new member saying hello

[rs32]

Hi folks, just joined the site. Hoping to pick up a B7 Avant with < 40k miles in the next few weeks.

Hope you don't mind a couple of questions about longer-term ownership - having come from various M3's and currently a 730d I'm not used to the RS4 servicing, common issues and good/bad points list !

A few questions then -

What do I need to look out for on service histories - any major things need doing between 30k and 50k miles ?

Running-in service of any relevance ?

What "big" services does the car require after 40-50k miles ?

Any cambelt issues - do these cars even have cambelts ?

What am I looking for with the well-documented DRC issues - can it be spotted by viewing under the car or is it pot luck ?

Any other tell-tale signs or common issues ?

Will Audi tell me about a car's warranty work if I call them with the reg number ?

Am I being too hopeful that the car can do 300-350 miles on a tank ? A lot of my miles are motorway so a steady 75-80 mph. I'm not bothered about mpg for other use but it's the hassle-factor for needing to stop every 5 seconds for work mileage.

Thanks for your help.

cheers, rs32.

[wolfgang]

Welcome aboard. Here's my checklist thread that you may find useful:

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=87773

The last post from that thread is as follows:

Here's the latest version of the checklist for those who are finding this thread useful:

Documentation:
Check V5
Check MOT certificate
Check road tax
Driver's manuals - Genuine RS4 embossed wallet, owner's manual + satnav+ manual
Manual for Bluetooth system
Manual for iPod integration
Bill of sale
Service booklet/service history - check service booklet is not a duplicate + service history certificate
HPI certificate
Roadside Assistance cover details
Audi Approved Used Guarantee details (inc. 30-day exchange plan)
100+ point check certificate
Provenance and mileage check certificate
Audi Finance documentation (if applicable)

Inspection:
Check exterior and interior condition (inc. tyres and alloys)
Full set of keys - 2 remote keys + plastic wallet key with tag
Puncture repair kit - check expiry date
Locking wheel nut key
Latest satnav DVD
Cargo net
Check seat side bolsters work (if you have bucket seats)
Complete tool kit (inc. tow hook)
Check exhaust flaps work with 'S' button
Check OBC 1 and 2 for average speed and average MPG
Check fuel level

[sonny]

Welcome to RS246.

What spec is the car you are looking at purchasing?

There are no running in services for these cars, Neither do they have cam belts (cam chains).

You can self inspect the DRC, just jack the car up and use a torch to inspect the the struts, a fine mist is deemed acceptable, but if it looks like its leaking then it will def need replacing (5 year/60kmiles Audi will replace).

Regarding the service (depends on what service interval your car is set too) and other issues, its worth checking that all the service campaign/recalls have been carried out, there have been 3 major ones iirc.

In normal driving condition around town I'm getting 200miles to a tank, again I very rarely do long motorway journey to give you a true account. I'm am averaging 18mpg.

*EDIT* That's a rather comprehensive list you have there. Maybe it should be made a sticky for future RS4 owners.

[Steve_C]

5 year/60kmiles Audi will replace.

Isn't it 5 yrs/75k miles, Sonny?

[sonny]

5 year/60kmiles Audi will replace.

Isn't it 5 yrs/75k miles, Sonny?

Oops of course it is....f**k knows where I got the 60k from

[parlee-king]

Am I being too hopeful that the car can do 300-350 miles on a tank ? A lot of my miles are motorway so a steady 75-80 mph. I'm not bothered about mpg for other use but it's the hassle-factor for needing to stop every 5 seconds for work mileage.

welcome...the Rs4 B7 section is very active, so lots of useful info

I'm getting 24/25mpg on that sort of run. So with a full 60 litre fill up that's 310 -325miles.
But use it round town and that will knock 50 -70 miles off a tank


Don't worry about fuel it will only hit 6 quid a gallon once the 20% VAT goes on.

[rs32]

What spec is the car you are looking at purchasing?

herein lies the quandry

I have it in my head that the normal (non-bucket) Recaros + Avant + Nav etc is the best for me.

Then I find out the saloon has split/fold rear seat (which pretty much deals with any flexibility bonus the Avant would have offered me as I don't tend to carry that much around)

Plus the saloons are a little cheaper.

Then I find out my wife isn't too bothered about the Bucket Recaros (she hated my old CSL bucket seats) and says "actually they are quite comfortable".

So what I thought was my perfect spec is available (06-plate Avant) on Autotrader, but now I find myself completely rethinking to maybe a Saloon with buckets.

LOL, perhaps I need to do more research

thanks for the replies so far, any more info on servicing schedules and common issues would be of great help

[rs4nick]

Sorry if gatecrashing the post but I always get less than 200 miles to a tank. It is town driving and generally very short journeys so car is often no getting fully warmed up at moment. This seems lower than what I've seen other people quote?

Are others using for town driving experiencing this or is mine particularly keen on fuel!?

[S4Player]

That's really keen lol I'm getting around 19mpg on a mixture or town and mway driving

[Steve_C]

Town driving for me = 17mpg, long distance (assuming use 6th gear at the earliest opportunity) = 23 mpg, overall about 20 mpg.

[S4Player]

Wow that's greedy I got 24mpg on the drive home from Mrc when I first had the supercharger done now on the bigger charger I'm around 21 on a similar journey

[sonny]

You wait until you get them on a track then you know what full consumption is all about lol

[P_G]

rs32, as much as the saloon has folding rear seat the boot isn't anywhere near as accessible as the Avant because of the high bootline and opening dimensions. Hence why I personally went from S4 saloon to RS4 Avant.

Can't answer you query on buckets, the sports seats are good for long distance driving and regular usage of your car but buckets have their advantages on maxxed out driving. From the prices of used cars around I don't believe either command a premium.

[rs32]

hello P_G, thanks - I'm not too bothered about the maxxed-out bit as I wouldn't be using the car on track.

I'm leaning towards the saloon in Daytona with non-bucket Recaros, carbon inlays and the usual techno bits. If we need genuine practicality I'll hire a van for £25

How do the Audi extended warranties work on cars e.g. 40k miles ? Can I just buy one having bought a vehicle outside of the Audi network or do I have to buy an Approved Used vehicle to qualify ?
Is it Mondial or similar ?

[P_G]

It is a Mondial warranty from Audi. If it is in warranty then easy to purchase an extension for approx. £1800. If out of warranty, you'll have to pay a pre warranty inspection fee for them to then consider giving you one of their warranties at over £2k in cost. Both prices are per annum.

Best to see if you can get 12 month Audi warraty thrown in as part of the deal.