Tempted away from old Jag by high mileage S4, reliability?

[G_T]

Afternoon chaps,

I'm after a wee bit of advice about a 1999 plate S4 Avant (B5 is it?).

I'm sorely tempted to get rid of my XJR (1998 low mileage) for a circa 1999 plate 100,000K ish S4 but I have my concerns about running costs associated with higher mileage.

From a bit of research I understand that at 100K+ I'm probably looking at suspension components and turbos. But what I can't get is what suspension components begin to fail and the cost of parts? I'm also struggling for a price on replacement K04(I think?) turbos as and when they fail...

I've also been informed that a decent service history is a must because the service intervals can be overly optimistic.

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Also (bit of a newbie question) I take it the turbo's are not sequential?

Any advice appreciated thanks.

[Dr G]

Costs I can't help you with on Turbos as we've not done one in a while - it is engine out mind so I'd guess 3-400 to refurbish turbos each side and ~15 hours labour for the swap.

You're also correct on suspension wear, there's a lot of links that get old/tired.

Diverter valves wear as does the air flow meter, neither particularly expensive.

Boost hoses perish/split with age and mileage.

Seen a few with sticky rear calipers too so a new MOT is a good sign.

Dash LCDs break (repairable), stereos have a temperamental volume knob which is also repairable.

[G_T]

Definately engine out is it?

That complicates things a little. I can have a pop at everything else on my driveway with my trusty hammer but taking out an engine would require a far bit of kit that I don't own...

[Tame Technician]

Those V6 S4's are getting on a bit now, you can get some weird and wonderful electrical faults, Air mass meters, boost pressure sensors and valves, dash packs £500+.

The gearbox and the timing chain tensioners are the week parts on the Jag. If you looking at an auto Audi S4 then is virtually the same. The Audi manual box however is bullet proof.

Personally I'd get the chains and latest spec tensioners done and a new oil and filter in the GBox and stick with the jag.

[G_T]

I think you're right and it's better the devil you know. That and I think the XJ has the S4 Avant over barrel in the style department.

Yeah I'm aware of the "servicing issues" regarding the barge infact the gearbox oil is scheduled for early next year (it would have been sooner if the local jag specialist hadn't gone bankrupt!) and the tensioners have already been changed a couple of years ago. I'm looking at changing them to the harder steel versions towards the end of next year having checked them just last week for signs of wear.

I'll maybe hold out until I can afford a newer S4 or, if I'm lucky, RS4.

Cheers mate you've been a big help.