I am new to the S4. I just got an 04.
The oil was dirty so I had it changed. I put in Pennzoil 5-40 Full synthetic.
Now when the I start the car after it has been sitting for a while it sounds like there is not oil getting to heads for a few seconds then it quiets down like normal. It did not do this before I changed the oil.
Ideas, possible problem? (Bad oil pump?, Not the proper oil?)
The books say 5-40 so I am baffled.
I would appreciate any input.
Thanks.

The car runs great, pulls like crazy, no other issues with the motor at all.

 

its the cam adjuster.... i have an 04 too and i've had the same problem... audi says its normal to hear the noise(even though it sounds terrible!!!...almost embarrasing)

...after my cylinder head had to be replaced through warranty(thank god) the noise went away because a new cam adjuster came with the head... but warranty will not replace the adjuster just becasue of the noise... they say it's normal.. sux...GL

 

I just heard that today from the guys at the Audi Academy. It sounds scary and it is embarrassing. He told me that the new synthetic oil will drain completely out of the cam tensioners and it takes a few seconds for them to fill up and put pressure on the chain. It sounds like the chain is going to come through the firewall. He said it is not hurting the motor. I had a Porsche that did this to, I never liked that either.
Did your head go because of this? I hope not. I have no warranty.
I guess I will have to gut it out until something bad happens. I assume the job to get at the tensioner is major since it is in the rear of the motor.
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

 

my head did not get damaged becasue of this(as far as i know)... a few cylinders compression ratio were not up to spec for some reason.... i wasn't going to complain about them putting new parts on the car(w/79k) for free.... but the noise was embarrassing... this engine, when started sounds awsome(GGGrrrumble).. but with the chain noise it just sounds like something is wrong.... as far as replacing the tensioner, i'm sure it's not easy.... the engine would most likely have to be pulled out... i have info on it at the house on my laptop if your interested...


are you in california?

 

IT turned out that the guy who changed my oil last did not use a factory or quality oil filter. It got squashed when tightened which then did not push down hard enough on the valve. Moral of the story, use an Audi filter, they are all not equal.
Now I get the usual tap, tap at start and then total quiet, thank God.
After owning many M cars this car is up there so far in ownership. I love the way it feels and drives. I especially love the torque!!!

 

Hey I got a quick question, how did you get them to replace that?! I need some help I also have an 05' S4 love her!!! but first started with the nasty noise at startup and read it was normal, then I was at a stop sign and engine started to loose power and I could not accelerate, and just shut-off! Any suggestions, I have 63k so no warranty eithr, figures!