Top 5 things I HATE about my B5 AUDI S4...

Here are the top 5 things I dislike about my 2001 B5 AUDI S4. Now let me say I absolutely love these cars. There is something special about them that keeps me attached to it but, as any other vehicle on the road, there are issues and dislikes. Hope you enjoyed the video and don't forget to like and subscribe for more B5 and WRX content!

[@teedot1186]

The car is what you make it. These car definitely love preventive maintenance and definitely need someone who knows how to work on them. Once you figure that out you can definitely trust the car

[@markcarter9476]

I've owned my S4 Avant for 17 years and it's now covered 283k miles with no major issues. It's my daily drive, has never let me down and drives as well today as it did when I purchased it. However, I look after it, service it regularly and did an engine rebuild at 212k miles. The turbos were also rebuilt at this point and a H&R coilover suspension kit fitted. I invested roughly twice what the car was worth on these renovations but it was worth evert penny as the car rewards me on every drive.

[@teedot1186]

@@markcarter9476 good stuff man. I love ny car

[@teedot1186]

Yeah. I just got mine stage 1 tune today. It's like driving a whole another car. I don't see much beating me

[@ProjectCarTV]

Nice. I have an 05 Allroad. Garrett GT3076 turbos. 750hp.

[@2jzism]

@@ProjectCarTV any videos of it on the dyno?

[@wafi3187]

The reason engine is hanging in the front because of the way Quattro works, it’s a price you have to pay for having one of the best AWD system

[@-llalexll-7203]

Thats why b5s are the Best , never know what you’re gonna expect. I don’t even trust my stock b5 S4 with 105k, but I’ll love it to death

[@initialspeed]

I love my B5.

[@alanhinkel7179]

trust your seat belt.

[@AB-jo1pe]

You don’t need a short shift kit. You need the upgraded shifter bushings - a few sell them. It won’t ever be an S2000 (nothing else is even close tbh). It will completely transform things. For the climate control, take it out of auto mode. You’ll get a feel for rev matching the more and more you drive it. Takes a long while tbh. The trust comes solely from your work and prep. I trust mine implicitly- 162k and counting, and not stock.

[@nickgraham_]

I think my biggest issue with the rev matching is a switch of from the Audi to the wrx over the week. So I never end up getting used to it haha

[@oleksandrtrukhlinsky5349]

I’ve had mine for more than 3 years and I BEAT it hardcore and it out drives all my other cars

[@aukanmeister]

It's a Audi. They drive a little "soft". I never liked that either. The newer ones are better, but the older ones were like that from new. I think you are pretty spot on with your points here. The reliability can be good if they are not tuned to death and you keep on top of known issues. The B5 is 20 years old now, so plastics becomes brittle and rubber give in after a while as well. That kind of add to the list. Please wear your seatbelt, man. (I know. I sound like a dad, but that's because I am) It costs nothing.

[@ItsTheNada]

I had a B5 A4, sold it, got sad, bought a B5 S4. So glad I did. It shifts like a truck. Love it. Handling is like a Porsche in reverse. Love it. I don't have your same climate control probs. Love it. It's a weird car but it's so danged fun. The thing I agree with you on is the trust. I don't trust this car any farther than I can throw it. Not until I do a full engine rebuild on it. Every time I drive it, part of the thrill is making it back home lol. If you have another car to drive while this one is down AND you know how to turn a wrench... this car is perfectly fine. If you don't know anything about cars and think this will be your daily... get a Camry instead. After 4 years, I'm trusting mine more, but that's because I've replaced so many parts, I'm running out of crap to replace short of an engine swap.

[@elev8j10]

Good coilovers, 034 rear sway, and Adjustable upper control arms help a lot with the handling. A good short shift or oem plus kit makes a big difference on how the shifting feels. Sucks these issues are even there but it wasnt made to be a track car. It was more of an autobahn killer. These have their faults but when a B5 is built well they will always put a smile on your face.

[@andygangsta]

You have to rev soooo much to downshift in b5's. So glad you said it😂

[@joshuawilcox1322]

Even in A4's it took me by surprise when I first got mine

[@Spykezirkov]

Hi! quick tip, when you fill up gas, you can put the fuel cap in the small door, so you dont need to use your trunk as a table lll, i use it all the time in my A6 4F ;)

[@nickgraham_]

Always learning something new haha. Thanks for the tip!

[@jeffskillman9275]

Good video which I really enjoyed. I've had 5 B5s now, 1.8T 1.8TQS, S4 saloon, S4 Estate (station wagon) and currently an RS4 Quattro. Forward mounted engine is due to the quattro drive chain which far outweighs any handling issue in my opinion (in the wet an M3 would spin off long before the Audi approached its limits, so its a compromise). I have no issues with the gear lever position, engine matching or confidence in the car whatsoever. However, I do agree with you on climate control which has a mind of its own. The original B5 still remains the best looking and overall package for a luxury compact.

[@dkoch2620]

Number 6: Using the belt :D

[@jaypers232]

This is very true - fellow B5 S4 owner. The list should be six and cup holders should be on the list - as I see your coffee is currently under the arm rest 😂

[@nickgraham_]

Haha yeah I put it there so I don’t break the one above the radio haha. Mine still magically works

[@markcarter9476]

Thanks for posting this, really enjoyed hearing your experiences with your S4 B5. Regarding the ventilation issues, I suspect you have a faulty HVAC unit or possibly a faulty temperature sender. Both are easy and cheap to replace. Completely agree about the gear stick operation. It does not like to be hurried and there was always a clunk in the drive train unless you were very, very gentle. I upgraded my snub mount and engine mounts to 034 units which made a big difference to the drivetrain shunt. I also fitted a JHM short shifter which made a difference, but it still falls well short of being a slick shift. I don't completely agree on the understeer, it is certainly a lot better than the S2 Coupe I ran in the 90's but perhaps, being considerably younger than myself, you drive in a more spirited manor than I do. I have also fitted a dedicated H&R coil over kit. The OEM shocks were well past their useful life when I replaced them at 212k miles. This has transformed the stance and handling. One word of caution, upgrades are fine but they will alter the feel of the car and possibly move it away from what you love about driving your S4. Keep enjoying your S4 for what it is.

[@nickgraham_]

Hell yeah man! Thanks for taking the time to write that!

[@zacharyunderwood3792]

I got a B5 S4 for over 12 years, love these things. Good video man, don't stop keep it up

[@nickgraham_]

thanks for the motivation man! i dont plan on stopping ive just been very busy at work lately

[@baggedr32mk5]

The car’s are 20+ yrs old now,you buy one knowing it’s not a modern reliable turn key car 👍🏻

[@Revmatchmedia]

Preach! It takes a lot of time, effort, energy, and money to keep an older euro going.

[@donnieb390]

You are pretty spot on with these top 5 lol. I definitely HATE the handling of the front end heaviness. That is the worst IMO. NIce channel, just found it. Goodluck and will be tuning in. Take care

[@nickgraham_]

Thanks man!

[@khojiakbardilmurodov1182]

That premium gas for only 2.99 😢. Good old times

[@gratefulyaug3403]

B5 for life. I got a 2001 and I love it. My most favorite car I have ever owned that's why I keep dumping money into it.

[@Miller80]

ye man i never expected b5 to be so much fun, now i own 2 of em. 1.9 tdi pd 116hp with 285 ntorque fun as hell. and a 2.4v6 quattro

[@wokeben]

Just put in the JHM short throw shifter last week and I’m pretty sure I bought it for $285.. took a couple hours and was pretty easy to install with their video. Not super short between gears but probably 1/3 to 1/2 distance of OEM

[@alexviggio]

Second this recommendation. Have had a JHM in my RS6’d B5 sedan for 10+ years and it has been solid. Also have a stock B5 Avant with the factory shifter... keep meaning to upgrade but busy with life and other hobbies. Every time I drive the RS6 car am reminded how the JHM will probably be my first mod for the Avant.

[@jakegreen8074]

I think he said the trio, which is the shirt shift and solid linkage and the bushings that come with the short shift, solid linkage I heard does more to the feel than the short shift, idk though havent ran mine yet, trans is still on the bench lol

[@viaromabandit5051]

Dude, all us Audi owner’s already know why we hate/love them. I’ve driven them for 20 years so....welcome to the “Party” 🙄

[@UXMusicc]

Lmao "Party", I was invited, but I've been pitching it alot for refreshments 🤣. Fun in here though

[@sai030188]

True

[@sreed_]

Amazing quality on these videos. Keep it up I love it.

[@nickgraham_]

Thanks man! Very much appreciated!

[@mattd.4644]

Have an ‘01 B5 S4 currently siting at 190k. Stage 2. It’s a ticking time bomb.

[@nickgraham_]

nah man. slap some rs6 hybrids on it and send it lol

[@paulford4999]

I love b5s and have had 3. The things I hate are how high the stock seats sit and gas pedal position is too low it should have been even with the other pedals. Other than those I love a lot of it’s quirks

[@nickgraham_]

Now that you mention the seats. My girlfriend and I were literally just talking about how high up the seats are haha. It almost gives a truck like feel if you think about it enough while driving. Im thinking of getting some Recaro seats since my drivers seat has seen better days lol

[@bigbootyanime3630]

@@nickgraham_ braum racing better bang for your buck plus they sell a seat that almost looks oe

[@nickgraham_]

@@bigbootyanime3630 very true I have a set in my wrx

[@bigbootyanime3630]

@@nickgraham_ oh nice but you still want recaro?

[@Manu-Official]

Where's your seat belt?

[@connorkehoe3870]

Dude, great video! Loved it

[@nickgraham_]

Hey thanks man! I appreciate it!

[@adamspicer2925]

First thing is when you fuel your car up ... put the gas cap on the top of the fuel door if you truly know your vw/audi from that area .... you dont throw it up on the back deck ....

[@nickgraham_]

I’m aware of the feature. However my gas cap is aftermarket so I’m not able to hang it on the gas door

[@neilmcmahon]

The aircon is set to 'auto' it's much more intelligent than you give it credit for. If you don't want it changing, set it to manual fan.

[@v0lts]

exactly, this guy probably sets the temp to the "HI" setting then wonders why it feels like a sauna in there and why the car wants to keep warming it up in auto mode... guess b5's don't come with common sense included

[@dtcy1229]

Dope ass content brother, keep it up. For a new ass channel you're doin so good, love to see it.

[@Vic-E.]

Dude... Audi used that layout (it's an "inverted" 911 in a way) since the 80s and won many races with it, both on the gravel and on the track. It's an inherently understeering layout, but that doesn't mean it can't be driven fast, adjusting your driving technique (and maybe modifying stock chassis settings). Having said that, in my opinion there are cars more pleasant to drive, especially in the dry.

[@nickgraham_]

For sure. I knows it’s capabilities. It’s just compared to other chassis. It’s not great lol

[@JoseRamirez-em7zp]

I have an S4 and I love this car im a mechanic the parts are expensive for this car but this car is fast

[@denseljosephs9500]

adjustable rear anti roll bar will dial out the understeer

[@TheRealDonnyB]

quality content right here

[@kaleseinen5777]

Is this exhaust stock or?? i wouldnt think so but wanna know what you did too it

[@akurzic6934]

Seatbelt man

[@jakobaganon10]

love the content.

[@waseemal3951]

nice video, what exhaust do you have?

[@nickgraham_]

it is a single 3 inch v band with a resonator in the center section. also have catless rs6 downpipes

[@alexanderpapii4866]

Gas cap on the car is a nono use the gas door cap hanger

[@dedbeet5845]

That wood trim though? Ewww. Go get the carbon fiber trim kit. Shifter is very unfortunate, very true. And the JHM kit is still worth the $500 for the improvement. And funny you had the exact opposite experience of mine with the WRX/STI world vs B5S4.

[@iesu-touge]

nice car! whats your wheel size/specs

[@initialspeed]

Yeah, another Audi KZbinr !! Come see mine.😁 They are fun cars but everyone has their own opinions. Hope this one treat you right.👍🏾

[@fmchayabusa]

This is my dream car along side s2 90 coupe

[@barfly246]

i upgraded to a TTV billet aluminum flywheel.. easy to rev match for me, maybe its in the tune.. idk.. mine is on Beadle juice too

[@nickgraham_]

When i installed the new turbos i upgraded to a light weight single mass flywheel and a new tune from German elite tuning. Its still noticeable. Maybe it is better than stock but Im not sure haha ive never felt one with an oem flywheel

[@maxgnewman]

Hey man im really leaning towards b5 s4 for a first car something cheap and able to plow through snow. Anyway man how much hp does ur b5 make?

[@spo0kers233]

trust me just get an A4Q and tune it, the S4 is not a cheap car

[@i_run_far1132]

#6 it doesn’t have a seatbelt.

[@DerKaktusAvant]

I have a avant, the weight distribution is slightly better. Yes it does understeer, but you have to drive it in a different way. Let me tell you that the S4 handles so much better in the wet than my E46 does.

[@LostLk2hi]

Or a Celica All Trac but it goes too fast for anyone who has to see if speedo can be pinned. Later it burned to ground. Got to agree with posts below with emphasis on mech skills. Mine tend to suk ergo 98 A4 B5 TQ near San Jose, CA. 1500usd ObO.

[@superwy9436]

Bruh 93 was 3 bucks two years ago that’s crazy

[@austinwebbcreative]

This was a perfect list. I related to the climate control so much 😂 love the video man!

[@nickgraham_]

Thanks man! I appreciate it!

[@gussyhedge4227]

I got a b5 when I release the clutch the car doesn't stall in any gear it stay running

[@CassRB]

nice vid nick

[@robg8578]

Many ways to combat the understeer. Also I’m pretty sure there was a top gear video and the Audi was still getting faster times on track.

[@CoupeAudi1990]

I really hate these videos about ruining Audi s4 b5. Nice car but i hate when people talks shit about it. If you tune it like 400-500hp. Ofc it's not reliable, if you don't do it right.. Yeah it is nice to put k04 there but after your boost goes like 0.8 to 2.0 it will brake your turbo hoses etc.

[@ryanwiltgen9572]

Oh yeah the rev match on my Audi 90 I swear I have to hold the gas for like two hours

[@god-jy1sr]

Back when 93 Octane was cheap wow.

[@600dowg]

I got a audi a4 b5 1.8t what type of clutch should I use

[@titurostas2598]

Turn the temperature lower for ur blower speed not to go up

[@zackmardin1092]

What do you have for an exhaust system? I got a 1999 a4

[@luislanda2228]

Shifter!! JHM trio package is awesome i am sure i own an S2000 there is 20 things that i will hate

[@luislanda2228]

STI and Lancer EVO have the same problem with the engine in front of the axels. I love my stage 3 clutch kit from JHM with LWF i love how rev match is so easy. I abuse my car and it never breaks. I mean what do you expect from a late 90s tec if you go back to 1999 wen came out it was one of the best maybe you need an S2000 were power is at 5k+rpm.

[@rusgnev]

@@luislanda2228 bullshit. now cars are bored

[@s.l5677]

Nice!

[@TopSecretVid]

the shifter is a VW Audi thing...its just the way it is...They have always been that way.

[@ss_rell5513]

Bro I stay in Rockford,Illinois..You close...Down to vlog with fellowe b5er

[@nickgraham_]

Hell yeah brotha!

[@ss_rell5513]

whats your fb or instagram username bro?!?

[@nickgraham_]

@@ss_rell5513 IG - Nickgraham_

[@initialspeed]

Wish we were closer. I would love to get in on that.😁

[@devereuxsautodetailing6115]

do you have blakes information so i can get a tune from him?

[@nickgraham_]

I don’t I went with brad. Previous owner went with Blake

[@janselnivar1929]

I have a jhm short shifter on my b5 and I love it more then the one on my f80 m3

[@g-track5065]

I put so much money and mods on it I'm scared to punch it. Salisbury Maryland needs better Audi shops!!!

[@nickgraham_]

exactly man! someone understands lol. last thing i want to do is take the front clip off again haha

[@g-track5065]

@@nickgraham_ Damn Right

[@TopSecretVid]

Dude...this is a sedan..meant for highway cruising..deal with it. You should know what you are buying before you buy it.

[@nickgraham_]

Lol. An s class is meant from cruising on a highway. They didn’t put a twin turbo v6 6 speed manual in a b5 s4 to cruise down the highway come on now😂 I’m very aware of what I buy hence why I bought it

[@easycomeeasygo8901]

I was sure you were gonna complain about different things. The B5 S4 has many short comings for being a 55k car back in 01, like no memory driver seat and a crappy radio. My complaints: parts in this car just don't seem to last. Example: Wheel bearings, Front control arms, and tires Parts are so damn expensive for this car Brakes are way undersized The Bose stereo is one of the worst sounding radios I ever heard. Absolutely no bass. Constant cel it seems Power steering rack will likely need to be changed under your ownership For being a 2.7 v6 only with only 250hp it gets terrible mileage. 15 to 16 city 20 to 22 highway. Car has to be really dissembled for most work. If you do not work on your own vehicles and you are not very deep pocketed this is a terrible car to own.It will break you financially. But for some reason I keep fixing it Something about the car My girls 01 6spd s4 has stock ko3s with stock clutch at 202k on apr tune for past 80k mi..... knock on wood. She definitely doesn't beat it. I on the other hand usually never not beat it, lol. So I did a big turbo 1.8t stroker. Maybe I'll make a channel one day. Never noticed issue with climate control If your used to cable throttle bodies then u will need to get used to this dbw. Other wise rev match isn't terrible. What u should be more worried about is you 1-2 shift collar 🤣 $$$$. Other wise u can get used to the shifter. I have coilovers and upgraded swaybars, world of a difference. You can always do a 4:1 and lsd It's a daily for her. I daily my BAT A4 and I have a trusty 260k pickup for when the audis take turns on jack stands 🤣😂🤣. It's the B5 life, lol.

[@boogerman1]

no seatbelt naughty naughty

[@joesteele581]

I agree with most but I drive the shit out of them. I trust them

[@TYRONEMCQUEENTV]

I hear flames lol

[@carcrxsh]

Lol with my 1.8 na the climate control is either off or on full blast. No inbetween😂

[@nickgraham_]

😂

[@naxcvanbak5357]

AUDI💪💪

[@thesolojourney8955]

Best day is buying one and best day is selling one hahahahahahahah The modding and maintaining ate my wallet alive! B5 S4 is a expensive hobby especially if your goal is 550-750WHP

[@TheMasterHackUS]

Every Euro Car creates trust issues

[@GXrA71]

U cant do a video like this dude... u cant hate the s4 b5 D:

[@slmda4]

Apparently you hate seatbelts

[@shahzaddarell1641]

My b5 is verry good, no problem att all

[@morganhill02]

3$ for 93 oml

[@haroldhaynesiii]

I'll take it ....WTF

[@bygxhaikal156]

😀😃😄😁😆😅🤣😂🙃

[@truet608]

watching sub 3$ 93 octane gas in 2022 is insane- 4.99$ for 92 octane where i’m at 🥲