B6 / B7 S4 high mileage issues?
Discussion
Hi all,
I did a couple of searches for this with no joy, so apologies if this has been covered.
I am thinking about getting a B6/7 S4 Avant at the cheaper end of the spectrum (£6-10k)as a bit of a workhorse for a year or two.
However as you might expect the ones in my price range tend to be in the 80-100k mile bracket.
So my question is... what sort of problems to they run into mechanically?
I’m not that fussed about the cosmetic stuff, tired seats or the odd scratch etc are, if not expected, then acceptable. I am more thinking of big mechanical issues.
I have heard that the V8s are fairly solid but wanted to know if anyone has any experience of running them at, let’s say 90k miles plus.
Likewise what other bits have a tendancy to brake?
Thanks!
I did a couple of searches for this with no joy, so apologies if this has been covered.
I am thinking about getting a B6/7 S4 Avant at the cheaper end of the spectrum (£6-10k)as a bit of a workhorse for a year or two.
However as you might expect the ones in my price range tend to be in the 80-100k mile bracket.
So my question is... what sort of problems to they run into mechanically?
I’m not that fussed about the cosmetic stuff, tired seats or the odd scratch etc are, if not expected, then acceptable. I am more thinking of big mechanical issues.
I have heard that the V8s are fairly solid but wanted to know if anyone has any experience of running them at, let’s say 90k miles plus.
Likewise what other bits have a tendancy to brake?
Thanks!
You'll need to go page by page for all the S4 threads around here (of which there are a few) because the search won't let you use a two character string (i.e 'S4')
You should be looking for:
Excessive chain rattle on startup (chain tensioners)
Infrequent servicing/crap history (can hurt the above)
Coolant leaks (auxiliary radiators)
Non working AC (compressor)
Strange/slow/unreliable starting (starter/ignition switch)
Clonks/knocks/bangs/vagueness (wear in multi link suspension)
Take care of them and they're great value, reliable cars but a lot now are old, thrashed and mistreated. Tony Hetherington has posted some really, really good threads on running costs and there are a lot of owners/fans on this very forum.
You should be looking for:
Excessive chain rattle on startup (chain tensioners)
Infrequent servicing/crap history (can hurt the above)
Coolant leaks (auxiliary radiators)
Non working AC (compressor)
Strange/slow/unreliable starting (starter/ignition switch)
Clonks/knocks/bangs/vagueness (wear in multi link suspension)
Take care of them and they're great value, reliable cars but a lot now are old, thrashed and mistreated. Tony Hetherington has posted some really, really good threads on running costs and there are a lot of owners/fans on this very forum.
84k in mine and so far so good apart from it needed new discs and pads from when I got it at 74k + some paint (done under Audi anti-corrosion warranty). Weirdly a patch under the rear number plate and the rear nearside wheel arch. I'd say check the arches for bubbling for sure.
Mechanically it's going to be tough to break one of these- as far as I know nothing major happens as long as everything has been looked after with a good service history.
Mechanically it's going to be tough to break one of these- as far as I know nothing major happens as long as everything has been looked after with a good service history.
My B6 S4 has just gone past 142k miles. Had it serviced last week and it got a clean bill of health.
The only issue I have is a regular throwing up of a P0491/2 code, which apparently means that the air recirculation system isn't working. Except it is, and all hoses are connected, so I can only assume it's a faulty sensor.
Mine's an avant, and while not concourse condition, it cost me less than 5 bags of sand and has been an excellent fast load-lugger.
The only issue I have is a regular throwing up of a P0491/2 code, which apparently means that the air recirculation system isn't working. Except it is, and all hoses are connected, so I can only assume it's a faulty sensor.
Mine's an avant, and while not concourse condition, it cost me less than 5 bags of sand and has been an excellent fast load-lugger.
blade7 said:
nixon1 said:
Mechanically it's going to be tough to break one of these- as far as I know nothing major happens as long as everything has been looked after with a good service history.
TTwiggy said:
blade7 said:
nixon1 said:
Mechanically it's going to be tough to break one of these- as far as I know nothing major happens as long as everything has been looked after with a good service history.
TTwiggy said:
My B6 S4 has just gone past 142k miles. Had it serviced last week and it got a clean bill of health.
The only issue I have is a regular throwing up of a P0491/2 code, which apparently means that the air recirculation system isn't working. Except it is, and all hoses are connected, so I can only assume it's a faulty sensor.
Mine's an avant, and while not concourse condition, it cost me less than 5 bags of sand and has been an excellent fast load-lugger.
Sounds like I'll be keeping mine a while longer then The only issue I have is a regular throwing up of a P0491/2 code, which apparently means that the air recirculation system isn't working. Except it is, and all hoses are connected, so I can only assume it's a faulty sensor.
Mine's an avant, and while not concourse condition, it cost me less than 5 bags of sand and has been an excellent fast load-lugger.
caiss4 said:
blade7 said:
Probably most do but having to pull the engine to change the cam chains/tensioners is a silly idea, and a £2.5k bill on a £6k car would spoil your day.
Yeah, but...
blade7 said:
caiss4 said:
blade7 said:
Probably most do but having to pull the engine to change the cam chains/tensioners is a silly idea, and a £2.5k bill on a £6k car would spoil your day.
Yeah, but...They are quite thirsty (I usually get around 21mpg, can go up to 26 is driven very carefully on a longish run). As to 'not all that fast' - I grant you it's no supercar killer, but I've kept up with enough 996s and similar era M cars to know it's no slouch.
blade7 said:
Apparently the manuals are way under geared in top, they're juicy, and not all that fast. But they sound nice so when I've driven B6 prices down to £3k........
To put some context around "not that fast", I had mine to an indicated 170mph yesterday with two passengers and a boot full of luggage.To the OP - mine's now on 77k and I'm halfway through refreshing the suspension - I can imagine something on 100k that hasn't had that done will feel a bit baggy. But then, that applies to any car with that mileage.
Try one, and then post.
I don't know anyone with a de-restricted one to know how long it takes to hit top speed, but it's absolutely no slouch. You've already said that top is quite short geared, so there's your clue
As an example, I certainly don't find it lacking for pace when I'm driving it rather than my 911. No, it's not as quick, but it's bloody good for what it cost.
I don't know anyone with a de-restricted one to know how long it takes to hit top speed, but it's absolutely no slouch. You've already said that top is quite short geared, so there's your clue
As an example, I certainly don't find it lacking for pace when I'm driving it rather than my 911. No, it's not as quick, but it's bloody good for what it cost.
Output Flange said:
Try one, and then post.
I don't know anyone with a de-restricted one to know how long it takes to hit top speed, but it's absolutely no slouch. You've already said that top is quite short geared, so there's your clue
As an example, I certainly don't find it lacking for pace when I'm driving it rather than my 911. No, it's not as quick, but it's bloody good for what it cost.
I dont want to try one, I looked at them a year ago and decided the noise didn't compensate for the weight up front and the camchain/tensioner setup. A mapped 2.0T quattro made more sense. I've got a Porsche too but I dont feel the need to introduce it on an Audi thread normally.I don't know anyone with a de-restricted one to know how long it takes to hit top speed, but it's absolutely no slouch. You've already said that top is quite short geared, so there's your clue
As an example, I certainly don't find it lacking for pace when I'm driving it rather than my 911. No, it's not as quick, but it's bloody good for what it cost.
Edited by blade7 on Wednesday 22 May 17:58
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