Hey guys,
So its time for me to get a new car and through LOTS of research and driving the S4 is obviously the car of choice. I am coming from a 2001 BMW 330xi, which I am keeping and everything I have read seems good except for a few things. First I have read the timing chain tends to go around the 100K mark; is this only for the 2004 or do all S4 years have a good chance of the chain needing to be replaced?
I have pretty good wrenching skills for the most part. Do we have sites that help guide us with fixing common problems? Also, where should I look on the car for problems?
I am looking at a 2004 black S4 and a 2005 Sonic Blue both around 60k miles.

Thanks
Kyle

 

GL.. FWIW... B5 S4 is much more modifiable and fun. if you are keeping a DD around, sink that money into a 2001 stage 3 or something.. IMO

 

http://www.blauparts.com/audi/audi_o...rankshaftseals look here for the most common oil leaks that my prob is.i just picked a 2000 s4 up its got crazy oil leaks and boost leaks but this audi fourm has helped me so much just in a couple weeks there great here if you got a prob someone has had the same one and will help you...

 

based on my experience, and what has gone wrong with my '04 with 60K, I would look at:
(my issues in the last 4 year and only 15K)
brakes/rotors
front CV boots
roll windows up and down - window regulators
check for oil/collant leaks
check AC for leaks
"A" arm bushings
Idle correctly - coil packs
Arm rest - make sure it's not broken at the clips
No clicking or ticking from the front wheels around turns or backing up
Key remote works
Realize you'll be buying tires every 15K or so - mine last 2 sets lasted 7K each
Look for cracked wheels or any viberations when you test drive - replaced 2 wheels
Now... motor mounts and other assorted issues
Good luck - you want to buy mine?

 

other suggestions (learn from the mistakes of others):
DO NOT go with coil over or 19" wheels - besides distroying your ride quality, it will distroy your front end componets and your expensive 19" wheels

Clip, exhaust, short shifter, CAI - all good.

 

I bought a 93 s4 for 2700 and now I can afford to rebuild the motor (1000+ HP strength capable) but am only going with 450 or so HP, it will run forever I hope. Anyway I would go with b5 or URS4 as turbo audis are where its at man. v8=fun but boring after a while. Boost makes me giggle.