The B7 Audi S4 Has a Bad Reputation: But Is It Well Deserved? I Ask An Owner To Find Out! 

We have owned our 2008 B7 S4 Avant for more than 13 years and never ever had any issues. Most fantastic car we've ever had!

This V8 is actually really reliable as long as you replace the chain guides with the RS ones and your service it on the button.

Coming from a B5 S4 background, this is classic 1999-2008 Audi engineering. And is why I don't own one anymore. Great cars but nothing can overcome the insanely inefficient maintenance needed.

I have a B7 S4 6MT sedan in Imola yellow. Chain guides replaced with RS4 guides. 115k miles. Love the car!!

Absolutely love my B7 S4, there’s been a quite a bit of maintenance. But so hard to find a naturally aspirated V8 car with all wheel drive!

Describing this motor as "needy" sounds about right. But when they run good, they run sooooo good I love the 4.2s; I knew two S4s when new as my dad's friend who raced SCCA had a B6 manual sedan and he drove it like he stole it, and my friend had a B7 auto sedan and while he wasn't as good of a driver he was quite the leadfoot and liked S more than D on the transmission so the V8 got plenty of exercise. They're sewing machine smooth all the way to 7000, they have a large displacement muscley sound but it's more refined, a broad powerband...smooth, classy, but still sporting and exciting. Salute to anyone who keeps these up nice!

I had a first year B7 Avant with the 2.0 and manual, kept it for just over 15 years. I still miss that car and I think if I were to do it over again I'd have kept it still. What an absolute beast in the snow with the Torsen center diff and blizzaks. I have a 2019 Golf R manual now but still.

Having worked as a multi-brand master tech and then on the other side as an automotive engineer, there is very little difference in manufacturers reliability and issues. The difference is manly the owner demographic which ties into specific models as well… Toyota/Lexus, Mercedes etc don’t us forums as much as the likes of BMW, Audi, Subaru etc, especially the sports car manufacturers and models will likely be on forums where a Pirus or multi-van owner probably not. This skews forum bias and is perpetuated by RU-vid, most as click bate. Timing chains and guides suffer similar wear/failure rates across manufacturers, same for Di carbon build up etc etc. This may be another reason or just a youtube bias but servicing cars in the US seems to be lacking by owners and quality or knowledge in US workshops isn’t always where it needs to be so cars suffer badly. There is little difference now between reliability of US built car and a European or Japanese marque. Most people (or as it appears on RU-vid) don’t realise that Audi made the front of cars like this A4 and other models from this age quickly and simply unbolt with just a few bolts and swing out the way with out dropping fluids or AC gas,to give great access to the front of the engine, also engine/gearbox drops is fairly simple and quick so only an issue if you are trying to do it with out a ramp.

Crazy rare find, it's great they dont keep it hidden away and actually drive it and enjoy it. Also, it is not a Haldex, general rule of thumb is if the engine sits sideways in the engine bay it's a haldex, if it sits forward/backward, it's not a haldex.

I was driving my s4 one night on i84 in eastern Oregon and decided to floor it and got it up to 153 mph before letting off. It felt extremely planted im sure it could do 165-170. The fastest I ever went though was 160 on a 91 audi 200. It definitely felt a lot sketchier lol but still an amazing experience

When I fully tooled up and had the time/slashed money I really enjoyed working on my Audis. Never had a V8 tho but I got efficient at taking the front end off on my 1.8Ts

Great looking example. I just finished refreshing my 2006 Avant in Moro blue. Definitely have the the oil check valves replaced if not already for some preventative maintenance. Also, with 150k on mine there were some coolant and power steering lines that were reaching the point of failure. Specifically the heater core supply line at the back of the engine and the PS supply line from the reservoir to the supply pipe. Love seeing more people hanging on to these gems.

Excellent Avant, thanks for showing. Big fan of these.

This cameraman is the BEST! He doesn't the stand there staring at your face while you're talkin about the car he's looking at all the attractive points I haven't seen any video on RU-vid that does this I LOVE IT!

I love my dolphin gray 06 b7 s4 Avant 6mt more than any other physical object I’ve encountered in my life. Every mile I drive it is a bittersweet reminder of life’s pleasures and impermanence.

As long as a German car is maintained and doing 5k or less oil changes their rock solid. It’s no Toyota but the diving experience is unmatched. And the money I’m willing to blow just on that is so worth it to me. I haven’t had a Toyota since high school and I’d not know if I want to go back Mabe a Lexus but….wagons

Enjoyed the interview, nice Imola. Love my b6 s4 avant in Dolphin Gray, AT, 1 of 8 in NA. It is a Swiss army knife of a car, so versatile and enjoyable. Fantastic on snow and ice. No rattle at 101k, year around DD. Not unreliable but does get needy now and then and maintenance is pricey. Double it if you have a mod need. The car manages its front heaviness fairly well.

I have a bs s4 and have had for 10 years! My daily and I love the v8 and AWD. Great in Minnesota winters with blizzaks a beast in the snow. 155,000 miles and still strong

Mines in England, 2005, Avanti in dark blue. Miltek exhaust. Had it about 9 years now. Absolutely luv it.

I had an ‘04 B6 S4 from brand new and drove it 165K miles before the timing chain started really rattling on cold starts. Sold it after that and got a B7 RS4 which also had a timing chain without that same guide problem.

Ford Explorer 4.0 V6, same issue :) Two chains front and back... but you don't have to take the front body off. Otherwise pretty reliable if you replace the guides.

We had a Sprint blue 2007 with auto trans. Nice car, bought it with 60k miles and sold it with about 115k miles.

I purchased mine five years ago and I’m still in love with it. If you’re not into these DO NOT buy one. It’s maintenance heavy but if kept properly, you’ll love it.

Loved my B6 S4. I didn’t buy a well-maintained one but after some work, had 3 fun-filled years of driving it

It's a regular maintenance item... it lasts a long time but you Have to do it if you want to safely do long miles

I have a b6 s4 Avant 6mt with the chains done. It's been fairly reliable honestly.

Use to own a 2007.5 Silver S4 Wagon Avant 6MT. Bought it used with 60k, dropped the engine at 69k, to replace the timing chains. It was also my opportunity to go full JHM bolt-ons. Total cost from independent German mechanic shop, 8k. At 75k, the car started to burn oil every 300 miles. Independent German mechanic diagnosed issue as scored cylinder walls. Cut my loses, traded the car in for new Audi A4 Allroad at the dealership. Audi mechanics knew it was my S4 and told me the car was bought fairly quick and shipped to the east coast. Loved the car, but definitely a money pit. Would only recommend it to adults with deep pockets and not a college student or worse a high school student.

Nice Audi. I'm a bit of a wagon guy and those look sweet, especially in the yellow.

When the guy took the crossroads and i heard that bump, those where pure stock shocks. Tip: Billstein, the ones that can be adjusted in height and stiffness. I owned them for under my B5 RS4 and its a day and night issue. You cant imagine how hard you can cross a bump with even 80kmph without feeling a bit. The shocks of audi are set to too comfort rather then "Sporty". Great car tho..

I had a supercharged 2005 s4 6 speed with crazy loud Miltech exhaust that would wake the neighbors.. it WAILED but it’s a heavy car whose leather interior can fall apart if not cared for amongst engine things. I had the nagarro blue with the blue suede seats. The dual leather suede seats hold up longer. Replaced the coils with aftermarket, had a jbh tune stage 1. We bought a walnut blaster to clean out the valves every 2 years. Added an aftermarket short shift. Shocks went bad after 100k. Was a California car so it stayed in shape longer not being driven in winter. But it was such a fun car.. it looked sic.. it was so fun..

I own a B6 S4 sedan & a C5 allroad. My C5 has the 2.7T so it doesn't correlate with this discussion but concerning the S4, it was reliable, no cold or warm start rattle which is often more the result of oil check valves under the valley pan remaining open. @ the moment it is off the road ( 214K miles ) I need to install new driveshaft, starter motor & I'll be doing an 18Z BBK setup. Upgrading to sport springs/Koni shocks, it doesn't need coilovers since it will not be tracked. Overall I bought this S4 10 years ago & until recently it was my daily driver.. Not cheap with fuel consumption & these do go thru a set of rubber within 25K miles but my only regret is that it is a sedan versus an avant... But critical with these cars is being able to wrench them yourself for everything including when required the timing component replacement. Otherwise you do need full waillets since Indi. or Audi shops are not cheap concerning labor & parts.

Man, now I miss my B6 1.8t Avant.

Nice interview, great car!

Absolutely rare!! And underestimated. I own an ibis white 6spd 1 of 8 in US. Adore it. Unicorns 🦄. THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO

Hey Dustin!!! I have a imola yellow 04 s4 b6 avant here in canada at 305,000km with the grey alcantara recaros and silver trim pieces. It's been through a bunch of owners so documentation on whether the chain guides have been done has been spotty so I'm planning on swapping in a younger motor along with a new clutch in the summer. I guess luck or unlucky depending on how you look at it the salt rust has been really minor with it. I'm currently looking for body panels from the dry southern states so that I can get rust free and then keep the body as nice as possible. If youre ever in Atlantic Canada come hit me up!

Pretty sure I've seen this car for sale at some point on Audizine. Great find of a stock 6 speed Imola.

"That's why we have the editing." Well played, sir.

I learned how to drive in a b7 s4 and I have a b6 a4 3.0. My dream is to get an rs4 but before that my next daily will be hopefully a DTM s4

Great car,all-rounder thanks for the review

i was waiting for a driving review, if he's so precious find another

Nice one in yellow! My 07 manual avant just rolled 173k. Daily driven in Colorado 4 seasons since new from prestige audi. Original chain and clutch but on its 3rd set of door blades. What's that tell ya?

Love these cars. One of my bucket car items have always been the 2007 Audi RS4 sedan in the blue. Beautiful car.

They are Torsen based quattro in anything with a longitudinal mounted engine, any Audi or Vw this will apply. If the engine is horizontally mounted then it will be Haldex controlled

Hey I noticed the jdrf plate! i live in colorado and Im a type one diabetic and I’m putting one of those plates on my b8 s4. Just cool to see another jdrf plate on the road in boulder!

My dad had one of these in 2009 in black with the white recaro interior. Manual

I had a S4 b6 avant and the main problem is the engine runs hot and the cramp engine bay cook all rubber hoses. If you have one check your power steering hose ( they will blow because of heat) valve cover will leak and suspension arm will have to be change regurlarly. The valley oil gasket is destroyed at 60 000 miles and change oil return valve. Change the oil often because it cooks it pretty bad. If you keep an eye on potential problem this car is actually really good. It is a highway rocket and super comfortable. I had a 3 inch cat back y pipe no resonator and magnaflow silencer, the sound was exceptionnal , people were stopping me to listen to it. Missed it so much but it was a service heavy car. It woun’t leave you straded but you will learn mechanic.

I love this car, owned one for almost a year now.

Audis are so good looking! Great looking car bro!!

I had no idea they made an S4 Avant, very cool!

This car has a true Audi Quattro system. No Haldex.

Gorgeous! My dream is an AWD, manual, wagon.

Love the car!! I have a rare 1/9 imola yellow RS4 cabriolet

BUSTED! Not an Audi guy if he can’t distinguish between real quattro and faux quattro. 😂😊😮

Manual Gray 2008 S4 Avant here in Boulder. I’ll keep an eye out for you. Haven’t seen you yet.

Jeez I thought it was bad when I bought a bmw e46. At least I only have 1 bank of cylinders to work with and my chain is at the front. I'm a wagon guy too. Love em

I love sporty wagons. My goal is to find a nice E63 or CTS-V wagon.

Wasn't the B7 RS4 the only RS4 we got? No wagons but the only US imports.

Service mode (front clip removed) isnt that big of a deal. 16 screws wnd it comes off in one piece after removing bumper cover.

I believe the numbers are 442 Avant AT and 465 Avant MT with a total production run of 907 wagons model year 2007

My b6 s4 had 138k on it when i did the timing job. Glad i did it because two of the guides were broken so i got lucky.

Don't understand why there Is no hype about the B8 S4, that One is bomb proof (specially with the manual trans) and has an Amazing Power delivery with the Supercharged V6 (also sounding super nice not being a turbo)... Is also capable of well over 400hp Just with a chip tune (333 stock) and has a Better chassis... But they are still relatively cheap and people goes Crazy for the b7... Misteries 😂👍 Said that this b7 Is in Amazing specs and still a great car... And a V8 wagon, so, sweet...

LOOK HOW FAR FORWARD THAT MOTOR IS!!! THATS LIKE A FRONT-FRONT ENGINE.(there ain't no "tucking" it into any corner) HOLY SMOKES! Why didn't you drive Tommy?

Almost every b6-b7 s4 will need timing chain service at some point unless it's the b7 RS4 which there were about 2000 sent to the states.

I have a early 04 black B6 S4 (November of 03 car) with currently 205k miles

I had an imola yellow b6 s4 in manual with recaros. I think they made like 95 of mine

I daily my b7 s4. I have yet to see another one, I’ve of course seen the nasty RS4’s and love my b5 boys.

Um, yes we did get the B7 RS4 here in the US. I owned one. Just never got the RS4 Avant.

Don't for get about the ccm & oil filter housing seal that you have to remove the intake manifold to get to.

I had a imola b7 s4 manual and timming went bad all the drama - parts and labor insane

Does TFL travel to feature other classics on their Channel? Or do you have to be in CO

quattro is a torsen diff system. The manual b7 had the same 3rd gen torsen center diff as the rs4 with a 60:40 rear bias. helps hide the heavy front end.

Guy at cars and coffee has a Noggy blue Avant 6 speed with carbon fiber interior trim and the factory BBS wheels. It’s bad ass lol.

The B7 s4 avant is an awesome car. Hands down my favorite daily, and I hope to own it for a long time. What I will say is that they are incredibly temperamental if not cared for properly; like I found out with mine when I bought it. But in all reality ownership of this car is: however you treat this car thats how she'll treat you

on almost every 4.2 that’s been driven in a spirited manor you’ll need engine to do timing every 100k

Had a 2007 s4 avant and put $30k into it. Had to sell it for $9000 a couple years back. What shame, wish myself still had it. It was amazing

I love it! Even if you had to pay $2k for the service when you first get it I would say its worth it. Same with the BMW E46 M3. If you don’t know the history you have to get a $2k rod bearing job done. Worth it on two special cars that they will never make again.

I had an 07 sedan manual with the DTM package and I regret selling it every day !

The 2.0T is more tunable than the 3.2 V6. The B7 RS4 did come to the US, but it is a small number.

That is so sick!

I know that one got totaled in Traverse City, Michigan around 2002

Lovely car. I have a b6 wagon 6 speed man black exterior beige leather interior. It uses about one liter of oil every 600 mikes, I suspect one of the units on the left bank is worn, pulls hard. Not sure anyone else experiences this?

They have the RS4 in the states it just isn't a wagon. Sedan only.

5:45 of course we get the RS-4 in the states, just limited amounts.

There's one of these in my town in Ontario

As a owner of a b7 s4 (100k when I bought -170k now)for over 5-6 years there’s a huge stipulation on how reliable these motors are. All of them will need timing at some point when that is is the question they can pop at 50k miles or over 200k miles. As for boosted ones there are many builds and companies now offering boost with built engines good for 800+ whp. And We did get the rs4 only 2k from 07-09.

Looks like the whole engine is ahead of the front axle. So much for weight distribution

Lol this guy is in for some expensive surprises down the road

This man is living in la la land with his confidence in the car. Having owned multiples, there are so many things that are just waiting in the wings. Forget the guides, that's the easy part. Cam adjusters, bore scoring, broken intake manifolds, vibrating driveshafts, power steering rack location and expensive lines, cats clogging, 2nd gear detent/grind issue, overall expensive parts costs ... there is so much. If parts were priced like a domestic, great, but they're not. If you don't buy a good one it'll ruin your fun very quickly.

The market is really missing an offroad station wagon.

Should check out jackal motor sports and get that bad boy tuned lol 😝

This will be non haldex i believe with a 60-40 split.

i have those seats in my ford focus

I have a B7 05 plate ( which if you're in the uk is cheaper road tax 06 to 09 you get hit with highest tax ban ) in a saloon black with red interior looks great they are good cars if they have been look after but that gose for any car. I do use mine as a daily drive fuel is what you expect its going to be terrible but the sound makes up for that small price from the V8 love of the fuel pumps. ( if the car was a person you be sending them to a AA meeting every week ) Issues so far not much just some suspension work with age really apart from the last owner lower the car which destroyed the ride so had to buy from the dealer new springs at cost ££££££ a new window cable and boot lock which was covered by the warranty i had apart from that there are reliable vehicles aslong as you keep up with the maintenance. Mine is currently on summer tyres no problem in the snow you point it it will go there. But unfortunately mine is the automatic not the manual 😢 because the wife only has a automatic licence. They are great cars with a love and hate relationship love them when they working really hate them when you're fixing them they can be a pain.

The chain, the damn chain - that's the problem.

I have a 2007 S4 Cabriolet with 184k miles on it, half of which I put there. The engine, DCT, and mag ride suspension are still original without being opened other than for routine maintenance. TC changed once. Other than being a bit expensive on upkeep and the Quattro burning up tires on corners, it's never left me stranded or disappointed. If you have a 4.2, get the TC done at least every 100k, and keep an ear out for the timing clicks from the passenger side front wheel well. Also, change the oil every 10k, not 20, and my biggest pet peeve about the car is the front bumper clip. If you back out of a driveway and scrape, it will rip the front clip and cost about $6k US to fix.

I believe most of the bad reputation comes from the engine. The 4.2 engines had a reputation for being unreliable and very difficult to work on, especially when they were in the S4.

Could you guys do a video about the B7 Audi A4 DTM Edition? If i'm not mistaken, there's only about 500 of them made and It was produced 2005-2007. Not very many people seem to know about it and there isn't that many videos, where people talk about it either.

I owned a B7 S4 Avant. Moro Blue Pearl with Silver leather. Had it serviced religiously at a VW/Bentley dealer with a family discount on the labor rate of $37 per labor hour billed, and whatever discount on parts. It would been cheaper for me to service/maintain a McLaren than this car.

Super cool.

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