B6 S4 to B5 RS4

[marc1]

Some at 200k +. There is a Goodwood Green 160-180k mile one that is cheap on the 'other' forum. It's owned by a guy that has had loads of them. Runs a garage to I believe and knows them inside out. It really depends on what you want. If you bought one like that you potentially would have a huge contingency fund / modding budget. Worth a look though possibly. Treat them well and they will take the mileage with ease. I know of a few S4's and RS4's that are modded and treated very, very hard. They still don't break but need more regular maintenance. Tough cars!

[graney15118]

Cheers Coullstar, yeah I thought as much, as with most things, they will last if you look after them, think I'll be going to see this one once my S4 goes the journey.

I must admit Marc, I tend to steer clear of green, I've always had a thing about it being unlucky, every green car I've known has gone tits up haha, maybe I'm just too superstitious. Ideally after Avus or Misano, the one I've seen is Avus, it's a canny trek for me but worth it I think, the others are just a little too pricey and not as well equipped that I've seen. Hoping to have some action on the S4 hopefully to free up some coin, and I don't want it just sitting on the drive if I get a new one, hence why I'm holding off going to see it incase my heart rules my head!

[lynchy]

They are hardy buggers so mileage isnt overly important as long as service history is there. People naturaly look for the lowest mileage but its misleading in my opinion.
Im pretty sure there are some going around with original turbo's and clutch on around 160k.

168,000 miles on mine with original clutch and turbos

[graney15118]

Really lynchy? That's good going!

Well I've took the plunge with a 2000 Avus B5 RS4, what a car! It's done 128k, full dealer history apart from 1 stamp but it has a folder with pretty much every bill from new! Including the original order for for £51k! Apparently special order alcantara wheel and gear knob, all the toys and it drives lovely!

Just had it in for the timing belt, water pump and thermostat as it wasn't warming up when driving, only when standing still, and I think I might get it checked for boost leaks as it has a flat spot on full chat but it's only minor. Overall I'm over the moon with it!

I'll get some pics up ASAP, thanks for all the help/advice people

[marc1]

Enjoy! Get the boost leaks checked ASAP, you don't want to let the turbos overspool, that will be expense... Welcome to B5 ownership.

[graney15118]

Aye cheers for that Marc, it's going back in to the place I got the timing belt done in the new year as there's a couple of issues I wanna sort out, gonna get him to check it then. It doesn't lack any boost low down, just when you're on full chat going through the gears it seems to run out of pace a little, not pulling as hard, I'm not giving it the beans until it's checked out anyways, just pooling along!

[chris_m]

How would you say the car performs compared to your old b6? I know there aint a lot in it power wise but overall, does it feel much quicker and is the handling any worse? Is your b5 standard also? I have a b7 RS4 but have liked the b5 for a long long time and am pondering with the idea of getting a b5 too. I know the performance is going to be a fair bit different in standard form but you can play with the b5 a lot more and I don't fancy supercharging the b7 although I think about it every time I drive it

Cheers,
Chris.

[graney15118]

Hi Chris, the car feels quicker than the B6, apart from pulling from about 80mph where the V8 had more instant torque, the B5 has a little bit of turbo lag, but apart from then the B5 is quicker and more addictive! The thing I like about it is the rarity.....and the wheel arches! Looks amazing from any angle!

The car is a little less refined than the B6, but then again it is nearly 15 years old so I fully expected that, the trim is still in excellent condition but there are just a few squeaks and rattles here and there. The handling is the best thing though, it's so much sharper than the B6, although I'm pretty sure mine is lowered slightly!

I have never driven a B7 so I can't comment but you won't be disappointed with a B5, as long as it's a good one, mine had a few issues when I bought it but I had read up on the forums and saved a little contingency money for any repairs....most of which is gone now but it's very much worth it!!!

Happy hunting matey

[marc1]

Chris they handle very well once the suspension has been taken care of with coilovers and ARB's, although as with everything there is compromise. Whilst it feels like it's on rails in that guise, it's more uncomfortable on UK roads under normal conditions. Out of the box the B7 handles very well. You could make it handle better by doing much the same as the B5, but I don't think it's worth it for is predominantly a road car. That said, swapping out the rear ARB for the SS+ rear ARB on the B7 is a no brainer IMO.

Powerwise the B5 is much quicker than the B6. If the B7 is in good health I.e. No vac leaks, carbon cleaned then it's a good comparison for a B5 with a map. If either car got the jump, they would be in front. Like you say, there is a lot of scope with the B5. A map, filter, catback and 3" downpipes will put you around 470bhp from memory. Add in larger intercoolers such as the Wagner side mount ones and you can be pretty much at 500bhp on stock turbos. WMI would guarantee the big 500 though. That's the limit of the turbos, if you want more power you need upgraded turbos, but not really anything else unless you are planning on going crazy.

The B5 is a great place to be.

[lynchy]

Chris they handle very well once the suspension has been taken care of with coilovers and ARB's, although as with everything there is compromise. Whilst it feels like it's on rails in that guise, it's more uncomfortable on UK roads under normal conditions. Out of the box the B7 handles very well. You could make it handle better by doing much the same as the B5, but I don't think it's worth it for is predominantly a road car. That said, swapping out the rear ARB for the SS+ rear ARB on the B7 is a no brainer IMO.

Powerwise the B5 is much quicker than the B6. If the B7 is in good health I.e. No vac leaks, carbon cleaned then it's a good comparison for a B5 with a map. If either car got the jump, they would be in front. Like you say, there is a lot of scope with the B5. A map, filter, catback and 3" downpipes will put you around 470bhp from memory. Add in larger intercoolers such as the Wagner side mount ones and you can be pretty much at 500bhp on stock turbos. WMI would guarantee the big 500 though. That's the limit of the turbos, if you want more power you need upgraded turbos, but not really anything else unless you are planning on going crazy.

The B5 is a great place to be.

Bilstein PSS9s are a much better improvement over oem suspension softer too set on 9. We'll worth it if it's a keeper. Rides the rough roads and bumps much better.

[marc1]

When are the Wagners going in Lynchy?

[lynchy]

When are the Wagners going in Lynchy?

Just waiting for them to be in stock from Mark From Wagner

[marc1]

Should make a massive difference. You'll be buzzing when it's done.

[chris_m]

Hi Chris, the car feels quicker than the B6, apart from pulling from about 80mph where the V8 had more instant torque, the B5 has a little bit of turbo lag, but apart from then the B5 is quicker and more addictive! The thing I like about it is the rarity.....and the wheel arches! Looks amazing from any angle!

The car is a little less refined than the B6, but then again it is nearly 15 years old so I fully expected that, the trim is still in excellent condition but there are just a few squeaks and rattles here and there. The handling is the best thing though, it's so much sharper than the B6, although I'm pretty sure mine is lowered slightly!

I have never driven a B7 so I can't comment but you won't be disappointed with a B5, as long as it's a good one, mine had a few issues when I bought it but I had read up on the forums and saved a little contingency money for any repairs....most of which is gone now but it's very much worth it!!!

Happy hunting matey

Hi mate, thanks for that. I love the b5 I have to admit. One of the reasons I got the b7 was because of age but the longer I have been on here, I understand that if they have been looked after, the things run on and on. It would have to be nogaro blue if I got one I think, or even black.

I thought as much when you mentioned the 80+ comment, nothing a tweak won't take care of I guess. Having said that, if I got a good standard example, I would likely want to keep it that way.

Time will tell I guess. Thanks for the feedback though

[graney15118]

Nee worries man, yeah I think that's the key, if it's been looked after then it should treat you right. Mine is just about to click over 130k and apart from a few age related issues it's still going strong!

If you do go for one then I'm 100% sure you won't be disappointed!