

Dr G said:

iPhones don't like doing Connect via Bluetooth, annoyingly. Android stuff works fine.

I presume thats using the Bluetooth SIM Clone thing. Not an option as a iphone man. May need to invest in a cheap data sim

[deadscoob]

Adrian E said:

I've always liked Alpinas and have tried buying one a couple of times, but failed to finalise a deal both times. They're a niche product and some are utterly poverty spec whilst others are dripping with every option.

Back to S4/S5 - I think we test drove nearly a dozen examples and they all varied a lot in terms of how planted they felt. Tyres seem to be the biggest factor. I'd recommend trying a few to see what you think rather than basing a decision on your first drive.

Poverty spec ones are likely the 4 pot diesels - they were built to a specific template and any options were v expensive. Petrol ones should be loaded as standard - both of ours are and aren't unique

Davey, cheers for the info. Adrian, thanks also.