Hi looking to buy an S4 seen 2 I’m interested in one has 98k on a 10 plate phoned dealer as was supposed to travel from Glasgow to Essex to view but was told car was in at specialist as needed a software update as was sluggish gear changing in 1st to second s tronic saved me a wasted journey as read quite a bit about the gearbox on them the other one I’ve seen is on an 11 plate has sports diff and loads of extras but it’s on 120k full service history and a new engine from Audi fitted 2013 looks well looked after my question is would the 11plate be worth going for only thing putting me off is mileage any help would be great thanks mitch
S4 B8 buying help
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Having owned a B5 S4 for 13 years and done over 100k, my advice is that don't get put off by high mileage. Audis are built well and to last, and so far it seems to me that the B8 has been designed and built better than the B5, with a few exceptions. The s-tronic gearbox you know about. The V6T engine is also good perhaps apart from the timing chains which can need retensioning at high mileage, and the small risk of an intercooler leaking. Other issues such as the waterpump and PCV are relatively minor.
As you realised, a 2010 B8 with evidence of s-tronic gearbox problems is to be avoided. But not all early gearboxes go bad. Unfortunately it is not possible to tell if the 2011 car has the 1st or 2nd generation gearbox without investigating. However even if its the 2nd, they weren't trouble-free and so it would be worth getting a warranty which covers the gearbox. If I were you I'd also want to know why the original engine needed to be replaced, just to make sure that it doesn't cast suspicion on the gearbox or indicate a problem (e.g. collision repair). Other than that if its a well specced car at a good price, then as long as you allow for having to meet some repairs in the future (e.g. wheel bearings, bushes & gaiters, steering and suspension components etc.), the 120K shouldn't be a reason not to buy.
As you realised, a 2010 B8 with evidence of s-tronic gearbox problems is to be avoided. But not all early gearboxes go bad. Unfortunately it is not possible to tell if the 2011 car has the 1st or 2nd generation gearbox without investigating. However even if its the 2nd, they weren't trouble-free and so it would be worth getting a warranty which covers the gearbox. If I were you I'd also want to know why the original engine needed to be replaced, just to make sure that it doesn't cast suspicion on the gearbox or indicate a problem (e.g. collision repair). Other than that if its a well specced car at a good price, then as long as you allow for having to meet some repairs in the future (e.g. wheel bearings, bushes & gaiters, steering and suspension components etc.), the 120K shouldn't be a reason not to buy.
Thanks for the reply the one with the high miles is the one I’m going for but guy is saying steering lock warning has just started popping up on the dash any one any ideas what this is?
Cheers for the reply dippy the guy I’m buying it from has booked it into a specialist said it could be one of 2 things ones an easy fix one not so easy tried to query the engine replacement through Audi but they wouldn’t tell car has loads of extras so hopefully get it this week
Maybe go for the 120k option then, I’m guessing your getting a warranty with it seen as though it’s from a dealer. As long as it covers the major components then it’s not that much of a risk. Either way, your going to end up with a beautiful car
Should hopefully pick it up tomorrow part was ordered today for steering lock fault only thing is the replacement engine as I phoned Audi who put me through to Audi spectre or something could only tell me it was an un warranty repair but told me dates for all the services it had by main dealer
I have heard of this before but its not common. It's when you put the key fob in the dash and the steering lock doesn't come off. It's either the fob or wear on the mechanism in the dash, which is accelerated by having a heavy keying attached to the fob. Believe it or not the weight can pull down on the fob and wear the mech in the dash. I just have a leather keyring on the fob for this reason
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That's interesting because it sounds like the actual fault is not directly related to the steering. Fortunately no risk on my car because the only times the fob has been in the slot are the few from when it left the factory to my driving it away from the dealer.
Yeah this is only really applicable to the b8s without keyless function m8
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Hi thanks for the replies it turns out it’s the steering lock module needs ordered from Germany and coded by Audi seller trying to get me to take it as is but I said no really like the car but don’t know
Think you’ve done the right thing, if your ever in doubt then leave it. If I’ve ever jumped in when I’ve been in your situation I’ve normally always come off badly.
