Looking at buying a B8 S4

[Dan_Avant]

Morning all

I’m sure this question has been asked hundreds of times but the search function isn’t bringing anything up.

Anyway, I’m looking at buying a 2010 S4 (3.0 TFSI). Car has 83k on it and a good spec including Drive select, full service history, super sport seats etc and i have a few questions:

What should I be looking out for in terms of issues/faults etc?

What should I check for in the service history?

The car has an APR stage 1 map, forge supercharger pulley and intake system. Does anyone have the same set up and if so has it caused any issues?

Does the 3.0 V6T suffer the same issues as the 2.0 TSFI with oil consumption, bad PCV etc.

Any help/advice will be appreciated

 

[jdp1962]

Is it manual or DSG?

 

[Dan_Avant]

DSG. Not sure if the box has been mapped? Would you need it mapped on a stage 1?

 

[jdp1962]

DSG. Not sure if the box has been mapped? Would you need it mapped on a stage 1?

First things first, you need to make sure that full service history includes at least two changes of the automatic transmission fluid; it needs to be done at least every 38,000 miles, preferably more frequently than that..

 

[Dan_Avant]

Thanks. Will ask the question.

At what intervals should the cambelt/timing chain and water pump be changed?

I’m well versed on the 2.0 TFSI but the 3.0T is new to me.

 

[jdp1962]

Thanks. Will ask the question.

At what intervals should the cambelt/timing chain and water pump be changed?

I’m well versed on the 2.0 TFSI but the 3.0T is new to me.

Don’t just ask the question: insist on seeing the documents: if there isn’t documented evidence of the DSG fluid changes, walk away. I’m pretty sure the cams on the 3.0V6 are chain driven, no cambelts to change.

 

[Dan_Avant]

Will do. Thanks.

Is there anything else I should look out for or any other questions I should ask?

 

[Dippy]

A 2010 DSG? I would recommend that you spend some time looking at the many problem reports - including from our mainly US friends over on Audizine.
If it has not had its two gearbox services then I advise you to walk away. That gearbox has 2 oil filters which are "non service" items. They need to be changed.
Test drive carefully - gearchanges must be smooth including 2 to 1 coming to a stop.
The engine can also suffer from loss of tension in the timing chains - listen for rattle on start-up from cold.
3.0TFSI did not suffer as much from oil consumption as the 2.0TFSI but there were cases - usually the PCV is at fault.
No cambelt but there are 2 drive belts. It should have had a new s/c belt when the pulley was done. The aux belt ought to be changed.
It should have had a new set of plugs too.

 

[Dan_Avant]

Thanks for the info.

The current owner has sent me pics of the service history and it does indicate that the gearbox has been serviced twice but I will still keep an eye on gear changes when I test drive.

Most recent service was oil/filter, cabin & air filters, gearbox, plugs and is all main dealer. Also had new brake pads at the same time.

Last 3 MOT’s have no advisories which is encouraging and the owner seems to know his stuff which is always a good sign.

I have read all the horror stories online about these engines so will be giving it a thorough inspection when viewing!

 

[Dan_Avant]

Viewed 2 S4’s over the weekend and came home in this one:

 

[Dan_Avant]

It’s a 2010, 78k on the clock. S-tronic Gear box serviced in 2015 and 2020 with full main dealer service history bar last year which was an Audi specialist.

Stage 1 ECU and gearbox map pushing out 400bhp. It goes well!

Has the usual options - Bluetooth, heated super sport seats, S4 puddle lights etc. I’m really pleased with it.

Only thing I’m going to do to it is put a decent induction kit on it as I love the noise they make and I want to hear the whine of the supercharger!

Other than that it is staying as it is. Why spoil a lovely car.

 

[jdp1962]

That looks quite splendid! Welcome to Supercharger World!

 

[Dan_Avant]

It is in amazing condition considering it’s 11 years old.

Glad to be part of the supercharger gang ha ha

 

[Dippy]

Looks like a great car. It's not an S5 of course, but still quite good.
The biggest whine gain comes from the airpipe itself because the OE one has a helmholz resonator which is specifically designed to reduce s/c noise.

 

[Dan_Avant]

I’ve ordered and APR open filter induction kit and 034 motorsport silicone inlet hose to replace the factory one.

Hopefully it should sound a bit nicer then

 

[szokatlan]

@Dan_Avant could u say something about your B7 on the background ? What's the name of the rims, i want something like that with black colour. Looking Awesome!

 

[Dan_Avant]

They’re the standard b7 DTM/Special Edition alloys, Ronals.

They’ll be up for sale soon with Pirelli P Zero tyres, need a refurb though.

 

[szokatlan]

They’re the standard b7 DTM/Special Edition alloys, Ronals.

They’ll be up for sale soon with Pirelli P Zero tyres, need a refurb though.

Hit me up when the time comes, I'm intrested about it. ( I want black tbh, but let's see first)

 

[Dan_Avant]

Will do mate

 

[Dan_Avant]

Loving the puddle lights on the S4

 

[Dan_Avant]

Some goodies arrived today:

 

[Dan_Avant]

Should make it sound a bit nicer and let the SC whine

 

[Andy Butcher]

Welcome to the world of S4 ownership Dan, I'm nearly 2 years in and still love driving mine every time I go out in it.

 

[Tonto1977]

I’ve ordered and APR open filter induction kit and 034 motorsport silicone inlet hose to replace the factory one.

Hopefully it should sound a bit nicer then

I have the APR carbon open intake on mine. Whines like hell. nice purchase. Happy motoring.

 

[Dan_Avant]

Fitted mine first thing this morning. Sounds awesome and slightly better throttle response:

 

[Dan_Avant]

Also gave her a bath:

 

[Dan_Avant]

Had some crappy demon shine lying around so though I’d use it up

 

[Dan_Avant]

Just Booker it in to have the silver dash trim around the dials and screen wrapped in gloss black.

Also ordered some alloy paddle shift extensions as I like the look of them

 

[roberto.]

Best wheels, nice purchase!

 

[Dan_Avant]

@Tonto1977 - I notice you’ve got the throttle body upgrade. What other performance mods do you have on the car and what sort of power figures are you at?

Also, can you recommend decent disc/pad upgrade? Can’t afford to change the callipers just yet (hopefully summer next year) but discs and pads need doing soon

 

[jdp1962]

@Tonto1977 - I notice you’ve got the throttle body upgrade. What other performance mods do you have on the car and what sort of power figures are you at?

Also, can you recommend decent disc/pad upgrade? Can’t afford to change the callipers just yet (hopefully summer next year) but discs and pads need doing soon

I swapped my OEM discs and pads out for EBC discs and Redstuff pads last year. I can highly recommend them. Better stopping power; no squeals.

 

[Tonto1977]

@Tonto1977 - I notice you’ve got the throttle body upgrade. What other performance mods do you have on the car and what sort of power figures are you at?

Also, can you recommend decent disc/pad upgrade? Can’t afford to change the callipers just yet (hopefully summer next year) but discs and pads need doing soon

Hi Bud



034 Motorsport’s stage 2+ Duel pulley
57.65mm supercharger pulley
190mm crank pulley
034 Motorsport’s TCU tune
APR Ultracharger
Merc HX cooler
Yellow Speed Racing 6 pots front kit.
034 Motorsports Rear ARB
NGK BKR9EIX
APR carbon open Intake
Carbon mirrors
Maxton V.1 front lip
ECS rear diffuser
RS4 front grill
Eibach pro springs
Transmission insert
Red star test pipes
Full Scorpion resonated exhaust with Milltek GT100 tips
Judd 311R wheels. 19x9.5 et40 front et35 rear.
255/35/19
501hp 623nm.

have a look at VBT J hook discs with Ferodo DS2500 pads.

 

[Dan_Avant]

Nice set up. Bet that’s fun to drive!

Will check those discs and pads out.

Booked the car in to have some of the interior trim wrapped. Not sure whether to go gloss black or carbon?

 

[jdp1962]

Will check those discs and pads out.

@Dan_Avant Here's where I sourced mine; very helpful when I phoned with queries, and good delivery service.

 

[Tonto1977]

Nice set up. Bet that’s fun to drive!

Will check those discs and pads out.

Booked the car in to have some of the interior trim wrapped. Not sure whether to go gloss black or carbon?

If you are on the S4 U.K. owners Facebook page Mark Brodie can get you anything you need.

 

[Dan_Avant]

I’m not on Facebook but the Mrs is, I’ll get her to join on my behalf!

 

[Dan_Avant]

Paddle shift extensions arrived today.

Couple of pics cus you know, we love pics:

One on, on off, for comparison

Both on

Closer shot

I think they look pretty good considering they were less than £30. It’s just a shame the b8 S4 didn’t come with a flat bottom steering wheel.

Will prob be on the look out for a b8 RS4 FBSW next year but it’s new discs/pads and braided lines next.

 

[roberto.]

FBSW was an option IIRC, and also came as part of an options package on the B8.5. Could look for one from a later car. Mine is fitted with FBSW, 2015 s4.

 

[Andy Butcher]

Where did you get the extensions from Dan?