S4 Avant questions :)

[Jamesk]

Hi there

I have been scouring these boards looking for tips and info on these cars and have found alot of good stuff. I currently have a BMW 540i and whilst I love its quality and engine the boot space is just not large enough for my daughters clutter (pram/pushchair etc....)

The S4 on paper meets all my requirements, including price, and offers a whole load more for when I am alone and the child rather than the responsible adult with the child heh

Just a couple of concerns I have. I cant find any definitive info on the evolution of the 2.7 model. There was a thread here but the link is dead in it. I hear alot of mention of "facelift" models - was it only cosmetic changes? Is there a particular year I should look at or essential recalls/upgrades? I want the recaro's and the wife wants parking distance control but both these were on the huge list of options weren't they?

Also, rear space. I imagine it to be similar to my E34 BMW but some imply its less. I am 6' 6" tall so rear space is almost a mute point with me driving but is it restrictive for adults? Boot space is my primary concern but I need to lug people occasionally too.

Any help very gratefully received as I am quite excited by the prospect of this car...

[sitas3]

I suggest you read the following threads from start to finish - by the end, you'll have a good grasp of the major differences:


http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=16807


http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... pic&t=5294


http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=20719

[Nige_RS4]

James, I am 6'4" and whilst there is plenty of space up front, with the seat fully back, rear leg room is limited - 3-4" max. Best to go for a facelift model if you can - the central dash area is much more uptodate - some of the switch-gear on the pre-facelift model dates back to the 80's. You might be better off retro-fitting the rear parking sensors, as finding a car with them fitted will restrict your choice of car drastically. Finally, I recommend a car which has had the turbos changed recently or a one-owner car who has taken care during warmup and shutdown.

Oh, good luck !

[jonno1]

I bought a 2000 "W" S4 Avant a couple of months ago and am generally very pleased with it. The boot space isnt that big at all but the rear seats do split giving you a fair amount of flexibility. Rear space is limited if you have the seats back even half way. We bought it because we are having a baby soon and some of the rear facing baby car seats wont fit in it because of the lack of space!!!

[Dippy]

James,

As has been noted by the others, the S4 is only a small estate. I have 2 kids (1 and 3) and the Avant size is fine for me, although I'm only 5'9. With the seat in the position you'll need, a rear-facing baby seat would not fit. There again if you only have 1 baby then use the other side (unless your wife is the same height?).

In the rear, you can only just fit in a 'full-size' buggy or pram. We have one of the smaller compact buggys so that we can put it in the back AND other things too. When we go on holiday, we have to use a roof box 'cos there's no way you can put suitcases as well as a buggy in the back.

Don't get me wrong, the S4 Avant is still the best compromise between space and performance on the market (excepting the RS4 of course).

[Jamesk]

Thanks for the replies.

We have just changed to a front facing seat last week. Even in the BMW the rear facing one wouldn't fit behind me so no change there! "facelift" seems to be the way to go - any idea on when the switch was? (edit - having read the 3 links it seems random )

There is an A4 Avant down my road and i have to say it doesn't look that big to me either but as someone said, compromise is what I want. I am trrying to avoid the volvo/jeep stereotypes and realistically, anything much larger than a 5-series or S4 would become cumbersome to drive (for the mrs if I'm honest).

Fair point re. retrofitting the park sensors.