RS246.com Forum :: The World's #1 Audi R, S and RS Enthusiast Community

High mileage S4

What problems would you expect from a high mileage S4 ?

I am expecting suspension arms, bushes and dampers to be needing replacement if they haven’t been already. I understand that the transmission is pretty bulletproof.

But what about engine – what wears out?
Do they burn oil at high mileages – i.e. piston ring wear ??
Turbo’s ??

There are a couple of late B5’s for sale with 126k and 140k miles – would I be mad to buy one, especially as the mileage would be 160k to 180k after 3 years or so…??

My S4 has done 115,000 and there have been no major engine problems. Blown turbos are the big expensive engine problem. Mileage is somewhat of an indicator - if you read this forum, you could come to the conclusion that turbos are due to blow at around 80,000 - however, how the car is used when cold is probably a better indicator. If a previous owner has revved the car too hard when the oil and turbos are cold, then this can contribute to major turbo wear; as can switching the car off immediately after thrashing it hard. Talk to the owner about how he has treated the car. Use open questions, not closed - i.e. don't say "did you always warm the oil properly, before thrashing it?" He/she will obviously say "yes". I think one of the key things here is that a high mileage car may have sat on the motorway at 3,000 rpm for hours which doesn't create undue wear. Nevertheless, if it has been used everyday for short trips, then this will cause far more wear. Try and find this out from the previous owner. Mine doesn't get used that much, as I live in London; but when I do use it, it tends to go on longer journeys.

I bought mine at 70,000 and the standard brakes struck me as not that sharp. I upgraded them, but perhaps a refurb of the originals would have done. Suspension was likewise soggy.

I have not noticied a huge amount of oil consumption, as per older BMW M5s are know to drink it . I check it regularly but only top it up every 3-6 months.

Obviously, service history is key - cambelt done at 70,000 - 80,000 miles etc.

You get electrical niggles with older S4s. My S4 has had a malfunctioning fuel gauge, ABS unit stoppped working and needed replacing, blown bulbs etc. Generally not too expensive to fix.

I'd buy a high mileage one; but I'd be aware that running costs will be higher. I also wouldn't be afraid of a modified one being sold on here if everything else checks out. It tends to scare people, but if the brakes and suspension have been replaced, they are less likely to be shagged - ditto the turbos.

Good advice.

High milers do not mean bad luck but beware that buying any one of thse cars could really cost you money irrespective of the miles. Turbo's have a mind of there own and can goto turbo heaven at any time.

Best to get someone who knows the car to advise you as best they can and help you to identify any obvious problems.

My UrS4 has 210,000 miles on it so you have a bit of catching up to do

so long as it has a good service history then you shouldnt go too far wrong!

quattrokid1 wrote:My UrS4 has 210,000 miles on it so you have a bit of catching up to do

so long as it has a good service history then you shouldnt go too far wrong!

read and weep man - my 1.8 has clocked up 240K and no sign of letting up

The S4 on the other hand is just a 2.7 no-turbo at the moment - bloody turbos

Another issue worth mentioning is the exhaust manifolds. If these need doing it is an engine out job - i.e. circa £1,000. Mine started to go at 110,000 and were replaced. As the engine was out, I had the KO4 conversion done then. The original K03s were still good at the time.

When I was buying I could have paid a few thousand more for a car with less miles but not had the turbos done, so you could end up stretching for a lower mileage car but then have the turbos go as well. That was my logic any way, hence going for a higher mileage with the work done. There are plenty of high mileage ones about which is testament to their build quality.

thanks for the info guys.

just keeping an eye out for the perfect S4

- black avant, maybe grey, nogaro, silver...
- 8k, poss 9k max
- facelift

- there's not many to choose from, so may take a while...