My 2013 S4 - 40,000 miles of ownership later

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Outro song: Call Me Home - StarboyRMX
/ starboyrmx
_________
My 2013 Audi S4
Premium Plus
Ice Silver Metallic (paint)
Currently wrapped 3M Gloss Storm Grey
Alcantara Seat Inserts
Bang & Olufsen sound system
Single pulley with test pipes, I ran a 12.001 @ 114. Later that night I ran a 12.03 @ 115.
Summer setup:
VMR Wheels V804
19x9.5 et35
255/35 R19 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2
Winter setup:
OEM S5 Audi Wheels
19x9, et33
255/35 R19 Bridgestone Blizzak tires
MOD LIST
Engine:
- Integrated Engineering Dual Pulley Tune
- Integrated Engineering 57mm S/C Pulley
- Integrated Engineering 188mm Crank Pulley
- Integrated Engineering DSG Tune
- Integrated Engineering Intake
- JHM Race Pipes (Cat Delete on the headers)
- JHM High Flow Catted Downpipes (Cats relocated to DPs)
- AWE Tuning Touring Exhaust
- AWE Cold Front Heat Exchanger (no expansion tank, stock coolant pump)
Drivetrain/Suspension
- 034 Motorsport Drivetrain Mount Insert Kit
- 034 Street Density Motor Mounts
- H&R Street Performance Coilovers
- ECS Tuning Carbon Fiber Strut Bar
- ECS Tuning Lower Control Arm Brace
Brakes
- FCP Euro OEM+ Big Brake Kit
- OEM Audi Q5 4 Piston Brembo Calipers
- 345mm Rotors
Visual/Appearance
- 3M Gloss Storm Grey Vinyl
- ECS Tuning Carbon Fiber Diffuser
- ECS Tuning Carbon Fiber Fog Grille Overlays
- ECS Tuning Carbon Fiber Grille Accent Kit
- Carbon Imports Carbon Fiber Ducktail Spoiler
- Audizine Group Buy RS Style “Quattro” Grille

[@AviationDirection]

I've always been impressed how fast the car heats up on COLD days. Literally within 5 minutes and freezing temps, I can have heat into the cabin. Love my S4!

[@mneste]

I noticed that too. I think there may be an auxiliary electric heater to help out because there is no way the car can heat up that fast.

[@AviationDirection]

@TheOGaudiguy Bedford Not my fault if that's the case. Audi designed it that way, I guess lol

[@TheKbrizzle81]

Both my B8.5 and B5 S4's heat up relatively quick. Its nice to have that characteristic this time of the year!

[@Travis73917]

@@mneste i have a wolkwagon passat i think its the same heating system becuase mine heats up in mins also

[@mneste]

@@TheKbrizzle81 My B5 A4 takes a long while to heat up compared to my B8.5 S4. The difference is huge. Maybe it just comes down to a bigger, more crammed in engine that heats up quicker as a result ha

[@ericmain30]

I drive 110 miles every day in mine and I love it. Haven’t had any problems yet. I am a wider person, and I have no comfort issues in the sport seats. They just feel like they’re hugging me a little bit.

[@hesko125]

How much in cost and miles

[@freddenstman8773]

I have a manual 2013 S4 with 60,000 miles. No problems yet, but I think you are really good at rationalizing all the repairs you have made. Love the car so far but listening to this video makes me wonder about getting rid of it soon.

[@robertoguardado8933]

How did that turn out? Looking to buy one..

[@jackghnj]

Proves that the "unreliable Audi's" are not really unreliable. Keep their service records in good shape and take car of the cars in general and the cars will run for a very long time. Hoping to get a few more good years in my 2017 A4.

[@dogchainsaw3923]

Jack Stawowczyk yea the jdm fanboys just can’t stop screaming reliability

[@FluxStage]

Agreed

[@urlilsolja]

Wheel bearing, sound system and 4 other things he mentioned, and you guys think it's no big deal? lmaooooooo yeah i'm good.

[@uncensored6420]

@@urlilsolja How is that a big deal? His car has nearly 100k miles and for only few problems he listed, which arent a big deal, its pretty fuckin impressive.

[@uncensored6420]

@@urlilsolja FYI, I have a 2012 B8 S4 (GIAC Stage 2) and the only issues I ever had was 1 wheel bearing going bad and thermostat replacement under warranty.

[@offroaddiaries]

I've put 53k on my b8 in 11 months. Love every second of it. I'm 6"4 and 275, super comfortable. I'm about to make a video, going stock to dual pulley w/ over 100k miles.

[@kiroshi6414]

DJ-RocketMan you sound bitter lol

[@kiroshi6414]

Nice to know, I’m a tall guy too, lots of leg room? No steering wheel rubbing your knees?

[@sergiomorales4553]

Good to hear as a fellow 6'4" but 40lbs smaller person lol

[@imnuktam872]

Love the fact you made this video. I would have gone dual pulley after getting one all the way and you definitely talked me into staying single. My last car had a great sub 40 mph sound to the exhaust and that same loud drone at 50+ which got old

[@jasongudenkauf3855]

Thanks for the update Eli! I have been watching your videos a while, as I have been lusting after a B8/8.5 S4 for a while now. Last October I was lucky enough to be able to get a B8 S4 with a 6 speed manual trans. I enjoy your videos and have been slowly saving and gathering parts this winter, so I can start modding it in the spring!

[@weksanuahs]

Cheers man. I’ve got single pulley with Unitronic II+ tune in my B8 and was thinking of dual pulley. You just talked me out of it. Thank you. Keep up the good work! Cheers

[@hawaiinsurferx]

Hey there brotha, awesome vids keep it up! I just bought 2 weeks ago a 2013 s4 sedan 6MT(45k miles). I LOVE ITTTT. So excited, I've only had a 2008 Yamaha R6 these past 3 years, feels great to finally have a car again! Already been buying a lot of small aesthetic mods. I want a full exhaust system so badly next. Armytrix and AWE Toruing are my favorites with Non Res Downpipes but they are so much money :'(

[@quesadillafilms7730]

Alex Guilbaud nice!

[@xenimaging]

Dude, I've driven a 2000 Tacoma to over 300,000 miles and I've had fewer issues in the last 10 years than you listed in a handful of months. I've been looking at s4s but you're scaring me.

[@mr.gypsyfish6710]

Same lol damn newer cars shouldn't be failing like this for that premium price

[@taylormoats2099]

If you expect an Audi to be Toyota reliable, you’ve not educated yourself enough on your potential purchase. If you can make it to 100K miles and say you’ve only replaced motor mounts and a few odds and ends, you should relish in joy. Great cars, and almost no similarities to a Toyota.

[@TheFairton]

His car is also modified, anything that you change other than factory increases the odds of things breaking due to stress on the vehicle. This is not always the case but something to consider.

[@DoctaM3]

"Quattro plus snows... I won't go back." Yea--well, BOOM!

[@Flyingwalrus42]

Hahahahahaha

[@tymarvin9557]

instablaster

[@TeddyWestside412]

Things I love about your car....supercharger noises, power band, and comfy ass seats.

[@skyIdub]

The Audi S4/5 rear cup holder sponsored by Red Bull.

[@IgnitionTube]

Laughed out loud as this one 😂😂

[@asenciolosangeles6778]

The red bull fits perfect ?

[@chrisn7434]

YESSSSSSSSSS

[@quesadillafilms7730]

I have a 2011 audi s4 with over 113,000 miles... still in good conditions

[@ojsimpson9516]

Quesadilla Productions what issues did you need to fix?

[@quesadillafilms7730]

Just a Yokel dsg transmission service, regular oil changes on time and had to change the Alternator

[@smoogeezy22]

Crazy this is very low miles...all my acuras.. a type s 08 mdx 2012...and zdx...all have over 140k miles no problems...are these cars money pits?

[@RomiAlmeda]

I remember seeing the MK5 go and feeling so sad but it’s amazing to see how far you and the car have come! I got my GTI last May and have since put almost 15k miles on it 😅 any time on the road is better than a good day off it...

[@IgnitionTube]

Unless you’re in traffic ;)

[@4rings6]

Quattro with snows is something else.

[@jenniferaustin4324]

Dont give up my man, use this as foundation, you have knowledge and all those contacts to hand. The B9 awaits you, you know it makes sense we are all excited for you. Versprung and make our day... positivity message spent

[@klubstompers]

The smaller cup holder is awesome. My cappuccino fits in there perfect, and my vape mod. European cars dont come with super big gulp cup holders, thank god.

[@dylanmorgan1321]

Hey Eli! Been a big fan since your GTI and that's what inspired me to get mine. I hope you release another merchandise line, I bought a GTI shirt from your last line and still rock it to this day!

[@toddn.3123]

I know you know but the ride height is because of crash safety and all that crap regulation. That all said, I hate that I can't skip tracks/songs from the steering wheel.

[@IgnitionTube]

Good one!!! True!

[@DeathbyB1nary]

Same!! That is a huge pet peeve of mine.

[@mneste]

Can't you simply use the left roller the way you would for changing radio stations?

[@uncensored6420]

If you had a B8 you could 😎

[@mneste]

@@uncensored6420 So B8.5 eliminated that function?

[@paulcrofford2602]

"Not that I would know I just read".... 😬💁‍♂️😂😂✌👏

[@jeremyplc2380]

The only thing I really don't like about my personnal 2011 S4 is the DSG in heavy city traffic, i find it jerky and not precise below 20mph the car seems not to know wich gear to select between 2nd and 3rd and it makes me mad tu have a car that is not pleasant to drive at all in the city. Car is stage 1+ on full e85 with DSG flash and except this little thing with the dsg under 20mph i absolutely love this car it is awesome especially being the Avant version it is super practical. Keep your good word Bro i absolutely love your videos !

[@bmx687]

Isnt that a general complaint with all dual clutches?

[@jeremyplc2380]

@@bmx687 It totally is! had a zf 8 speed in my previous 335i, that transmission was absolutelly magnificent, 99% as fast as the dual clutch but sooo much smoother in the city and the 8th speed was awesome for low fuel consumption

[@korewest]

This is also the only complaint I have about my b8.5 S5. At a certain low speed you can watch the tach bounce around 1-200 rpms and you just know it's slipping your DSG

[@robertspooner5970]

Just suggestion if you can when you do these driving videos like this have somebody following getting shots of your car going down the highway but definitely like your videos you have inspired me to go buy a Audi S4 this spring

[@omarnaseem792]

One thing that EVERY audi B8 & B8.5 S4 and S5 owner should know is the “Gearbox Malfunction” and “Parking Brake Malfunction” this happens to most of these car common issues no matter how good your service history is. Just happened to me was unaware before but found 100’s of ppl with this issue when it happens you lose all drive and not a cheap fix in the UK audi won’t cover it even it’s got a full service history Something to bear in mind

[@architecturehappy]

Great video 👍🏻 super helpful tips on the stage 1 ECU/DSG - will go that route 🍻

[@chrisn7434]

Great video just bought a 2013 S4 love it so far. I appreciate your opinion on the engine mods I've been back and forth on whether I want to upgrade anything on the engine other than an air intake, tune, and exhaust. Pulley's seem like a big commitment/risk on reliability.

[@r35killa]

These cars have always been on my daily bucket list since I first saw one. Styling is super clean compared to the previous models (although no have to the V8/V6TT versions). The mods you have done have been very tasteful and similar to what I would do! It's a fast, fun, comfortable German cruiser that can rip on some V8's and keep up with nearly anything in the twisties! Also, are those Boosted Shades? Looking for some new glasses!

[@IgnitionTube]

Yes, boosted shades. Love them!

[@IAMFOOZY]

This is a great video. Thank you. I've been thinking about doing a reliability video on my Audi A6 too.

[@zac1256]

least your S4 has rear cup holders my b5 doesn't

[@Flyingwalrus42]

The smaller cup holder is for water bottles so they don’t fly all over bro, they make perfect sense

[@andrewcline9240]

I agree with your minimal complaints regarding ride height and wheel fitment. The only addition I have is the MMI wheel which is programmed backwards. I'm still fighting it after 2yrs+ ownership. If anyone knows a fix, then please inform!

[@andrewhamilton9571]

Question I been waiting a Audi S4 for my dream car. Will the Audi s4 last a long time and be reliable to keep

[@MotopGT]

yea, the 3.0 engine is one of their more reliable ones. Just keep up on the maintenance and don't neglect it.

[@davidblais5537]

Great video, Eli! Keep it up.

[@zaxophne]

I'm a wider guy and the seats a really comfy still.

[@sirnickvasilescu6645]

I get the low oil pressure sensor light in my car. Hate that sensor.. (2010 GTI)

[@ToY9CiTo]

can you list the performance parts list with price next to them and even like how much installation was.. in a chart form all next to each other spreadsheet style

[@TechNaOkami]

On the seat comment Im 6' 7" and i dont have a problem with the seats at all the left side of it gets alot of wear because of my butt hitting it when i get in but other than that its super comfortable and i can do 6hr drives up to Ga in it easy (14 S5)

[@Леонардо-ж2з]

I’m trying to switch over to an S4 from my ‘16 wrx, seems about the same in terms of reliability, except with the Subaru once you get over 350whp the possibility of a bent rod becomes present, while the s4’s can be upgraded to make 400whp without any issues on stock internals?

[@daleb5283]

Yes

[@wezzil]

More like 500hp

[@Valgrind850]

Thinking about saving up for a S4, I want the manual but am I missing out with not getting the DCT

[@jordanrumsey2115]

Did you get one?

[@irmscher9]

Facelifted B8 is a thing of beauty! I have A4 Avant 3.0 TDI. What's your average MPG combined?

[@bigolejuicycaawk]

I want to get a b8.5 , I’ve been looking at some in SoCal what do you think a good price would be for one with 90k miles?

[@davidlloydmiller]

I live on the east coast of Pennsylvania where we suffer large pot holes and at times major snow storms. Thought the roads are cleared well I've been cautious to lower my B8 S4. That being said it does sit obnoxiously high which I never cared for until poor weather or road conditions. Since you talked me into lowering it I'm curious if you purchased tighter shocks, and how necessary are they? Since my car is one of the rare Manuals the drive select is pretty much pointless. How much stiffer does it make the ride?

[@dms-legacy]

Speaking toward ride height, what are your thoughts on lowering springs vs air ride (accuair, airlift) in terms of ride quality? I've heard that the spring options ride much rougher than air. I want a nice ride but also don't want to sacrifice too much in the performance dept.

[@thomasbehr9578]

Do you do more exhaust work? The drone isn’t that bad in this video. I want race/test pipes but don’t want the drone or it being so loud.

[@Jayn911]

If I tuned my car with IE, GIAC, etc. Will Audi be able to detect even if I revert back to stock for warranty work?

[@IgnitionTube]

Probably

[@hawaiinsurferx]

LOL the smaller cup holder statement, pretty much like the only thing that bothers me XD

[@GlockyWithIt]

What was the cost to replace your cats? Did you have to replace the sensors too? Might have to replace them myself and dreading the possible cost

[@IgnitionTube]

It was $1600ish including new test pipes

[@miggyrocks626]

I know this is old. But what size hub rings did you put on your hub centric. I have an 2015 S3 with 19x9.5 +35 does. 66.56-57.1mm sound correct for my setup?

[@ayewhite333]

Have you done a carbon cleaning in any of your 3.0Ts? I’m wondering if I need to do it- around 60k just had the 55k service.

[@jfargo89]

@ignitiontube did you end up sticking with the JHM test pipe or did you replace your cats?

[@bloodblood23]

Ecs tuning made an exhaust would u consider getting it? Sounds great and has valves that open and close

[@03sierra36]

I’m not sure if you’ll see this and this video was posted around 8 months ago. But I’m thinking of getting rid of my 400hp 03 Sierra and a b8.5 is an option I might get. Do you think it’s worth owning and have good reliability. Also are they expensive to take care of?

[@Calebthecool1]

how much power are you making to the wheels

[@JCN2000]

Do you people suggest spending the extra dollar for manual or should i get automatic. Feel like automatic transmission would go before manual.

[@Dickfuck420]

Wheel bearing, amp, oil pressure sensor switch, motor mounts. Sounds pretty pricey, and thats neglecting the CAT and 75k service. Were all the aforementioned problems common? Or you just get lucky? lol. I have a 2013 S5 and I love it, keeping an ear and eye out for anything.

[@jeffwithglasses6976]

i've got a 2015 s4. So far i've had the wheel bearing, motor mounts, and clutch replaced for stage2. I ran stg2 for about one month and went down to stg1 just to keep it alive longer.

[@georgehintenbergerpa4363]

My 2014 A6 motor mount had to be replaced at 70k miles. I don’t think it was from you launching... just an Audi issue.

[@jeffwithglasses6976]

same actually

[@dogchainsaw3923]

Where did you get that Audi/vw thing on your mirror

[@soslow93]

How are you getting those kind of mpg? Im stock except x pipe and cup kit and freeway 30 miles each way to work with very little city driving and only get low 20's... learn me some mpg, ussually cruise 71-76 mph on freeway.

[@mark_zuckerburg]

Nearing 60k miles on my B8.5 Dual Pulley S4 and the only thing I’ve done is change oil..

[@Dance1617]

I'll never understand the communities obsession with wheel gap.

[@TurboA4]

I'm in the market for a 3.0t car. Don't do supercharger or crank pulley?

[@seant9080]

All the fake buttons below the CD insert slot. In the US the highest spec car car only have drive select and traction control off on that panel. I think some 5s may have gotten an electric wind shade but I think the 4s only had 2 two possible buttons there.

[@404meowingtons]

I have a 5 with 3 buttons incl sun shade they’re a very hard option to find

[@brendanfowler7327]

where did you get that audi vw logo hanging from your mirror? please respond

[@loki_wolff]

How much did the DSG fluid change cost?

[@BS-cg6px]

From my experience - i did it myself with the assembled kit from ECS for around $600 and got it done in 2 hours. My local audi dealership quoted me at $2,500 (75k mile service) which i couldnt even consider that so i did it myself

[@johnschauder]

I am 6'4"...I fit just fine in my B8.5 s4 but my head is above the headrest just a little.

[@spondev]

Did you run the 1/4 with the stage 1 tune? How much power did you make on stage 1

[@notfromhere6125]

034 Motorsport stage 1 is 430 HP.

[@ratspam7655]

7:28 Ride height? European requirements for" snow chains".

[@A-DUBCLUB]

It keeps up with most things on the road.. only until u come up against a true enthusiast baller then u get shredded and realise u need more power.. dw i been there b4 too

[@z28trance]

Had my 2011 S4 for 2 years and feeling the itch to mod it ...it’s all stock except for ported airbox and silicone upper tube ...should I do Stage 1 or stage 2 ???? want more power with louder SC whine

[@wezzil]

Stage 3 ultra-charger you get power along side with the sound

[@WMax-rm3ue]

If i do apr stage 2+, what do i have to mod the s4 to become reliable? Thx

[@MarcusVisuals]

How do you know if you have a DSG? I have 2014 S4 B8.5

[@mattkyle6968]

I’m having the same oil pressure switch issue on my 2015 audi a3, what did you do to fix it and how much did it cost?

[@mattkyle6968]

It only senses low oil pressure when the car is fully warmed up and is idling in either drive/reverse when stopped or in park

[@babyshottas44]

Hey I’m from MA and I own both a VW and an Audi and I would love one of those vw/Audi mirror hangers or whatever you call it lol. Please let me know if it’s possible for me to get or buy one.

[@mneste]

Has anyone done walnut blasting of the intake runners yet? This is a DI engine after all. Not looking forward to it though I have done it on my 335i before.

[@Lowkeystee]

This dude named tommy here on youtube has a video doing it i think.

[@Yama83]

fuel consumption how much is that in L/100km ??

[@AppleTutorialTV]

how much oil do you need to refill in 6k miles ?

[@ThePunisher4hire]

What is pulley ?sorry not familiar with it

[@vgrazzzyy]

i want to get an S5 but i'm so torn if I wanna actually get it or not. found one for a really good deal, i don't really make a lot of money but can afford payments on it. but for those services that cost like over 1k and say like a speaker goes bad in it if i get it, I definitely couldn't afford that stuff. i guess i just can't afford the car

[@demonator65]

V Grazz I have the same dilemma in a way. You know what they say, even if you find a $50k car for a good price, it was still meant for somebody with a $50k budget. Just eat ramen noodle and use your bar of soap until it’s a micro sd, buy the car. you’ll be fine 😹😹

[@Jordancapz]

Awesome video, BMW fan boys disliked this

[@ericmain30]

One question I have though is about brake flush. They suggested it at 30,000 miles and I declined since there aren’t any holes or leaks to let any impurities into the lines. Should I do it next time I go in for an oil change or is it not necessary.

[@Osheekuru]

Fluid(s) breaks down over time. It is recommended to get it replaced at scheduled maintenance intervals.

[@ericmain30]

Jack Bower damn chill out bröther

[@aerball]

@@ericmain30 HES JUST TRYING TO SAVE YOUR LIFE hahahaha

[@michaelboyd5864]

What was best mods and where is best place to get it

[@Flyingwalrus42]

Hahaha great review bro thanks

[@adamdar5121]

Hey man will I need to upgrade the breaks after a stage one remap ?

[@ElyciusM]

these brakes are quite strong, so you don't absolutely have to... but it never hurts. I had upgraded drilled and slotted rotors while the car was stock even.

[@Swatsrong30]

I have a 2018 b9 premium plus. Did anybody by the term protection?? They tried to sell it to me that it would save money down the road. It was $3000.

[@jonathaneinsig6112]

Ha! I dr drive my A4 on dirt, rocks and gravel everyday!lowering it would completely kill the underbelly and probably strike and oil leak immediately! Anyway imagine that these cars came from rally racing...

[@vladimirart758]

Americans and their cup holders LOL

[@samuelc6904]

👍👍👍

[@jeremielibraty7]

Bro my amp I bought and was installed for 120$ I bought a used one on eBay and had a whole fallout with audi in santa ana california

[@westmountainmotorsports]

Bruh u need a daily/beater that is a ton of miles in a short amount of time

[@loganshort1324]

Its really not that many miles for someone who has a decent distance for work and for someone who loves the car. I've put an average of 3500 miles a month on my truck over the last 2 1/2 years. No regrets and wouldn't buy a beater.

[@IgnitionTube]

I’ve thought about a beater but I love driving this car too much

[@Yaimdan]

@@IgnitionTube Get a beater. Preserve that beast. It deserves it.

[@danh2716]

Spend all your time in a crappy car just to admire the nicer car in the garage...? No thanks.

[@andrewp4220]

Contact me if you want to discuss distribution on merch....

[@Rob-dc8wi]

That’s a lot of problems! May give up my a4 around 70k miles

[@brennon6433]

Rob is this your first car?! This is nothing especially for a tuned car.

[@xoxoxar]

Its probably the 2.0T. That's exactly why. I would never touch one with a 10 foot pole.

[@HISHAM931]

sarina ss I got the 2.0T, got 43K miles. What sort of problems are you referring to?

[@Mike-fg5bz]

dont lower your car if you enjoy the stock feel, it will ruin the ride, audi engineered everything for a reason

[@mneste]

Car feels amazing on H&R Sport Coilovers. I was so surprised because I was expecting to be bouncing around everywhere. But it feels "stock", and not over the top.

[@culmerrninjanathan4624]

You are funny

[@Sinchronised]

my wrx was better than my s4 in the snow with the same tires tbh

[@nicmonson6466]

Sinchronised also no

[@nicmonson6466]

Sinchronised reason I doubt is because unless they were the same size and same inner circumference I doubt they would be different

[@4rings6]

Amazing, every word of what you just said... was wrong.

[@Sinchronised]

@@4rings6 lol youre entitled to your opinion. Bet youve never driven both in the same situation though or you wouldnt feel that way

[@mneste]

I've driven both a WRX and an S4 in the snow on all seasons and the S4 is way more composed. Largely due to its very intelligent traction control. The WRX is raw and you have to wrangle it to behave. Open diffs don't help though..

[@parkercreates2696]

jesus christ dude stop putting so many miles on this beauty :(

[@earyar57]

Dude. That's a FUCKLOAD of issues.