2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

[Jester B]

Well, the trend appears to be to get rid of the Mk IV VW and get an S4. As Lemming #84, I am also looking in that direction and I have a possible line on a couple of 2001 S4s.

What are the issues I should be concerned about. Both are in the 100k range and I don't yet know about the service history (timing, turbos, etc.)

Any words of caution / advise would be appreciated.

[Kor]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

Well, the trend appears to be to get rid of the Mk IV VW and get an S4. As Lemming #84, I am also looking in that direction and I have a possible line on a couple of 2001 S4s.

What are the issues I should be concerned about. Both are in the 100k range and I don't yet know about the service history (timing, turbos, etc.)

Any words of caution / advise would be appreciated.

Turbos going was a common problem I think - lots of people just use that as an excuse to upgrade them.

[The Brice]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

Well Jeff where to start here's a brief list I got on AW for you.

-bpv's blow
-tbb's blow
-k03's blow
-instrument cluster info/clock display abnormalities
-radio screen cuts out while driving
-radio screen doesn't show audio adjustments
-intercoolers leak
-MAF sensors die (2000 Bosch)
-paint easily chipped
-parking brake handle pops off with normal use
-seats clunk back and forth
-headrests clunk
-moonroof clunks when in the up setting
-lifting jack is flimsy and causes cars to fall down
-secondary water pumps fail
-washer pump housings crack
-2000 Model year Throttle body failures
-warped rotors that AoA insists on resurfacing instead of replacing (nyet, poor guy)
-wheel bearings die early
-coolant reservoir tanks crack with heat

alot of these issues are just with the 2000 - 2001's, your best bet is to try and find a 2001.5 or 2002 where alot of these issues were fixed. Search Edyjuns s4 directory for any questions you have, it's kind of the bible i guess.

[Smarty39]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

^^I'd say that's a pretty good start lol...but I'd still buy one if you have the chance haha.

Bottom line is, if you can afford to maintain an S4...GO BUY ONE!

[R_Ethug]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

haha nicely put kyle

as rob put that is pretty much the list hahaha

cluster screens die (buy a new cluster or live with it)
turbos die (IF YOU TREAT THE CAR BAD IT TREATS YOU BAD) (go stage3)
F hose
Throttle body boot tears (buy the apr bi pipe like me)
rotors warp if you drive hard on them (buy stoptechs)
seats clunk (easy fix)
coolant tank cracks (buy a new one)

LOTS OF maintenance required.. so if you can take doing the work and the wallet can.. then buy one.. such a beautiful car to own..

try and find one with the sport package... so you get the brushed mirrors and the alcantara seats..

since the ones you are looking have 100k.. turbos are ready to die if they haven't yet.. and the timing belt needs to be done.

that being said check for any stage3s for sale out east.. they can be found..

oh yea 6spds are hard hard to find it seems..

[Kor]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

Sounds much worse than I thought!

Maybe you should look for an M3

[R_Ethug]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

well yes and no kris.. my car has been flawless so far.. knock on wood trim hahaa

wheel bearings seem to go because of high HP
CVs seem to tear (i'm replacing an axle this week)

other than that i love this car.. i won't be parting it for a long time.. widebody and stage3+ ahoy

oh and the paint chipping.. all VAG cars seem to do this in calgary.. god damn rocks kill it so bad.. my jetta paint was exactly the same..

[R_Ethug]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

sneak this guy across the border

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...spagenameZWDVW

[Tuna]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

Are S4's really that great? Or do owners just like to brag about how much maintenance they've done and overexagerate? Sounds almost like a Corrado forum, "my car's worse than your car". I mean, I really like them but if they are that much trouble why bother? Especially seeing as a lot of cars can compete with it now. I'd say unless you have a fixation it's not worth it.

I'm being kind of a hypocrite seeing as I once owned and would like to own again someday a car like this (Corrado).

[R_Ethug]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

its kind of a cult jason hahaha..

seriously once you drive one they are such a blast to drive.. i don't mind the maintenance because i knew what i was getting into when i bought it

that being said yes alot of cars have the same power as they do but i dunno you just have to drive or own one.. i'm sure kyle, jordan and rob can all comment on this with me

[The Brice]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

The 01.5 and 02's got bigger oil feed lines to the turbos i hear so their issues were fewer, but that does not mean they are impervious, just always make sure the oil is topped up and give them proper cooldown time if you've been riding the boost and you should be okay.

[R_Ethug]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

yup.. i change my oil every 8k with 5.40 synthetic when i upgrade the turbos i'll do it every 5k whether it needs it or not..

truthfully just taking care of these cars is key... if you keep up with regular maintenance they're fine.. its the kids that bag them to hell and shut the engine off whos cars die

[The Brice]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

In 1.5 yrs ownership I've had no issues, the car runs and drives flawlessly. Oh I replaced the EGT sensors shortly after I got it, so 1 issue.

[R_Ethug]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

in 2 years

1 rear wheel bearing
1 front axle (my bad because i didn't notice the CV tear early or it would have cost me 25 bucks to fix not 250)
1 O2 sensor (replaced by audi warranty)
1 coolant tank (replaced by audi warranty)

1 APR 93 chip.. best money ever
1 APR exhaust.. could be louder but no complaints

one happy owner.. priceless

for everything else theres.. LOL

[Jester B]

Re: 2001 S4 bi-turbo - known issues

Great feedback guys...keep it coming.

I, like Jason, also fell into the Corrado trap and loved every second of it as it sucked my bank account dry. There's something special about a Stage 3 G60...it was very close in color to the one Dave has posted for his friend...don't think I could go with another "Lemon Yellow" car.

6 Speed is ideal, but can a person "survive" with the Tip?