2012 S4 Initial Impressions

[dpncos]

Have had my 2012 S4 for 10 days now and wanted to provide my initial impressions. Some background information: I come from BMWs and this is my first Audi.

Pros:
Throttle response is intoxicating. I’m at 7000 ft and any type of forced induction works miracles. Loving the supercharger and not having to deal with turbo lag.

Love the interior; much better than what’s currently available from Bavaria.

MMI is extremely intuitive. Still haven’t had a chance to read the manual but I feel like I know the controls well.

B&O >>> Harmon Kardon

Cons:
I’m having three issues, two of which are related to the 6MT.
1. Vague and light steering. Ready to do away with power steering all together.
2. Clutch feel and travel. Way too light and the travel is ridiculously long.
3. 6 speed shifter. The throws are way too long for a supposedly sporty vehicle. I know that some like their shifts buttery smooth. I get that. However, for me I need shorter throws with more actuation. I like to feel it going in and out of the gates. I have a potential resolution to this one though as I just ordered the JHM SSK.

I must admit I came up with these three issues after I drove my brother’s Carrera S and went back to my modded E46. The drivability of both these cars just feel right to me. Even my wife’s unmodded E61 (5-series wagon) drives sportier. I wouldn’t be overly critical if this was the A4—just expected more sport out of the S4.

I have the sport rear diff, or what some of you refer to as ADS lite, and I can honestly say that the difference between comfort and dynamic is barely discernable. Maybe it’s just me but for the “S” version, the settings should be dynamic and ridiculously tight. In general, I don’t feel as connected to the road; there is a layer of isolation present.

I know it sounds like I’m a hater but that’s not true. I do NOT regret purchasing this technologically advanced piece of German engineering. Just wish the “S” version of the B8 was geared more towards enthusiasts and the drivability was much sportier. Maybe just gotta wait for the RS4.

In hindsight, I think I should’ve ordered the ADS. Also, for those who are on the fence regarding 6MT vs S-tronic, I would go with the S-tronic so you don’t have the issues with the clutch and stick.

[LeadToRome]

Let us know how the no power steering works out for you.

[audifan22]

Sounds like the 6MT is really bothering you as well as the ride, I bet you'll be selling the car soon. What is so light about the handling/steering? Sure the wheel isn't as heavy as a standard BMW 3 series, but come on its not that light. It handles pretty damn well, it outperforms a 335 in handling. The car is AWD and almost 4000 pounds, of course it will feel like a heavier car.

[IanVr6]

I thought the same about the steering until I found out it could be adjusted. Now I have it in dynamic all the time and it's awesome.

This car is a luxury sports sedan. They wanted it to be quick, but comfortable for everyday driving.

[DefiantS4]

Have to agree with you on all points. After test driving a B8 6M, my B5 felt raw and very "unassisting". But FWIW, I've been conditioned to it and its upgraded components for quite a while. That being said, I still wouldn't mind owning one .

[Vogz]

You won't notice the difference between comfort and dynamic on the rear diff unless you are pushing the car pretty hard. I noticed it big time at a track day last month. As for the steering, shifting and clutch....a lot of it is personal preference. The S4 is NOT a sports car. I like that it isolates me more than my 350Z does. I did install a strat short shifter when the car was 2 days old and that was my only complaint. I think the clutch is just fine and I have no complaints about the steering (although it can be adjusted slightly in the MMI).

[dpncos]

Thanks for the feedback. Looking forward to having the JHM SSK; read lots of threads saying it's a must have mod! Also, I'm sure I will get use to the feel of the S4.

I read on a thread where someone stated that the S4 doesn't do any one thing great but does everything well--I see that. To add to that, I would say it's very refined.

Perhaps a little too much luxury and not enough sport for my taste but still a SWEET ride.

[Demandred]

Stick bigger / heavier wheels and fat tyres that should help to heavy up the steering :)

[Hard Driver]

I would agree with you on the steering. I came from a B5 S4 and that steering was much heavier than the B8 S4 steering is. And I have the full drive select and dynamic mode is supposed to change both assist and ratio, but it still does not have the "feel" that the B5 S4 did. I also think the older B5 had a firmer suspension than a B8, even in dynamic with full drive select. So I think I have some of the same first impressions with my new S4 coming from an older one. I really like the car and I am talking about preferences rather than huge faults. But I would prefer the car to be a bit firmer in both steering and ride when in Dynamic mode. I got the ADS because it is nice to soften it up sometimes on crappy streets or with passengers in the car. But that means that dynamic can be even firmer because it does not need to be that way 100% of the time.

Personally I might consider putting on the Stasis touring spring package to firm the ride up a tad and I have heard people say the alu kreuz mod can sharpen up the steering a bit: http://www.ecodetuning.com/shop/cart..._detail&p=1994

[zerinA4]

I have to remind people that we as enthusiasts are not the majority of the buyers for these cars and that Audi has to cater to the 90th percentile in terms of balancing performance and comfort. As a manufacturer you can't please everyone so long as you have to build to a price point, but that's where the great folks at Stratmosphere, Eurocode, APR and AWE come in. They make the parts to get your car the way you want it to feel.

[JaMa]

Have had my 2012 S4 for 10 days now and wanted to provide my initial impressions.

So, I just bought my 2012 S4 Labor Day (9/5) = Brilliant Red, from Prestige on Colfax. I too come from BMW (Had 335xi, 135i) and several VWAG products. My last S4 was a 2002.

So funny thing. I actually feel like the engine/transmission/stick/clutch pedal in my 6MT S4 is *much better* than the standard offerings in the BMW, which is supposed to be the "Ultimate driving machine." I do agree with you on the steering though. I know this car is rear drive biased (I also have ADS) but it almost feels like its torque steering at some points, and around mountain roads it *definitely* understeers.

More later, but hope you acclimate. I am certainly getting used to mine quickly and look forward to driving it every day. I almost bought a 550xi at the same time as this but glad now that I didnt. Talk about impersonal and disconnected.

Congrats to us both :)

J

[Deckdout2]

You need ADS.

There are a few mods you can do to fix the steering. Little sport sedans handle like a Bimmer out of the box, but there are ways to correct that.

[AofC_RR]

Go ahead and get on ordering an Alu Kruez from Eurocode that'll help tighten things up in terms of feel and steering.

[fasttoys]

Have had my 2012 S4 for 10 days now and wanted to provide my initial impressions. Some background information: I come from BMWs and this is my first Audi.

Pros:
Throttle response is intoxicating. I’m at 7000 ft and any type of forced induction works miracles. Loving the supercharger and not having to deal with turbo lag.

Love the interior; much better than what’s currently available from Bavaria.

MMI is extremely intuitive. Still haven’t had a chance to read the manual but I feel like I know the controls well.

B&O >>> Harmon Kardon

Cons:
I’m having three issues, two of which are related to the 6MT.
1. Vague and light steering. Ready to do away with power steering all together.
2. Clutch feel and travel. Way too light and the travel is ridiculously long.
3. 6 speed shifter. The throws are way too long for a supposedly sporty vehicle. I know that some like their shifts buttery smooth. I get that. However, for me I need shorter throws with more actuation. I like to feel it going in and out of the gates. I have a potential resolution to this one though as I just ordered the JHM SSK.

I must admit I came up with these three issues after I drove my brother’s Carrera S and went back to my modded E46. The drivability of both these cars just feel right to me. Even my wife’s unmodded E61 (5-series wagon) drives sportier. I wouldn’t be overly critical if this was the A4—just expected more sport out of the S4.

I have the sport rear diff, or what some of you refer to as ADS lite, and I can honestly say that the difference between comfort and dynamic is barely discernable. Maybe it’s just me but for the “S” version, the settings should be dynamic and ridiculously tight. In general, I don’t feel as connected to the road; there is a layer of isolation present.

I know it sounds like I’m a hater but that’s not true. I do NOT regret purchasing this technologically advanced piece of German engineering. Just wish the “S” version of the B8 was geared more towards enthusiasts and the drivability was much sportier. Maybe just gotta wait for the RS4.

In hindsight, I think I should’ve ordered the ADS. Also, for those who are on the fence regarding 6MT vs S-tronic, I would go with the S-tronic so you don’t have the issues with the clutch and stick.

I sold my 2011 S4 after 97 days of ownership for some of the reasons in your post. I feel this B8 version is a little to soft IMO and its closer to an A4 than a B7 RS4. Nothing is wrong with the S4 it’s a great car, I just wanted a more aggressive ride. So I purchased a loaded 2011 E90 M3 and I love it. The engine note is nice; the suspension is a little to stiff even with EDC (auto suspension for BMW). The steering feel is so different, you feel conected to the car. I do feel the 2011 S4 DCT is much better DD than my M3. You could start it up and rive, the M will need to warm up and the engine makes all types of noises & sounds like its falling apart until its warm. I miss this form

[clochner]

I sold my 2011 S4 after 97 days of ownership for some of the reasons in your post. I feel this B8 version was a little to soft IMO and its closer to the A4 compared to the RS4. Nothing is wrong with the S4 it’s a great car, I just wanted a more aggressive ride. So I purchased a loaded 2011 E90 M3 and I love it. The engine note is so nice; the suspension little to stiff even with DCT (auto suspension for BMW). The steering feel is so different, you feel conected to the car. I do feel the 11 DCT S4 is much better DD than my M3. You could start it up and just drive, the M will need to warm up and the engine makes all types of noises until it warms up sounds like its falling apart. I miss this form

You're kidding, right?? So much is wrong with this post that I don't even know where to begin. Have fun w/ your M3.

[Ciscokidz]

Funny, I go back and forth between my modded E46 and the B8 S4. S4 is definitely a bit softer, but the linear throttle response is much more enjoyable. While the BMW is flatter in the corners, the S4 recovers so much faster due to the AWD and low end torque. All in all the S4 is a bit more buttoned down, less drama to drive fast. I drove the E90 series M3's several times and really tried to like them, but they are softer than the E46, the lack of torque is annoying, simply too pricey, and I didn't like the interior. The final straw for me was the dealer experiences I've had for the past 10 years, the BMW NA dealer program is perhaps the worst of any "luxury" brand. For the buck, decided the S4 was better for me, which allowed me to keep the E46 in the garage as well :)....

[Deckdout2]

Delivery of the S4 is all in how you set it up. You bought the car through your research and it's potential. It might not come right out of the box to your specific liking, but there's plenty of mods out there that will satisfy your needs. My S4 wasn't exactly how I wanted it to be in stock form but that's why it's in stock form for the average person that doesn't mod. The majority on this forum does mod, and the availability of that lets you setup your stock car to suit your needs. Done.

[snoroller]

Just a couple thoughts. If you're looking for less roll, upgraded sway bars will work miracles. I'm at 7000' too so that solves the roll problem without lowering that would reduce drivability in snow. Also, forget getting just an ECU upgrade as it probably is not worth the power gain for the $$. Getting stage 2 with the pully would help tho.. I think upgrading your shifter will really help too, not sure about the clutch without spending $$$. FI FTW @ 7K'!
-t

[iraudi]

i know i am going to get a lot of hate for this post.. anyways...
Before buying my 2012 s4.. which blows my mind every time i drive it, i was considering the following options:

1.) Audi s5
2.) BMW e90 m3
3.) MB c63 amg

After test driving them all i truly was not impressed with any with the exception of the c63 amg.. however after pricing it the way i wanted and stretching my budget to a whopping 70K+ i decided this was not my route.

I was then left with 2 NA engines being 8 cylinder and in my opinion exactly what i dont want from a German engineered car. I found both the m3 and s5 to be the perfect example of a 'pig' a fast one but yes a 'pig' very heavy very strong. Besides the obvious that these cars are very fast the m3 won this battle but when i am going to lay down 60K for something it better blow my mind every day that i drive it. If i wanted brut power and hp i would buy a mustang cobra or something of that sort.

The e46 m3 was a thing of beauty... in line 6 cylinder that just drove like it was meant to be the bets out there... hence the engine winning best engine for x amount of years in a row.

Finally after not being convinced by any of the two s5 and m3 my SA asked me if i would be willing to test the s4 since it had a V6 supercharged engine i decided to accept.

From the second i drove it, it made me feel like the car had great power and torque but in a much more subtle and sophisticated way than the m3 or s5.
The car just drives the way i want and expect. If you want the s4 to be a car it isnt.. then sorry... but you shouldnt have bought it.

To reassure my case that forced induction is the way to go... 2013 s5 will have the V6T engine in it and the new m3 to come out will also lose the 8 cylinder engine and go along the lines of a 6 cylinder.... no idea if it is forced induction or some amazing creation by bmw... anyhow.. love the s4.

[ENV²]

I am dailying an E60 M5 right now so I know about feling like the S4 is not as connected but its funny how every day I drive them back to back and I beleive my /S is a better car all around than the E60. There is no replacement for that gorgeous V10 but with MMI hack of the steering responce, a suspension upgrade and JHM STS + Miltek I think my car is leaps and bounds more awesome. (but having a v10 is awesome) hahaha

[hbm5006]

You won't notice the difference between comfort and dynamic on the rear diff unless you are pushing the car pretty hard. I noticed it big time at a track day last month. As for the steering, shifting and clutch....a lot of it is personal preference. The S4 is NOT a sports car. I like that it isolates me more than my 350Z does. I did install a strat short shifter when the car was 2 days old and that was my only complaint. I think the clutch is just fine and I have no complaints about the steering (although it can be adjusted slightly in the MMI).

Agree with this 110%. The difference between dynamic and comfort is extremely noticeable on the track. Even still though, on my 2012 stronic I feel a decent difference even when driving normally... so I'm not sure if this is something caused by the MT.

[audifan22]

I am dailying an E60 M5 right now so I know about feling like the S4 is not as connected but its funny how every day I drive them back to back and I beleive my /S is a better car all around than the E60. There is no replacement for that gorgeous V10 but with MMI hack of the steering responce, a suspension upgrade and JHM STS + Miltek I think my car is leaps and bounds more awesome. (but having a v10 is awesome) hahaha

What MMI hack for steering response? I have ADS lite and have it on dynamic for steering and all the other stuff. There is a MMI hack to make it even tighter?

[OmaHahn]

i know i am going to get a lot of hate for this post.. anyways...
Before buying my 2012 s4.. which blows my mind every time i drive it, i was considering the following options:

1.) Audi s5
2.) BMW e90 m3
3.) MB c63 amg

After test driving them all i truly was not impressed with any with the exception of the c63 amg.. however after pricing it the way i wanted and stretching my budget to a whopping 70K+ i decided this was not my route.

I was then left with 2 NA engines being 8 cylinder and in my opinion exactly what i dont want from a German engineered car. I found both the m3 and s5 to be the perfect example of a 'pig' a fast one but yes a 'pig' very heavy very strong. Besides the obvious that these cars are very fast the m3 won this battle but when i am going to lay down 60K for something it better blow my mind every day that i drive it. If i wanted brut power and hp i would buy a mustang cobra or something of that sort.

The e46 m3 was a thing of beauty... in line 6 cylinder that just drove like it was meant to be the bets out there... hence the engine winning best engine for x amount of years in a row.

Finally after not being convinced by any of the two s5 and m3 my SA asked me if i would be willing to test the s4 since it had a V6 supercharged engine i decided to accept.

From the second i drove it, it made me feel like the car had great power and torque but in a much more subtle and sophisticated way than the m3 or s5.
The car just drives the way i want and expect. If you want the s4 to be a car it isnt.. then sorry... but you shouldnt have bought it.

To reassure my case that forced induction is the way to go... 2013 s5 will have the V6T engine in it and the new m3 to come out will also lose the 8 cylinder engine and go along the lines of a 6 cylinder.... no idea if it is forced induction or some amazing creation by bmw... anyhow.. love the s4.

Don't know why you would get hate - very good post and well said!

[dpncos]

Funny, I go back and forth between my modded E46 and the B8 S4. S4 is definitely a bit softer, but the linear throttle response is much more enjoyable. While the BMW is flatter in the corners, the S4 recovers so much faster due to the AWD and low end torque. All in all the S4 is a bit more buttoned down, less drama to drive fast. I drove the E90 series M3's several times and really tried to like them, but they are softer than the E46, the lack of torque is annoying, simply too pricey, and I didn't like the interior. The final straw for me was the dealer experiences I've had for the past 10 years, the BMW NA dealer program is perhaps the worst of any "luxury" brand. For the buck, decided the S4 was better for me, which allowed me to keep the E46 in the garage as well :)....

You and I must be separated at birth. Keeping my E46 also....

[fasttoys]

You're kidding, right?? So much is wrong with this post that I don't even know where to begin. Have fun w/ your M3.

If its my opinion what could be wrong with my post? The S4 is a little soft IMO unless I decided to mod-it like yours the M3 was the better choice out of the box for me. Glencoe, IL is my home town dont be a hater I am not brand loyal own many cars.

[stlokcphx]

I agree with the issue on the length of the clutch travel, but it's probably more related to my short height. The positive is that I have the driver's seat so far forward that my rear seat legroom rivals a BMW 750il! Overall, I'm very impressed after my first two weeks of ownership. The precision and handling remind me of the Carrera S I had six or seven years ago. I wanted a "practical" sports car with a useable back seat and AWD -- and this fits the bill.

[lnferno]

Have had my 2012 S4 for 10 days now and wanted to provide my initial impressions. Some background information: I come from BMWs and this is my first Audi.

Pros:
Throttle response is intoxicating. I’m at 7000 ft and any type of forced induction works miracles. Loving the supercharger and not having to deal with turbo lag.

Unfortunately, superchargers at our altitude don't do anything to make up for the loss of power. I bought my 3.0T at sea-level and the thing RIPPED! Then, I drove it back home (here in Colorado) and I was so depressed from how much power I lost (I knew that was going to happen). I ended up going Stage 2+ which brought up to how it felt at sea-level bone stock. Pretty depressing how much power non-turbo'd vehicles lose up here.

[Wellhungsmurf]

I'm in the market for a new car. And realling leaning towards the S4, however I live in Denver also. And a little worried about the lack of power.. Is it that big of a deal I should look for something else? Or pull the trigger?