S4 Auto's

[AndyT_uk]

Hi all,

I'm starting to look for another S4 now after a brief stint back in an ST220. I've previously had a b6 S4 and really regret selling it!

The last one was a manual but there are quite a few auto's about and wondered if anyone could share some knowledge about them? Are they all tiptronic or mulitronic boxes? Are they known to be reliable in the B6/7 and is there anything to be wary of when taking a test drive? Any certain type of mileage that they're known to become problematic?

Also, has anyone made the change? I've not really driven an auto for a great deal of change so am wondering what it'd be like and whether its really worth considering them.

Cheers!
Andy

[HYFR]

they are all tip

i would avoid em ... really takes away from the driving experience and they do not rev to the red line so the car makes less power and they are heavier, and worse MPG !!

[cobraBLACK]

they are all tip

i would avoid em ... really takes away from the driving experience and they do not rev to the red line so the car makes less power and they are heavier, and worse MPG !!

Correction: they get better MPG at higher speeds because they rev lower in the equivalent of 6th gear.

I've never heard of any common problems.

[HYFR]

thats hardly a correction is it

[cobraBLACK]

thats hardly a correction is it

The difference is significant; best most manuals can get is mid-twenties but the auto will see around 30.

[gottanS]

I would rather take the hit on the mpg and enjoy the V8 with a manual box, auto boxes have their place but depends on your driving style.

[Jocky]

To get back to the OP's original question, I own a Tiptronic B6 S4 and think it's great, I never liked autos before and would have agreed that manuals are better etc.etc. But after owning mine for nearly two years now there is no way I would take a manual, auto boxes now are better than you could really wish for. Okay the change could be a little quicker when using the paddles and it would be better if it didn't overide you sometimes (i.e. change up when you get near the rev. limiter) but you have 3 different options of how to drive the car depending on how you feel and as previously mentioned get better MPG.
My recommendation would be to drive examples of both, but definitely try the auto in S mode as it makes the throttle more sensitive and holds on to the gears for longer. Only if you intend on using the car on track would I recomend taking the manual, but then I would suggest you look at another car.
Mine has been bullett proof so far, as has the whole car, although I would recommend changing the box oil as mine came out like treacle at 58k.

[RoyalMile]

Hi

I tried both manual and auto and decided on the auto because:

1. It has a higher final drive which makes the car quieter at speed - around 30 mph/1000 revs in 6th
2. I do a lot of long journeys and I get 25 - 27mpg on a typical run cruising at 85mph
3. The slush box makes the car surprisingly happy and docile in heavy traffic
4. The auto is easier to drive smoothly, especially in traffic
5. The paddle shifts are great for overtaking on A roads
6. Shift speed and smoothness is good, way better than I expected coming from a B6 3.0 q tip


My S4 is my daily drive, I don't own another car so getting the balance right is important, the S4 slush works well for me.

[goose]

"My S4 is my daily drive, I don't own another car so getting the balance right is important, the S4 slush works well for me".

Quite frankly, that's the most important thing.. whatever works well for you

Enjoy it!

goose