S-tronic (DL501) reliability

[Rawcpoppa]

I've begun researching used b8 S4 sedans and came across some posts talking about replacing mechatronic units in early versions e.g. 2009/2010.

Can I safely purchase 2011 or 2012 models?

[4RCFED]

The 12's seem to have most of the bugs worked out, which is why most people looking for a B8 try to grab one. Goodluck with the search.

[Pyromatic177]

My 2011 has 47K miles and no issues so far. Tho the question is. Would the APR S-Tronic tune eliminate the bugs???

[drob23]

I made a poll thread a while ago. "Dsg problem poll", it has a good sample.

[wwhan]

My 2011 has 47K miles and no issues so far. Tho the question is. Would the APR S-Tronic tune eliminate the bugs???

I doubt it, since the PC board on some of the DSG mechatronics had delamination issues. Originally the DSG transmission fluid was considered lifetime fill, but Audi decided it needed to be changed at 35k miles back in 2011 and sent letter to owners with an extra DSG page for the maintenance book. There may have been sensor issues also, for control of the shift forks.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post9874193

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post9274824

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post9178794

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ic-%28DL501%29

[Rawcpoppa]

^^^ this is depressing. It reminds me of the dq200 dsg threads worldwide with lots of mechatronic failures.

I really like this car and was hoping to get one imported used out of Japan but they only seem to get s-tronic versions and no 6mt.

[wwhan]

^^^ this is depressing. It reminds me of the dq200 dsg threads worldwide with lots of mechatronic failures.

I really like this car and was hoping to get one imported used out of Japan but they only seem to get s-tronic versions and no 6mt.

I have driven my 2011 model S4 with DSG since July 2010 & it has 33k miles, the DSG has not failed yet (crosses fingers).

I think the newer models (2013?) may typically have better DSG reliability.

[Bikel]

Yes, while this has had quite a bit of chatter on the zine... don't loose faith. Just crossed 88K without any issues. good luck with your search.

[Rawcpoppa]

Thanks for the encouragement. Will continue to research. I'm cautious cuz i own a car with a dq200 and I've been burned.

[BernanksBeard]

The 2013+ DSG is practically bullet proof.

[shoe3k]

The 2013+ DSG is practically bullet proof.

x2

[drob23]

Looks like you didn't find this poll. Pretty decent sample size: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ind-of-failure

[cW6mT mKviGLi]

I've begun researching used b8 S4 sedans and came across some posts talking about replacing mechatronic units in early versions e.g. 2009/2010.

Can I safely purchase 2011 or 2012 models?

Looking at your location and stating that you are looking to import one from Japan I assume that you're a Trinidadian. If so, shout out to my fellow Trini.

I have a 2012 equipped with a DSG and it's been modded (full APR stage 2) since it's original in-service delivery date in 2012. With that said it only has 12 launches on the DSG and I did the DSG service at 30K and plan on keeping the 30K intervals. While browsing the forums overtime I have noticed more issues with 2010s and 2011s. I have noticed maybe one 2012 that may have had a DSG problem, someone correct me if I'm wrong. Also, the 2012 models have the 1.5 Gen DSG while the 2010s and 2011s have the 1st Gen DSG (read this in an APR thread).

Through contact with my family they've only confirmed spotting A4s driving around so it will be pretty cool if you find one. That means you might be the only B8 S4 in the country, good luck with your search!

[dfgu]

would this help for preventative maintenance?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4-...ion/ES2697203/

[Rawcpoppa]

Looking at your location and stating that you are looking to import one from Japan I assume that you're a Trinidadian. If so, shout out to my fellow Trini.

I have a 2012 equipped with a DSG and it's been modded (full APR stage 2) since it's original in-service delivery date in 2012. With that said it only has 12 launches on the DSG and I did the DSG service at 30K and plan on keeping the 30K intervals. While browsing the forums overtime I have noticed more issues with 2010s and 2011s. I have noticed maybe one 2012 that may have had a DSG problem, someone correct me if I'm wrong. Also, the 2012 models have the 1.5 Gen DSG while the 2010s and 2011s have the 1st Gen DSG (read this in an APR thread).

Through contact with my family they've only confirmed spotting A4s driving around so it will be pretty cool if you find one. That means you might be the only B8 S4 in the country, good luck with your search!

Yep you got it right! I'm from Trinidad. *shout out to you too*

Locally you know that with our engine displacement taxes we generally favor smaller engines but I want something with more power hence looking at used vehicles. Initially I was looking at a used EVO X but something about the refinement of euros I like hence why I am looking in the VW group. You're fam is correct in that there are mainly A4 cars here in 1.8T spec. Rarely see 2.0T. Auction prices out of Japan for the S4 are ridiculously low. A 2011 can be auctioned for 20-22k USD.

I myself have a Jetta in twincharged 1.4T spec with stage 1 remap and I love driving it (love the supercharger sound hence why I've taken a liking to the S4) but mechatronic failure and the dealer's attitude have left me uneasy out of warranty. The dq200 looks as complex as a spoon when compared to the dl501. I figure the local dealer would not want to service or be unable to offer much help in the event a mechatronic unit decides to play up.

[Rawcpoppa]

Looks like you didn't find this poll. Pretty decent sample size: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ind-of-failure

Missed this as I am on tapatalk. Thanks. Reading now.

[cW6mT mKviGLi]

Yep you got it right! I'm from Trinidad. *shout out to you too*

Locally you know that with our engine displacement taxes we generally favor smaller engines but I want something with more power hence looking at used vehicles. Initially I was looking at a used EVO X but something about the refinement of euros I like hence why I am looking in the VW group. You're fam is correct in that there are mainly A4 cars here in 1.8T spec. Rarely see 2.0T. Auction prices out of Japan for the S4 are ridiculously low. A 2011 can be auctioned for 20-22k USD.

I myself have a Jetta in twincharged 1.4T spec with stage 1 remap and I love driving it (love the supercharger sound hence why I've taken a liking to the S4) but mechatronic failure and the dealer's attitude have left me uneasy out of warranty. The dq200 looks as complex as a spoon when compared to the dl501. I figure the local dealer would not want to service or be unable to offer much help in the event a mechatronic unit decides to play up.

What a coincidence, my previous car was a 2013 Stage 2 Jetta GLi before switching to the S4. A friend of my cousin in Trini also has a twincharged 1.4 Jetta, he works for the fire service.

I myself was looking into the Evo X and I almost ordered a 2015 STi when I was cross shopping vehicles. The evo had less refinement than my 2009 Civic Si and my wife didn't like the STi and it's boy racer looks.

Also, something to compare is the drivetrain for the VAG S4 versus the Euro Spec. I believe the drivetrains are the same and the differences come with maybe a few features or cosmetic aspects (euro headlights with clear sidemarkers versus the us spec with amber, etc.) but I could be wrong. I would recommend if you do decide to purchase maybe consider keeping some funds aside for doing some initial maintenance as you take delivery. Do the DSG service, new - revised thermostat, if it's a early production 2010 you might want to swap the plastic water pump for the revised - metal water pump, oil change, plugs, etc. Also keep in mind that here in the states the S4's are starting to show signs of crank pulley failures so that's something else to keep in mind.

Good luck!

[CaptSlow]

People say the 2013+ is better, but they have not been out that long to judge..I'm very wary to make that assumption.

[Nick G]

2010 with 61k miles and no issues. (knock on wood)

[wwhan]

People say the 2013+ is better, but they have not been out that long to judge..I'm very wary to make that assumption.

Well this is not good, 2013 S4 with 44k miles: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10986511

[whts4]

I have a 2012 S4 which I bought used w/14k mi 1 1/2 yrs ago, it was an Oct 2011 build. The entire trans was replaced in 2014 with less than 20k mi on it. As I spoke with the techs that worked on my car their comments were as follows: a) 2010/2011 had issues and hence the redesign of certain parts of the trans during 2012 and a more thorough update in the 2013. B) Heat and very low speed stop and go traffic accentuate the failure, presumably because if the car is driven very slowly with the brake being applied repeatedly the trans actually slips the clutch which intern heats the fluid and leads to excessive temps and pc board failure/de-lamination. This seems logical but no proof.

[Rawcpoppa]

The comforting thing is it seems that Audi is taking care of you guys without much fuss under warranty and quickly too.