B8 S4 Ownership

[ninjag]

catso said:

Thought it was 2015?

My S4 is a June 2014 car and has the older CGWC engine (though it could have been built earlier).

I'm guessing it must be build date and not registration as you say?

This later 2014 is definitely a CREC engine:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204144...


Whereas this earlier 2014 isn't:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112180...

[catso]

ninjag said:

I'm guessing it must be build date and not registration as you say?

This later 2014 is definitely a CREC engine:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204144...


Whereas this earlier 2014 isn't:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112180...

Didn't realise there was such a visual difference with regards to the engine though I would think it's just the plastic covers?

Yes, mine is like the second one above. Maybe they changed from 2015 MY the earliest of which would be made in 2014.

[RoVoFob]

ninjag said:

Some service info if it helps:

Every 38k: DSG Fluid (specialised and rather expensive fluid)
2 Years / 40k miles: Pollen Filter
Every 60k miles: Air Filter (OEM is a big cone one and costs about £40-50)
Every 60k miles: Supercharger Belt
6 Years / 60k miles: Spark Plugs (mind there's 6)

Gearbox and Rear Diff are classed as sealed for life but I'm doing mine now at 70k miles.

If you get the DSG version then get a Billet Aluminium Transmission Mount installed. It's only about £15 and is a 10 minute job. Eliminates the downshift to 1st gear clunk.

Here's a potential big one though: front suspension. It's common for the front lower arms to go at around 60k. You'll hear clunking if it's bad. Thankfully there are plenty of pattern parts available. Depending on which arm it can be a bit of a pain. If the upper arms need changed then you have the dreaded pinch bolt to deal with. I decided to do my lower and upper arms with a Meyle HD kit, including ball joints and drop links. The kit was £438 and it took about 8 hours but worth it.

Many thanks for the info.

Still looking at the few £8k-£9k S4 Avants around and deciding whether going for one at this end of the market is a wise idea. If not, I’ll probably go for a B8 A4 Avant 3.2 (not sure if these are notorious for timing chain issues like the older 3.2 non-FSIs) or a Passat CC 3.6 as a wildcard or cheap C6 A6 Avant 3.2…

Sounds like the 38k DSG services are a good differentiator with ‘full’ service history cars. There’s one with a FSH that claims to have had a £6,700 Audi replacement gearbox. Not sure whether this is a good thing or a sign of a neglected car. Tricky.

I’d be keen to get a pre-facelift model - prefer the look and hydraulic steering of the earlier models - so will have to navigate issues with the earlier models. Think I need to put an S4 checklist together to gauge how many things to look out for/what to budget for to see whether my expectations are realistic or if it’s best to go for a different car for now.

[Dr G]

ninjag said:

Every 38k: DSG Fluid (specialised and rather expensive fluid)
2 Years / 40k miles: Pollen Filter
Every 60k miles: Air Filter (OEM is a big cone one and costs about £40-50)
Every 60k miles: Supercharger Belt
6 Years / 60k miles: Spark Plugs (mind there's 6)

Very close, these are the factory intervals (pollens are 20k, it says 40 in the image because I put the car mileage at 40) and the SC belt drops for facelift:

Early B8:


Facelift B8 (same for MY15):

ninjag said:

Gearbox and Rear Diff are classed as sealed for life but I'm doing mine now at 70k miles.

The gearbox fluid (not the DSG) also includes the transfer case and front diff. Regular gear oil pings up as being suitable in the usual places (Opie Oils etc) but the workshop manual says that there is a special additive in it for the transfer case. For all the extra cost it might be best to just use genuine fluid. It needs 4.5 litres and I think it's about £25-30 per litre.

Rear diff is regular gear oil but it's only 0.9 litre so I would just get genuine. I think it's also about £25-30 per litre.

The "other" part of the gearbox is referred to as the "front final drive", in RS4/5 it has a 20,000 mile oil change interval.

The rear axle is slightly confusing, as you have "rear final drive" and "ATF oil" - below the fill plug for ATF is a stamp "ATF" in the casting, the other is blank. These are both 40,000 mile intervals on RS (Sport diff standard on these cars):



Your advice on front suspension is sound. Always order the bolt, because they never come out intact.

[Adrian E]

ninjag said:

If you get the DSG version then get a Billet Aluminium Transmission Mount installed. It's only about £15 and is a 10 minute job. Eliminates the downshift to 1st gear clunk.

Not heard of this - any more details/links with info?

Mine doesn’t clunk going into 1st but suspect that’s me driving around it to avoid it. Having said that the mechatronics repair recently seems to have changed when and under what circumstances the box shifts down from 2nd to 1st, which it previously tended not to want to do unless at a virtual standstill

[catso]

Adrian E said:

ninjag said:

If you get the DSG version then get a Billet Aluminium Transmission Mount installed. It's only about £15 and is a 10 minute job. Eliminates the downshift to 1st gear clunk.

Not heard of this - any more details/links with info?

Mine doesn’t clunk going into 1st but suspect that’s me driving around it to avoid it. Having said that the mechatronics repair recently seems to have changed when and under what circumstances the box shifts down from 2nd to 1st, which it previously tended not to want to do unless at a virtual standstill

Indeed, never heard of this but a quick search brings up options from £15 - £100 but all look the same and many saying it's a good upgrade.

Is it actually a worthwhile add-on? Can't say I've noticed any clunk/slop but any improvement is worth having, especially at just £15.

[Dr G]

Sounds more like a way to cover up a worn mount, and potentially a good way to introduce NVH.

Not something I've experienced.

[Cupramax]

I’ve always noticed mine is very clonky changing down from 2nd to 1st and I believe it’s the latest gen box as I’ve got the newer CREC 3.0T. I just tend to drive around it plus the car is very loathed to go into 1st most of the time anyway, unless I actually come to a halt, most of the time it’s stays in 2nd.

[ninjag]

Dr G said:

ninjag said:

Every 38k: DSG Fluid (specialised and rather expensive fluid)
2 Years / 40k miles: Pollen Filter
Every 60k miles: Air Filter (OEM is a big cone one and costs about £40-50)
Every 60k miles: Supercharger Belt
6 Years / 60k miles: Spark Plugs (mind there's 6)

Very close, these are the factory intervals (pollens are 20k, it says 40 in the image because I put the car mileage at 40) and the SC belt drops for facelift:

Early B8:


Facelift B8 (same for MY15):

ninjag said:

Gearbox and Rear Diff are classed as sealed for life but I'm doing mine now at 70k miles.

The gearbox fluid (not the DSG) also includes the transfer case and front diff. Regular gear oil pings up as being suitable in the usual places (Opie Oils etc) but the workshop manual says that there is a special additive in it for the transfer case. For all the extra cost it might be best to just use genuine fluid. It needs 4.5 litres and I think it's about £25-30 per litre.

Rear diff is regular gear oil but it's only 0.9 litre so I would just get genuine. I think it's also about £25-30 per litre.

The "other" part of the gearbox is referred to as the "front final drive", in RS4/5 it has a 20,000 mile oil change interval.

The rear axle is slightly confusing, as you have "rear final drive" and "ATF oil" - below the fill plug for ATF is a stamp "ATF" in the casting, the other is blank. These are both 40,000 mile intervals on RS (Sport diff standard on these cars):



Your advice on front suspension is sound. Always order the bolt, because they never come out intact.

Thanks. The service info I posted came straight from my online portal with AUDI for my car, which is the B8.5. I don't really follow them to the letter though, my pollen filter gets done every year and my oil is twice a year for example, but that's just me. I don't have the sports diff so I only need the one type of fluid.

[ninjag]

catso said:

Didn't realise there was such a visual difference with regards to the engine though I would think it's just the plastic covers?

Yes, mine is like the second one above. Maybe they changed from 2015 MY the earliest of which would be made in 2014.

Must have I guess. When I first got the car I went to clean the MAP sensors either side of the supercharger, which should have been a very easy task but the guide was for the pre-facelift whereas with mine those black covers either side of the s/c now house the manifold port injectors. I decided to just leave it! lol

[ninjag]

RoVoFob said:

Many thanks for the info.

Still looking at the few £8k-£9k S4 Avants around and deciding whether going for one at this end of the market is a wise idea. If not, I’ll probably go for a B8 A4 Avant 3.2 (not sure if these are notorious for timing chain issues like the older 3.2 non-FSIs) or a Passat CC 3.6 as a wildcard or cheap C6 A6 Avant 3.2…

Sounds like the 38k DSG services are a good differentiator with ‘full’ service history cars. There’s one with a FSH that claims to have had a £6,700 Audi replacement gearbox. Not sure whether this is a good thing or a sign of a neglected car. Tricky.

I’d be keen to get a pre-facelift model - prefer the look and hydraulic steering of the earlier models - so will have to navigate issues with the earlier models. Think I need to put an S4 checklist together to gauge how many things to look out for/what to budget for to see whether my expectations are realistic or if it’s best to go for a different car for now.

The electric steering is probably the one thing I dislike about my car. I suppose like anything you get used to it, but I still prefer hydraulic steering. My biggest worry with a pre-facelift would be the DSG box. I don't really know the ins and outs in detail, but if you could get a date and more info on the replacement box then that could be a very nice bonus. Chances are it was just the mechatronics unit but AUDI just replaced the whole thing.

[ninjag]

Cupramax said:

I’ve always noticed mine is very clonky changing down from 2nd to 1st and I believe it’s the latest gen box as I’ve got the newer CREC 3.0T. I just tend to drive around it plus the car is very loathed to go into 1st most of the time anyway, unless I actually come to a halt, most of the time it’s stays in 2nd.

I was the same, hated the clunk. It was a while ago but from memory I believe it was simply the design allowing too much play, but I do recall some mention about making sure you get a billet which still allows a little movement and not to make it rock solid. There was plenty of references in the usual forums and for all the cost and time it was a great mod.

[RoVoFob]

ninjag said:

The electric steering is probably the one thing I dislike about my car. I suppose like anything you get used to it, but I still prefer hydraulic steering. My biggest worry with a pre-facelift would be the DSG box. I don't really know the ins and outs in detail, but if you could get a date and more info on the replacement box then that could be a very nice bonus. Chances are it was just the mechatronics unit but AUDI just replaced the whole thing.

Thanks. Sure, I suppose it’s a very different story if it was changed 100,000 miles ago in 2013 to being done a year back.

Slight tangent, but have any S4 owners/wannabe S4 owners run a B8 A4 3.2 V6 FSI? I believe the autos have a Tiptronic gearbox - at least the early ones - but it seems like timing chains are potentially a big issue. Anyone know how big an issue? Cheers.

[Dr G]

ninjag said:

The electric steering is probably the one thing I dislike about my car. I suppose like anything you get used to it, but I still prefer hydraulic steering.

I prefer the later setup

The early ones seem to go all sludgy and gummy with age, and dynamic steering makes an annoying noise.

The EPAS in later cars I always thought felt better and more responsive than earlier ones. They seem to wear their miles better too.

I even like the augmented engines noises

[Cupramax]

RoVoFob said:

.

Slight tangent, but have any S4 owners/wannabe S4 owners run a B8 A4 3.2 V6 FSI? I believe the autos have a Tiptronic gearbox - at least the early ones - but it seems like timing chains are potentially a big issue. Anyone know how big an issue? Cheers.

Is it fwd or Quattro? If it’s fwd it’s a multitronic.

Edited by Cupramax on Tuesday 26th April 10:19

[JuanCarlosFandango]

RoVoFob said:

ninjag said:

The electric steering is probably the one thing I dislike about my car. I suppose like anything you get used to it, but I still prefer hydraulic steering. My biggest worry with a pre-facelift would be the DSG box. I don't really know the ins and outs in detail, but if you could get a date and more info on the replacement box then that could be a very nice bonus. Chances are it was just the mechatronics unit but AUDI just replaced the whole thing.

Thanks. Sure, I suppose it’s a very different story if it was changed 100,000 miles ago in 2013 to being done a year back.

Slight tangent, but have any S4 owners/wannabe S4 owners run a B8 A4 3.2 V6 FSI? I believe the autos have a Tiptronic gearbox - at least the early ones - but it seems like timing chains are potentially a big issue. Anyone know how big an issue? Cheers.

I've looked at these - much as I love the S4 I'd happily trade a few bhp for mpg for the sake of making it a more practical every day car.

Unfortunately it seems the 3.2 V6 isn't the answer. First of all they are rare as hens teeth and I think they were discontinued in the UK in 2011, so even the newest ones are getting a bit long in the tooth now.

If you can find a good one they're not a trouble free engine - timing chains and oil consumption seem to be common themes.

Even then the fuel saving seems pretty marginal and most of them are in the higher tax bracket.


It's probably the worst thing about owning the S4 for me - impossible to replace with with anything that comes close!

[Cupramax]

I’ve had two 3.2’s, never the slightest problem with them, an A4 cabrio and an A5 coupe, both manual Quattros, neither drunk any oil or ate their timing chains. They were however serviced on the dot at 10k and not run on long life service schedule. I ran the A4 for 60k miles and the A5 for over 40.

[Adrian E]

Mate of mine at work had an A6 3.2 - it was meticulously maintained, but once it got to 100k miles the cam chains started throwing faults and required replacement. It wasn't a cheap job and it started to throw more big bills not long after, so he offloaded it. I suspect the issue now is the age and mileage these engines are stacking up, even for average use.

I'm still looking out for a nice S6, but also B9 S4. The latter seem to be nearly all poverty spec apart from many people liking the red interior (which I hate!)

[ninjag]

Dr G said:

ninjag said:

The electric steering is probably the one thing I dislike about my car. I suppose like anything you get used to it, but I still prefer hydraulic steering.

I prefer the later setup

The early ones seem to go all sludgy and gummy with age, and dynamic steering makes an annoying noise.

The EPAS in later cars I always thought felt better and more responsive than earlier ones. They seem to wear their miles better too.

I even like the augmented engines noises

It probably didn't help that I came from an XF which had excellent handling, but I'm used to the Audi now and the incredible grip negates any worries.

The Soundakator, oh no I hated that! Lol Pulled the fuse straight away.

[RoVoFob]

Dr G said:

I prefer the later setup

The early ones seem to go all sludgy and gummy with age, and dynamic steering makes an annoying noise.

The EPAS in later cars I always thought felt better and more responsive than earlier ones. They seem to wear their miles better too.

I even like the augmented engines noises

‘Sludgy and gummy’ - is that an S4 trait or a general hydraulic steering thing?

Having driven several electric cars with augmented/completely synthetic ‘engine’ noises today, I’m starting to come around to the world of made up noises. The BMW i4 worked quite well. Didn’t sound like a petrol but you felt like the noise it produced matched how hard you were driving it. The Mustang Mach E, meanwhile, just sounded like one of the speakers was making a random noise…