Friend buying a B8. Best years, things to look out for, etc.

[AudiA4_20T]

Hey guys,

Usually I'm the one answering these threads but I haven't been following the B8 as much as I should be. I have a friend that wants a B8 and wants to know what to look out for, what years to get, etc.

Is there a best year for the B8? Or years to avoid? I saw there is an oil consumption thread, is that something he should be worried about? What about timing belt, control arms, coolant flanges, and any other things that plague the rest of the model line. Also, what about options? I know Bixenons are an obvious one, are there any others that are worth looking for?

TIA

[blbroo]

Hey guys,

Usually I'm the one answering these threads but I haven't been following the B8 as much as I should be. I have a friend that wants a B8 and wants to know what to look out for, what years to get, etc.

Is there a best year for the B8? Or years to avoid? I saw there is an oil consumption thread, is that something he should be worried about? What about timing belt, control arms, coolant flanges, and any other things that plague the rest of the model line. Also, what about options? I know Bixenons are an obvious one, are there any others that are worth looking for?

TIA

Premium plus or above

Sport package

2012 or above to have the best chance at avoiding oil consumption, I'd say

Don't get brilliant black. It scratches if you breath on it.

We have a timing chain, supposed to be lifetime.

And if he likes building his bank account, stay away from this forum.

[AudiA4_20T]

Well for good or bad, it'll be staying stock. Is there any known fix for the oil consumption? Staying 2012+ obviously costs way more than buying an 09-11 which is I think where his head is at


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[b6Hate4]

If its an 09 - 11 Audi was fixing oil consumption by replacing pistons and rings...so your friend could very well find one that had the fix done, its quite a common fix.

[blbroo]

If its an 09 - 11 Audi was fixing oil consumption by replacing pistons and rings...so your friend could very well find one that had the fix done, its quite a common fix.

You've gotten nicer B6Hate4......

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...onsumption-fix

that is a really smart suggestion, to find one that already has the fix to avoid even dealing with it.

[bakedziti]

Hey guys,

Usually I'm the one answering these threads but I haven't been following the B8 as much as I should be. I have a friend that wants a B8 and wants to know what to look out for, what years to get, etc.

Is there a best year for the B8? Or years to avoid? I saw there is an oil consumption thread, is that something he should be worried about? What about timing belt, control arms, coolant flanges, and any other things that plague the rest of the model line. Also, what about options? I know Bixenons are an obvious one, are there any others that are worth looking for?

TIA

Due to the oil consumption issues you have noted, many here would suggest shying away from 2009-late 2011 models; with most of the oil consumption issues resolved by 2012. With that being said, that is the majority of the B8 line, as the 2013's saw the reface. While technically they are all B8s in Audi's eyes; many here would consider 2013 and up to be an 8.5. If you are looking into a B8 from 2009-2011, I would suggest that you do your due diligence to ensure that the car has had the oil consumption tests done, or will be eligible for the oil consumption tests. I bought a 2011 B8 in January, but called AoA to check the VIN against the oil consumption CAL before pulling the trigger. This saved me a headache, as I had both stage I & II done since at no cost to me.

I would also suggest checking for wastegate actuator play, as I have since replaced my turbo due to the wastegate. There are threads about mods that can make up the slack for the wastegate issue, but it seems that a new turbo is the best long-term solution.

I would only be concerned with timing if the car has high mileage; say 85K +. I asked Audi to change my timing and rear seal while they had the engine out for stage II of the oil consumption, so I only had to pay for parts, which came out to $440.

Options are personal, but my non-negotiables were 6MT; Nav MMI; B&O; and the sport seats. This made my search much more difficult, especially the 6MT, so as soon as I found an affordable unit, I jumped on it. It was good that the car was one of the 3 colors I desired; grey, black, white. This part is all about preferences however.

Other notes: I have also changed both front wheel bearings, and the intermediate steering shaft since purchasing the car. You may also want to check to see if the intake manifold has been replaced, as they have a tendency to have a sticky flap.

I am sure others can offer more advice; good luck!

[b6Hate4]

You've gotten nicer B6Hate4......

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...onsumption-fix

that is a really smart suggestion, to find one that already has the fix to avoid even dealing with it.

I'm being nice because I know of the OP from the b6 section, and hes no dummy....one of the smartest dudes on the forum, and a pioneer in swapping a 2.7t into the b6....so I'll help him out.

[Lambda13]

I'm being nice because I know of the OP from the b6 section, and hes no dummy....one of the smartest dudes on the forum, and a pioneer in swapping a 2.7t into the b6....so I'll help him out.

You're going soft man.

[OzeyeruZ]

And if he likes building his bank account, stay away from this forum.

Lol, I wish someone told me that when I first bought my car!.

I feel 2013 and above (E85) would be best. With Audi supposedly going back to non-flex engines moving forward, B8.5 A4's will slowly become a rarity especially if anyone can pull off big turbo setups later on with full E85 Capabilities. The one thing I can say about going through this mod bug is although it is Fun (albiet expensive), it gives me more worries depending where im driving, flat tires (im on 20's), roads, parking etc. My only defense eveytime my wife asks why I did this to our family sedan is #BecauseRacecar and my kids get a laugh. Enjoy.

Oz

[Smellie]

Premium plus or above

Sport package

2012 or above to have the best chance at avoiding oil consumption, I'd say

Don't get brilliant black. It scratches if you breath on it.

We have a timing chain, supposed to be lifetime.

And if he likes building his bank account, stay away from this forum.

SO TRUE... I swear, my new microfiber cloth makes scratches

[Smellie]

Definitely get b8.5, as someone who got a 2012 b8 for about the same price as a base b8.5, I regret not have e85 capabilities.

Also, I regret not getting bi-xenon's as now I have to do a conversion, but regardless, b8/8.5's are nice cars!

GL to your friend :)

[hyperunion]

Lol, I wish someone told me that when I first bought my car!.

I feel 2013 and above (E85) would be best. With Audi supposedly going back to non-flex engines moving forward, B8.5 A4's will slowly become a rarity especially if anyone can pull off big turbo setups later on with full E85 Capabilities. The one thing I can say about going through this mod bug is although it is Fun (albiet expensive), it gives me more worries depending where im driving, flat tires (im on 20's), roads, parking etc. My only defense eveytime my wife asks why I did this to our family sedan is #BecauseRacecar and my kids get a laugh. Enjoy.

Oz

Exactly!!!. B8.5 8speeds are the way to go... Newer full electronic power steering as well...

[AudiA4_20T]

I'm being nice because I know of the OP from the b6 section, and hes no dummy....one of the smartest dudes on the forum, and a pioneer in swapping a 2.7t into the b6....so I'll help him out.

Thank you sir

You're going soft man.

lol

[adamazing]

Well for good or bad, it'll be staying stock. Is there any known fix for the oil consumption? Staying 2012+ obviously costs way more than buying an 09-11 which is I think where his head is at

Put it like this... my friend JUST bought a used '09 two weeks ago. Last week he found out his engine needs to be replaced.

[skywalker15]

I have an 09 and I think i'm one of the lucky ones when it comes to having issues..so far i've had no "major" issues and only minor maintenance stuff (knock on wood). Wheel bearing, PCV, engine mount have been my only issues. I'll also backup the brilliant black statement, looks absolutely fantastic clean/scratch free but EVERYTHING scratches/shows up in this color.

Judging from everyone else's experiences here, i'd say a '12 or up. Other suggestions, find one already with Xenon's. It won't take long before your friend will probably wish he had them.

[AUDIMAN33]

SO TRUE... I swear, my new microfiber cloth makes scratches

Its f*cking bullSh*t, I swear Audi should give us a new paint job for free.

Honestly got threw this past winter without 1 scratch!

[blbroo]

Its f*cking bullSh*t, I swear Audi should give us a new paint job for free.

Honestly got threw this past winter without 1 scratch!

I'm about to just go for it and use steel wool to give the car a brushed black metal look. Hell, could probably do that with a silk scarf.

[vinny.dtw]

I just went through the same thing with my friend Clint.

12+. CPO. Sport. Premium plus at a minimal.

Buddy got a red, 13, premium plus, sport, CPO, 30k miles. 24k + tax. These new ones are nice... But sooo big.

[AUDIMAN33]

I'm about to just go for it and use steel wool to give the car a brushed black metal look. Hell, could probably do that with a silk scarf.

LMFAOOOO Its so true, I feel like a white girl saying this comment " I cant even right now"

[blbroo]

LMFAOOOO Its so true, I feel like a white girl saying this comment " I cant even right now"

Hehehe.


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[b6Hate4]

This is why I chose ibis white.

Though I have a mean arsenal of paint correction tools, so that helps.

[Project Quattro]

I have an '09 and I've been relatively lucky with it, but generally speaking tell him not to get an '09 because the cars had some teething issues that needed to be worked out. Oil consumption got less common as the years progressed; 2012s were almost immune. If you're looking into B8.5s, the 2013s also seem to give people headaches. A 2010 or 2011 which had the oil consumption fix handled (essentially only dealers do it, so calling them with a VIN allows them to pull the record) wouldn't worry me at all. As others have mentioned, Premium + and Prestige trims have the LED/HID headlights and other features. If he finds a smoking deal on a Premium and it has everything else he wants, the lights are a $1200 retrofit. S-line and Sport packages are definitely nice to have as well.


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[Militant-Grunt]

Feel free to PM me any Vin numbers, I can give you service history on the vehicle he is looking at. Can tell you what was done, including piston ring / motor jobs.

Also, stay away from 2009 A4's, they have smaller wishbone control arm bushings, which cause highway vibrations. If he's looking for an Auto, the 09's come with the older 6spd auto, and not the wonderful 8 spd. Additionally, they have a lot more problems with water pump leaks (More so resolved in 2011).

The TSB list is longer on the 09's in general..

Make sure he looks for a car with MMi and not the base AMI (which sucks..)

[blbroo]

Feel free to PM me any Vin numbers, I can give you service history on the vehicle he is looking at. Can tell you what was done, including piston ring / motor jobs.

Also, stay away from 2009 A4's, they have smaller wishbone control arm bushings, which cause highway vibrations. If he's looking for an Auto, the 09's come with the older 6spd auto, and not the wonderful 8 spd. Additionally, they have a lot more problems with water pump leaks (More so resolved in 2011).

The TSB list is longer on the 09's in general..

Make sure he looks for a car with MMi and not the base AMI (which sucks..)

HEY! I've got basic AMI. Yeah, it's kinda lame. Wish I had MMI. Was mostly focused on finding a 6MT with sport package that wasn't an 09.

[Liquid Smoke]

i think even 2011's should be fine, usually only the 09s and most 10s have the oil issue, but from what ive seen the 2011 isnt too bad and the 2012 is solid. but yea its a TSB and it could have had it done already.

and yeah i feel the paint on the black, i couldnt keep it looking clean for more than a day or two, black looks like it gets dirty on the way home from the car wash lol. but i've lived with it, one of the main reasons i dipped my whole car, no more worries about the scratches. hated seeing those swirl marks.

[blbroo]

i think even 2011's should be fine, usually only the 09s and most 10s have the oil issue, but from what ive seen the 2011 isnt too bad and the 2012 is solid. but yea its a TSB and it could have had it done already.

and yeah i feel the paint on the black, i couldnt keep it looking clean for more than a day or two, black looks like it gets dirty on the way home from the car wash lol. but i've lived with it, one of the main reasons i dipped my whole car, no more worries about the scratches. hated seeing those swirl marks.

I started to comment yesterday that I would just get you to fly over and dip my car. Yours have looked awesome:


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[Liquid Smoke]

I started to comment yesterday that I would just get you to fly over and dip my car. Yours have looked awesome:

oh what thread was that in, must have missed it. and thanks! i'm redoing it again soon in a matte/satin blue. and that would be cool, ive had someone in Miami want me to fly there too haha. but i'd have to charge like almost double :)

[ancientman]

I had 2010 A4 6spd AT (totaled at 60000 miles) and now have 2012 A4 8spd AT(85000 miles now). Both quattro, Prem plus, Nav equipped.
2010 version had APR stg 1 and had reached 165 mph on cruising highway. It was very stable at high speed though thanks to quattro.

2010 version gave me some troubles like
vibration caused by OEM tires,
whistle sound caused by driver side back mirror cover.
Oil consumption (1qt for every 2000~3000 miles)

2012 version had only one problem -
rubber weather strip problem fixed by dealership. They glued new weather strip and had no problem after.
Oil consumption is very minimal (about 1qt for every oil change interval - acceptable)

2013~2014 version I drove during my 2012 was on audicare service. I personally did not like electronic steering feeling.
To me, it was like driving Hyundai sonata. Very artificial feeling. - no offense to B8.5 owner, it was too smooth and soft at lower speed.

[Project Quattro]

2013~2014 version I drove during my 2012 was on audicare service. I personally did not like electronic steering feeling.
To me, it was like driving Hyundai sonata. Very artificial feeling. - no offense to B8.5 owner, it was too smooth and soft at lower speed.

I had one as a loaner recently and I agree completely, the electric power steering is a huge downgrade and it's very noticeable (especially at highway speeds) when driving the cars back-to-back.

[blbroo]

I had one as a loaner recently and I agree completely, the electric power steering is a huge downgrade and it's very noticeable (especially at highway speeds) when driving the cars back-to-back.

I turned on the TV for a few minutes last night and James May was driving a newer 911 and talking about purist ranting on against the electronic steering there too. That Singer though..

http://www.topgear.com/videos/james-...s-20-episode-5

[Project Quattro]

I turned on the TV for a few minutes last night and James May was driving a newer 911 and talking about purist ranting on against the electronic steering there too. That Singer though..

http://www.topgear.com/videos/james-...s-20-episode-5

It really is noticeably vague at highway speeds... It has a dead spot like a mid-'80s GM land yacht and then it immediately bites.

I saw a Singer at a car meet a few months back (@goreckless, @lambda13, and @booost were there as well) and I immediately needed a change of pants.






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[blbroo]

It really is noticeably vague at highway speeds... It has a dead spot like a mid-'80s GM land yacht and then it immediately bites.

I saw a Singer at a car meet a few months back (@goreckless, @lambda13, and @booost were there as well) and I immediately needed a change of pants.






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nice