Hi guys.

New to the forum and seems like a great place for info and learning more about these cars.

Ok so ... I just bought a black 2003 Audi S4 B6 avant with 130k on the clock and 6speed manual gearbox. It has a full service history and the dreaded chains and tensioners have been replaced at an Audi Specialist shop about 10k ago.
In general the car is in very good condition and also got a very decent price on it.

I have a few questions tho .... things I find "wrong" with the car but not sure it is actual faults, so wanted to hear some of you guys that know these cars way better.

1.

When driving in gear and pressing down the clutch, the revs hang for a second before starting to drop. It doesn't seem to do this when rev'ing in neutral. Is this normal ?

2.
I find it quite hard to make smooth gear changes. It seems quite "lumpy" but after practicing a bit, I find it easier if I don't let off the throttle 100% when changing gears. Is it really that difficult to do clean and smooth gear changes on these cars ? Obviously I am still getting used to it.

3.

I seem to get at strange sort of "feedback" or vibration into the steering wheel, when driving. I don't feel it when revving the engine in neutral, only really when driving.
What are typical symptoms to Steering Rack that has gone bad or could it perhaps be the ball joints ? ...
Could it be an engine mount ? ... this could also be the reason why I feel that the gear changes are a bit harsh and clunky.

3. Since the car is over 10 years old now ... new stuff have happened in the world of engine oil and technologies have evolved.
Which engine oil do you guys use and recommend for a totally standard S4 ? (except for cat back exhaust system)
And how often do you replace the oil ?

Hope to hear from some of you fellas and great to be here !

Cheers

 

Wow ... 90 views and not a single reply ? :/
No one want to input on this ? ...

bump

 

2. i don't think you are shifting correctly and are now being forced to shift correctly

you are supposed to be rev matching on upshifts and downshifts on any car, not just the S4

so if you are upshifting of course give a little gas

if you are downshifting give tons of gas