Turbos

[Grant]

Ok, I'm aware that the answers here will depend on individual circumstances.. but looking for a more general answer!!

What sort of life expectancy would you think a pair of stock B5 S4 Turbos would have if they are being used to run Stage1 Boost Levels (quoted power is c330bhp and 400lb/ft) of general use??

When I say general use.. I'd assume a good balance of normal 'pootling' around and 'enthusiastic' driving. To give a slightly more 'worst case' outcome, assume that the car is only partially warmed up and cooled down before getting boosted with venom and turned off.


Cheers,
Grant

[Mik]

There is no real answer - I would budget for a turbo recon ( around £300 per turbo + labour) or K04 swap at least if you are looking to buy one with 50k + miles, especially if its pre facelift (they have more problems)

Perhaps have the car you are looking at inspected before you buy by a specialist to ensure it has no major issues. They can ususally tell you if the turbos are in good condition at that point in time (lifespan impossible to assess) and perhaps do a leak down test too if its high miles.

Mik

[SimonS4MTM]

I don’t know if a specialist can put a life expectancy on turbo's during inspection.

As with any car, things will always fail, so a budget should always be kept aside. That is the nature of owning a car without a warranty. Unfortunately it is very difficult, if not impossible to tell when the turbo’s on an S4 are on their way out.

The best advice I can give to any potential purchasers is to speak to the previous owner/owners and ensure that oil changes have been carried out and proper warm up and cool down procedures have been followed.

FYI, my car now has 81k on original turbo’s and my old car had 86k on original turbo’s both of which are/were modded. I am sure that there are cars out there on their original turbo’s having covered far higher mileage, there are also cars that have had their turbo’s changed after only a few 1,000 miles.

[MarkB]

Mines a chipped S4 on 91K miles and I beleave the original turbo's. So far so good but I bought the car fully aware that I may have to get them rebuilt at some point. You'd be mad not to!

[SimonS4MTM]

I The best advice I can give to any potential purchasers is to speak to the previous owner/owners and ensure that oil changes have been carried out and proper warm up and cool down procedures have been followed.

Plus regular health checks for air leaks and any other faults that can lead to premature turbo failure. VAG-COM is essential for any owner

[ZeroK66]

A boost leak could kill a pair of K03's in seconds regardless of age on these cars... so you could drive it upto 150k and as long as it has been & you continue to look after it and you dont suffer any serious boost leaks.

When I was looking to buy I NEVER considered the S4 2.7T because my opinion was 60k and you need new turbos. I came across my S4 with 37k on the clock and so bought it - also from a dealer so any troubles would be covered. I have learnt a lot and there is no life expectancy on these little buggers... its all down to being looked after.

[Grant]

Ok guys, thanks a lot for the response... To be honest, I've always thought that if an OEM part fails and the option to upgrade is there, it makes more sense to do it rather than stick back 'potentially' problematic parts again. Considering that reconditioned KO3's would cost 800-900 to do. What sort of £££ would a tried and tested upgrade of the Turbos cost, along with the supporting re-map?? I'm not wanting stupidly high numbers, I would like a responsive, driveable car across the rev range.. I've done the 'big kick in the back laggy turbo' thing on a previous car, and it got tiresome after a while.

I'm not fully up to speed with specialists across the UK, I know of Star Performance up here but there havent been any suitable S4's available up here. I was going to get a 166-point check done by the RAC or AA(Dekra) on a car that I am serious enough on.. has anyone used these guys before on an S4 inspection?? Just wondering if the c£400 is worth it... or not...


Cheers,
Grant

[SimonS4MTM]

Can't say for sure what the K04 route woudl cost you, though I woudl guess at 2.5 to 3.0k upwards.

Regarding the RAC check, that all depends on how much you know about cars yourself.

Better to get a check done by a specialist that knows these cars, that does not mean an Audi dealer, though an Audi dealer might be better that the RAC, and cheaper.

[MarkB]

Considering that reconditioned KO3's would cost 800-900 to do.

More like £2K to get the standard turbos repaired. Engine out job! Much of the cost being labour...

[Grant]

Jeeezo, didnt realise it was an engine out job, that'll explain the labour costs then!!

Ok, definitely no point in sticking standard stuff back into it if the cost of upgrading isnt toooooo much more.

I know my way around an engine bay, comfortable servicing my daily runner myself.. but specialist cars like this I'd like a more specialised eye to check things over. I do have a friend that has been an Audi Technician for a few years, but not sure how much experience he's had with the Bi-Turbo S4 in his time. I would expect a potential seller to be prepared to make a bit of effort to sell a car anyway, hence maybe taking it along to a local specialist where I'd arrange a slot for a full inspection.


Cheers,
Grant

[ZeroK66]

A general mechanical check on these cars is no real help - it will tell you if the CAR is in good shape - but knowing the weak points on the car and how to check these is the secret to giving them a clean bill of health.

I bought my car from an Audi dealer owned by the director of the Audi dealer. 37k on the clock - ABSOULTELY MINT... had the Audi checklist presented to me when I bought it - all 100% condition. £45 at MRC and they found a faulty Diverter valve, MAF under reading, and a week later I developed a boost leak that could have destroyed my turbos... almost certainly caused them grief that will reduce their life

So... unless you are dealing with a "2.7T Bi-Turbo Specialist" - you should not feel comfy wtih their opinions.

[SimonS4MTM]

So... unless you are dealing with a "2.7T Bi-Turbo Specialist" - you should not feel comfy wtih their opinions.

Deffinately.

Though once you know what to look for and check, they can easily be maintained yourslef. Just leaving the bigger stuff for the specialists. Hence the reason to buy from an owner than knows his car, preferably a forum member.

[dazzer]

Grant,

You don't say where you are in the country. Someone on the forum may be able to look over a car with you when the time arises.

[mikeyquattro]

It'll be nice to see if Tartan Rob comments due to his upgrade, so would see the condition of his 140k turbo's.

Mine as far as i know are 95k old and still going........

( I daren't say any more with my luck!)

[Grant]

This thread isnt meant to tempt fate for any of you guys out there....

Dazzer, I'm based in East Scotland (Tayside/Fife). Not bothered about travelling for the correct car to be honest, I've got potential overnight bases around Gatwick, Manchester, Leicester and Bedford areas!!


Cheers,
Grant