Perfect Spec B8 RS4

[lboase]

I'm looking for an RS4... but I would appreciate some help on what options are best suited to my needs.

So for context, I want a 2014/15 car with sub 20k miles. It will be a daily drive for the next 6/7/8 years doing 12k miles per annum including winter trips to the Alps. As such my focus is on comfort (e.g. preference for 19" rims) and simplicity (e.g. no DRC in case of reliability issues).

This leads me to the following ideal spec and some questions for those with experience:

Black or grey - which black is best (metallic non or non metallic)?
Black optics pack
Standard sports seats, black leather.
Heated seats - I think this was an option rather than standard?
Standard 19inch rims - will I get snow chains on this these or is there a winter wheel option?
Standard suspension - how does this compare in comfort terms to the various modes on the DRC based sports suspension?
Sat Nav: is the sat nav upgrade a must?
Panoramic sun roof - is this worthwhile?

And perhaps most importantly, what must have options am I missing?

I'll probably buy from a main dealer, is this worth the premium for warranty etc?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

PS if anyone knows of a car for sale in this spec, please shout.

[kmpowell]

Welcome - my 2p's worth...

- The only non-metallic colour the B8 came in was Ibis White, everything else was metallic or pearl.
- Standard sports seats won't be a problem to find. Unlike the standard seats in the B7, the standard super sport seats that came in the B8 are excellent, so you won't find many B8's with the optional Recaro buckets.
- The problem you're going to find is cars without the sports pack (20" wheels, DRC, sports exhaust, dynamic steering), generally won't include much else because they have been bought on a limited budget, so the chances of you finding a non-sports pack car with the roof, black optics, heated seats etc is very slim.
- DRC in 'comfort' mode is excellent and very usable. I do long trips to my outlaws in Shropshire and the B8 eats the miles with ease.
- Sat Nav was only up-gradable on pre MY14 cars. The B8.5 facelift made the 7"screen upgrade standard.
- Pan roof. whilst the extra light is nice, the weight of the thing puts me off wanting it

MY14 facelift changes were as follows:
- 6.5" MMI system upgraded to 7" MMI+ system as standard (previously 7" MMI+ was an option)
- Power operated tailgate/boot made standard
- DAB made standard
- 'Sound Package' removed from options list due to DAB becoming standard
- 'Driver Assistance Package' added as an option
- Phantom Black dropped/renamed to Mythos Black
- Larger S-Tronic paddles added
- The ability change the exhaust note in the 'setup' menu added
- HHA (Hill hold assist) now remembers the last setting after exiting the car

Option people think you're 'missing' will be subjective, but I would say Privacy Glass, HHA (once you've had it and used it you'll know why), and B&O (it's the one option I regret not going for).

I think you'll regret not getting one with the sports pack. The deep sports exhaust note on full chat is epic.

Mine's [sort of] for sale if you're interested in a low mileage non black/grey car.

- Owned from new (with original invoice)
- 2015 '64' plate - registered 10th January 2015.
- 4000 miles on the clock
- 6mm tread all round
Paid factory-fitted options as follows:
- Misano Red Pearl Paint
- Full Fine Nappa Leather with Rock Grey Piping and RS embossing
- Sports exhaust (Sports Pack)
- Sports suspension plus with dynamic ride control (Sports Pack)
- Dynamic steering (Sports Pack)
- 20" titanium rotors (Sports Pack)
- Black Styling Pack
- Black roof rails
- Electric front memory seats
- Heated front seats
- Electric folding and auto dimming memory mirrors
- Privacy Glass
- Storage Pack
- Hill-hold assist
- Piano Black Inlays

£45,000

[Gledsy]

I do have an rs4 for sale Close to the spec your interested in,

Sepang blue
Sports pack- DRC, sports exhaust
Reversing camera
Alu pack
Advanced key
Pan roof
Bang and olufsen
Black sports seats heated
Satnav
64plate 2014

Has 20 inch v spokes 6mm tyre tread Michelin ps2
Also have a set of genuine 20 inch a7 wheels with Dunlop 3D fitted September this year

Currently 9100 miles

£45,000 Ono

[lboase]

Welcome - my 2p's worth...

- The only non-metallic colour the B8 came in was Ibis White, everything else was metallic or pearl.
- Standard sports seats won't be a problem to find. Unlike the standard seats in the B7, the standard super sport seats that came in the B8 are excellent, so you won't find many B8's with the optional Recaro buckets.
- The problem you're going to find is cars without the sports pack (20" wheels, DRC, sports exhaust, dynamic steering), generally won't include much else because they have been bought on a limited budget, so the chances of you finding a non-sports pack car with the roof, black optics, heated seats etc is very slim.
- DRC in 'comfort' mode is excellent and very usable. I do long trips to my outlaws in Shropshire and the B8 eats the miles with ease.
- Sat Nav was only up-gradable on pre MY14 cars. The B8.5 facelift made the 7"screen upgrade standard.
- Pan roof. whilst the extra light is nice, the weight of the thing puts me off wanting it

MY14 facelift changes were as follows:
- 6.5" MMI system upgraded to 7" MMI+ system as standard (previously 7" MMI+ was an option)
- Power operated tailgate/boot made standard
- DAB made standard
- 'Sound Package' removed from options list due to DAB becoming standard
- 'Driver Assistance Package' added as an option
- Phantom Black dropped/renamed to Mythos Black
- Larger S-Tronic paddles added
- The ability change the exhaust note in the 'setup' menu added
- HHA (Hill hold assist) now remembers the last setting after exiting the car

Option people think you're 'missing' will be subjective, but I would say Privacy Glass, HHA (once you've had it and used it you'll know why), and B&O (it's the one option I regret not going for).

I think you'll regret not getting one with the sports pack. The deep sports exhaust note on full chat is epic.

Mine's [sort of] for sale if you're interested in a low mileage non black/grey car.

- Owned from new (with original invoice)
- 2015 '64' plate - registered 10th January 2015.
- 4000 miles on the clock
- 6mm tread all round
Paid factory-fitted options as follows:
- Misano Red Pearl Paint
- Full Fine Nappa Leather with Rock Grey Piping and RS embossing
- Sports exhaust (Sports Pack)
- Sports suspension plus with dynamic ride control (Sports Pack)
- Dynamic steering (Sports Pack)
- 20" titanium rotors (Sports Pack)
- Black Styling Pack
- Black roof rails
- Electric front memory seats
- Heated front seats
- Electric folding and auto dimming memory mirrors
- Privacy Glass
- Storage Pack
- Hill-hold assist
- Piano Black Inlays

£45,000

Thanks for the detailed response. Much appreciated. I know finding a car without that sports pack will be tricky but I have a fear (perhaps irrational) of DRC once the car is out of warranty and I just don't think I'll get round to using it. The sports exhaust would be nice, and the wheels are an easy swap if I end up with 20's.

Thanks for the details on the MY14 updates, this sounds like the car to go for.

Your car sounds lovely but Misano is not for me unfortunately.

[lboase]

I do have an rs4 for sale Close to the spec your interested in,

Sepang blue
Sports pack- DRC, sports exhaust
Reversing camera
Alu pack
Advanced key
Pan roof
Bang and olufsen
Black sports seats heated
Satnav
64plate 2014

Has 20 inch v spokes 6mm tyre tread Michelin ps2
Also have a set of genuine 20 inch a7 wheels with Dunlop 3D fitted September this year

Currently 9100 miles

£45,000 Ono

Thanks, but Sepang not for me. GLWS

[Geoff A]

Interesting thread to watch and some useful info from current owners, ta - the RS4 will be the replacement for my S4. I've got a pan roof and it's fantastic. For me, its a must have, and lightens a dark interior. As is B&O.

[RS_Four]

I think you're right in your thoughts about it hard finding a B8 RS4 without Sports Pack, although, they are out there...

I suggest you try the standard suspension vs DRC before you buy. If your able to which is what I did.

I found one without Sport Pack (DRC or dynamic steering) but with 20" and standard exhaust. This was my preferred spec as standard suspension/steering compliancy on motorways and country lanes works really well for me and I'm not one for flicking between settings too much. I then fitted an Audi Sports exhaust (standard exhaust isn't enough IMO). Combine these with pano-roof, privacy glass, B&O , driver assistance & visibility packs, leather with comfort memory super sports, and a number of other tech options (lane assist/ rear camera/radar cruise) i feel I now have everything I want.

[Silverfox42]

If you like you music, the B&O is good in my 2014 RS4 - much better than the RS5 B&O option in terms of quality.
It may be a standard in the tech pack, but the radar option with cruise control, coupled with the lane assist makes the long stretches of motorway that are 50mph average much more bearable - once you overcome the fear it won't work, it is ace IMO!

Pan roof makes the car very light. My kids love the rear heated seats and of course, if you are heading to the alps you will be pleased to know the ski/through load was standard. As stated before, the Sports pack is worth it for the exhaust. DRC - always seen as a problem, but that does not mean every RS4 will suffer any issues with it.

Happy hunting.

[geoffdunk]

I have just about everything on mine MY2015, some notes but please bear in ind the is just my humble opinion.

Comfort key is excellent, especially if there is more than one driver, a must have for me although not as good as the BMW version.
Reversing camera is again very good, this is my 5th, once you have had one you'll never be without it.
B&O is better than the basic but still not the best so not an essential option if you can't find it.
Lane assist etc is very good once as you guys say you feel you can trust it, great for long motorway journeys.
Pan roof for me was a mast have as I had it on the last 3 cars and makes cabins much lighter if needed, saying that though I hardly ever open it lol, including the sun blind.
20's look better but 19's give arguably a better ride. ditch Perelli P-zeros for Michelin PSS's which ever size wheels you go for.
Rear heated seats are a nice to have, mine have been switched on once in 20k miles/12 months.
DRC is good, mine is perfect, no issues after a front shock replaced under warranty at 3k miles, in comfort its great, mines in individual all the time unless on track or French motorways (A9).
Colours include Ibis White (base, non-metallic) Metallics, pearls and crystals (tricolour), I have the the Panther Black Crystal which is a black base and flips between green & purple in the sunlight, very very nice.
Auto HHA, as stated, once you have it you'll know how good it is and never go back.
SS seats are very good,
Front cornering lights are very handy on European/Alpine roads, worth having those if you intend to visit those types of destinations.
Dynamic steering takes a little getting used to especially if setting are in auto and you start pushing the car, all of a sudden the steering gets heavier. Auto changes very quickly so doesn't catch you out too much.

[Tommy2000]

Mine is a 64 plate in Suzuka grey, black optics back, all badges now removed except the Audi grill badge, heated black leather super sports seats, B&O, keyless entry/start, sports pack, privacy glass, 174mph limiter.

Some people love the colour, some don't - it's nice and subtle. Buckets were a bit too tight across my shoulders, they hold you really well though but I was worried about excessive wear on the raised side bolsters. B&O is good but it depends what you're used to - IMO not as good as the Meridien system in my last Jag. I have DRC problems that the dealer isn't currently interested in but I won't give up, worst case you can swap it for a good coil over system later on. Sports exhaust is good but could be louder - might swap for centre pipes with an X pipe.

Mine doesn't have memory seats or folding mirrors which would be nice but not essential unless you share the car with your other half, the advanced parking camera would again be useful but not essential- the Jag had one and I suppose you get used to having one.

I bought the car second hand. I had done lots of analysis on what options I needed and only went to look at this one as it was local, it didn't have everything on my wish list. So we went to try it out, drove it, bought it. Whatever the spec you won't be disappointed.

[lboase]

Thank you all for the detailed responses. What a great forum this is.

Based on the above, I'm focussing in on the following spec:
MY 2014 car or newer as this came with some useful upgrades inc the better sat nav
Less than 20k miles
Black, pref Panther
Black leather with heated seats (pref rears also)
Black optics pack
Standard suspension
19inch rims (though not essential as I suspect it will be easy enough to swap 20's for 19's)
Steel brakes
I assume bluetooth phone prep is standard, as are rear parking sensors?

I think this will make for a really nice road car: V8 power, auto box, compliant handling, subtle in black.

Nice to haves:
Pan roof
B&O
auto folding mirrors
dynamic headlights
sports exhaust
rear parking camera

[kmpowell]

Good luck with the hunt. I still think that you're going to have to compromise somewhere (probably by having the sports pack of you defo want full leather and black styling). A quick search through the usual places and there's not a single car out there close to your spec, even if you put colour to one side.

Full leather and black styling pack on a car without the sports pack will be a needle in a haystack.

[lboase]

Good luck with the hunt. I still think that you're going to have to compromise somewhere (probably by having the sports pack of you defo want full leather and black styling). A quick search through the usual places and there's not a single car out there close to your spec, even if you put colour to one side.

Full leather and black styling pack on a car without the sports pack will be a needle in a haystack.

Put like that, you're probably right and compromise will be inevitable. I'm just not sure which to hold out for! In the end, my heart will do the talking...

[kmpowell]

How's the hunt going?

[PSB1]

Join Team Sepang. Resistance is futile.