Vinny,
The S4 has a timing chain so no cam belt to worry about.
From what I can gather in the 6 weeks or so that I have had the car there are only two issues known:
1 - Auxilliary Radiators (there are two, 1 behind each fog light) they leak - happened to mine now fixed under warranty
2 - Timing chain rattle - requires replacement idel roller (I think) - not a big problem and only happens on the very early S4's apparently.
Apart from that they are OK.
As far as servicing is concerned here is a service schedule - hope this all helps
LongLife Service
Every 60,000 km
In addition to LongLife Service:
Tiptronic gearbox: renew ATF
Every 24 months
In addition to LongLife Service:
Brake fluid: Change
After the first 36 months, then every 24 months
Exhaust emissions test
Every 48 months
In addition to LongLife Service:
Telematics: Replace emergency backup battery
Work to be completed
Electrical System
Check operation of front lights: Side lights, dipped beam, main beam, front fog lights, turn signals, hazard warning lights
Check operation of rear lights: Brake lights (incl. high-level brake light), rear lights, reversing lights, rear fog light, number plate light, turn signals, hazard warning lights, luggage compartment light (several lights)
Interior lights and glove compartment light, warning lamps, horn: Check function
Convertible top: Check function
Note: With convertible top open, rollover protection: Check function (every 2 years)
Self-diagnosis: Interrogate fault memory with fault reader V.A.G 1551 or VAS 5051
Service display: Reset; LongLife
Telematics: Renew the emergency backup battery (every 48 months)
Vehicle, from outside
Tailgate/boot lid hinges: Lubricate. up to chassis no. > 080 000 model year 02
Door arrester, lock cylinder and bonnet release catch: Lubricate
Sun roof: Check function, clean guide rails and spray with lubricating spray
Windscreen wiper and washer system and headlight washer system: Check washer jet settings
Wiper blade park position: Check
Wiper blades: Check for damage
Tyres
Tyres, spare wheel: Check condition and wear pattern; record tread depths
Tyres, FL: Check condition and wear pattern; record tread depths
Tyres, RL: Check condition and wear pattern; record tread depths
Tyres, RR: Check condition and wear pattern; record tread depths
Tyres, FR: Check condition and wear pattern; record tread depths
Tyre repair set: Check expiry date
Vehicle, from below
Engine, gearbox, final drive, steering and protective boots: Visual check for leaks and damage
Tiptronic gearbox: Renew ATF
Engine oil: Drain or extract, change oil filter
Manual gearbox/final drive: Check oil level and top up if necessary
Final drive (automatic gearbox): Check oil level and top up if necessary
Brake system (from below): Visual check for leaks and damage
Brake pads: Check thickness
Underseal: Visual check for damage
Exhaust system: Visual check for leaks and damage, check that parts are properly secured
Track rod ends: Check play, attachment and protective boots
Ball joints: Check protective boots for leaks and damage
Engine compartment
Engine (from above) and engine compartment: Visual check for leaks and damage
Engine oil: Fill
Battery with magic eye: Check display and top up with distilled water, if necessary
Windscreen/headlight washer system: Top up fluid
Cooling system: Check antifreeze and coolant level/antifreeze specified value -25 °C;
Actual value (measured value):
Hydraulic system: Check for leaks, check fluid level and top up hydraulic fluid if necessary
Air cleaner: Clean housing and replace filter element
Spark plugs: Replace
Fuel filter: Replace
Dust and pollen filter: Replace
Toothed belt for camshaft drive: Check for damage and check tension
Toothed belt for injection pump: Check for damage and tension, adjust toothed belt tension - additional work
Poly V-belt for alternator: Replace - additional work
Change brake fluid (every 2 years) - additional work
Note: Never remove strainer from brake fluid reservoir
Concluding work
Tyre pressures on all 4 wheels and spare wheel: Check
Store modified tyre pressure values in driver information system (DIS)
See Owner's Manual "(DIS) store tyre pressures"
Headlights: Check settings and adjust if necessary (ellipsoid headlights)
Headlights: Check settings and adjust, if necessary (gas discharge headlights)
Test drive: Perform
