B8 S4 Ownership

[Cupramax]

Many thanks, ignore the icloud address.

[MattS5]

catso said:

I fitted this; https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/audi-a4-carplay-bo... to my 2014 S4.

Works very well, integrates with the car switchgear and can even connect to iphone wirelessly (though I disabled that as it kills the phone battery too quickly) and also has touch screen control for the carplay functions. Can still do everything else as before - green screen etc.

I also added a reversing camera https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/direct-fit-rear-re... whilst fitting it and that fully integrates as per the OEM system. Fitting was simple enough, worst part was running the cable from the camera in the tailgate handle to the box (fitted on top of the glovebox) and patience/gentle touch is required for safe removal of trim panels to get at the screen etc. but was easily done in a couple of hours.

All seems very well made, I fitted it a couple of years ago and have had zero issues.

I'm currently looking at adding Android Auto functionality to my S5. I'm not fussed with the touch screen functionality in the linked version above, but would like to try and buy a unit that is reliable and will work with my MMI. This seems to fit the bill https://integratedautomotive.co.uk/product/audi-mm...

Anyone else had any experiences of others? (there are a few when I type a few key workds into Google)

It would seem I have 3G+ and I fear I might have to be removing lots of dash trim to install it....agaian, any tips from those who have fitted one?

another option is at £240 here ... https://bavarian-automotive.co.uk/products/audi-wi...

Edited by MattS5 on Friday 31st March 17:08

[catso]

MattS5 said:

catso said:

I fitted this; https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/audi-a4-carplay-bo... to my 2014 S4.

Works very well, integrates with the car switchgear and can even connect to iphone wirelessly (though I disabled that as it kills the phone battery too quickly) and also has touch screen control for the carplay functions. Can still do everything else as before - green screen etc.

I also added a reversing camera https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/direct-fit-rear-re... whilst fitting it and that fully integrates as per the OEM system. Fitting was simple enough, worst part was running the cable from the camera in the tailgate handle to the box (fitted on top of the glovebox) and patience/gentle touch is required for safe removal of trim panels to get at the screen etc. but was easily done in a couple of hours.

All seems very well made, I fitted it a couple of years ago and have had zero issues.

I'm currently looking at adding Android Auto functionality to my S5. I'm not fussed with the touch screen functionality in the linked version above, but would like to try and buy a unit that is reliable and will work with my MMI. This seems to fit the bill https://integratedautomotive.co.uk/product/audi-mm...

Anyone else had any experiences of others? (there are a few when I type a few key workds into Google)

It would seem I have 3G+ and I fear I might have to be removing lots of dash trim to install it....agaian, any tips from those who have fitted one?

another option is at £240 here ... https://bavarian-automotive.co.uk/products/audi-wi...

Edited by MattS5 on Friday 31st March 17:08

Can't comment on the kits you linked to though, from the description both seem good but IIRC, you need to remove the screen to plug in the video link cable anyway so whichever way you go I would think the same applies?

I didn't think I'd want the touch screen as I'm not a fan of touch screens in cars but it does make accessing the functions much easier and quicker and it simply sits on top of the existing screeen - sandwiched between screen and frame, though it does make it a bit more reflective if in direct sunlight.

Removing the head unit is easy enough (my kit came with the tools) and you need to remove the glovebox which is also straightforward (just a few bolts) - I sat the carplay box on the top of the glovebox.

The surround for the screen & dials comes off easily enough but the retaining clips are very fragile and the driver's side vent can fall apart (mine did) and is fiddly to reassemble so great care is required.

I can't recommend mine highly enough, works great on carplay, never tried android but would assume it is also good.

[DemonDriverDan]

Another vote for the Unique Automotive kit. I installed it in my S4 and hadn't realised I had AMI so was missing the cable. Hopped on chat with them and had the cable the next day.

It's more expensive than the Bavarian kit but the support is fantastic and the unit itself is great. I've switched from Android to iPhone since having the unit and it's the CarPlay integration is a lot smoother than Android Auto. Both work well though.

[DonkeyApple]

Went to test drive an avant today. Thought it was nice. Haven't driven an Audi for years but it was still a car you could drop into and drive without thinking about anything.

What I did notice was that the steering didn't rush to centre. It would centre but it felt like it needed a bit of help. Many moons ago I drove a Honda CRX that someone had messed about with the geometry as that car wouldn't centre at all which was relatively alarming!! Is it the tow in that makes the centring happen?

Anyway, I was wondering if this was normal? It didn't seem bad, just different.

[Gad-Westy]

DonkeyApple said:

Went to test drive an avant today. Thought it was nice. Haven't driven an Audi for years but it was still a car you could drop into and drive without thinking about anything.

What I did notice was that the steering didn't rush to centre. It would centre but it felt like it needed a bit of help. Many moons ago I drove a Honda CRX that someone had messed about with the geometry as that car wouldn't centre at all which was relatively alarming!! Is it the tow in that makes the centring happen?

Anyway, I was wondering if this was normal? It didn't seem bad, just different.

Not something I've noticed with mine. Mine has dynamic steering which in all honesty I'm not convinced about. Not driven one without but I find the dynamic steering sometimes feels like it's giving artificial feedback. As an overall package, the car is excellent but I don't think steering is its forte.

[DonkeyApple]

Cheers.

Been checking the MOT history and it appears as if the last owner has failed 2 MOTs on a front tyre on the same side being worn down to wire showing!

Do these have a habit of wearing the near side front excessively? Again this makes me ponder if there is something amiss geo wise?

[Cupramax]

They wear the inside edges, I’ve done exactly the same on mine…

[DonkeyApple]

Does anyone run one of these on 18s having experienced 19s?

I always prefer higher profile tyres as well as erring towards all weather tyres, preferring to giveaway ultimate dry summer grip for just better all rear round performance.

[silentbrown]

DonkeyApple said:

Does anyone run one of these on 18s having experienced 19s?
I always prefer higher profile tyres as well as erring towards all weather tyres, preferring to giveaway ultimate dry summer grip for just better all rear round performance.

I'm on 18's, just getting another set of Bridgestone Weather Controls fitted next week. I'm sure they're worse round a track than pilot sports, but for the conditions here they're absolutely fine.

The standard ride on 18"s is still pretty firm - dynamic dampers improve this, allegedly,

[jimmyjimjim]

I run 18" on the dynamic suspension. Because in Colorado the roads are about as crap as you can imagine. Safer than running 19" wheels over some of the potholes here. I've not driven the standard suspension much, but the consensus of opinion from the forums is that the stiffer settings are stiffer than the standard suspension, and the softer is...softer. Not much surprise. In general I use dynamic for day-to-day driving as it's not too harsh/firm, but set it to comfort for road trips.

[jimmyjimjim]

DonkeyApple said:

Does anyone run one of these on 18s having experienced 19s?

I always prefer higher profile tyres as well as erring towards all weather tyres, preferring to giveaway ultimate dry summer grip for just better all rear round performance.

Continental DWS06 Plus for choice here. Fine in our winters, and very good performance in summer still.

[ninjag]

DonkeyApple said:

Does anyone run one of these on 18s having experienced 19s?

I always prefer higher profile tyres as well as erring towards all weather tyres, preferring to giveaway ultimate dry summer grip for just better all rear round performance.

I replaced my Eagle 5's with Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tyres and regretted it within days. I had the same theory as you, why not have good grip all the time and never worry about being stuck.

But there must isn't enough bad weather days to make it worthwhile and whilst the summer performance is pretty good for an all rounder, there is a very noticeable difference with the Eagle 5's and I just don't feel confident in the corners with them. They aren't planted, they lose traction and the tread pattern is ugly damn it!

Can't wait to get back into Eagles or something similar.

[RoVoFob]

DonkeyApple said:

Does anyone run one of these on 18s having experienced 19s?

I always prefer higher profile tyres as well as erring towards all weather tyres, preferring to giveaway ultimate dry summer grip for just better all rear round performance.

I recently switched from 15.4kg 19-inch wheels to 11.7kg 18s on my Audi and, my oh my, the difference to ride, handling, road noise, fuel economy and tramlining was enormous…The new tyres were also lighter meaning a 20% drop in combined wheel/tyre weight.

Admittedly, the Audi in question was a 2007 A6 4.2 V8 - so a bit bigger and heavier than the S4 - but I imagine there’s scope for a similar difference to be felt with the S4.

Everything was worse with the bigger alloys and the tramlining on the motorway made it feel as if half the wheel nuts had fallen off, while the anvils at each corner made the ride feel as though the suspension was made of wood. It’s not perfect with the 18s but the ride’s gone from 3/10 to at least 7/10 now.

My gut feel is that two thirds of the difference comes from having lighter wheels/tyres, with the other third resulting from having more rubber between you and the road. I’d recommend Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6s as a good Audi-friendly tyre. Sporty, comfy and quiet enough to be a satisfying everyday tyre and unless you have to deal with lots of ice/snow, I can’t see why a Quattro would need more wet/cold weather performance.

[RoVoFob]

PS: Any geeks who care about alloy wheel weights might want to check out this site for Audi/VW figures…

https://www.original-felgen.com/

[DonkeyApple]

Thanks for the replies. I do have a natural aversion to low profile tyres, believing they don't bring anything useful to the party for a road car. And loving rural and to the west of London means the roads spend much of the year either damp, covered in mud, smeared with road kill, icy or greasy from a long dry spell. I also often need to cross mud or grass areas so am in the habit of sticking all weathers on the cars and being done with it.

The edges of the roads aren't brilliant and with all of us driving cars a foot wider than they used to be the time spent skirting broken edges of lanes make low profile tyres just a cost waiting to happen.

Issue seems to be finding a B8.5 on 18s, I've not seen one yet.

[Gad-Westy]

DonkeyApple said:

Thanks for the replies. I do have a natural aversion to low profile tyres, believing they don't bring anything useful to the party for a road car. And loving rural and to the west of London means the roads spend much of the year either damp, covered in mud, smeared with road kill, icy or greasy from a long dry spell. I also often need to cross mud or grass areas so am in the habit of sticking all weathers on the cars and being done with it.

The edges of the roads aren't brilliant and with all of us driving cars a foot wider than they used to be the time spent skirting broken edges of lanes make low profile tyres just a cost waiting to happen.

Issue seems to be finding a B8.5 on 18s, I've not seen one yet.

It would probably work out relatively cost neutral to just find the right car on 19s and sell that set and replace with 18’s. I keep thinking about this on ours. 18’s on cc2 tyres would be ideal for me.

[Adrian E]

We have summer 20s on our S5 Sportback (factory option was an inch bigger than the upgrade on the S4 for some reason). We have 5 spoke A5 18s for winter, currently fitted with Cross Climate 2. I can’t say the ride is noticeably different between the 2 - not night and day different, anyway

I regret the CC2 choice as we actually had snow this year and realised for running 2 sets I should’ve gone for full winters rather than all seasons. I’m south east based too so the logic was ‘it’s never really that bad down here’

I’ll probably stick the 20s back on after we get back from our Easter trip….

[RoVoFob]

DonkeyApple said:

Issue seems to be finding a B8.5 on 18s, I've not seen one yet.

I personally wouldn’t worry about that - especially if you’re downsizing. Just get a car with whatever wheels fitted and if they’re in half decent condition you can sell them for a good amount.

I sold the 19s with tyres that were on the car for £600, bought a set of recently refurbished and rarer Audi BBS 18s for £500. Admittedly that meant buying a new set of tyres, but I typically do that when I buy a new car anyway…

[silentbrown]

DonkeyApple said:

Issue seems to be finding a B8.5 on 18s, I've not seen one yet.

Mine's not for sale!

At that stage they were offering Black Edition cars - rear tints, dark headlining, 19" wheels, B&O stereo, dechromed, so most 8.5s are that spec.
The only one of those options that I didn't actively dislike was the stereo...