B5 S4 Ownership Questions

[DeViLz x DeMoN]

Ladies and Gents. I'm looking at getting several different cars. B5 s4 being on my list. I know they are not the most reliable cars. And parts are expensive. I was just wanting some input from current or previous owners of B5 S4s on how often things break and what I can expect to replace etc. Just what it's like to own one in general. Thanks!

[RSS]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

You only have to worry about the Turbos, Waste gate lines, Syncros, Center and rear diff, All 322 control arms, Tie-rods, Wheel bearings, ABS Module, Airbag Module, Control Cluster, Heater Core, Flappy door latch syndrome, Boost leaks, MAF, N75 Valve, F-Hose, Spider Hose, Door Lock Pump, Rear Cam Seals, Motor Mounts, Tranny mounts, Rear Diff mount, Rear Diff Seals, Rear Camber Bolts, Diverter valves, Fuel Injector O-ring leak, Coolant Temp Sensor, Timing Belt, Water Pump and Coil Packs.

But as soon as you get those few things sorted it's clear sailing!

[BaggedGLI]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

Expect an engine pull and reseal every ~100,000km.

There's lots of good upgrade parts that will limit failures at later dates. RSS has it about right though, they require a lot of attention, if you aren't doing the work yourself it can get very expensive.

[RSS]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

A good way to judge whether or not you should get a B5S4 is this.

If you are thinking about getting a B5S4 DON'T!

If you need a B5S4 then you obviously have sustained enough blunt force trauma to the head that you should be okay with the maintenance schedule for the car, it will seem normal in your already altered state of mind.

[floater]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

When did you get another s4 roger? ��
I've personally had good luck with my s4's. **** does happen though. It's a 15year old platform. If you modify it to double the factory power levels. You will have to replace things. Lots of stuff is high mileage maintenance. Turbos failing seem to be the biggest issue, and the most expensive - but while your in there, you take care of some of the other stuff /seals /etc.

[PRY4SNO]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

This is a DIY kinda car. And have a spare car to drive for the 6 months a year+ you'll be busy DIY'ing. Not to mention a garage space to work in.

They rip when they're going and healthy though. Can be a good sleeper car.

[R-Audi]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

I loved both of my B5 S4s... and was only left stranded twice. Once from the clutch going, and another when an axle popped off due to a backyard mechanic install. Looking back my last was the most fun car Ive owned, and possibly one of the most fun cars Ive driven. Makes a huge difference if you can DIY the small to medium stuff, which is fairly easy with a Vag com and the resources on various forums.

Id love to have another someday as a weekend toy...

[e30mclow]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

The simple answer is that you need to buy one.

I mean looooook at iiiiiiit


I miss it

[DeViLz x DeMoN]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

I do agree! They are sexy to look at! Haha thanks for the small list RSS, no big deal. Thanks for all the input guys. I'm not opposed to doing my own work. I'm sure that helps save you a lot in the long run.

[funkin]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

I'll just leave this here.. http://www.superstreetonline.com/fea...pr=23251588013

But ya, if you do decide to pick one up make sure you get it inspected.

[Ur0Drivr]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

So, I've had mine now for about 6 years and have had very few issues with it...don't let Roger scare you off, he just bought another one!!

Just keep up with maintenance and treat it nice, it will treat you nice also. 360k on mine now and still enjoying it...original turbos will be replaced finally this year .

As for engine pulls every 100k...I call BS Colin.

[e30mclow]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

As for engine pulls every 100k...I call BS Colin.

That's a Calgary money maker mentality right there. WTF would you need to pull the engine for unless your changing the turbos.

[BaggedGLI]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

As for engine pulls every 100k...I call BS Colin.

That's a Calgary money maker mentality right there. WTF would you need to pull the engine for unless your changing the turbos.

Doing it at a shop, pull for turbos, everything else can be done in car. Maybe a pull every 200,000km, there are very few S4's out there that I have found that aren't so terribly neglected and caked in leaked oil by the time they hit 200k that they can go without. Most need a pull and have a full reseal because oil has saturated every single o-ring and coolant hose.

Of course two that have some of the most reliable/nicest S4's I know of call me on it. Just because you guys maintain yours, does not represent the rest of the population.

[Ur0Drivr]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

Doing it at a shop, pull for turbos, everything else can be done in car. Maybe a pull every 200,000km, there are very few S4's out there that I have found that aren't so terribly neglected and caked in leaked oil by the time they hit 200k that they can go without. Most need a pull and have a full reseal because oil has saturated every single o-ring and coolant hose.

Of course two that have some of the most reliable/nicest S4's I know of call me on it. Just because you guys maintain yours, does not represent the rest of the population.

So as mentioned...maintenance is your friend

[BaggedGLI]

Re: B5 S4 Ownership Questions

And lots of it. Buying one you can expect a couple pretty big bills to get everything sorted and back up to date on services being that they get so neglected.