Looking for an RS4 - gearbox issues?

[Messer]

I’m looking to buy a b8 for my daily driver and have scoured the net and forums for hints and tips when buying what to look for.

Seems one of the biggest worries is related to gearbox problems?

Are there tests I can do on test drive to ensure I don’t buy a lemon needing a fortune spending on the box?

Can you pay Audi for extended warranties on these?

Anything else I should be looking out for?

[N13LXC]

I’m looking to buy a b8 for my daily driver and have scoured the net and forums for hints and tips when buying what to look for.

Seems one of the biggest worries is related to gearbox problems?

Are there tests I can do on test drive to ensure I don’t buy a lemon needing a fortune spending on the box?

Can you pay Audi for extended warranties on these?

Anything else I should be looking out for?

So, calling out gearbox issues as a worry on the RS4 is not due to the frequency of the issue. It’s due to the cost involved in fix/replacement.

That said, most owners report things like surging at low speeds in 1st (possibly 2nd too) other things would be a reluctance to change gear when driving in manual mode (paddles or stick).

Ask to see full service history, and check that the front final drive service has been carried out at 20k miles (then every 20 onward...) well maintained cars should ease your worry, also, possibly best to look for an extended warranty if you’re still worried about the cost.

Good luck! Awesome cars! Miss mine a lot!

[Messer]

What does the surging sensation feel like? Is it a reluctance to change gear or something?

Fully appreciate these need maintaining, is there anything on the service schedule at certain miles that needs doing and is pricy or anything? Just anything to be aware of when buying?

I have a Lancia so know all about running a high maintenance car, but not looking for something that’s going to sting hard..

[Messer]

Just ran an Audi warranty quote online, £1300

[N13LXC]

What does the surging sensation feel like? Is it a reluctance to change gear or something?

Fully appreciate these need maintaining, is there anything on the service schedule at certain miles that needs doing and is pricy or anything? Just anything to be aware of when buying?

I have a Lancia so know all about running a high maintenance car, but not looking for something that’s going to sting hard..

Not something I experienced I’m afraid. My car was trouble free for all 21k miles.

Cost wise, I don’t think so. I got the front final drive, oil and filters done at Aberdeen before i sold for £500. Tyres are c. £250 a corner. But nothing screams out as overly expensive (for the type of car it its)

[Surrey Sam]

I think generally the gearbox reliability is ok on these cars. There's about 4 of us on here that have needed new ones and considering the numbers made, that's not a bad cross section.

Things to look out for would be humming noises at idle and whining noises at speed. Also low speed changes that feel like you've been shunted are an indication something’s not quite right. That being said, a perfectly healthy gearbox can make the odd poor change like letting the second clutch out too quickly. Changing down into first can also be less smooth than other gears because it's quite tall. Surging can happen due to contaminated clutch packs, I believe there is an internal coolant seal which fails and lets coolant into the gearbox oil. I've read S4 owners can engage cruise control at low speed to see if the engine revs bounce around a few 100rpms, if it does then the gearbox oil would need to be dropped and tested.

For servicing schedules etc, have a read through this thread which I put together in the FAQ section - viewtopic.php?t=126617

Audi Warranty can be purchased for the car as long as it’s under 10 years old, less than 100k miles and full service history.

[Madelvic]

Wrote a reply but it didn't load

My S4 had the same issues as Chris Harris's car

https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph ... leet/29983

As Surrey Sam says it felt like the car had been nudged up the back when going from 2nd to 1st. Also some lumpy starts

I'm about to take out an extended warranty on my car. Last two Audis have had very expensive gearbox problems. Audi offered to pay 60% for the B8 repair without me even asking. Car was 6 years old at that point

Tellingly I read Audi had opted for a trad auto in the B9 for 'reliability reasons' Says it all really