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Hi,

Before I get flamed, I have tried the "search" and not found an answer.

Having thought about an RS6 at one time and being put off by the gearbox issue.....how reliable are the auto gearboxes in the B6 S4?.....also, are they all tip-tronic?

I know there is not as much power being put through the box so wondered if they were fine in the S4.

Without wishing to start any arguments between manual and auto owners, which is the better option?

Many thanks in advance

pops

No-one any answers?

pops

Hi Pops,

Can't help on gearbox reliability - although have seen threads on tiptronic failure on s4's - but that seemed to more down to abuse.

I pcked my b6 s4 Avant a few weeks ago. Test drove loads - both tip and manual.

Took a manual simply because that's how I prefer to drive.

On thing to note is the really stupid final drive ratio on the manual that sees you doing 3500 rpm at 85 in 6th.

It's a V8 for goodness sake - it could be doing 1500rpm and be fine.

This means you get slightly worse fuel consumption than the tiptronic on long trips.

But if fuel cost is a concern it's not the right car to buy!

Many thanks for that.....all advice appreciated!!
Fuel economy not an issue really, we're only here the once so get what we want....


pops

The auto won't accelerate as well cos it doesn't hold the revs at the top end; there's the obviously lack of involvement too.

On the other hand, a manual gearbox on a large engine is difficult; the dual mass flywheel dampens the first gear pull away nicely but it's very notchy, especially when cold.

I'm hoping to clean mine up a bit with a fluid change and maybe a JHM short-shifter.

An auto would be good if you're queuing around town - although if you're doing that enough to warrant an auto, you're best off with another car (the MPG will drop to single figures).

If you're not sure just try both.

Overall they're great cars - the V8's an experience. Just a shame the power's a bit on the low side for the size of the engine.

My B7 Auto has done 64,000 miles now with no issues at all. I bought it with 48K and no reported issues and it's been fine since. I don't drive like miss daisy and use it with the paddles 99% of the time with quite high revving downshifts and no issues at all (I hope these aren't famous last words!).

Many thanks for the replies.......

With regard to economy, I work away from home which can mean Central London or worldwide, depends what turns up!! So in reality, I want a car I want to jump in and drive when home and enjoy every minute of driving it.....fuel economy is the very least of my worries

pops

I have a n auto S4 avant. No issues with the 'box. Don't get these mixed up with the mult tronic boxes on standard A4's (which have an inbuilt ecu). All down to personal choice.
As Edmond said - it's a V8. Nail some Millteks underneath and you can't go wrong

Again, thanks for the advice...

At the moment have no preference between the two but looking forward to trying both when home!!

pops