Audi B7 RS4 buyers guide to common faults

As a previous daily driver of two B7 RS4’s one of which was supercharged, I thought it would be good to write up a little buyers guide. With the recent Covid19 pandemic, prices of large engines and powerful cars will likely plummet. So now could be the perfect time to get into an RS4 for not a lot of money! If you’d like to read the article for more details please check the link below!
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[@minkeysex]

After owning a RS4 B7 for the last 4 years I feel your summary is fairly spot on. Living with it as a daily has its draw backs but these are normally out weighed by the smiles it gives. The sound track of the high reving v8 through a unvalved exhaust is very satisfying. The draw back is the mpg...typically returning between 5 and 27 depending on driving style. Carbon clean and flap delete is most definitely something to be carried out. I regained 40bhp by having a walnut blast carried out along with deflap and a new pcv valve. £1000 cost but the difference in performance is most certainly noticeable. The DRC is a weak link in the suspension and there are various options to this problem. Maintaining the original at a high and regular cost( mine was partly replaced and lasted 18 months before the next component failed. Coil overs are available as are Koni shocks. I fitted just shocks and these retain pretty much the same ride quality as the DRC system. Just inspect and prospective purchase properly and have spare money to maintain the car and you should smile per mile for years

[@scorpiongetoverhere1025]

Hi, where did you get the carbon clean and deflap done from?

[@mwest3583]

The rear discs are just as expensive as the fronts, if not more. There's not as much supply of them floating around, I'd guess, and aftermarket options tend to focus on the front. For the fronts, the Brembo part number can be picked up for about 60% of the cost of the Audi part number. Just got my first carbon clean done. I was hoping for a noticeable bump in HP. If there was one it's marginal, but the engine just runs much more smoothly with a more linear powerband, better cold starts, better slow speed crawling in 1st gear... we'll see about mileage. Oddly the CC quieted the car considerably, I would not have expected that. Less intake and/or exhaust sound, which I miss tbh. I bought mine at a good price 2.5 years ago. The biggest running cost is gas. It's thirsty. An oil change will cost about $125 in supplies. Things I've had to replace: front rotors, pads all around, expansion tank (was overheating), throttle body (the GM part is a direct swap to save $800-$1000 for the EXACT same throttle body), trans and diff fluids, brake line flush. I got the car at 98k miles and i'm at 125k now, so I expected to have to replace some things. Next thing to watch out for will be leaking DRC. If that happens I'll swap in coilovers.

[@bonda01]

Interesting info. It's important to be aware of these things, but it's not all bad news. I had an RS4 from 2006-2013, put 95k miles on it and had very few of the issues you have had. I had one DRC strut start to leak which it was replaced in the recall about 4 years after purchase (there was an updated part released after leaks in the original design of strut seals). For a daily driver its hard to beat the DRC for a comfortable ride. I was aa passenger in a few with aftermarket setups and found them too jarring for my taste. Rotor replacement is expensive, I had two carbon cleans done, a xenon headlight needed replacing after about 7 years, periodic top up of oil but no other issues. Indeed I've just bought another one!

[@MyASMaRk]

This is really helpful. Thank you. I'm looking at buying one, but trying to find a good one for around 16-17k that hasn't done too many miles is still quite a challenge.

[@samtalkscars1341]

ASMaRk there will be one out there. I find auto trader guidance prices aren’t too bad. Make sure to find one with buckets and carbon (if that’s your preference) base specs rarely make a difference to the book price. I hope you find one soon 👍🏻

[@manishoker3484]

Very well put together video... I actually fancy one (saloon), have owned two in the past (avant & saloon) plus a Goodwood green B5. I'll keep an eye out on the prices over next few weeks

[@steviechalmers1218]

Great knowledgeable insight ‘ thanks for this info , am looking to buy a B-7 soon , so this information is great 👍

[@coastalrider1155]

Going to see an avant tomorrow for 13500 with 100k on it look brilliant cheers for the information

[@samtalkscars1341]

That’s a great price if it’s a straight car. Honestly get a carbon clean and some fresh oil in it and they’re an awesome daily family wagon.

[@jimbo2241]

Great vid thanks. Did help me buy one last month. When the Oil Cooler pipes leak whereabouts do you see the oil dripping - right at front of car or further back from the under tray?

[@samtalkscars1341]

Typically right up front mate. But can be pushed back by travel. It’s a nightmare as it’s normally the connectors that fail

[@salhaq1]

Very helpful thanks, just bought my 2nd B7 RS 4 in Daytona Grey :) - I have to agree with most of your points highlighted but I think in general these cars are a little sought after now and there prices are rising 17-20k for a well looked after example. Not to say you still can't get yourself a bargain but will likely need a bit of work.............I don't know if in your ownership you have noticed any starting issues but seems like another common fault where given the age and rust attacking some areas the solenoid to the starter motor can develop intermittent fault and can effect cold or warm starting?

[@samtalkscars1341]

To be fair I haven’t owned a b7 now for about 3 years I think roughly. But I know mine (supercharged one) needed plugs to cure a starting issue after trying a new battery. It had run quite rich and killed the plugs. Went for iridium ones which helped. Prices have massively rocketed. My first one was a high miler saloon for £12k. Was in brilliant condition though.

[@lancegallant3647]

great video thanks alot 👍 b7 07 for life she is dope as u know

[@mwest3583]

I don't plan on ever selling mine. I'm in love with it. At some point I'll buy a Tesla and turn this into a garage and track queen.

[@Slowcarfastbeans]

Let’s not forget, Front upper control arm bushings, bumpstops, Engine mounts (x3), Front CV boots, Driveshaft Center support bearing, Headlight wiring insulation disintegration, leaking coolant reservoir tank, brittle vacuum lines.

[@samtalkscars1341]

After 4 years in many owners clubs I’ve very seldom heard of most of these issues so doubt they’re that common. Those parts can fail but nowhere near as often as the issues I highlighted in the video.

[@Slowcarfastbeans]

Respectfully disagree. Even forum data will show front upper control arm bushings and engine mounts as common failure components.

[@neilsenooms2541]

Ben I can attest to your statement being true, I have an Audi s5 4.2L and just had all control arms front and rear aswell as vacuum lines changed as they were cracked and just got a quote because one engine mount just started leaking. These are most definetly problems along on the v8 from all years.

[@bield7]

I’ve had none of these issues in 9 years of ownership

[@davidszabo634]

Great info Sam 👍🏻👍🏻

[@AZ09898989]

Greatly put together information! One question about the the inlet manifold flaps. How do you recommend checking the state of them, if they are about to come off/are a bit loose?

[@samtalkscars1341]

In all honesty it’s wise to check them when having a carbon clean done. But removing them is safest as they can just fail. It’s the screws going into the inlets that is the danger. Hope this helps

[@OneWayToMachines]

Great info, I have DIY's for this car on my channel

[@bield7]

Agree with most of this advice and commentary. However, the change to coilovers doesn’t transform or improve the handling. Nothing compares to the brilliant original DRC system notwithstanding flaws with the earlier struts. My RS4’s on 65k and has only had one strut replaced. I’ve driven an RS4 with Bilsteins and it’s nowhere as good. Also, I’ve had no problem with the OEM discs. They’re not fragile or prone to problems if looked after properly.

[@itzpeaceliamyt2622]

Where DID you get the clear indicators lenses on the front headlights good vid by the way

[@samtalkscars1341]

itz PeAce liam YT they’re standard on 2007 cars onwards 👍🏻

[@zohairahmed8891]

ChrisFix is the answer

[@10reek89]

Timing chain issues ?

[@Tazz-7375]

Hello mate who do you insure all these cars if you don't mind me asking like what insurance policy is it? thanks

[@samtalkscars1341]

I only ever own one a time with a practical daily driver. Multi car policies tend to me cheaper in the Uk hope this helps.

[@lfclsdlfclsd33]

Want 1 in grey black cars to hard to look after the paint gotta wait for my lease car to run out though 1st 👍🏽

[@samtalkscars1341]

Daytona grey is fantastic on the B7 I had two and they both looked brilliant with the green and purple fleck in the paint. My RS7 was matte Daytona which was unusual as it’s definitely a flatter colour.

[@Kacpa2]

What about S4?

[@mikeclarke6000]

Really helpful and informative video, I’m currently torn between an R33 GTR or a low mileage B7 RS4 Avant. I’m anticipating running costs to be high on both cars but what would you say your monthly/yearly average is (if it’s not too much of a bugger to work out)?.

[@samtalkscars1341]

mike clarke hi Mike. I’ve currently got an R35 GTR now not had the RS4 for a while. But being honest you should get 22mpg from the RS4 look for a car that’s had a carbon clean and fitted with coilovers these should save you some big bills. You should get 250 miles to a tank depending on your driving style. As mentioned in the video Reyland will save you a fortune on Brakes. £350 fronts £500 ish rears. Hope this helps.

[@whatevermaaan]

what about engine problems, cam adjusters?, I know the guides are metal, but what about the tensioners.

[@samtalkscars1341]

Sounds like a niche issue to worry about. There’s known faults then there’s just generic faults. Anything can happen. Bulletproof service history cars can still have unique issues.

[@whatevermaaan]

@@samtalkscars1341 thnx for the reply

[@swb7161]

How do you get a carbon clean, do you contact a local garage? Or is it a specialist job...

[@samtalkscars1341]

A good VAG specialist should know what you’re on about. Mention “walnut blast” to make sure. As the hydrogen stuff won’t touch it. It’s like a hardened treacle substance in the ports

[@swb7161]

@@samtalkscars1341 thanks that’s super useful. Picked up a B8 Nogaro edition. Only has 30k miles but might get it checked and cleaned.

[@samtalkscars1341]

@@swb7161 definitely worth doing. A lot of the B8s were down on power for the same reason. Would definitely encourage you to book it with an oil change so everything is clean.

[@swb7161]

@@samtalkscars1341 thank you.

[@reilym979]

@@swb7161 ABT