I was wondering if anyone has any insight into the feasibility of DIY repairs for a B5 S4. Is there a computer on board that is going to need to be reset every time you turn a screw. If not, any experiences. If so, does anyone know if any of the older S4 models are less computerized.
Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Brian

 

Not sure how to answer this one.

Yes there is a computer (ECU). All fuel injected vehicles have one. Instead of hating the computer, make it your friend. It can throw about a billion codes when things go wrong. Fortunately, when something goes wrong the computer will (most of the time) tell you what the problem is.

I don't know how much wrenching you've done, so I can't comment on your ability to DIY. Myself and lots of other folks around the forums work on their cars, it's totally doable if you have some experience. And if you're new to working on cars, the forums are a great resource to learn. However, the S4 may not be a good beginners DIY car. Some of the jobs/repairs are a bitch.

 

there is an ecu, and working on them is not too bad if youve been around cars for awhile and you have access to a rack.. plenty of power tools and patience.. but the ecu is pretty easy to work with.. no resets or big processes to deal with.. and stay with the b5, its the most fun to mod!!

 

This was just a general question. I actually don't own an S4 yet but was thinking of getting one. Thanks for the info metabiscuit.

And for you bigern, I'm sure that being a senior member of this forum you would be able to look back and see the inappropriateness of calling a new member a "fa***t".

Plus, I would assume that there are forum guidelines against such badgering.

If I do decide to get the S4 I may come back here for advice and will hope that I encounter more people like metabiscuit and less like bigern.

Thanks!

 

CT Brain,

Don't worry about his comment. Most "senior" members on this site are just broke, hand holding kids regurgitating information they read on the internet. There is nothing expert or "senior" about them. You will rarely find a statement on this sit backed up with facts or first hand experience. Look around the web, there are way better sources for info than this website.

 

Considering he built an RS6 turbo'ed B5 and is on his way to 600 hp... I wouldn't say he doesn't know what he's talking about (but that was really uncalled for by him to say). And I'll ignore the statement being regarded to myself to save a few lines of typing about me sufficiently owning a Stage 3 B5.

To be quite honest, Brian's question is somewhat... common sense. If you don't work on cars... then this isn't the easiest car to start on. And this car isn't much more difficult than any other car with an OBD2 system, it's just got more sensors to look after. The fact that it's a twin turbo means there are more variables which you can view to make sure the car is running good, as long as you have a VAG COM to view these things with.

But if you're just going to change the oil, diverter valves, hoses, whatever, it's not going to get in your way. As long as you plug any sensors you take out back in, the computer won't flip out... I mean, I'm not sure how blunt I can get, it's a black and white issue.

Just have some basic tools like 3/8 sockets, some extensions, ratchets, screw drivers, allen wrenchs, etc. (most people have these things, if not, you can buy a kit from craftsman that has almost any tool you would need for $200). In the end it'll save you a lot more money if you plan to do a lot to the car or if work needs to be done. Any one on here will be more than happy to help you out with any questions, AudiWorld.com has a huge DIY tech section, and you may learn a few things.

 

for the record. i was drinking a little the other night and got sarcastic. i edited what i said and have resolved this issue in other ways as well.

 

Did I miss something here?

Someone please PM me the comments, everything looks pretty friendly from what I can see.

 

So i guess the bigern took off what he said or i missed something in that little post he said lol

 

yeah.. i edited it.. i can repost if everyone wants me to..lol....