Audi S4 B6/B7

There is always a first child in life. And then your coupe or convertible becomes completely useless. But then what? Is it left to forget about the dynamics and transport a family in a boring MPV? This dilemma affected many. The role of a family car can be quite suitable Audi S4 Avant. It is a good station wagon that can carry five passengers. However, you should know that a fast and outwardly modest car has a number of features that you will have to reckon with.

Model history

This is the third generation of the Audi A4, marked with the S4. The automaker introduced a sports version of the A4 in March 2003, based on the Audi A4 B6, and at the end of 2004 replaced the upgraded version on the basis of the B7. Production continued until June 2008. In addition to the classic sedan, an Avant wagon and a convertible were available.

Brief description

The main “driver” of the sports car is a 4.2-liter atmospheric eight with a capacity of 344 hp. Standard - Quattro all-wheel drive system with center differential and 6-speed manual transmission. For a surcharge, a 6-speed Tiptronic machine, manufactured by ZF, could be installed.

Most of the Audi S4 and S4 Avant cars have very rich equipment: on-board computer, audio system, navigation, electric leather seats, and so on. The exclusive package could include Recaro bucket seats and a sunroof with a solar panel that powered the air conditioner.

Inside is a typical Audi interior with a focus on quality. After ten years of operation, it doesn’t look worn and shabby. In good condition are even side rollers of seats and places of contact with the sole of the shoes. The ergonomics of air conditioning, onboard computer control and the logic of audio system and navigation management require little adaptation.

In the case of the S4, most of the specimens have a mileage of more than 200,000 km. But the main thing is not the mileage, but the state of the car. It is especially important to pay attention to its history (which is problematic) and service.

Running

The Audi S4 is not a sports car. He is really fast by today’s standards, but not athletic. The reason for this is the relatively high weight and chassis settings typical of the then Audi. However, the suspension will not bring comfort on the country road. The element of the car is a highway with high quality coverage and turns of a large radius. It is there that you will be able to unlock the dynamic potential and hear the characteristic sound of the 8-cylinder engine. On the more winding sections of the road, you will notice a pronounced tendency to understeer and not very communicative steering. The driving situation is good, but not exemplary. The seats don’t go as low as the steering wheel. The effort on the steering wheel is too much. Hard suspension on a bumpy road makes the plastic of the cabin creak. This is most noticeable in the station wagon, which has less body rigidity to torsional. But there's nothing wrong with that. Consider this flaw as part of your character. The restyled sports version of the B7 received much better suspension settings. After criticism from owners and journalists, the all-wheel drive system has acquired a new Torsen differential, distributing most of the thrust to the rear axle. As a result, the car’s reactions, comfort and handling improved. The S4 got better at cornering under gas and was generally more agile. The restyled version has acquired modern ESP software and made driving easier for less experienced drivers. Of course, there has never been any objection to the dynamics.

Typical malfunctions

Although many will think this is an exaggeration, but in terms of mechanics Audi S4 is quite reliable car. As with any other premium used car, the S4’s condition depends on the maintenance and care of the previous owner. Regularly maintained and timely repaired copy will last for a long time. The all-wheel drive system is relatively reliable and durable. In rare cases, differential repairs may be necessary. The oil in them is designed for the entire service life, but experienced mechanics advise to regularly monitor its condition and update at least once in 100,000 km. 8-cylinder gasoline engine was used as the base on the A8 limousine. The timing system drive is placed here on the side between the engine and the gearbox. The hybrid of the combination of a gear belt and a timing system chain was replaced by a full chain. It's solid and reliable. However, with large runs, the chain can stretch. If after heating the engine will be heard metal noise, then prepare for a rather complex and expensive replacement, which can only be handled by a specialist. When inspecting the car, it is better to start the engine cold. This will quickly show that the chain is stretched and you will find other defects. Sometimes there were problems with the starter, but in most cases they arose in the first 2-3 years of operation. Therefore, on the current A4 S4, most likely, a new, more durable knot has already been installed. It is worth noting so much leaks of oil as its increased consumption. An overloaded and overheated engine begins to take more and more oil.

Cost of spare parts

No one is forcing you to buy only original parts. Finding a qualified mechanic, you can save on maintenance, without harming the car. The brakes can be purchased for less than $600. The filter oil will cost $80. The air filter costs $20, the fuel filter costs less than $12, and the cabin filter costs about $16. The clutch kit will cost $400.

Audi recommends using Michelin Pilot Sport tires, which cost around $270 apiece in the standard size of the 235/40 R18. High-quality branded tires for the S4 are cheaper than for $ 200 not to buy.

Prices for different jobs vary. Typically, an unauthorized service charges around $20 an hour, or half of what you pay in an official Audi service.

This is how the 2004 Audi S4 looks with a mileage of more than 160,000 km.

Key points

• Look for an original car unaffected by the tuners.

• carefully check the car in a specialized service;

• prevent automatic transmission;

• It is necessary to have a reserve of funds for regular maintenance and unforeseen repairs.

Brief description

• It is especially important to pay attention to its history (which is problematic) and service.

Running

• It is there that you will be able to unlock the dynamic potential and hear the characteristic sound of the 8-cylinder engine.
• If you periodically use the dynamic potential, the flow rate will quickly exceed 15 liters.

Typical malfunctions

• Regularly maintained and timely repaired copy will last for a long time.
• In rare cases, differential repairs may be necessary.
• When inspecting the car, it is better to start the engine cold.
• Sometimes there were problems with the starter, but in most cases they arose in the first 2-3 years of operation.
• It is only necessary to wash the engine once with water under pressure and problems are provided.
• If the problem is ignored for a long time (power drop, difficulty starting the engine), then the catalyst will soon fail.
• In the S4 B6, you need to pay attention to the condition of the radiators.
• In the oldest copies, corrosion and leakage of coolant often appears.
• In instances with an automatic machine, you need to pay attention to how the gearbox works.
• Electronics are generally reliable, but for peace of mind, check the operation of all electrical equipment.

Cost of spare parts

• Audi recommends using Michelin Pilot Sport tires, which cost around $270 apiece in the standard size of the 235/40 R18.

Key points

• Check the car carefully in a specialized service;
• - it is necessary to have a reserve of funds for regular maintenance and unforeseen repairs.

Since we are talking about a used car premium with an 8-cylinder gasoline engine, you should understand what lies ahead. Basically, this is quite high costs for operation and maintenance, which is not worth skimping on.

The Audi S4 is not a problem car, but regular maintenance is vital. These include timely oil replacement, systematic monitoring and coolant renewal. Careful, do not put a cold engine on your ears, let it warm up well. The automatic transmission, like the manual transmission, does not like to rush.

The Audi S4 is not a true sports car. But many owners did not understand this. So don’t save time and money on a thorough check before buying. The only drawback is a poorly tuned chassis.

In favor of the S4 Avant is the fact that the wagon body in combination with automatic transmission was rarely used for street racing. These cars were generally well maintained, and a large mileage does not mean a disaster. The S4 engines are still in service even after 250,000 km.

• Model history: This is the third generation of the Audi A4, marked with the S4.
• It is especially worth paying attention to its history (which is problematic) and service.
• On the go: It is there that you will be able to unlock the dynamic potential and hear the characteristic sound of the 8-cylinder engine.
• Typical faults: A regularly maintained and timely repaired instance will last a long time.
• Cost of parts: No one forces you to buy only original parts.
• Key points: - look for the original car, untouched by tuners; - carefully check the car in a specialized service; - carry out prevention of automatic transmission; - it is necessary to have a reserve of funds for regular maintenance and unforeseen repairs.

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