Hey everyone, I have been looking at all the s4 posts I can find because im deciding between an S4, e36m3, or a 93 rx-7 (that is in town). Anyway, my biggest problem with getting an S4 is all the maintenance that so many of you have posted on. Its obvious to me that an S4 owner can expect to spend alot, but what I want to know is this, if i get a 2001 with around 100k miles, how much will i probly be spending a year on repairs/maintenance? Lets say aside from turbo replacement costs, because I will probly go straight for the K04 turbo swap, along with piping, and chip as soon after I get the car. One last thing, what can I expect to get selling the original turbos on ebay? Thanks all!

 

Expect to throw 2000-3000 $/year in the car in maintenance & repairs. Less if you do some yourself.
If you have snow in your area the choice is defenitely easier to do. Few cars on the road today can match with an S4 in the snow & it's so much fun . The ride will compansate for the $ spent.
If you go directly with K04's you 'll be driving an incredible war machine.
Welcome to the B5 S4 world [8D]

 

If your scared of maintaince, stay away from the RX7! The 3rd gen has the most problems out of any of them!
Lots & lots of electrical problems, and the engines apex seals. To bad it's the best looking RX7.

The E36 maintaince is almost on par with the S4 for general things. Brakes are about the same, suspension is about the same.
Most mods are about the same. HP per dollar the S4 gets more bang for the buck.

The S4 isn't that bad on general maintenance. Yes, spark plugs are a PITA to replace compared to the M3, and it has a ton more
sensors then the M3.

Where the S4 starts to cost is TB replacement (every 60-100kmi) it's about a $1000 job. K03 turbo failure, they run $3000ish for new K03's.
That's due to the engine needing to be removed to change the turbo's.

The main problems with the S4 are boost leaks (TBB, DV's, etc), & faulty sensors. When a sensor is failing the car just starts to run like crap!
It can be any where from a $10 coolant temp sensor, $230 MAF, $75 N75. All are super easy to change, and will make the car happy.

K03's used are not worth much. Some people get $100 for them, others get lucky & sell them for $300.

K04's, inlet pipes, K04 hardware, Chip, will set you back $3500 in parts, & about $1000-2000 in labor (depending on labor rates).
With 100kmi the TB job should be done!

 

Are you kidding me, your worried about maintenence and problems yet your looking at an FD3s?