B8 S4 Ownership
Discussion
gerrith said:
I’ve owned a B8 S4 saloon and a B8.5 S4 avant. Practicality wise it’s pretty self explanatory, I actually prefer the looks of the avant so it’s a no brainier for me. Saying that, my bike fits in the back of my current Octavia hatch far easier than the S4 avant.
Saloon had the adaptive dampers where as the avant didn’t, if I’m honest it’s not something I noticed and it was nice having one less thing to worry about as the cost to repair these things out of warranty is painful. Both had the sports diff which seems to be regarded quite highly and it was quite playful considering the weight of the car.
Both were S-tronic, but having driven a manual in the past I would go for 3 pedals if I was to get another.
All of the ones I’ve seen with sports diff have adaptive dampers too. At this age would probably be safer with ordinary suspension, but looks like the choice is both or neither in most cases.Saloon had the adaptive dampers where as the avant didn’t, if I’m honest it’s not something I noticed and it was nice having one less thing to worry about as the cost to repair these things out of warranty is painful. Both had the sports diff which seems to be regarded quite highly and it was quite playful considering the weight of the car.
Both were S-tronic, but having driven a manual in the past I would go for 3 pedals if I was to get another.
catso said:
Mine had a minor, not excessive leak from the back of the gearbox. Dealer picked it up at the MOT, (a couple of months after the warranty expired!) but not at the service a few months earlier.
They wanted £120 to diagnose the problem (which was clearly a faulty gasket so didn't need 'diagnosing') but as the leak was minimal I left it until the next service which I had done by an independent.
They fixed the leak for little more than the proposed diagnostic fee and changed the gearbox oil/filter at the same time along with service etc.
They told me that it looked like the gasket sealant had been applied too sparingly when it was built.
Other than that, the only problem I've had was an intermittent faulty coil pack (dealer wanted £60 to 'diagnose') so I bought a new coil for £30 and swapped it myself.
Where is the gearbox in these - could that be a ‘front’ oil leak? Good to hear that wasn’t too difficult to fix. Considering the oil leak was absent from the most recent MOT, I’m hoping it’s either been addressed or was so minor it wasn’t worth mentioning.They wanted £120 to diagnose the problem (which was clearly a faulty gasket so didn't need 'diagnosing') but as the leak was minimal I left it until the next service which I had done by an independent.
They fixed the leak for little more than the proposed diagnostic fee and changed the gearbox oil/filter at the same time along with service etc.
They told me that it looked like the gasket sealant had been applied too sparingly when it was built.
Other than that, the only problem I've had was an intermittent faulty coil pack (dealer wanted £60 to 'diagnose') so I bought a new coil for £30 and swapped it myself.
Adrian E said:
I wouldn't be unduly worried - most suspension is 'corroded' to some degree - probably just one of those advisories that'll come and go year to year!
The adaptive dampers aren't that expensive from Audi, if memory serves. Springs won't vary in terms of price between adaptive or not either.
Yes, dynamic steering is hydraulic - it's not great, but most of them have it, including mine.....
Thanks. How long does S4 suspension last typically? I’d expect original suspension at 80-100k to be pretty tired judging by my old VW and BMWs.The adaptive dampers aren't that expensive from Audi, if memory serves. Springs won't vary in terms of price between adaptive or not either.
Yes, dynamic steering is hydraulic - it's not great, but most of them have it, including mine.....
Any idea what kind of ballpark we’re talking? The only adaptive dampers I could find were Sachs ones I think and they were two or three times more than ordinary dampers if I remember rightly.
Interesting. I just assumed variable weight steering would have been electric. You say it’s not great - do you know whether it’s any better or worse than the standard setup?
Standard setup doesn't vary the loading based on various parameters set by Audi. I find the dynamic setup a little unnatural in how it reduces power assistance at town speeds, but like I say if any ADS option has been ticked, it'll be that one! Both are fine in reality.
Don't assume all the ADS options are fitted without seeing the MMI screen to confirm the individual settings can all be adjusted! My S5 has sports diff and dynamic steering, but not damper control. Wish it did have it (ours left the factory on 20" wheels!) but the ride quality is generally OK without it.
Ours is on 70k ish and is still fine
Don't assume all the ADS options are fitted without seeing the MMI screen to confirm the individual settings can all be adjusted! My S5 has sports diff and dynamic steering, but not damper control. Wish it did have it (ours left the factory on 20" wheels!) but the ride quality is generally OK without it.
Ours is on 70k ish and is still fine
RoVoFob said:
Where is the gearbox in these - could that be a ‘front’ oil leak? Good to hear that wasn’t too difficult to fix. Considering the oil leak was absent from the most recent MOT, I’m hoping it’s either been addressed or was so minor it wasn’t worth mentioning.
Gearbox on the back of the engine, mine was leaking from the flange at the rear - where the propshaft exits. Not sure what they mean by 'front' as it's the rear of the box but still quite forward on the car (around below the gear lever/console area). Fix involved removing the propshaft, undoing the rear output flange and re-assembling with new gasket & seals etc. Not much in the way of parts, most of the cost was labour, IIRC around £180.
It was close to requiring gearbox oil/filter change anyway (and I prefer to do this earlier rather than at the next service which would be later than specified) so was done at the same time.
Overall been very happy with mine and it doesn't have the fancy dampers or diff - not really sure what real world benefit these would give?
AceKid said:
Time to get some advice from you PH collective,
Ive been looking at loads of different car and SUV options up to the £11k mark and just noticed the odd S4 avant 3.0 appearing at just in budget.
Now am i mad to be considering the oldest and highest mileage of the B8 variety??
I imagine you'd get one with sub 80k miles etc? If looked after/serviced etc then they should be very reliable for a car with such performance. Mines on 102k now, been so solid over the last 4 years. Ive been looking at loads of different car and SUV options up to the £11k mark and just noticed the odd S4 avant 3.0 appearing at just in budget.
Now am i mad to be considering the oldest and highest mileage of the B8 variety??
Random musings, but the S4 is going to be a very hard car to replace when the time comes, I can't see anything this side of £20-25K which is worth swapping for, based on wanting:
- Something faster (400bhp+)
- Better looking
- More upto date (i.e tech, nicer interior etc)
- Still sensible MPG (early 20's up)
- Still practical for a family
- Reliable
- Year round performance (i.e AWD)
I've had a think:
- Merc C63 - 2015 onwards, nice interior, decent power and sound, not overly big - however traction an issue and they are still £25k+
- M5 (F10) - tons of power but real traction issues, only maybe a slight step up in terms of tech/interior, looks only 'so-so', some things expensive like brakes, possible gearbox issues.
- M6 Grand Coupe - see above but nicer interior and better exterior looks, but again £25k+
- S5 2017, not really any faster, but nice looking and decent tech/interior, still £25k+ as naturally quite new still.
- Jags don't do anything for me, not on the same level as Audi/BM in my view.
- S7 - nice engine, a next step up from a S4 engine,tuneable, but perhaps a tad long/bit big, maybe a little soft? It's the only obvious replacement I can currently see. AWD, practical, from £20k used.
- S6 too boring looking otherwise same as above.
- Porsche Panama - quite pricey, I like the looks though but imagine the running costs are high and they are quite large.
- M140i, 4 door - not at all nice looking.
- 340i, not fast enough, not as modern looking as Merc's IMO.
- CLA AMG - I like the looks alot, nice interior, but 4 pot and probably not as good an engine as the S4's.
I like the Rs3 saloon, lovely exterior looks/proportions but they are £35k+ and IMO the interior is a let down for that generation of car, but the 400bhp engine is a nice balance of power vs sensible. (i.e 2.5L, ok MPG etc).
S3 saloon too slow/I can't bring myself to own a 4 pot, haven't done since I was 23 - they never sound as good as something bigger.
- Something faster (400bhp+)
- Better looking
- More upto date (i.e tech, nicer interior etc)
- Still sensible MPG (early 20's up)
- Still practical for a family
- Reliable
- Year round performance (i.e AWD)
I've had a think:
- Merc C63 - 2015 onwards, nice interior, decent power and sound, not overly big - however traction an issue and they are still £25k+
- M5 (F10) - tons of power but real traction issues, only maybe a slight step up in terms of tech/interior, looks only 'so-so', some things expensive like brakes, possible gearbox issues.
- M6 Grand Coupe - see above but nicer interior and better exterior looks, but again £25k+
- S5 2017, not really any faster, but nice looking and decent tech/interior, still £25k+ as naturally quite new still.
- Jags don't do anything for me, not on the same level as Audi/BM in my view.
- S7 - nice engine, a next step up from a S4 engine,tuneable, but perhaps a tad long/bit big, maybe a little soft? It's the only obvious replacement I can currently see. AWD, practical, from £20k used.
- S6 too boring looking otherwise same as above.
- Porsche Panama - quite pricey, I like the looks though but imagine the running costs are high and they are quite large.
- M140i, 4 door - not at all nice looking.
- 340i, not fast enough, not as modern looking as Merc's IMO.
- CLA AMG - I like the looks alot, nice interior, but 4 pot and probably not as good an engine as the S4's.
I like the Rs3 saloon, lovely exterior looks/proportions but they are £35k+ and IMO the interior is a let down for that generation of car, but the 400bhp engine is a nice balance of power vs sensible. (i.e 2.5L, ok MPG etc).
S3 saloon too slow/I can't bring myself to own a 4 pot, haven't done since I was 23 - they never sound as good as something bigger.
Great timing!
I’m always thinking what next.
I’ve had 2 S5”s, first was Stage 1+ and the current one just Revo stage 1.
It”s a 2016, so one of the last B8.5 and is really well specced. (Sports diff, advanced key, MMI high, heated rear seat), plus other stuff I’m struggling to remember, much of it standard due to being black edition.
I’ve always had an itch for an RS3 saloon, but it must be a 2017 or 2018 with sports exhaust, sports seats, storage pack, interior lighting, advance key, and like you say they’re between £35 to 40k.
Later 2019 models get the noise reducing filters, but I wanna hear the 5 cylinder.
Can I justify the £15+ K to change? Not really, as I also think the interior isn't really that great either.
I’ve always fancied a C63 but again would need to be facelift model, and I’m not sure what you get for £30k. (I dont want AMG bills from a bad one!)
S3 is massively tuneable, but the 4 pot as you say is soulless.
Leaves the B9 S5 or S4, but I’m not convinced on the looks, and again, to get the spec I’ve got in the current car, I think I’m gonna have to be £32k+ for maybe a year to 18 month newer car.
S6 too big, S7 great looking car, but just a coupe S6 so too bargey I reckon.
On top of that, with the current situation, I’m thinking I’m better to hold on to the current car, and let the newer ones take the depreciation hit, as % wise, the newer cars have more to lose than older ones I reckon.
I desperately can’t get the RS3 out of my head though........damn cars!
The B8 and 8.5 versions of the S4/S5 are such a great all rounder, trying to replace it is tough.
I’m always thinking what next.
I’ve had 2 S5”s, first was Stage 1+ and the current one just Revo stage 1.
It”s a 2016, so one of the last B8.5 and is really well specced. (Sports diff, advanced key, MMI high, heated rear seat), plus other stuff I’m struggling to remember, much of it standard due to being black edition.
I’ve always had an itch for an RS3 saloon, but it must be a 2017 or 2018 with sports exhaust, sports seats, storage pack, interior lighting, advance key, and like you say they’re between £35 to 40k.
Later 2019 models get the noise reducing filters, but I wanna hear the 5 cylinder.
Can I justify the £15+ K to change? Not really, as I also think the interior isn't really that great either.
I’ve always fancied a C63 but again would need to be facelift model, and I’m not sure what you get for £30k. (I dont want AMG bills from a bad one!)
S3 is massively tuneable, but the 4 pot as you say is soulless.
Leaves the B9 S5 or S4, but I’m not convinced on the looks, and again, to get the spec I’ve got in the current car, I think I’m gonna have to be £32k+ for maybe a year to 18 month newer car.
S6 too big, S7 great looking car, but just a coupe S6 so too bargey I reckon.
On top of that, with the current situation, I’m thinking I’m better to hold on to the current car, and let the newer ones take the depreciation hit, as % wise, the newer cars have more to lose than older ones I reckon.
I desperately can’t get the RS3 out of my head though........damn cars!
The B8 and 8.5 versions of the S4/S5 are such a great all rounder, trying to replace it is tough.
Edited by MattS5 on Sunday 3rd May 22:03
MattS5 said:
Great timing!
I’m always thinking what next.
I’ve had 2 S5”s, first was Stage 1+ and the current one just Revo stage 1.
It”s a 2016, so one of the last B8.5 and is really well specced. (Sports diff, advanced key, MMI high, heated rear seat), plus other stuff I’m struggling to remember, much of it standard due to being black edition.
I’ve always had an itch for an RS3 saloon, but it must be a 2017 or 2018 with sports exhaust, sports seats, storage pack, interior lighting, advance key, and like you say they’re between £35 to 40k.
Later 2019 models get the noise reducing filters, but I wanna hear the 5 cylinder.
Can I justify the £15+ K to change? Not really, as I also think the interior isn't really that great either.
I’ve always fancied a C63 but again would need to be facelift model, and I’m not sure what you get for £30k. (I dont want AMG bills from a bad one!)
S3 is massively tuneable, but the 4 pot as you say is soulless.
Leaves the B9 S5 or S4, but I’m not convinced on the looks, and again, to get the spec I’ve got in the current car, I think I’m gonna have to be £32k+ for maybe a year to 18 month newer car.
S6 too big, S7 great looking car, but just a coupe S6 so too bargey I reckon.
On top of that, with the current situation, I’m thinking I’m better to hold on to the current car, and let the newer ones take the depreciation hit, as % wise, the newer cars have more to lose than older ones I reckon.
I desperately can’t get the RS3 out of my head though........damn cars!
The B8 and 8.5 versions of the S4/S5 are such a great all rounder, trying to replace it is tough.
The thing is, I’ve known a few chaps who’ve bought RS3s and none of them have kept them very long, they all had an excuse to sell them very quickly, be it fear of getting it nicked, cost of fuel, too much attention...I’m always thinking what next.
I’ve had 2 S5”s, first was Stage 1+ and the current one just Revo stage 1.
It”s a 2016, so one of the last B8.5 and is really well specced. (Sports diff, advanced key, MMI high, heated rear seat), plus other stuff I’m struggling to remember, much of it standard due to being black edition.
I’ve always had an itch for an RS3 saloon, but it must be a 2017 or 2018 with sports exhaust, sports seats, storage pack, interior lighting, advance key, and like you say they’re between £35 to 40k.
Later 2019 models get the noise reducing filters, but I wanna hear the 5 cylinder.
Can I justify the £15+ K to change? Not really, as I also think the interior isn't really that great either.
I’ve always fancied a C63 but again would need to be facelift model, and I’m not sure what you get for £30k. (I dont want AMG bills from a bad one!)
S3 is massively tuneable, but the 4 pot as you say is soulless.
Leaves the B9 S5 or S4, but I’m not convinced on the looks, and again, to get the spec I’ve got in the current car, I think I’m gonna have to be £32k+ for maybe a year to 18 month newer car.
S6 too big, S7 great looking car, but just a coupe S6 so too bargey I reckon.
On top of that, with the current situation, I’m thinking I’m better to hold on to the current car, and let the newer ones take the depreciation hit, as % wise, the newer cars have more to lose than older ones I reckon.
I desperately can’t get the RS3 out of my head though........damn cars!
The B8 and 8.5 versions of the S4/S5 are such a great all rounder, trying to replace it is tough.
Edited by MattS5 on Sunday 3rd May 22:03
Matt we sound very similar in our car thoughts! What are your thoughts on M6GC/m5? Traction is the issue, can really only use the car for performance half the year or less, at least with the S4's AWD it really doesn't matter if it's a bit wet.
As for the Rs3, well MPG would be better than the S4 as it's a smaller engine and more moden so natural improvements in RPG, but yes the theft thing is a big worry and one that goes with many cars, not sure if it's possible to remove keyless from a hardwire level to help that, but I guess many thefts are people breaking in and taking keys now.
I've literally been through autotrader with a tooth comb and not been able to find any decent alternatives. Tempted to map mine as I've had the clutch done so that worry is gone now, but £750+ is fairly steep given the overall value of the car isn't that high now.
As for the Rs3, well MPG would be better than the S4 as it's a smaller engine and more moden so natural improvements in RPG, but yes the theft thing is a big worry and one that goes with many cars, not sure if it's possible to remove keyless from a hardwire level to help that, but I guess many thefts are people breaking in and taking keys now.
I've literally been through autotrader with a tooth comb and not been able to find any decent alternatives. Tempted to map mine as I've had the clutch done so that worry is gone now, but £750+ is fairly steep given the overall value of the car isn't that high now.
mrdanbartlett said:
Matt we sound very similar in our car thoughts! What are your thoughts on M6GC/m5? Traction is the issue, can really only use the car for performance half the year or less, at least with the S4's AWD it really doesn't matter if it's a bit wet.
As for the Rs3, well MPG would be better than the S4 as it's a smaller engine and more moden so natural improvements in RPG, but yes the theft thing is a big worry and one that goes with many cars, not sure if it's possible to remove keyless from a hardwire level to help that, but I guess many thefts are people breaking in and taking keys now.
I've literally been through autotrader with a tooth comb and not been able to find any decent alternatives. Tempted to map mine as I've had the clutch done so that worry is gone now, but £750+ is fairly steep given the overall value of the car isn't that high now.
M6/5/4/3 BMW all scare me with servicing costs.(similar to B8 and B8.5 RS4 in that respect).As for the Rs3, well MPG would be better than the S4 as it's a smaller engine and more moden so natural improvements in RPG, but yes the theft thing is a big worry and one that goes with many cars, not sure if it's possible to remove keyless from a hardwire level to help that, but I guess many thefts are people breaking in and taking keys now.
I've literally been through autotrader with a tooth comb and not been able to find any decent alternatives. Tempted to map mine as I've had the clutch done so that worry is gone now, but £750+ is fairly steep given the overall value of the car isn't that high now.
As for traction, I was thinking about the whole car situation when I was out running again this morning,
The C63 has a great sounding engine, but after that, the RWD would make me have to change my driving style somewhat (same as any BMW) as I;ve been used to various Audi quattro and Subaru Impreza vehicles with AWD since 2002.
It's not something which worries me that much, but I do like the all weather/all year round traction that 4 wheel drive allows with regards to always being able to use the power available ( I guess it's a little lazy, but convinient), the same issue would be apparent with the BMW M cars.
I'm also not that struck with the physical shape of the C63 saloon, and a coupe isn't practical when I've got 2 kids (in fact nearly 2 teenagers) to get in the back.
It does seem to bring me back full circle to Audi. The RS3 fuel isn't a worry, as I get 22mpg average currently anyway, road tax will be similar. Servicing isnt crazy, other than the price of discs and pads.
Theft from house is less likely too, as my car is always garaged and we do live in the countryside. Albiet it would play on my mind admitidley.
Insurance price reflects the increased risk as a year premium wound be £460. I currently pay £265 for the S5, with the 410bhp re-map declared on the policy.
You should give the remap some consideration, appreciating it is £750, but that's probably 2-3 months depreciation on anything you buy to replace it. So even if you do it to the current car, and it grabs your attention for another 6 months, then technically, you've saved some cash (man maths at its finest!)
I think what I'm looking for, is the RS3 engine, the slightly less front heavy handling found in the RS3, but in a S4/S5 type size of package.
So many things about the S5 I dont want to give up, but a few key things about the RS3 I really do want. But I'm not prepared to pay an absolute fortune for it, well not yet anyway!
I might drop £900 on a BCS rear boxes for my current car, just to get a little more "theatre" to the soundtrack, and using the maths above, see if it can keep me engaged for another 4-5 months, by which time I can review the market for RS3 prices and see what's happened when we start to leave this Covid 19 situation behind us.
I can then sell the back boxes on eBay for £600 and the cost is mitigated further.
All sounds easy when typed out above.........but I;ve been looking at Autotrader and Audi.co.uk website daily for the last 2-3 months!
Edited by MattS5 on Monday 4th May 11:22
Edited by MattS5 on Monday 4th May 11:23
silentbrown said:
B8.5 RS4?
Not sure how old your current car is but 2014 RS4's should be in budget.
Yeah but IMO it still looks boring (I think my current S4 does too), the interior is the same, so I might as well just map it as I'm only really using it for family wagon so improved handling/braking isn't going to mean much to me, but I like a bit of power. Not sure how old your current car is but 2014 RS4's should be in budget.
I actually drove a RS4 at Spa on the same trip as driving a Revo stage 1 mapped S4 at the Ring, wasn't enough in the cars to warrant the Rs4 for me personally.
haha in relation to your comment: I think what I'm looking for, is the RS3 engine, the slightly less front heavy handling found in the RS3, but in a S4/S5 type size of package.
What I want is:
- A Car from say 2013-2015
- RS3 Saloon body/size/looks
- the 4.0TT engine from the S7
- Interior from a b9 A5, C class, or the newer A7's etc.
I'm not asking for much
What I want is:
- A Car from say 2013-2015
- RS3 Saloon body/size/looks
- the 4.0TT engine from the S7
- Interior from a b9 A5, C class, or the newer A7's etc.
I'm not asking for much
Been a while since I've had one now, but always get tempted back, so I'm always on the look-out... 
Saw a manual on a 13 plate - I thought they stopped making manuals well before that, so seemed odd. Or have I got that wrong?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Saw a manual on a 13 plate - I thought they stopped making manuals well before that, so seemed odd. Or have I got that wrong?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Cupramax said:
Me too, that must have been one of the very last ones, beware you’ll be paying £550 tax for the pleasure of changing gear yourself...
The transition year from the reasonable tax to the extortionate tax was end of 2010 - for manuals.(I think at the beginning of 2011 the EU brought in new laws to force the UK to tax CO2 more in order that our "saving" could be then gobbled up by China
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