B6 and B7 Audi S4 Buyers Guide by Fontain Motors - IMPORTANT info to know!

[@markcarter9476]

Great guide, very informative. II bought a 1996 S2 Coupe from you guys in the 90's and I still have the S4 B5 Avant I bought from you in 2004! Now done 289k miles and still in perfect working order. Preventative and regular maintenance are the key.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Wow, I think you've broken the record for longest period of ownership from us. It had been 21 years!

[@Shabec2982]

It’s been nine years now and my girl is still running as strong as she did when I first got her ❤

[@abodraconian-9114]

Mileage ?

[@Shabec2982]

@@abodraconian-9114 got it with 18,513. Today, Tuesday May 7th 2024… 109,601.

[@trishbroncheau3454]

Super huge appreciation to you sir for posting this video!!! This was a magnificent training tool for a friend of mines teenage boy who just traded his 2014 KTM 450 dirt bike, straight across, for an '04 S4 Cabriolet Conv. with a bad crankshaft sensor. I own a '94 Cabriolet that sparked his interests so he did this trade without any guidance from his parents whatsoever. Granted he had his stepdad ponder the question to me "Hey will you fix the kids car ... 🤔?" (I had coolant issues with mine right after I bought it. I tried several Audi dealers & they all was extremely arrogant with their shop rates & none of them would give me any details on how to fix it myself -no DIY books was available at that time for that model - so I got on Audi website & sent a few questions in online. 9 days later I received a phone call from the Audi service department headquarters. The guy was from Germany & he took a couple hours to explain in detail what I needed to do to fix the coolant issue. Worked like a charm , so I decided to call that gentleman back & find out where his education came from because I had decided I was goin to school somewhere to work on Audi's. Turned out he was an "Audi professor" of sorts & flew over to the states for a 3 week educational training for me. [he swore it was his vacation but I know I'm a handful normally, so training me couldn't have been much of a vacation ~ well cept he did like my cooking LOL) Back to the kids car -Needless to say I'm teaching this 15 year old how to replace the faulty sensor & all the quid pro quo's that goes along with the potential follow up problems if the car doesn't immediately start after replacement. I asked him why he gave up his dream bike for this car - his answer shocked me to say the least. He said he'd listened to his stepdad & me talk about mine & eventho it is old, it is still in great shape & honestly out performed his friends newer sports car plus the value is still holding for my car. (Partially because mine was a prototype - which was also another reason the professor flew over from across the water -he wanted statistics off that unit because there was only a few handfuls of them still in operating status - ) ... I asked Khorby if he planned on keeping the car. WITHOUT ANY HESITATION he said "HEKK NO - I'M NOT RICH I NEED COLLEGE MONEY!!! AS SOON AS YOU .. UH WE .. GET IT RUNNING, ITZ GOING UP FOR SALE!! I FIGURE I WAS GOING TO GET LESS THAN $1,000 MAYBE $1,500 FOR MY BIKE ~ THIS WHIP [the car] IS AN EASY $6K-$7K ... I can get another duster [bike], a mudder, [4x4 truck] & still have a phat $$ account . Funny thing is after he watched your video with me, he went & asked his stepdad if he thought he should go to school for mechanics, specifically high end autos instead of his current plans of becoming a biologist. His stepdad routed the question to me & I told him "well kiddo it's like this - do whatever is goin to make you happiest & still challenge your mind. My daughter went to school to become a Subaru mechanic & changed over to Foreign makes after she worked for Subi for couple years. She paid her home off in 5.5 years (granted it was only a manufactured single wide with an acre) plus shez a GIRRRL so she likes the originality of being in a skilled profession yet extrodinarily different line of employment for a female. Only you can make that decision, but if workin on that car tripped your mind up like this, I'd say give Audi a shot. If it doesn't work out, you can fall back on biology." His mom was speechless & thats near impossible for her to keep a zipped lip. His stepdad came in when we was talkin bout how your video explained things on a level that all of us was able to understand as far as the buyers guide. I realized later that the adults had more knowledge than the kid did on buying vehicles. So I asked Khorby what his take on it was. He said, " he didn't think you was reading that information off a screenoake - so he must know alot about Audi's." He thought all the cars in the beginning of the video belonged to you - so Audi must pay good. "I wanna make alotta $$ so if I can be as smart as him I could be an Audi flipper!!" [which I took to mean he wanted to be an Audi sales rep LOL] LONG STORY I KNOW - BUT I WANTED YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE FEEL THAT YOUR VIDEO TOUCHED A YOUNG MAN IN A RURAL SMALL TOWN IN IDAHO & POTENTIALLY CHANGED HIS LIFE - IN TODAYS WORLD THAT MEANS SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL TO ME & I'M NOT EVEN HIS PARENT --- SO FROM ME TO YOU SIR 💞 THANK YOU!!!

[@jjcross3560]

Just bought B7 A4 2007 love 💗 it.

[@bobbarrett2631]

So well done Sir, Thank You. Am currently driving a B8 S4 Avant (have to sell her unfortunately, due to lack of use) what a truly lovely car to live with, and have an occasional spirited drive with !

[@kisskissg60]

A very informative buyers guide to the s4.I have previously had a used A4 B6 2.5 tdi avant quattro sold by Fontain (many years ago)which i loved and miss...testament to Fontain and the audi build quality of the time,it cracked on to 240k without a hiccup and the 'real quattro' system was unstoppable in the snow. Maybe its time to say sod it to mpg,enjoy life after lockdown and rethink the S4!!😎

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

We're seeing a lot of people thinking similar things right now. It's a great time to own something a little bit silly whilst such things are allowed. A number thinking also that a big "old school" V8 is a great accompaniment to a sensible EV/hybrid/diesel to do the daily commute in.

[@abrahambruins5568]

Going to test drive a B6 avant tomorrow, had a complete engine replacement. Only 20k miles on the new engine!

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Oh wow, hopefully the rest of the car is as fresh as the new engine :)

[@ArcofZen]

I own the Dolphin grey S4 in this video, love it!

[@blakechesledon166]

Awesome video. Looking at an ‘08 s4 with 67k miles right now, in fantastic condition and no rattle sound on start up. This video - I think - has given me the peace of mind to pull the trigger. Thanks!

[@blakechesledon166]

Hey Fontaine, I bought the car two days ago and everything was great until this evening when at idle, my car started to make a loud rumble/vibration noise. I learned that it was associated with fan speed of the climate controls, the sensation would disappear when I turned climate off. I don't think its the a/c compressor, as it still blows cold air. The rumble/vibration occurs when I have the climate blowing cold or hot air. I think it is a problem with the blower motor, any other ideas? would prefer to solve the problem myself, not pay exorbitant labor costs. Thanks.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Could be as simple as a worn blower motor or foreign body stuck in the housing. You'd need to remove it and look.

[@hossein3867]

Thank you, great info, makes me feel better about holding on to my 2005 B6 Cabriolet (manual) still only has 45,000 miles. But now in need of a AC compressor 😞....one thing I would suggest is changing the oil more often than every 10,000. Mine has been changed every 3-4k miles, and I have never even heard a split second rattle from the guides, not sure if it is luck or frequent oil changes.

[@starrider3484]

This past February, I purchased a 2007 S4 Cabriolet and Love it. Ibis White, black leather, Nav head unit, heated seats, black top is immaculate. With 85,000 miles on it- I paid $8500 for it. Prior to buying, I spotted oil dripping from the bottom and, somewhat surprisingly, the small used car dealer in Tennessee fixed it for no charge. Their mechanics are serious VW enthusiasts and very experienced. It was the oil cooler in the front of the motor, so they had to do the front end of they also changed the serpentine belt while there. Zero dripping the entire time I've had it.

[@starrider3484]

A SERIOUS joy to drive!!!!

[@starrider3484]

It absolutely purrs, but growls willingly when asked....👍😮

[@puroalrespirar38]

Ibis white sedan 6mt in Puerto Rico. Looooove the exclusivity.

[@TBCfhjvhhhnbb]

Exceptional video! I’ll definitely dig out your others in the series.

[@DaytonCarCare]

In the US I have an 06 A4 B6 Cabriolet... so that was the last year of the B6 chassis here. Though the B7 4 door was started that year.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Also front suspension arms are known to wear but not too costly. And the steering racks can have issues

[@junbug9435]

Great video and thanks for the advice, Fontain Motors!

[@twistandgo3414]

Great video. Looking at getting a cabriolet, myself having had a B7 S4 saloon and a B7 RS4 Avant previously. Great all round car and mpg isn't that bad for a V8, but you wouldn't want to commute in it 5 days a week!

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Just need to apply some man maths. S4 is 10 grand. New car with performance is 40 grand. The difference pays for a LOT of petrol...

[@twistandgo3414]

@@FontainMotorsLtd exactly why I didn't buy a £26k vw transporter and bought a very low mileage 3.2 V6 viano instead. It's also better to drive with more creature comforts! 😁👌👍😎

[@timdodd3897]

I just bought a '04 B-6? I'm new to Audi despite having 5 V.W's. I hope to make it what we call here in the U.S., a " Sleeper". I want to find a V-8, rebuilt it W/ new rings, bearings, etc. Then swap out the engines, leaving the 1.8t emblem on the back.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Sounds like a labour of love; it would probably be easier to see 300+ out of the 1.8t than to transplant a complete drivetrain.

[@robi4387]

Interesting that: B6 has 60/40 torque bias and B7 40/60 to rear, that B7 is more contemporary in appearance, front and rear, and that B7 has bi-xenon, hmm. So heated seats were an option, as were memory seats and Bose speakers.

[@TheAndred1]

I'm viewing one this Tuesday . This as been so helpful

[@glenbooth7903]

I bought my 2005 B7 S4 with a genuine 46k miles full history fully loaded including electric blinds. In purple pearl with full cream leather. had it 2.5 yrs paid just under 10k. Had a custom exhaust and APR stage one tune 👌 😎 58k miles and biggest issue was this this year had to have a new throttle body that was very expensive £1.600

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

That sounds like a stunning car Glen!

[@glenbooth7903]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Thanks yep it certainly looks well and the sound is just something else, the guys at work love it, even had someone drive after me just ta tell me how well it sounds 🤣🤣 it had a Miltek on when I got it ,but I wanted that proper V8 sound so had a custom one mate, still got the original centre cats and down pips.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

I detailed and ceramic coated an r8 you guys sold a few months back had your plates on it 😁

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Love to see it! Share an image or two on our Facebook?

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

@@FontainMotorsLtd I’ve pmd them over to you 👍😎

[@nelietis96]

Very nice guide. I myself recently have traded b7 3.0 tdi for an s4 b7, for just the same reasons you mention, and would recomend anyone to get his hands on to one of the last Audis with NA V8 and manual gearboxes.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

You got in early, enjoy!

[@ShadowNoCap]

Whaaaaaat

[@ShadowNoCap]

Andis L So i have a audi b7 3.2L v6 came with a few issues I’ve had it for around 6 months I’ve recently came across a audi same year 06 s4 tho should i pursue it or work on the 3.2 pass up on it? The 3.2 got 293 km S4 got like 150 km Please reply

[@nelietis96]

​ @Shadownocap Hi, Well I really can't say which option you should choose. I had a choice between spending my money on tuning my 400k+/km 3.0 tdi to at least 300hp mark and upgrade my base model interior and exterior to Sline and more. Or switch out those cars and have a higher base line for modification continuation. As well my yearly commute went from 25k+/km to under 10k/km due to moving closer to work and needing to drive only to the store, and had no real reason to keep up with that hefty diesel maintenance. I really like that I did the exchange, because in this car I have almost everything what I loved in my previous B7 (looks, manual gearbox, quattro, avant) + now (V8, sound, power, fun) and other equipment, as the new car had a higher number of options selected at the dealer. But during my ownership I tried my luck on track with 260k+/km hard driven engine, and timing chain skipped a gear which meant blown cylinder: engine + timing + additional stuff changed, making me to double the invested money in car. Good thing is that it totals the same amount of money that I would have spent for same spec and mechanical condition (now) on an good example from Germany. So I am still kind of okay, but I am happy that it's back and enjoying all 7k rpm symphony from that V8. If you can keep up with maintenance and cost of something broken + fuel, it is a decent upgrade with good potential from my experience : Just ALWAYS check your numbers and if it makes sense for you.

[@ShadowNoCap]

@@nelietis96 ok thanks for the reply n your experience’s

[@sixsilverstringsguitars8998]

Nice video .... more guides like this would be good .... the Mk1 S5 is another one people can start looking at ... it’s a V8 and came with a manual box too ... so one of the last ones with the V8 before they switched it to the 3.0 V6 ... also cheap to buy now ....

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

I'm with you on that one. A model I'd like to cover but thin enough in number now that it's difficult to justify the time invested. We're quite a small business, so whilst I'd like to produce a lot more for KZbin the day job eats most of my available hours ;)

[@tazoury]

Fantastic video, thank you. When replacing the shocks, what would you recommend replacing while down there in addition? Bushings, control arm, etc?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Top arm bushes always go soft long before they're bad enough to fail an MOT, definitely worth replacing those. The rest will come down to age, mileage, and condition. Replacing everything (unless a very high mileage car) is probably overkill but you'd certainly want to ask a good mechanic to give you a really critical report of anything they can see that looks worn or old.

[@r390gt1lm]

I own one of these and can say that this video is Spot On

[@christasker_]

That was an excellent video, I’m looking to buy one in the near future before we’re forced out of fast petrol cars. Thanks.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Absolutely the right time to do it; whilst it's still (relatively) easy to enjoy them. I can see a lot of car people pairing something old school with something electric over the coming years.

[@123vemund]

Can you guys do a second gen R8 buying guide? Thanks😄

[@kieranwarner8034]

Great knowledge Alex, and all Audi enthusiasts looking for the iconic V8 need as much info under their belt before buying

[@DaytonCarCare]

If you don't mind the larger body style of the S8 D2, it will give you 360 HP. Also has an easier to maintain front mounted timing belt vs the S4 B6 at 340 HP and the engine has to be removed to replace the timing guides and or chains.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Funnily enough, that very car may just be my all time favourite Audi. A European spec car with the super rare option of a manual gearbox would be my pick. Truly wonderful things.

[@DaytonCarCare]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Yeah I know a local guy that runs a small Audi shop and has an S8 D2 converted to a 6 speed manual Quattro. It also has a rare red interior.

[@douglasshand]

HI, bit late to the party here - I am awaiting delivery of my 2004 B6 - any advice on what are the best forums to join for help and advice

[@PapaPadde]

Thanks for some valuable information and insights! Cheers!

[@yodaistheone]

Hi guys. Would it be possible to do a video like this on the 2002 A4 B6 3.0L V6 Quattro. I Have owned my one for 20 years and the only major repairs I have had to do was the ABS pump, clutch and DMF flywheel so far. It has 124000kms on the clock and is a absolute pleasure to drive. I Do my oil changes every year even though my mileage is way below the recommended intervals. I Would love to get your input on how to keep my late wife's baby going for as long as possible. From a fan in South Africa.

[@steviechalmers1218]

Brilliant channel, and yes am looking for RS4 B7 👍

[@Blackmagicvrs]

Any chance of a B9 pre facelift buyers guide please?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Funny you should say that... ;)

[@bujkko]

5 years of ownership ❤

[@dannytall8699]

Does the roof works if the soft top storage box flap has come off?

[@jamesh2515]

Excellent.. very well presented.

[@mrdennis9941]

Great guide thank you

[@ShadowNoCap]

So i have a audi b7 3.2L v6 came with a few issues I’ve had it for around 6 months I’ve recently came across a audi same year 06 s4 tho should i pursue it or work on the 3.2 pass up on it? The 3.2 got 293 km S4 got like 150 km Please reply

[@adamjones6084]

Fantastic video 👍

[@BadMuflon]

The horor storys are all about the chain system or better said the chain tensioners which are made out of plastic and they wear if u dont maintain the car properly. So cars which are not maintenaited properly usualy go to scrap due to chain sliping of the tensioners. Even cars which are maintained properly can have rattling sound on cold start for about 1-2 seconds. Its the chain scraping the plastic tensioners, its not a problem its normal, but its a problem when the rattling remains after those 1-2 seconds... Then its needed to replace the tensioners but they are on the back of the engine and its expensive to replace due to having to remove the engine from the engine bay... Other then that the car is beautifull

[@JohnMattador]

Yeah, .Alex said all that in the video. I've had a couple of quotes for around 3K to replace it all and even with that added on the car is a beautiful bargain for what it is.

[@billygreenhorn9275]

Great information!

[@tudorm.3428]

i am looking to buy one as well. Found one with 160k km (don t yet know if they are real or not, but assuming they are). Is the car at a point where things like the timing chain start to break?

[@joesoviewable1141]

Usually by that time it should have been done and, normally it’s the guides and not the chain itself. If it hasn’t been done I would avoid

[@superdooper9200]

What a brilliant informative video, thanks so much mate 👍

[@robertmitchell8249]

Great video Alex, some good information and advice, I'm looking at buying a S4 convertible b6 cheaper tax, would you recommend manual or auto? Only going to be used as a 2nd car couple of times a month.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

You could easily argue that the auto suits the convertible well. It has slightly better gear ratios than the manual and suits its nature as a fast cruiser. If you like manuals though a convertible is a really good place to enjoy one and hear the engine as you row up and down the box. Doesn't answer the question really, but personal preference here is the biggest thing. If you're not inherently swung either way that just means you've more cars to choose from.

[@itsjoel]

This is a fantastic video. Thank you!

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Very kind of you to say, thanks for watching!

[@fredfranssen5384]

My dad has a B6 S4 Cabriolet. Sometimes, when putting it in reverse, it starts "hopping", the front of the car goes up and down slightly, and the engine makes a strange noise. Putting in in neutral and revving it a bit always solves the issue. Is this a large problem or probably nothing to worry about?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Really hard to say; if revving the engine seems to clear it I can't help wondering if there's perhaps a misfire that's worse at idle and causing odd symptoms elsewhere. It isn't something that feels instantly familiar.

[@ethanreid1520]

Hi I'm thinking of buying a b7 s4 saloon at some point this year is it rare to get a manual sunroof as most car seem to be one or the other?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

There were certainly a few sold in period with a sunroof; finding good cars of any specification can be tricky so you may need to be quite patient to find exactly what you want

[@andycory908]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. I just found a beutiful 2006 4.2 sedan. Wonderful shape. It does come with a few issues. I'm in northern ontario Canada . Where can i take my Audi around Thunder bay ontario for good honest reliable service. Any help is really appreciated. Sincerly. Andrew Cory

[@Soiceylukky]

garage auto sports

[@Soiceylukky]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKWnhJyFa9NqhsU

[@davidhammond8049]

I'm supposed to be buying a Skoda yeti - but as an S4 can be bought, insured & taxed at about the same money.......humm I should buy the yeti......but!

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

It's better to regret the things you have done, than the things you haven't done.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Okay so another symptom of timing chain is misfires. Also when your battery dies and the roof don’t work you can manually calibrate it by opening and closing it manually twice then it should work again without coding I’ve had this issue twice

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Yes, if they're left long enough that the engine can no longer counter the stretch itself they can start to misfire. If they've got this bad we'd really recommend avoiding starting or driving the car as chain failure or extreme stretch can be catastrophic.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

@@FontainMotorsLtd absolutely. Great advice and great video guys! Loved the r8 video too. And what a lovely example the one I worked on 👌

[@mach1743]

Enjoyed that! ..👍

[@Soiceylukky]

great video

[@peterg6638]

Great video

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Thanks!

[@nickmichon4917]

No mention of high oil consumption? 1L per 3000km is considered acceptable by those on forums. This is a deal breaker for me personally.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Normal for the engine; it's even in the owners manual.

[@Bball332CM]

3k Pounds for a timing chain? No way.

[@alexander-matthiaskonig2552]

Yes mate, not cheap to maintain. If you are of the guys "i want an s4 with max 3k £ withh timing chain done" leave it the idea to own an s4

[@Hoktew]

I have a s4 b6 avant 2004 v8 with a b7 exhaust. I just removed cats amd resonators.. Amd it feels like i lost 70 percent of my torque... Help.. Do i put cats back in or can i add something. I need a throttle pedal.because from 0 rpm to 2800 i have zero pedal and no fuel maps it seems till 3400 rpm then it pulls but not as strong. Although now it heads to redline like a mf.... Where before when i had what i was told were clogged cats ...although cat theft is very high here for money.which i found out afrerwards... Now i have a v8 that my 1.8 pullls harder on uo to 80 kmhr... Help or give me knowledge please.. Nova scotia canada..

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

That would be very difficult to offer any useful guidance on without the car here for a diagnostic, but if that catalytic convertors have been removed the ECU isn't going to be very happy.

[@zukohosolo8339]

Want to sell my B7 S4

[@miniotgf2]

nah i prefer the merc c55

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Let's agree that they're both awful; we should go out and buy Chiron Super Sport instead. I'll have mine in green.