Went to view one today...could it be the one??

[mad-for-tar]

Hi all, been a while since have been on these forums since I sold my B5 S4 about 15 months ago. Looking around for a while with no great rush to buy a B5 RS4 but went to view one in Kent today. Man it brought back memories of the S4 and I was as good as in love with it.

Car in question is this one here: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1108764.htm Does anyone recognise this car or know of any of its previous owners?

Did have alot of work done to it in the recent few months to include new clutch and cambelt and associated parts. Plenty of receipts etc for work done. Definitely feels a good solid car with no rattles or squeaks. Was a bit concerned by what sounded like a tiny bit of a whine/whistle from the turbos but I could put it down to a boost leak as I felt it did seem to hiss slightly more than I would have expected. Paintwork not exceptional but nothing a good detailing couldnt sort out. Definitely if it ends up on my driveway, it will be making a trip to MRC or the likes for a health interrogation! Most likely will go back for 2nd viewing on Sunday, armed with some info of what to check from searching here, and my VAG-COM this time round.

If anyone who is willing to spare some time to have a second opinion on it, it will be kindly rewarded with some beer tokens (or simply contribution towards the swear box when these things go wrong!), would be most appreciated!

All (good) advice welcome!

Many thanks, Tom

[lengster1]

Shouldnt really hear a hiss especially if its running stock power.Boost leaks are fairly common and usually cheap to sort if you dont mind getting your hands dirty,O rings on the y-pipe are common and refitting them with RTV sealant is worthwhile.From the photos its looks good car overall and a decent price,vagcom wont tell you easily if it has a boost leak,maf readings etc will need to be studied.

[mad-for-tar]

Cheers lengster, thought as much about that and I do suspect it has a boost leak, albeit a very small one. Bit of spanner work normally not a problem...am never happy unless fettling with something on any car I've ever owned! Was a little bit dirty when I saw it, good for me as I could pick out what was dirt/dust and what wasnt. Does have a tiny tiny spot of rust at the bottom of the RH wing but caught now it would stop it from going further. Little bit of green moss like colour behind wing repeaters so has spent time under trees in the past...like I say a good detailing would do alot for it.

Has great spec, roof, sat nav, tv and oddly a canister tyre liquid and compressor instead of the usual spare. Has full service history and all odd bits of loose paperwork over the years. No nasty ticking or anything under the bonnet with the engine running and no smell of burning oil.

Do need to take some logs though with VAG-COM on my next visit and study the results so thanks for that advice. Hopefully things will go in my favour, will be a sleepless weekend doing all the maths!!

[lengster1]

I would have a good look into the little rust bubble as its a bit unheard of,it looks to me like the door hinge has rusty residue coming of it also! Audis are galvanized arent they?The lower inner part of the front wing takes a battering from stone chips but rust bubble anywere else to me spells possible accident repairs.Pull back the door seals and check the spot welding is origonal etc,it could be nothing these cars are getting older now but needs checking all is well.

[HEKTOR]

This is the car i have been keen on, e-mailed the owner with no reply, hope all goes well and that its as good as it looks, if not post up and lets us know if its a straight car or not. Good luck mate hope you find a good one just not before me lol

[lengster1]

I wouldnt read too much into not replying to emails,In my experience if theres a genuine buyer out there who wants it they will spend a few pence and ring you to arrange a viewing and more importantly the buyer can suss out the owner.Its easy to carefully word emails and replys but you can tell so much more in people responses over the phone or face to face.I would of thought this car fits your bill perfectly and you would of viewed it,it looks decent spec miles price?

[HEKTOR]

It looks the part, and seems to fit the bill, the ad is a poor one at best. I only noticed it last night around 7 hence the e-mail, I want to know as much as possible before i go to view, none of the cars i have been interested in have been near by they are always 2-300 miles away not bothered by travelling just hate when you do and the car is not as described, a waste of time and money. Hopefully mad for tar will post some more details about the car, him being un bias about its true condition.

[mad-for-tar]

Yes, the ad is short and sweet alright but I actually phoned the guy, its probably the best way since seeing he had his phone number on there. Had 2 more guys coming to view it today so whether or not they will seal a deal or not remains to be answered. I'm no expert or anything on these things, which is why a second opinion from someone in the know would be great but not always possible at short notice. Its pretty much the right spec and price for what I am wanting. However I am worried on reading all the issues people are having with cams on these things and how the wear can go unnoticed even if its present and the financial impact of it. KNow its a wise idea to have a buffer of cash left aside in the event of something going wrong! This one wasnt all that far away from me which prompted me to look at it yesterday. Guy is genuine enough, had a genuine reason for selling as his other half wasnt very good with a manual box and ended up getting here a car (another VAG group one) with an auto box, he would have lovd to have kept it but needed the space on the driveway too.

@lengster, the tiny rust spot at the bottom of the wing I would say is due to a stone chip at some point in its life, it hasnt bubbled or anything but there is 2 small stonechips on the bonnet just above the grille which have gone right through the paintwork. All the paintwork looks original though. IIRC, that "rust" around the hinge is actually dirt, it does need a very soft toothbrush treatment in or around some of the nooks and crannys of the bodywork as these seem to have been overlooked whenever the car was washed.
The other thing I did notice is the DIS will need looking at, it suffers from the red text on red hue so most likely will need replacement.
Other than that, I think its as good as it looks from the pics, just needs a tiny bit of work doing by its next owner and a health check would be advised too. Going to try go back before the weekend is out for a second viewing armed with more information and my VAG-COM this time, see if it has any nasty surprises before I decide to commit!
I am away travelling with work until middle of August from next weekend so if something doesnt happen now, will be quite a while before something does! Will keep posted, thanks for reading! Tom

[lengster1]

The DIS is no real biggy nor a couple of stonechips it sounds basically a good car.

[rickoshea]

..and oddly a canister tyre liquid and compressor instead of the usual spare.[quote]

Not odd - all RS4 B5's came equipped as above - none came with any spare wheel or tyre.

[mad-for-tar]

My bad, didnt realise that. Hence why I see some members looking for ideas for a full size spare wheel or similar. Think one would feel more reassured with a proper spare wheel on board in case of a failure!

[Contigo]

Where in Kent is it? I might be able to take a look at it with you, it all depends on where and when.

Phil

[rtd]

that car was originally up for 20k in sept/oct last yr and the mileage i think hasn't changed much - i enquired about it prior to buying mine.

[mad-for-tar]

Had this all typed out, went to Submit it and lost the whole text I had written so will have a go again!

Went back for a second look this evening at it with my VAG-COM and a few other tools, after a weekend of pulling out my hair (not that I have much of it!),searching in the forums here for all sorts of problems to look out for on buying one of these! Took a log of fault codes which I will post up here for someone to tell me whats going on (dont believe its too serious though any of them, or nothing that some of the other members here may not have come across before!) Dont believe theres al that much wrong with it but as was said somewhere before if you can see past the paintwork, then it cant be a bad car (like I said, paintwork will need a little TLC to restore it to its former glory and probably a little mechanical work too)

Have modified VIN no slightly to protect privacy for now...just in case!
Monday,29,June,2009,18:16:23:06472
VCDS Version: Release 805.4
Data version: 20090602



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chassis Type: 8D - Audi A4 B5
Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 16 17 25 35 37 45 55 56 57 67 75 76 77

VIN: WUAZZZ8DZ1N90****
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 078-907-551-AZA.lbl
Part No: 8D0 907 551 K
Component: 2.7l V6/5VT G 0001
Coding: 10711
Shop #: WSC 63351
WUAZZZ8DZ1N90**** AUZ7Z0A1796990

3 Faults Found:
17965 - Charge Pressure Control: Positive Deviation
P1557 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
18010 - Power Supply Terminal 30: Voltage too Low
P1602 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
17539 - Oxygen (Lambda) Sensor; B2 S1: Internal Resistance too High
P1131 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
Readiness: 0000 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 8D0-907-389.lbl
Part No: 8D0 907 389 E
Component: ABS/ESP allrad D56
Coding: 04395
Shop #: WSC 02325

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: 8D0-820-043-1D.lbl
Part No: 8D0 820 043 P
Component: A4 KLIMAAUTOMAT D58
Coding: 00061
Shop #: WSC 63351

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: 8D0-959-655-AI8.lbl
Part No: 8D0 959 655 F
Component: Airbag Front+Kopf 2001
Coding: 01306
Shop #: WSC 02314

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 8D0-920-xxx-17.lbl
Part No: 8D0 920 981
Component: B5-KOMBIINSTR. VDO D13
Coding: 00464
Shop #: WSC 00089
WUAZZZ8DZ1N90**** AUZ7Z0A1796990

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 35: Centr. Locks Labels: 8D0-862-257.lbl
Part No: 8D0 862 257 E
Component: CV-Pump, Alarm, RC D17
Coding: 15178
Shop #: WSC 63351

4 Faults Found:
01367 - Central Locking Pump Run Time Exceeded (Likely Leak)
35-00 - -
01372 - Alarm triggered by Door Contact Switch; Rear Passenger Side
35-00 - -
01370 - Alarm triggered by Interior Monitoring
35-00 - -
01368 - Alarm triggered by Luggage Compartment Switch
35-00 - -

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 37: Navigation Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No: 8D0 035 192 G
Component: RNS 4.1 H06 BNO 0015

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 45: Inter. Monitor Labels: 4B0-951-173.lbl
Part No: 4B0 951 173
Component: Innenraumueberw. D03
Coding: 00102
Shop #: WSC 63351

3 Faults Found:
01380 - Alarm triggered by Anti-Theft Sensor; Rear Left
35-00 - -
01381 - Alarm triggered by Anti-Theft Sensor; Rear Right
35-00 - -
01383 - Alarm triggered by Anti-Theft Sensor; Front Right
35-00 - -

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 55: Xenon Range Labels: 4B0-907-357-AUT.lbl
Part No: 4B0 907 357
Component: LEUCHTWEITEREGLER D004
Coding: 00012
Shop #: WSC 63351

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No: 8D0 035 192 G
Component: Radio BNO 0001
Coding: 00017
Shop #: WSC 63351

No fault code found.

End ---------------------------------------------------------------------


Dont mind so much those ones in the Central Locking Module etc, had some of them before on the S4 so not too worried, probably only need clearing to see what comes back. Battery was replaced recently hence the Terminal 30 voltage error. Am sure one or 2 of you have had the Lambda sensor faults so dont regard this as being out of the ordinary. If anyone can shed light on the charge pressure positive deviation, then by all means do so or enlighten me as to what it could be! (surely positive deviation would be an indication of no leaks or else its overcompensating for a leak somewhere.)

Engine itself didnt seem to posess any nasty rattling noises etc., even went to the extreme of "listening" to the heads with a solid bar to see if I could hear anything but there was nothing out of the ordinary. Did notice a kind of "well greased chain running on sprockets" sound (best I can describe it!) from the back of one of the heads, drivers side, was in that general area so couldnt pinpoint for sure but dont know whether it constitutes a cam chain problem or not.

Did seem to be a minute exhaust leak sound from the area under the engine towards the passenger side footwell area but putting it down to the original exhaust which may have a leak somewhere near the LH turbo, again I couldnt tell for sure what it was but thats what it sounded like to me.

Checked a few groups of measuring blocks with VAG-COM and paramters were in normal ranges at idle at least. Was some misfirings showing up on idle but went away as soon as being on part throttle...about 1000-1100 rpm or so. There is no fault codes for misfires and certainly no hesitation in it with throttle open on the road, so I'm sure it may be normal to have a small amount of it at idle? (Did do this on my S4 aswell but never took any notice)

Overall I think these are minor things that wouldnt take alot to get rectified, someone just needs to spend a little time on it orting these few bits and pieces out. Come from a decent mechanical background working in the Ag. industry and having worked in the CHP generation industry for a short while, I mean I dont know alot about RS4's inside out but am sure I'd have enough to be able to walk away from one if I saw or heard something dodgy. Obviously there are a few experts out there and some have learned the hard way!

I'm probably mad and/or daft as I've put a small deposit on it which I dont mind losing should someone tell me something that will turn me off it entirely or there is someting quintessential that I have overlooked on both viewings, so unless something spooks me in the meantime, will be picking it up Friday. Did "feel" this is the right one after a good while looking for something suitable.

Like those of us out there that are buying/owning one of these, theres always an element of paranoia of something going wong but this is inevitable with all cars at least, these ones are there to be enjoyed! Just waiting for the day sooner or later I can put a on my face!

@Contigo, car is located in Bromley, not too far in the A21 off the M25 but was easier for me go in via A20, almost same difference from the Dartford Bridge/Tunnel. Second opinion would be great but I've probably gone a step too far at the moment but if you still would like to have a look, let me know.

@rtd, yes think the car was for sale back in '06 at around £23k according to current owner, previous owner to him was located in Worksop. Car doesnt have too much mileage put on it in the last 2 and half years or so it seems. Was PDI'd in Germany before it arrived in the UK, don't know if its like this for them all??

Sorry for the essay but trying to give an honest opinion of what I though of the car, of course all comments and suggestions or other info and advice would be most welcome before I do decide to go ahead and complete the purchase!

Thanks for reading!

Tom

[rtd]

hi tom, seems like you know your way around cars. when i got mine i had the owner take it to MRC and got Doug inspected it for me. i would advise any potential new owner to do this as someone like Doug knows what to look for etc.