Advice.. Looking to buy 99-01 A4 or S4

[Vr-4-Life]

Hello,

I'm trying to get rid of my turbo del sol to get an a4 or an s4 this month.

I want the 99-01 body style.. I hate the generations tail lights after that.

I was wondering about any common problems and all. i hear they like to eat coil packs and all....

Any advice is welcome...

[Elliott18t]

coil packs are not that bad. If one happens to go bad, you just pop it out then the new one in. This should not take long at all. That generation S4 (b5) has a nice problem of the turbos going bad, granted not every s4. If your looking and it has somewhat high miles, make sure there was a recent timing belt replacement, etc. The buttons on the interior of B5s can get sticky sometimes too. No serious problems i've heard of, like the trans will blow up at 80k miles or something; with the S4s turbos as an exception. My friend had a problem with his steering rack IIRC, but he bought the car off a dealer that he's had problems with other cars that he has gotten there too. For the a4, if your looking for a DD and are not going to mod it, or at least just exhaust I would say just go for the 2.8 instead of the 1.8t.

disclaimer: my words are not gospel.. wait for someone else to chime in too obviously.

[tdmopar59]

It really depends what your lookin to achieve with the car.. DD or something you want to mod...?

[tomustang]

Parts are expensive, room is cramped for working on

[Vr-4-Life]

I dont want to mod it and I want the one I buy to be stock... I'm used to a cramped engine bay from the vr4 lol....

im just wondering about recalls and common problems really.. I dont want to buy it and find out that the turbos usually go at 120k

[tomustang]

I dont want to mod it and I want the one I buy to be stock... I'm used to a cramped engine bay from the vr4 lol....

im just wondering about recalls and common problems really.. I dont want to buy it and find out that the turbos usually go at 120k

They aren't as reliable as you think, If you talk to more and more previous audi owners they will tell you to buy a newer one with a warranty, because the damn things weren't meant to last

[OMGz Turbo]

Rich buying a used VW/Audi is almost as bad as buying a used DSM i wouldn't do it.

[Vr-4-Life]

I hear mixed opinions on it, but Its the car I want. I believe that it depends on how well the car was taken care of by its owners.

My vr4 is very reliable... why.. because its babied... it goes against every dsm stereo type.

[ndubz]

The B5 S4 and any audi 2.7t has very bad issues with their K03 turbos. Most of the cars on the market either have problems or are about to. My friend was looking at A6 2.7ts this summer, and every one he looked at had turbo issues. He wound up going with an A6 4.2 and loves it.

We called AWE tuning to see what their K04 swap would cost, and it was $8k. Obviously they are one of the most expensive, but other shops would probly cost you $4-6k. if ur gonna try and do it urself.....well rich....I wish u much luck. German cars are bitches with their systems and procedures. And if u dont do things as the Master Race wants u to, then u will have nothing but problems.

On a bright note, S4s are amazing cars, and nothing drives like an audi. But u should know what your getting into here before you buy.

For the A4s, get a 2.8, not a 1.8t. the 1.8t has just as many or more issues than the 2.7t. Since u have ur VR4, the 2.8 would probly be great for u.

Good luck with it bro

[bluedevils1433]

i would go with the s4, as long as you do ur homework on them and get one that has just had the k03's replaced..or better yet just find a stage 3 with k04's and make sure the previous owner has all the receipts as well.

[sweetmeat]

id sell my AWE Stage 3 for the right price.

[bluedevils1433]

wow another stage 3 s4 on here, thats 3 now!

[sweetmeat]

wow another stage 3 s4 on here, thats 3 now!

yup, been on here for a while, normally just looking around.

My car is your twin.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/jgr25/S4015Medium.jpg

[bluedevils1433]

looks like it haha, except for the stockers im still rocking..are those 19's?

[sweetmeat]

looks like it haha, except for the stockers im still rocking..are those 19's?

yes they are

[CleanNeon98]

Rich, my advice: don't

[Elliott18t]

lol there is nothing wrong with owning a Euro car..

[CleanNeon98]

Not saying there is....

[bluedevils1433]

nice i always thought 19's looked too big on b5's but urs looks really good.

[andresito360]

I have owned my a4 for about 6 years and this thing is a tank, I have not had a problem with it that has not been caused by myself like leaving unconected boost lines and stuff that I did but maintenance wide no problems whatsoever and I barely do any maintenance.. ohh and it has 105k miles
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u312/andresa4/carro013.jpg

[EverybodyWildOu]

id sell my AWE Stage 3 for the right price.

I'm afraid to ask, but whats your selling price? Willing to trade for a 350Z?

[sweetmeat]

I'm afraid to ask, but whats your selling price? Willing to trade for a 350Z?

no trades. Havent even considered selling, but if it were an offer I couldnt refuse I would. Ive seen Stage 3s sell from 12K to 20K. Id ask in the higher range, as mine is relatively low miles 80K, has a freshly rebuilt transmission and lots of other goodies.

[EverybodyWildOu]

no trades. Havent even considered selling, but if it were an offer I couldnt refuse I would. Ive seen Stage 3s sell from 12K to 20K. Id ask in the higher range, as mine is relatively low miles 80K, has a freshly rebuilt transmission and lots of other goodies.

Oh okay. Too much for my bank account right now. I'm sure its well worth it though.

Just curious though if you could post pics and mod list. I would like to see it!

[sweetmeat]

Oh okay. Too much for my bank account right now. I'm sure its well worth it though.

Just curious though if you could post pics and mod list. I would like to see it!

check the Audi/VW pic thread a few down.

[EverybodyWildOu]

check the Audi/VW pic thread a few down.

Mod list? How much power are you making?

[eclipsegsx012]

If your going to get b5 s4 which is 98-02 make sure you get 01.5-02 since the turbo oil line is little thicker than the previous model which will help turbo out because i talk to few and i'm certified audi tech, the things to look out for is cv boot, control arms, coilpack is def. but same things goes for a4 also cv-boot, control arms, coilpacks..

[EverybodyWildOu]

If your going to get b5 s4 which is 98-02 make sure you get 01.5-02 since the turbo oil line is little thicker than the previous model which will help turbo out because i talk to few and i'm certified audi tech, the things to look out for is cv boot, control arms, coilpack is def. but same things goes for a4 also cv-boot, control arms, coilpacks..

Thanks for the advice man. I was wondering how I can tell if its a 01.5? I noticed that some people specify that.

[eclipsegsx012]

look between the door and it should tell you when the car was made

[sweetmeat]

Mod list? How much power are you making?

Never dynoed it, but OTS AWE Stg 3 is good for @ 350 whp.

PJ KO4s
AWE Fueling
Milltek Tru Dual Exhaust
Forged DVs
APR Bi Pipe
AWE Downpipes, Test Pipes
AWE SMIC
AWE LW Flywheel
AWE RS4 Clutch
AWE Drivetrain Stabilizer
Adam's Dimpled and Slotted Rotors, Hawk Pads
HR / Bilstein Suspension
19" RS4 Reps

Freshly rebuilt transmission (updated synchros, 1-2 shift collar), new EGTs, new CV boots, control arms replaced, timing belt, gaskets, etc.

Empty Wallet.

[Elliott18t]

^MMM do want lol.

[bluedevils1433]

another stage 3 mod list..very similar to sweetmeats, awe as well.

AWE Stage 3 RS4 K04 kit
AWE Fueling (ECU, Injectors, Maf, Boot, Etc)
FMIC
APR stealth cat-back, stock gutted downpipes
Updated Diverter valves
Vast Stage 3 clutch
MBC
RS4 engine/trans mounts
AWE Snub mount
Apikol rear diff mount
Bilstein Springs/Struts
Neuspeed Sway Bars

[EverybodyWildOu]

another stage 3 mod list..very similar to sweetmeats, awe as well.

AWE Stage 3 RS4 K04 kit
AWE Fueling (ECU, Injectors, Maf, Boot, Etc)
FMIC
APR stealth cat-back, stock gutted downpipes
Updated Diverter valves
Vast Stage 3 clutch
MBC
RS4 engine/trans mounts
AWE Snub mount
Apikol rear diff mount
Bilstein Springs/Struts
Neuspeed Sway Bars

How much power do you make? I'm sorry to be asking everyone this but I'm really curious.

[tomustang]

If your going to get b5 s4 which is 98-02 make sure you get 01.5-02 since the turbo oil line is little thicker than the previous model which will help turbo out because i talk to few and i'm certified audi tech, the things to look out for is cv boot, control arms, coilpack is def. but same things goes for a4 also cv-boot, control arms, coilpacks..

Had the control arms go bad in mine, that bolt up top in the front is a bitch to get out

CV boots and axles were all fine though.

ABS is something to worry about, went through 2 abs modules, the fuse kept blowing out and suspect the rings to be cracked.

Central locking system blew up (graphite wheel) No power locks

Radio knob burned out (no radio)

I could go on

[sweetmeat]

How much power do you make? I'm sorry to be asking everyone this but I'm really curious.

probably about 350 whp 350 wtq.

[bluedevils1433]

How much power do you make? I'm sorry to be asking everyone this but I'm really curious.

never dynoed but yea prolly around the same, around 350 give or take.

[snsamotors]

hey want a audi? buy mines!! 2000 Audi A4 1.8Turbo but if i was you buy S4.... Twin turbo @ 225hp?

[snsamotors]

AWD is the best

[OWENthatsmyname]

its sad how much 'stage 3' set ups vary when it comes to whp.

ive seen some as low as 320whp, then there are people with a simple lemmitweaked ecu running 420whp. its crazy.



just make sure you do the timing belt at the right intervals haha

[sweetmeat]

its sad how much 'stage 3' set ups vary when it comes to whp.

ive seen some as low as 320whp, then there are people with a simple lemmitweaked ecu running 420whp. its crazy.


different levels of reliability. AWE is a much more conservative tune as opposed to others. I boost 21 at peak, some tunes push the K04s efficiency at 24ish.

[S4gasm]

different levels of reliability. AWE is a much more conservative tune as opposed to others. I boost 21 at peak, some tunes push the K04s efficiency at 24ish.

I'll admit a lot of the the higher powered k04 cars are pushing the turbos etc. However, there are a lot of other things that can make a diff in power over an off the shelf AWE/APR kit that won't change reliability. Fueling, intercoolers, tune, the condition of the engine to begin with, etc. My car made 402whp and 435wtq on 93 with catalytic converters. My EPL dyno tune only spikes to 22psi and tapers to 20 and has fairly conservative timing. I would attribute the 50whp or so over an ots awe kit not to how hard that car is being pushed, but to the larger ER intercoolers, the larger 60# injectors, and having a custom tune made specifically for my car.

And to the OP, the S4 is definitely a blast when it's tuned right and running well. If you go that route I'd spend plenty of time finding one that was taken care of and has had some major maintenance, well done mods, and repairs out of the way. Then expect to spend a bunch of money fixing more things and modding it more.

If you are hoping to get a car that won't be a money pit, then an A4 might be a better choice. 01 1.8t with the k03 sport turbo is definitely the nicest.

[sweetmeat]

I'll admit a lot of the the higher powered k04 cars are pushing the turbos etc. However, there are a lot of other things that can make a diff in power over an off the shelf AWE/APR kit that won't change reliability. Fueling, intercoolers, tune, the condition of the engine to begin with, etc. My car made 402whp and 435wtq on 93 with catalytic converters. My EPL dyno tune only spikes to 22psi and tapers to 20 and has fairly conservative timing. I would attribute the 50whp or so over an ots awe kit not to how hard that car is being pushed, but to the larger ER intercoolers, the larger 60# injectors, and having a custom tune made specifically for my car..

how hard the car is pushed means nothing, its all about the tune. more fuel, boost = more power, Even if its a 1 psi increase. nice number though. :)

[sweetmeat]

no trades. Havent even considered selling, but if it were an offer I couldnt refuse I would. Ive seen Stage 3s sell from 12K to 20K. Id ask in the higher range, as mine is relatively low miles 80K, has a freshly rebuilt transmission and lots of other goodies.

PS, my car is for sale 15K FIRM.

[Vr-4-Life]

I'm actually interested... where are you located?

[Elliott18t]

holy hell 15k? where can i sell my car and get a loan fast? lol

[sweetmeat]

I'm actually interested... where are you located?

near King of Prussia.

http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=23024&cat=67

[bluedevils1433]

saw your ad on audizine man, why'd you decide to sell?

[OWENthatsmyname]

seems like everyone is selling their stage 3 S4's right now.

[deb38]

Bahh don't sell it.

[sweetmeat]

saw your ad on audizine man, why'd you decide to sell?

time for an upgrade.

[dudewheresmycar]

i would go with a b6

[bluedevils1433]

damn tough to upgrade from this car, i love this thing.

[sweetmeat]

damn tough to upgrade from this car, i love this thing.

I love it too, but there are many upgrades out there. Straight line speed is great, but sometimes there are more important things.

[snsamotors]

i would do a S4 if you got money.......
i own a 2000 Audi A4 1.8Turbo Quattro. gave me no problem until i start drifting it hahaha. only problem was the hub bearing beside that no problem..... mid throtle at 3rd gear drop to 2nd @ high rmp and start sliding
oh yeah my motor rebuilt tho

[snsamotors]

i just read that..... DAMN!!! 15k? i'm trying sell mines for 7,500 or best offer

[sweetmeat]

i would do a S4 if you got money.......
i own a 2000 Audi A4 1.8Turbo Quattro. gave me no problem until i start drifting it hahaha. only problem was the hub bearing beside that no problem..... mid throtle at 3rd gear drop to 2nd @ high rmp and start sliding
oh yeah my motor rebuilt tho

what? this is an s4.

[sweetmeat]

i just read that..... DAMN!!! 15k? i'm trying sell mines for 7,500 or best offer

mines has some work done to it and is not a 1.8t A4.

[snsamotors]

oppp i just read the price but still damn!!!! my friend sellin his A4for 10g and that **** got work done to it. S4 swap and 2008 front end

[Slow_EJ8]

Haha ahhhh **** sooonn mad work done to it!!!

[deb38]

oppp i just read the price but still damn!!!! my friend sellin his A4for 10g and that **** got work done to it. S4 swap and 2008 front end

That car must look hideous. Does your friend have a pair of k04's with an aftermarket turbo back, injectors, maf, or things of that nature?

A4 prices are a lot cheaper than S4. Then you get into the aftermarket realm of things... and it only gets more expensive to purchase.