I'm thinking of getting a used s4 and am looking for help with a few questions. This seemed like a good place to post and ask the following questions:

- Is the v8 version better than the v6 twin turbo; other than horsepower/torque improvements are there any other big differences that would bias one model versus the other?
- How reliable have the s4's been long term?
- Is it advisable feasible to chip an s4; if so, how much of a boost can you receive?
- What things should I look out for when I'm shopping? I'm looking at the '02 to '05 models so far.

Thanks!

 

I don't even know how to respond to this

 

Sorry thats rude......look at the faq!

 

I'll take a stab at it but I'll just go from what I've seen and not bother doing any research....er...yeah so that's my disclaimer.

2002 S4s are V8s. I prefer the Twin-Turbo S4s 2000 and 2001. They're about as fast as the V8s with better gas mileage. Chipping an S4 is a good idea.

B5 specific info
The B5s (2000-2001) gain 60hp and 80-90tq on a chip. That's moving the boost from 6psi to the low 20s.
S4s will last a long time if you take care of them but don't expect them to be free of little breakages. Mainly it's little electronic components that go out like turn signal stocks and hazard light relays. Little $35 parts that are inconvenient to fix. As far as major maintanence expect to drop $1200 (if you can find a good deal) onthe timing belt maintanenceat MOST every 90,000 miles, recommended every 60k. The BIG kicker is that the K03 turbos will eventually die. Maybe at 70,000 miles, maybe at 150,000 miles, but when that happens expect to drop $3,500 to replace them. And while you're at it you might as well upgrade to the K04s and get some more power.

Stuff to look for when shoppin
Ask what kind of oil has been used in it. Ifthey haven't been using synthetic consider another S4. Check the oil for sludge. Listen for valve chatter.
On the test drive listen for turbo whine. It should make a sexy little spool up sound. If it sounds like a dentist drill you have, or are about to lose a turbo.
Check all the electronics. Turn signals, radio, cd changer, head lights, fog lights (only on rear fog light), all of it! Make sure it works and if it doesn't have them replace it.


er....that's really all I can think of off the top of my head. I hope I spelled it all right but I don't feel like proof reading.

I <3 my S4

 

I guess I'll chime in.....and I meant I didn't know how to respond becuase this sort of question gets answered over and over. Just so you know if you use the search function you can find all kinds of comparisons between the 2.7t and the v8 model S4's!

Burzam - good thing you put that disclaimer on your post, ha. Really most of what you said was good info, but I'm going to make some changes to it (not to be a dick, just to make sure info is correct)

First off - a 2002 S4 IS NOT a V8, its most definately a B5 twin turbo V6! B5 includes the following years - 2000, 2001, 2001.5, 2002.

Secondly - Most chips are 1bar chips taking stock boost 8-10psi and pushing it to 14-16psi. Obviously you can run more boost but not into the 20psi range.....atleast not with K03's. The HP and Torque gains that you have listed are accurate for a Stage 1 (chipped) B5 S4.

I like and agree with pretty much everything else you have listed!

Hey Name13 - I hope you find the S4 of your dreams whether its a B5 or not! But please, please do a little research before coming out and starting a thread like this. This forum is filled with users that have saved my butt time and again, that know Audi's like the back of thier hand. After hanging around this forum its quite clear that they have every intention of helping everyone, unless you post a question that can be easily answered by doing a quick search. If you have searched and you didn't get the answer you liked or things are still unclear then by all means post a question, and I'm sure the question will sound alot more intelligent/specific than if you hadn't searched first. All the questions in your thread are fairly common and have been answered in a couple places...Basically do you due diligence when trying to find an answer and if that doesnt work someone will help you out, I promise!

I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want you to have the best experience possible on this forum!

Good luck car hunting!

 

what above said is true....

I was in this dillema when i was looking for a car.. The difference between a b6 and b5 is huge.. It comes down to what you really want in your car... The b6 interior is MUCH nicer in my opinion..and shoudl be in most..the panels are nicer, the seats are ungodly comfortable and supportive (not that the b5's arent..but the ricaro's are amazing) option for nav... jsut the interior is overall nicer... Imo, the b6's styling is nicer..but thats purely opinion.. and out of the box has better power and response. but there isnt much room for improvement.. you can add exhaust (which makes it sound amazing btw) but thats about it...

The b5 is a tuning dream. Its a bit smaller, and with turbos, it takes well to mods.. even with jsut a chip your gaining 40-80hp.. and with more mods you can be running 4 sec 0-60.. and be greatly fast..

It really comes down to what you want..do you want to modify your car..take the b5..if you want more styling and out of the box power..the b6 is where its at..my advice is drive both and see what your likes are and see where you want to take the car then make your decision

as far as reliability..with b5's its hit or miss... Some are very problematic..some have hardly any issues...but like any car if you tkae care of it, it will take care of you. The b6's are pretty good..just stay away from early build 04's. Those had an issue where you had to replace the engine...but if it hasnt happened by now, its probably fine.

 

Aaaah thanks for the corrections. You learn something new everyday

 

Thats what its all about, glad you didn't take it the wrong way! I've had my S4 for almost a year now and after being on these forums for a few months I've learned so much more it's ridiculous!

 

again read the stickys at the top of the page. I think we are all getting dumber by the minute. Sorry but I think people forgot how to read and look or search the topic they would like to know about.