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This thread is an index to other threads containing important information about the S4, and in particular the "known" issues. These are either design defects or weak point in the car which need to be fixed, worked-around, monitored and/or expected to fail at some time. Potential purchasers and new owners should spend some time reading these threads.

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BUYERS GUIDES
The following links are to threads which have advised potential new buyers about what to look for when looking at S4s to buy.

The differences between pre-facelift and facelift
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... t=facelift

WINDSCREEN WASHER BOTTLE
There are known failures here which affect the whole B5 range (yes, even Dippy's "last-off-the-production-line" S4 suffered a failed pump). Failures can include the bottle cracking and pipes coming loose, but the main problem is that the pump itself develops a catastrophic crack in the body or seals. For more information see the following links:

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... mp;t=58150

Water Ingress
In certain instances water can find it's way into the cabin and soak the carpets. If it's not the heater matrix(which is rare to fail) - the water will taste sweet becuase of the antifreeze in it, it is probably this problem:

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... r+footwell

John

EXHAUST MANIFOLD RATTLE

Early B5 S4s (pre-facelift) had a poorly designed exhaust manifold. These have a heat liner on the inside that can become detatched from the outer casing causing an annoying rattle.

The design of the manifolds has evolved over several stages to eliminate the problem. It would seem that cars produced after the second half of 1999 are unlikely to be affected.

Unfortunately the only way to replace them is to take the engine out. Budget on £1,500 to £2,000 to get these fixed if you are unfortunate to have the problem. When replacing them, make sure you have both sides done (even if only one side is rattling) and specify that the replacements should be of the new design with improved welds. Sorry, I don't have part numbers (anyone else?).

I have written up my experiences here (with pictures)

Also refer to the RS4 (B5) Buyers guide in the B5 RS4 forum 'sticky'. The S4 and RS4 suffer most of the same issues.

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=47136

TURBO FAILURE

This is an example of critical failure

OIL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

All you need to know:

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=67488

Dippy wrote:BUYERS GUIDES
The following links are to threads which have advised potential new buyers about what to look for when looking at S4s to buy.

The differences between pre-facelift and facelift
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... t=facelift

This link no longer works

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

You're 9 years too late.

FON .

Noooo!!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

bistduverrukte wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 07, 2017 10:14 am

Noooo!!

Because I'm nice and know how to use the search function, here is what you're looking for:

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=62407&hilit=facelift

WINDSCREEN WASHER BOTTLE

There are known failures here which affect the whole B5 range

(yes, even Dippy's "last-off-the-production-line" S4 suffered a failed pump)

Failures can include the bottle cracking and pipes coming loose,

but the main problem is that the pump itself develops a catastrophic crack in the body or seals.