Concerns For a New S4 Owner
 

Hey, I just got a 2000 S4, MT TT with 102k miles. It has had the timing belt service done last month as well as the tie rod I think. It's service is all up to date and it drives amazingly, but I worry that something could go wrong at any time. I'm looking for advice or reassurance from current/previous S4 owners! I know of the inferior design of the rubber pieces in the engine bay and I found that they can be replaced with steel pieces sometimes. Overheating is a problem as well but I would imagine that a turbo timer would help out a lot and I don't really drive it hard except for the occasional 0-50 mph acceleration.. I know turbos eventually go out as well, but that happens for any turbo car, doesn't it?? But I know the problem is that they're really expensive to replace, in the $4k range I hear.. So taking this in mind, what do you think I can do to help avoid the unfortunate mishaps these beauties often come across?

Thanks!!

Warm up and cool down those turbos! Definitely something that will help your turbos out. Also, if you don't put more strain the them, such as chipping your car.

Be afraid! Be very afraid!

Congrats on the new car. We're both in the same situation. I just bought a 2000 S4 with 57k miles on it last week. With any turbo car, especially ones running higher pressure, you'll want to be mindful of the engine temperature and understand how those turbos dissipate heat. For starters, you'd be wise to go easy on it until it reaches operating temperature. Then, always make sure you let the turbos cool down before shutting the engine off. All that means is that you don't want to shut it down immediately after romping on it. Driving it calmly for a while or letting it idle will both give the turbos the time they need to cool properly. From there, keep up with your oil changes and avoid BANG-shifting at all costs. Best of luck with the new toy!

Just enjoy your car and don't let your head spin with nonsense. Have fun, but drive it easy during warm ups and cool downs - especially on real hot days. I have had a great relationship with my S4 and think it is best car I have ever owned. Cars come and go but S4s are special and you will never forget this ride. If somthing is going to break - you fix it. Mine has been fine for years and I have absolutely no regrets. (117K)

ENJOY!!

Thanks for the tips, guys! I'm really excited to drive this car every time I approach the driver's seat...the most exhilarating feeling sitting behind the wheel with the six speed twin turbo power available at my disposal... Good times are a'comin'! Haha

you're screwed...


jk, just buy an extended warranty. do your research tho because some will try and screw you. i bought one and it covered 3000 dollars of my 4600 dollar turbo replacement(109kmiles) which isnt to bad considering i only paid 2700 for the warranty

i am in total agreement with bottlecap. If you dont have enough money saved up for labor and parts for a stage 3...definitely buy an extended warranty. I would do it even if I wanted to keep the car stock too. Its the smartest choice you can make I think.

if you get the warranty you have to stay stock or else it voids it. or if you have a cool mechanic that will pretend you have stock parts and tell the warranty company that too

pretty soon these warranty companies are gona wise up and black list the B5 S4