yariks

Hello,

I currently own 03'A6 and want to add S4 to the family. However, I need your advice on it because I've never had a turbo Audi before.
Here is the link for the local craigslist offer which looks very nice http://santafe.craigslist.org/car/771034973.html

My questions are:
1. Are Audi turbos reliable? If maintenace were done on schedule, will they live till 150kmi at least?
2. I am concerned about that Jet Performance chip. Will the transmission be capable of handling this increase in engine power?
3. Are there any particular trouble spots in S4 where I should look first? I know my A6 has problem with valve cover gasket and ignition coils and I wonder if S4 has its own "special spots".

Thank you.

AdamS4

- control arms, tre, cv boots, wheel bearings?

- egt sensor, valve cover gaskets, cam seals?

at that mileage above items may (or will need) attention

- are complete service records available
- synthetic oil used?
- i'd prob trash the K&N filter

Things to be prepared for:
- complete timing belt job (many here do between 60-90k)
- are you prepared to replace turbos if they blow?

good luck, in my opinion: owner's attention to detail and maintenance always trumps miles

moa4r

<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc45.shtml">https://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc45.shtml</a</li></ul>

S4lorn

First- the turbos have been known to go all over the spectrum from 20K miles to 150K. It is somewhat of a crap shoot and surely could be related to how the previous owner treated the car (synthetic oil regular changes, warming/cooling).

I would ditch the Jet performance chip and get one from a reputable tuner (ASP, APR, EPL, GIAC, etc.). As far as the transmission handling it- don't worry. Many on here have well over 500 HP with no issues. The six speeds have had some issues with 1/2nd gear sliders and syncro's but that can happen even at stock power levels.

I'd search the archives there is a lot of good information on the car and its week spots.

nyet

sorta disagree. there are very few tiptronics handling well over 500hp. zero problems with 6sp

yariks

Thanks. The thing is - I am perfectly happy with stock performance, so I would probably remove the chip. I'll go and see the car and check the records etc.

yariks

Thanks for the list. I've done several timing belt changes on my previous audis (V6 12V, 30V) and from what I read on this forum, it's pretty much the same procedure. So, the maintenance is not going to be an issue for me, blauparts sell complete kits for that with tool rental.
My main concern are turbos, but i'll go and see what car looks and sounds like.

S4lorn

the higher power numbers (I believe the ad was for a six speed). I don't have any experience on the Tips- other that I what I read on here and I would absolutely agree that they do not do as well with the big power.

On the sliders/syncros comment I have seen a few on here do damage to the transmissions even at stock levels, but not due to increased the power.

nyet

but i think even stock power 6sp exhibited problems - audi did update the synchros on later models.

like most things, probably also very driver dependant...

limey156

FYI: put your response in the subject line when possible for ease of reading.