Audi RS4 B7 the LeGeNd! Is it getting old now? " Maintenance " after 16 years

Welcome to our channel,
in this video Ill be working on the legendary Audi RS4 B7 with 4.2 V8 engine. These engines are known for good reliability but even these can end up in our workshop. The car was recovered because of bad idle and incorrect correlation fault code was shown in VCDS. So before we do expensive repairs I done so basic checks and this is how it ends up ....
Thank you for watching.
In case you want to get in touch with us go to our web www.vagtechnic.uk
music by Infraction - No Copyright Music

[@markcarter9476]

£10k is a lot to drop on a 17 year old car. However, once all the work it done the car will be transformed and good to go for many years. Personally, I prefer investing in maintenance rather than suffering from depreciation.

[@JamesGadbury]

Just had a big reply wiped out by an advert. Bastards. I'll try again... I like your perspective. That's some sort of bangernomics principle that works for me. I tend to buy old, looked after cars when 10 years old. Stuff people might assume is about to implode or they're lured by 'new and shiny = better'. Each to their own though, we all have different tastes and requirements. But for the enthusiast, it's worth it, especially if you're not reliant on the one, old vehicle for daily transport. I've got two old ones that I rotate 😂 I like doing the work myself, fitting quality parts, knowing what's been done. It's a hobby. I get people just want a reliable vehicle for A to B, so they go new or nearly new. A quality car that's well designed and maintained can go on and on and on, and offer something different to the new. My Audi 90 20v is testament to that. At this point, I think the RS4 B7 is probably at the cheapest it'll be (at 17 years old), but what a car. It's likely to start appreciating soon, or at least hold it's value imho.

[@sleish85]

You truly are a genuine honest hard working mechanic. All the best 👍its hard to find ppl like you now a days.

[@charlenepoole8576]

I'll support you there pal .......thumbs up

[@peterarries7879]

So pleased you guy's are back on the channel, missed your content massively 👏🏽👏🏽

[@manxman8008]

legendary for failing early - built-in obsolescence - cheaper cars last longer - keeps you in work and you are a top technician

[@BenDeSwert666]

You're absolutely right. The B7 is a beautiful generation 👌🏻

[@clumhain]

I tell you if i was in the market for an rs4B7 and you posted this one up for sale after all the work you are doing it would be a no brainer! Anything of that age not worked on is going to present bills, not all at the same time but certainly adding up to that in a year or two. To have one sorted so completely is worth a premium price IMHO. Great vid as usual!

[@scottcook7203]

As a B7 RS4 owner this gave me nightmares 😬

[@mfordy1056]

Great video and glad you are back online. Certainly an eye opener to how quickly the costs can spiral and that even with the prices reasonably firm for a good RS4 B7, that £10k going into the car is going to be a decision of the heart rather than recouping that outlay in the short to medium term.

[@v6cosworth167]

Lesson learned here, when you buy cars like this make sure you have another 20 to 30 grand behind you just in case this happens, love these cars though and the sound, great vid 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@cjb8993]

I have a '12, S4 that is stage 2+ APR. Vossen Wheels, APR Big Brake kit up front, full H&R coil over racing suspension, sway bars front and rear, Armytrix exhaust, Enlais rear splitter, it's a show stopper! I've got 62K miles on it, it's been pampered and somewhat of a garage princess. Now that my son is turning 16 in a couple of weeks, I'm handing him my daily, a stage 2 Golf R, so I'll be reunited with my B8. So funny that when I get in the car, at 11 years old, everyone thinks it's a new car!

[@SergeiArkadjevich]

Thank you for announcing the prices so it will help other people to se how much things are cost before they make the decision on any purchase or repair of the car . People just think it's all easy and cheap That's why broken car is woth that much and good car that much Or how costly it will run you if you don't do it by the book.. Thank you for you videos

[@user-ul4wy2lx2m]

I always liked this car and it’s on my list to own one day . We do have this 4.2 in our weekend ride and it sounds great 👍.

[@chrisdunham6119]

Great video. Also worth doing the gaskets on the oil filter housing as they are known for going and it's a big job for 2 simple seals

[@ast6537]

I get this question off customers all the time is it worth doing? Well would you rather spend £1200 on a car you know or pull £7000 to £10000 out of your pocket on a second hand car you know nothing about, that's your choice not mine, I can only give you my honest opinion on your car, and yes sometimes it's not worth it and I advise people that your gonna spend more than the car is worth but sometimes better the devil you know 👍

[@HookerJoeFire]

You guys need to fab up a dolly that pins into the the frame where the crash bar goes. That way if it's on the lift you can put the dolly on and wheel it off to free the lift and allow for the owners to make up their minds! We here in Freedom Town USA are jealous that Europe never shared their RS Avants on a regular basis. I hope they keep this car and opt for all the repairs.

[@FPV-TV419]

This man is a genius! After I removed about 5 bolts I'd never remember how to put it back together lol

[@DUMPSMAN]

Nice job ! For sure the b7 is a legendary car and it should be a classic audi sport car on a near future. But as a rs4 b7 owner, I can confirm that in term of cost, this car is a nightmare ! Spare parts prices Increased a lot on the two last years, a lot of parts are only available as a genuine (€€€+) or out of stock and not all the shops are able or want to work on it. If you want to buy an rs4 b7, please plan to put mini 1,5/2k€ per years just to keep it alive. And cross your fingers to not have serious issues. I really love mine, but the ratio cost/pleasure is not really good as soon as the car starts to have more than 60000 miles ( 100000km) carbon cleaning, injectors, pcv, HP fuel pump, DRC, front axe, clutch, etc… 😢

[@kiordanov]

Absolutely agree with this. I just picked one up 3 months ago. It's spent 2 of those in the shop. Not only is it expensive (I'm looking at a 3k bill for a new TB and some other minor things) but parts are hard to find and take forever to get delivered. Good thing this isn't my daily driver. I have maintenance records from the previous owner. It's been between 2-6k (Swiss francs) almost every year for the last 5 years and it's only on 100k kilometers. The DRC was done but the rest was all relatively minor/routine stuff. I read people say that there are only a few big-ticket items on these cars but I disagree. No matter what you do on this car it will be at least a grand. I was fortunate to acquire it at about 50% of current market prices so I have room for some maintenance costs but otherwise no way..

[@charlenepoole8576]

Tremendous skills and strength

[@Mark.D.H.]

In awe of your skills and patience. I would expect age related suspension issues etc, but for a timing chain to fail at only 60k miles is appalling.

[@ozzierabbit587]

Not only the timing chain, but all the other damage to the engine so soon is disappointing.

[@ikess1]

I've had one of these beauties for years 20k or so miles and I've spent 10k on fuel . Yup 10 ! Everyone must remember this is a pretty much a R8 with a different body . Honestly buy one they are quite amazing amazing things .The engine is absolutely epic

[@cjlomax2156]

Wow - you guys do fantastic work. I already figured 10K after the zero compression on bank1. I would get it all done - take a loan drive it for 80K miles - then sell. It's a classic. Hopefully the owner can get it all sorted and free up your bay! :)

[@MyASMaRk]

I would love an RS4, but this is what puts me off. One day the dream car turns into a nightmare because a £20 nylon timing chain guide snaps and costs £10K to put right. My only thought; buy the car and fit a brand new timing chain kit and intake manifold kit as a preventitive measure asap.

[@sebastianlorenzo4935]

You guys have some of the best background music. Great content once again. Glad you’re back. Break the internet 😆

[@FrenchSmitty]

You are absolutely right! A beautiful car when compared to what’s on the road today. It has all the right features, unfortunately it’s not the most dependable car on the road. But watching you work on these vehicles and engines more precisely is amazing! Good to see you making videos again! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@ollok2496]

This was exactly the same tenor when this model came out 2005/06…

[@mugellooyster]

Mine has yet to leave me stranded on the side of the road. 216000km (80k by me). Preventative maintenance is key. It was an expensive car to buy once upon a time, so of course, maintenance costs will match. Saying it's an indepenable car really isn't doing it justice. It's a peach!

[@Chris_Panigale85]

I’m a huge fan of the RS4 B7 generation! Great video!!

[@williamtelfer9835]

Tell the owner I’ll give him 5 k as it is and gladly give you the 10 k to fix it up 😊 you are a master with these motors and to think I take my s3 to a main dealer 😢😢

[@Spaceman6400-]

“These engines are indestructable” - takes out engine, engine is destroyed. 😅 sorry, i love Audi, my father worked for Audi for 40 years, but it seems these special models are insanely expensive to keep running. 60k Miles are not even that much, and the engine is toast. Sad. Such a sweet car, deffo a legend. Was it not maintained properly? Thanks for a awesome channel

[@JC_46]

More often than not, the lower mileage cars that have spent a lot of their lives sat and unused, encounter more issues

[@hamie63_m]

Legendary car. Best V8 sedan sound ever

[@Nyx_88888]

DRC is really special esp for a street car this car rides like no other, I had one for a couple years

[@thebrownthomascrown917]

Yup awesome car...I had the 07' B7 S4 Cabriolet....simply amazing. Sold it before the timing chain could blow up tho!

[@Nyx_88888]

one of the smoothest shifting cars ever, just unreal

[@GRfourfun]

Great video and I really do admire your expertise. Really can’t get over the money that needs spending. I looked at these before I bought a Lexus ISF with the 2UR-GSE 5.0 V8, 417bhp. Besides wear and tear nothing went wrong in 5 years and nothing does go wrong especially to this extent at 60k! Plus these coke up too and you end up down on power. I know you work on these because they constantly break and it’s work for you but it’s not great reliability is it. Plus do the owners actually research these cars.

[@maxim_muravjov]

The best car ever made!!! Waiting for the video

[@RSTHOR13]

I have one and as long as you take care of it, it’ll be ok… got mine at 40,000 miles and now has 114k and it still runs good. Can’t baby it all the time. Engine needs needs to be breath hard at times. Hopeful nothing like that happens. If so , I’d fix it and keep driving it 😂

[@speedshed]

Have you specific advice for other owners when you say “take care of it” as your experience of having it from 40k mls to 114k currently sounds great.

[@Why_not_not]

Great video if not slightly anxiety inducing being an fortunate owner of a B8 RS4… fingers crossed is all I can say!

[@frankalarcon635]

I guess the repairs could be done separately to spread the costs out.. like do the engine etc first and then the suspension etc. But it makes sense to do it all as the car is apart now.

[@99andrianmonk]

Very interesting. Great video. Too nice of a car not to do what has to be done. Hope the owner follows through. Or, is this a chance for you to get a car you really like at a huge discount?

[@KevinThomas-kxtphotography]

Good to see you guys, Audi university resumes 👍👍👍

[@VWmaintenance]

best vw channel on youtube

[@ryanstewart3534]

B5 s4 avant for me 🤙love your content

[@chrispy104k]

Man you guys are so thorough. That's about $19000 AU plus. Oooooeeeee, that's a big hit but then European cars are pricey to fix especially over here in Oz. I have a 2008 BMW 135i which requires some engine work (oil leaks, decarbon intake ports etc etc) and although I could do most of it myself I can't be arsed at my age (70) so will get it done for me. I plan on keeping it because it has only 66,000km on the clock and it in otherwise mint condition. Decisions decisions decisions....

[@VAGTechnic]

Always … Oz land is far away from Europe that’s why the prices

[@Dmab2007]

Glad ya back boys. If they can’t afford to maintain it people shouldn’t buy it.

[@thinker009]

Hm, 100k km, great engine... Great work from you!

[@harisbuza8862]

Would a bore scope have been a better idea right from the start? Would have seen the valve marks on the pistons?

[@VAGTechnic]

And than ? 😀

[@letnimedved]

Zdravim z Manchesteru.

[@matthewpokora336]

Love these videos guys! I have a C7 RS6 and I'm terrified I might have one of these kinds of repair bills so I'm trying my best to look after it the best I can 😂 you guys seem like very honest and hard working chaps! Keep up the great work

[@VAGTechnic]

Thanks , so you won’t be very happy to tell you there are two videos going out with RS6 C7 😀

[@matthewpokora336]

@@VAGTechnic well s**t 😂 BUT, I'm really excited to see the videos!

[@tonymcnamara9368]

After watching other videos, with similar timing issues, my guess, was timing adjuster broken. 10k is hell of a lot to spend in one go, but, if the owner decides to go ahead, then everything's done, and the car will have a new lease of life. These vehicles are money pits IF they're not well maintained from the start. Personally, I would only buy one, if it was from new, but that ain't happening any time soon.

[@wk5020]

Great looking shop, congratulations!

[@Johnny16781]

Big Expensive job Glad to see you back 😀🥲🥲

[@classiccarssp]

That RS4 had a hard life... 60k original miles? I doubt it

[@seantreacy6000]

Great video guys.would have thought owner would have known it could cost thousands.wish you were closer to me to look after mine

[@Rol1Co]

Great car and one day i will have one too like you, S4 b7 it is for now, not really a punishment. 😊

[@charlenepoole8576]

Genius man 😊

[@Jirkasana]

perfect chill music and of courseee work..thumbs up!

[@GoWstingray]

Why don't you offer him a fair price for it if you want one? at least you can do it on the side without labour costs and it would be a cheap entry point.

[@frankalarcon635]

Good to see you're back online! Wow what a car and what a repair bill! You would want to fix and keep the car but obviously it's not always that straight forward. Surprised about the chain guides breaking?! I thought that tended to happen in the S4 with the plastic guides as the RS has metal guides?

[@getthecansin]

Useless cars ffs ,totally unreliable.......built in obsolence, never buy volkswagen Useless piles of junk 😂😂😂

[@kwkwwkwkwkw]

don’t have an audi but like watching repairs. Get a lexus people won’t be disappointed

[@MrJonah30]

Great to have ye back missed ye and your content guys

[@lons5472]

Its crazy how much these cost now, was considering it until I saw the sales prices, guess I'll go to option #2 (SQ5). Nice content though.

[@onewheelnut]

Great video, excellent edit an B roll, Best thing you could do is offer to take off his hands for sensible amount of cash , Then build yourself the car you always wanted. Oh, one more thing say hi to shop dog.

[@stevenkerry3101]

great video and glad to see you back again .

[@psilocybe4623]

ilove your way of work, explanations

[@egemenkavuncu494]

Im automechanic too if only i have chance work with you ^^ From Turkey i've always wanted to repair v6-v8 etc. :))

[@mic437]

keep them coming luv all your vlogs

[@Vadmagyarpanda]

I want to work in your Workshop! It will be my dream Job! ❤

[@rich6871]

Very cool and interesting 👍🏻

[@ykruH]

I have a RS4 B7 from 2008 as well and those things drive me crazy to think about :D ... Does it make sense to pull the engine and change all the chain tensioners as a preventive measure ? It will be a lot of labor already , but it will be far less expensive than doing a full head rebuild like in this case .... Thanks for this nice video !

[@leanderkolen]

This is a great video. I'm subscribed and can't wait for more videos! I have a weakness for the RS4 B7, but kind of shocked how much it all costs.

[@Saltcodnewfie]

I even love your music selection 👌

[@cinderbleh]

great video! it's too bad we did not get the Avant B7 RS4 in the US.

[@JC_46]

The saloon is better ;) it’s even more of a shame that you didn’t get the wingbacks and flat bottom steering wheel

[@N-Sch]

23:52 I had to stop the video after hearing the cost ...

[@Ben-in6qh]

You are Audi Jesus

[@makobenitez4689]

Waiting for the video. Esperando el video.

[@londonman8688]

love this car

[@TheEryk03]

Still one of my favorites cars. B7 have something in it.

[@bobanppvc]

Its what would look like if adidas made car

[@TheEryk03]

@@bobanppvc ?

[@aileronsintowind6835]

60k on that engine and it’s in that state internally 😢 Man I’d be absolutely gutted. Took my Saab 9.3 turbo down the auto bahn a few years ago at 119,000 miles and topped out at 150mph with no issues at all. Wales to Germany and back. Not a single blip and I paid £750 for that car back in 2015 and it had 80k on it then. They just don’t make motors like that these days

[@JC_46]

Often, the lower mileage cars that spend a lot of their lives sat, have more issues.

[@f.k.3762]

Glad you're back with great content again

[@theoracle2877]

Why do people love a car that has such serious expensive to fix design floors is beyond comprehension !!

[@Kocaczech]

Pěkný video, jako vždy ;)

[@gordonnesbitt2407]

Fantastic video pity about the music it should have been Rammstein lol

[@VAGTechnic]

😀 copyright claim

[@speedshed]

Have you a top preventative tip for other RS owners to try and avoid this issue, any tell tale sounds or engine issues to be aware of pre-failure? I have the 2015 RS5 version and am hoping they improved the quality of these plastic chain tensioners over the 9 year that passed between the manufacture of my b8.5 and the 2006 RS4 in your video.

[@johan-zs8nc]

Seems at the beginning you were praising the engine and how it “lasts forever”, but really, you actually proved it’s only good for 60k at a time 😂

[@VAGTechnic]

if man die on bike , everyone will die riding them?

[@johan-zs8nc]

@@VAGTechnic of course!

[@Rol1Co]

Time and low mileage is also the issue here, plastic parts become brittle.

[@bayleaf2366]

Great video really enjoyed this , yes I think it has worn well and future classic May I ask a question that I have asked at least more 30 times nobody can answer What is the part number for throttle body plug cover , audi can’t even answer this , please please , can you Help

[@VAGTechnic]

Very hard question

[@bayleaf2366]

That’s probably why nobody can answer it I had the throttle body looked at ,and the guy lost the cover of the plug Audi can only see diagram of harness but can’t determine which plug cover it is Really need someone with one ,and take a look and put me out of my misery I don’t know why I am getting so worked up at for a plug cover at less than tenner after spending 4k to remedy my problem Good news is the Rs4 is running faultless Thanks for your reply and time Enrico

[@ianwarriner8193]

I've always thought if I ever have a reasonable win on the lottery I'd buy a bt rs4 😂 not sure now 😮

[@Christian-rj2yc]

I admire your work!

[@118CustomDiecastModelCars]

Time to make an offer to the owner, and your dream will come true !

[@VAGTechnic]

Different priorities atm , one day … 😀

[@mwest3583]

Is it "worth it" is a very subjective question. It's not worth it if your idea of car ownership is getting the most resale value out of the money you put in. It's worth it if you love the car and it's unique enough to hold onto. I've got an RS4 getting into its heavy maintenance years. If things go bad and I get say a $10k repair bill I have a decision to make. Am I going to do it and keep this car I love and suits all my needs? Or am i going to ditch it for parts and spend 4-5 times as much money for something else on par for quality and perfomance? I'm personally going to maintain this car. If the car is just a commodity then I'm not going to want to spend that much money, but this car isn't just a commodity. It's classic that will continue to be an amazing car into old age. I don't need new and I don't want new car payments when I'm 100% happy with car I've got.

[@scorpiongetoverhere1025]

Wow I love your content! Keep it up! I have a question , I removed the air box from mine but I can’t seem to fit it back in especially trying to attach the horn flap back onto the lower part of the air box while trying to manipulate into its place, I’m thinking I have to take the bumper off and headlight to wiggle it back into place! Any help would be appreciated !

[@b_the_lone_wolf]

Bravo! Skills! Keep up the great work!

[@FPVForLife]

Direct injection has only one plus. Slightly better fuel efficiency and emissions.

[@TheMhunk]

Wanted to keep DRC, but brand new are not sold at Audi anymore.

[@gianfrancoa]

For the Audi audience here, is there any modern Audi engine that is reliable? It seems the 2 litre has a lot issues with timing and oil burning, the V8 seems has issues as well, any good left?

[@VAGTechnic]

EA839 are cool

Just buy a Lexus, the LC is a masterpiece, way above any German engineering and they indestructible.

[@taner3142]

I want to buy rs4 2007 with 150 km. Can you give some advice for the issues to look for?

[@themalewhale59]

Ticking time bomb. Just a gamble for an owner if it goes bang on his ticket. I could never justify the risk. 😢

[@user-wj6zs7uq6l]

The valve can't be cleaned, the flaps can break and go in the Engine and break the Engine etc etc, If that is the best Engine ever made from Audi, what can we say for the other motors of Audi?

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

I always say Milage.on these cars don't mean a lot, 60k on that car and engine went out, I got 160k on mine, and runs strong..... thing happen, well I wonder if he fixed the car or not, IF he did, no reason to sell it anymore

[@Audifans555]

Good channel mate

[@miceinoz1181]

Surprised you would not put a boroscope down the plug holes to see if the intake valves are seating (I have a cheap boroscope that has 3 lenses, one at right angles). Now I own a couple of BMW X5 diesels myself, but looking at this Audi I would put this brand in the same class, i.e. you only buy these cars if you are really rich or if you can fix and maintain them yourself (and I am not anywhere close to being rich). Parts are bad enough, but labour is the killer.

[@VAGTechnic]

What would I see ?

[@miceinoz1181]

@@VAGTechnic Fron a 90 degree viewer I can see if valves are fully closed. Doesnt matter I suppose, you have confirmed your suspicions later on.

[@JC_46]

I’m not rich and I own one!

[@mzeds8160]

Dope car

[@ironmantooltime]

Repeat after me: Audi 4.2 v8? No Thanks Mate! Engine Outtttttttt!!!! 😂