B6/7 S4 convertible.....good buy?
 

Fancy a cheap four seater V8 runaround for the summer.

What should I be looking out for?

Thanks,
Zip

I've got one for just that reason, 4 seat soft to with a V8 and a clutch is perfect for it +++

That said, they are not without potential issues. mainly timing chain related on the BBK engine, plastic tensioners/sliders that fail and bork the engine = lots on ebay as breakers.

Clutch and DMF can take some stick, but if they fail = £££

I've had three S4s, each has needed a new starter!? Can be done in situ, so not the end of the world.

Usual B6/B7 issues possibly compounded by front end mass, top suspension arms semi-consumable and can be a PITA.

Auxiliary radiators can seep and leak due to corrosion, front end off job.

Oil pressure sensor went last year, changed in situ thanks to my "girlish" hands.

On the soft top the motor tends to fail, easy and inexpensive to have refurbished though as it's just the bushes.

Auto is more of a cruiser than the manual, lower RPM on the motorway. Milltek catback frees up the V8 soundtrack, but the non-resonated can be boomy on the auto (but the manual is okay as you can pick another gear).

Xenon headlights will be rubbish, unless the reflector bowls have been changed - I fitted new projectors and all good now!

Look out for corrosion, mine will get a pair of new wings this year (assuming it doesn't end up on ebay with a borked engine :ROFL:)

Mine looks like this, when it is clean, which isn't often enough!


http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...9&d=1497207869

Only real alternatives are the Merc CLK or BMW 6-series, but depends how critical rear legroom is?

Couple of nice private sale S4s with sensible miles on AT at the moment :)

I want a manual gearbox...

In which case, assuming a V8 Manual Soft-top with 4 seats you have to chose from: S4, RS4, BMW 6 Series, M3, or a DB9.

See Here

I'm in two minds about selling mine to be honest, but only because I'm thinking about an RS4 in its place +++

I loved my S4 Cab - Manual V8. Low centre of gravity due to the soft roof, and Quattro. Its in my top 3 'best ever audis to drive' +++

I definitely preferred the manual - Strangely light clutch, which was nice, and the auto was a bit numbing, felt like I was driving a go kart. The manual definitely gives more control over that monster V8 noise....

Engine chains (as mentioned already) will be an issue on these, its just a matter of time. If you can find one that is documented with them having been changed, that's very good indeed. Low mileage ones tend to command one heck of a premium.

Interestingly, (and maybe Paul can answer this) I've always wondered if the RS4 suffers the same issue, as don't recall anyone ever mentioning it on those engines.

Unless budget is tight, the B7 is a slightly more modern feeling motor. Updated interior and big grill front end make it feel less 'classic' if that's important to you - it should hold that extra investment too.

But, for cheap thrills, a B6 is just as much fun to drive, but be cautious of the cheapest ones. Make sure you start them up stone cold and listen out for undue rattling....

I think the RS4 is okay form a chain perspective, but it is FSI and so suffers carbon build up - I test drove one, it felt flat compared to my S4 :Confused:

Yeah, im aware of the carbon build up - but at least that doesn't cause it to self destruct !

Problem is a good RS4 is 10K more than a perfectly good S4, and I just find it hard to believe it can be twice as good..... The spec on paper just don't support it.....

Agreed - hence I still have an S4.

The other things is, B6 models are pre-2006 so "cheap" tax. B7 tend to be post March 2006, so £500+, unless you can find one from the first week of launch, which all seem to be autos :mad: