grnaudi96

look out for with these engines (or anything really). It has ~70,000 miles on it. Thanks for your help!

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

for both Tip (auto) and manual. Synchros are prone to wear/damage on the 6-speed and the tip can have problems if fluid isn't changed and done properly. The engine likes to leak oil that will cause nasty smell, vacuum lines prone to cracking due to high underhood heat. Engine is interference type and thus the timing belt needs to be changed (Audi says change at 105k miles, most owners change sooner). TB drives the water pump and either the pump or rollers/tensioners will fail before the belt itself wears out, but if one of these fail it kills the belt and you bend valves either way. When you replace it, R&R all the rotating components that come in contact with the TB.

Everything associated with this car costs at least twice as much as you think to repair/replace so keep that in mind (that is unless you have owned German or Italian cars before...). Great cars but reliability/durability are not the strong suits. The more spent on maint, the more reliable they will be - but many don't like to spend the $. The turbos are more reliable than most people think if sythetic oil has been used and the car wasn't beat on when cold or shut down immeidately after beating on it. The clutch wasn't designed for 1/4 mile drag racing or 3,500 rpm launches, so beware of that and the engine must be dropped for a new clutch install - this involves 12 - 15 hours of labor ballpark.

If you can't won't go DIY, find a good Indy shop that knows Audi's. Many are willing to work on this car but the inexperienced can do more harm than good. Search the B5 S4 forum archives for more info.

grnaudi96

I know what I'm getting into.

Zeddy

maintenance criteria. Remeber take care of the car and the car will take care of you (at least in you wallet). Good Luck

quickaudi:STFA

or at least it feels like it

grnaudi96

it apart my fair share of times.

DasTrufel

Have a dealer give you the warranty history. Also be ready to replace the water pump, t/stat and timing belt.

Zeddy

rid of mine. The down fall it's a TIP the great news it has a new long block that just got to it's 1K and some other effective and worthy upgrades (APR Bipipe, Forge Diverter valves, new rear rotors, new brake pads and new stainless stell brakelines) SO iin sense the car is new except for turboas and a couple of hoses. The rest of the car has 50K miles in it.