The Ultimate B8/B8.5 New Member's Guide (Specs, FAQs, & DIYs) - Read First!

[Whistle]

Been working on this for a while now, it's certainly not exhaustive, but it's a start. There is a LOT of info on this site, and I thought it would be great to get all of this common info together in one spot. I read once in some thread that if we put together an FAQ, a mod would sticky it. Is this worthy?

Please PM/email for any info/changes you have, and I will update this post.

I am currently looking for wheel weight on the stock 18" wheels (can't believe I can't find that!), and on the new Black Optics 19" wheels.

Thanks for all the contributions below from all of the many authors!

Nick

B8 & B8.5 Specs, FAQ's and DIY's

Years Produced:
B8 2010-2012, B8.5 2013-2016

Engine: Supercharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection, 183 cu in, 2995cc
Power (SAE net): 333 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 325 lb-ft @ 2900 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual

Redline MT:
B8 - 7200 RPM B8.5 - 6500 RPM

Redline S-Tronic:
B8 - 6800 RPM B8.5 - 6500 RPM

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,811 mm (110.7 in)
Length: 4,717 mm (185.7 in)
Width: 1,826 mm (71.9 in)
Height: 1,406 mm (55.4 in)
Curb Weight: 1,650-1,735 kg (3,638-3,825 lb)
Fuel Capacity: 16.9 Gallons

Wheel Specs:
Wheels for the S4 came from the factory in two sizes, standard 18” or optional 19”. There have been several different styles throughout the B8 and B8.5 lifespan.

OEM Wheel bolts: Ball seat 14x1.5x27mm

Size: 18” x 8”
Bolt Pattern: 5x112mm
Offset: ET 47
Bore: 66.6mm
Tire Size: P245/40R18
Weight: Need source



Size: 19” x 8.5”
Bolt Pattern: 5x112 mm
Offset: ET 43
Bore: 66.6 mm
Tire Size: P255/35R19

Peelers:
Weight: 28.5lbs


Rotors:
Weight: 27lbs


Clovers or Flowers or Petals: (need a poll on the official name lol)
Weight: Need source



Notable Changes for B8.5 (MY 2013-2016)
-S4 model now utilizes electric power steering for improved economy and weight savings
-Redline lowered from
-New design flat bottom steering wheel and new S-Tronic shift knob
-New Driver Assistance package includes Audi adaptive cruise control and dynamic steering
-Audi MMI Navigation plus now includes Audi connect and Bluetooth® streaming audio, including Google maps, and revised/simplified button layout
-New interior and exterior color combinations
-New headlights, foglights, front bumper including grill, new taillights, headlights and taillights not interchangeable from B8 to B8.5


Common Questions

Acronyms-Acronyms-Acronyms

Key Fob Battery replacement

Alignment Specs for the B8 S4

How to Clean Alcantara
Warm water and a microfiber, small amount of gentle soap (like Woolite) mixed in with the water if necessary. Use a fabric shaver if you get "pilling" of the material.


DIY's
VCDS - See the sticky: VCDS & Hidden Menu: The complete list

Don't have VCDS? Check this thread to see if the Carista App can do what you need:
Carista app for iOS beta testing


Wheel Swap DIY - Torque wheels to 90 ft-lbs

B8 S4 Oil Change DIY

B8 S4 Complete DSG Maintenance Service and Sport Differential Service DIY

DSG Service DIY

Front Brake Pad DIY

Brake Pad Replacement DIY

Spark Plug Change DIY

Exhaust Install DIY

B8 S4 Interior LED Install

Carbon Cleaning
Carbon Buildup on the 3.0 TFSI
What to do or use to clean carbon build up

Belt Replacement
Belt Change Info

Water Pump, Thermostat & Supercharger Removal
DIY S4 Waterpump and Thermostat Install Supercharger Removed
3.0T Thermostat Parts Manual photos tips!

Remove Center Console DIY

B8 A4/S4 Interior Trim Removal Guide

Front Bumper Removal / RS4 Grill Install
Front Bumper Front Grille and Front Splitter DIY

Bumper removal and Grill Replacement

Removing Rear Bumper Valence DIY


Common Mods

Adding dipstick
Audi saw fit to outfit the S4 with an electronic "dipstick" in MMI. If you would like to add a dipstick, it is very easy to do, and all you need is to purchase a dipstick. The dipstick tube still physically exists, front driver's side corner of the engine with a black cap on it. You can buy a dipstick from a number of vendors or from Audi directly, take the plastic cap off the tube, and insert the dipstick.

Steering Wheel Swap
RS5 Steering Wheel Install

B8.5 Shifter Swap
B8.5 S-Tronic Shifter Swap

B8 S4 Headlight DIY J-Code tinted front reflectors

Intakes
B8 S4 Intake Options

AWE - filter+silicone hose
AWE Intake Review Pictures

Roc Euro/Stratmosphere - loudest whine, biggest hp increase
Roc Euro Intake Review VIDEOS

APR/Carbonio - most expensive, carbon fiber top and throttle body pipe in 2 stages
APR Presents B8 S4 S5 3.0 TFSI Carbonio Intake System!

Injen - similar to roc euro
Injen Intake review, dyno and pics

CTS Turbo - similar to roc euro
CTS Turbo B8 S4 3.0T intake

Eurocode - filter+ silicone hose
Eurocode Tuning TRUFit Air Intake System

USP - similar to injen
USP Intake Users
USP Motorsports Intake System w Heat Shield For The 3.0T

ECS - A relatively new offering
ECS Tuning B8 S4 ECS Kohlefaser Luft-Technik Intake System

Exhausts
There are a number of offerings out there. Two of the most popular on the site are the AWE and Milltek exhausts. There are also offerings from APR, Magnaflow, Armytrix, CTS, SPM, Neuspeed, Remus, Supersprint, Borla, and probably others I'm missing!

Most of the companies offer downpipes as a replacement for the stock resonated downpipes, and you can usually purchase them in resonated and non-resonated versions.

There are headers (Eurocode) and high flow (HF) cats available, but most folks choose to pass on them as the installation is difficult, but they are available for those seeking maximum power.

Video Comparison of 5 different setups: Stock, APR, Milltek non-res, StaSis, AWE Tuning
PNW B8 S4 Exhaust Fest 2010

Tunes
GIAC, APR, REVO, Unitronic, EPL, Solo Motorsports (and probably others!) offer Engine Tunes. GIAC, APR, REVO and Unitronic offer Engine and Transmission (S-Tronic/DSG) tunes.

There are so many opinions, reviews and threads on tunes that you are best suited to search for the information you are looking for.

Fair warning/Pay to Play: If you tune your car and take it into a dealership for service or warranty work, Audi can detect your tune and may flag your car as being "TD1". They may use this to deny warranty work if the failure was determined to be caused by your tune.

Brake Upgrades and BBK Info

Our stock brakes consist of a 345x30mm front vented rotor with a Single Piston sliding caliper, and a 330mm rear vented single piston caliper with integral electronic parking brake.

2 piece rotors are available in stock size from several vendors.

Brake pads are available in a wide variety of compounds for our stock brakes also, along with braided stainless lines.

BBK's are available from a number of sources for our cars. Brembo, Stoptech, Alcon, SPM, and OEM+ Q5, and Porsche 19Z BBKs are all available for our car. BBK's are available from 345mm (stock size) up to 380mm kits.

The largest kit that I've found that fits under most 18” wheels is a 355mm kit. The Stoptech and Alcon both make a 355mm kit. The exception is there are some 18” wheels with tons of clearance – enough to fit the Brembo 380 (which has a rather large profile) and Stoptech 380. It’s important to get the fitment template for the brakes you are considering and use it to check fitment to your wheels.

Brake cooling is one area the S4 suffers. There is simply not much room under the car to route cooling ducts to the brakes. Recently, user LIM1TED (a Porsche Tech) found that he was able to modify and install brake cooling ducts from a Porsche Macan, since the vehicles are somewhat similar. See his Pure Sexiness thread below for details.

Stoptech Trophy Sport 380mm BBK Realtime Install

Audi S4 + Porsche Macan BBK = Pure Sexiness

Q5 BBK upgrade for our S4s

RS5 BBK on B8.5 S4 installed

StopTech BBK ST-60 355mm Installed

StopTech ST-60 BBK - the results – includes weights

DIY / Write up - StopTech ST-60 BBK

AP Racing RadiCal BBK Review

Brakes are the weakest link on the S4 - StopTech 380mm install on B8

Suspension DIY Info
Suspension Torque Values

Spring Installation DIY

Anti-Roll Bars (Sway bars)
Hotchkis Sway Bars
Hotchkis sway bar review and DIY

Eurocode Sway bars
USS Review

H&R Sway Bars
H Sport Sways First Impression
H Sport Sways 1 week impressions

Sway Bar Comparisons
H&R vs Eurocode Sway
Eurocode VS H&R VS Hotchkis sway bars

Front Subframe Brace
EuroCode (part is called Alu-Kruez - Aluminum brace) and Stern (beefed up stock brace) both manufacture front subframe braces that improve steering feel and responsiveness. The Alu-Kruez is fairly popular with forum members and install instructions are available on EuroCode's website.

Adjustable control Arms
This DIY covers replacement of stock parts, but adjustable control arms would follow the same procedure.
Upper Front Control Arm Replacement

[AudBoost]

Sticky!!
Great job compiling the info!

[BillyG]

Excellent, nice work!

[14S4GWM]

Nice, add CTS to the intake section.

[jsh139]

Very nice. Thanks for compiling this. Surprised that this hasn't been done before.

[lexcruiser]

AWESOME. Thanks for this!

[Whistle]

Nice, add CTS to the intake section.

Added, thanks!

Glad it's helpful, enjoy!

[cspcrx]

Sticky for sure, great job. I have the 18in weight at the house

[drob23]

Wow, impressive collection of info, nice job OP!

[Whistle]

Sticky for sure, great job. I have the 18in weight at the house

Thanks for volunteering! They never seem to get weighed on their way to craigslist or the corner of the garage. Ha!

One of the other areas I see frequent, really frequent posts on is does this wheel/tire/offset combo fit? I will work on putting together a list of tried and true combos. I have found myself mired in 347 pages of wheel fitment posts before so it would be good to get that info clarified and easy to find.

I really wanted to do something more with the tune section, because it is so popular, maybe a summary post of all the dyno sheets w/specs would be good there. Would need a lot of maintenance to keep up though.

Speaking of maintenance, another one would be the basic Audi maintenance schedule. The published sheet from Audi is a little goofy w/all the model requirements listed on one page. Maybe a maintenance record spreadsheet/checklist so the DIY'ers could easily record the work they've done?

Purchase info thread would be good to add, or common questions people have while shopping the S4, things to check etc. With B9 coming soon, market will move towards CPO and used purchases only so PPI info becomes more important.

That's probably enough for me to work on for a while, but any other topics, FAQ's to add?

[raudiace4]

+1 for sticky. Nicely done OP.

[VenturiRS]

Finally, a useful post!

Thank you very much OP!

[Reckon]

Nice! Thank you for doing this!

[doughboy17]

Nicely done! Thanks so much.

One section that would be good for each of these types of summaries done for each platform (i.e. B7 A4, C6 A6, etc.) would be common problem areas (i.e. for B8 S4: water pump, carbon build-up, etc.) and the links to corresponding solutions. This would assist with an evaluation of reliability. I know for the B7 A4 it would include cam follower failure, flickering headlights, seatbacks dislodging, rattles from the sunroof control area, sunroof drain clogging, etc.

[Difference]

Sticky!

[B18b1ex]

Nice job, Thanks.

[bizzy]

Probably not a common mod (or could be, who knows), but maybe add folding mirrors?

Guide (not sure if it's for both B8 and B8.5): http://www.audienthusiasts.com/Proje...ngMirrors.html
B8: https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4...ors/ES1905560/
B8.5: https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4...ors/ES2730867/

[AudiTFSI3o3]

10char

[drbuggy66]

1+++ for sticky!

Ironically my key fob battery light just came on a few days ago. You seriously saved me a trip to Audi.
My BMW Brain also thought the fob recharged itself like my old e92 M3.
Nice work OP!!

[Brother Owl]

Great post OP - sticky assured

[RReddington]

B8.5 manual redline is not 6500, it's 6800.

[doug97gxe]

my suggestions to add to the original posts


AWE Exhausts Sounds vs Stock Rating

Let me know if I can assist you in any way with your decision!



Good question.

Our resonated pipes would be quieter than the stock downpipes. Targeted user would be an owner with our Track Edition exhaust looking to take the "edge" off of the volume.

To quote TAG Motorsports in order of volume level:

Stock Downpipes + Stock Exhaust
AWE Touring Exhaust + AWE Resonated Downpipes
AWE Touring Exhaust + Stock Downpipes
AWE Touring Exhaust + AWE Non-Resonated Downpipes
AWE Track Exhaust + AWE Resonated Downpipes
AWE Track Exhaust + Stock Downpipes
AWE Track Exhaust + AWE Non-Resonated Downpipes

The low down on tunes

there are a couple tuners to choose from GIAC/APR/EPL/Ultronic/REVO

all offer close to 100 hp increase with their Stage 2 (Pulley/Tune) for about $2000

If you bring your car in for service with a tune once the car is plugged in for diagnostic it will be automatically flagged with a code of TD1 which will void your powertrain warranty...

so far and a couple people have proven to avoid this .. you must bring the car back to the Tuner to flash back to stock "NOT STOCK MODE TUNE" .. but a stock flash and it will prevent the TD1.

Flashing back to stock and restoring the tune will cost anywhere from $40 - $200 depending on your tuner.. so your tune choice should really be based on the closest tuner for you as all the tunes are pretty much close to each other it will be a drivers race

there is also no risk with running stock tune with an upgraded pulley as the ECU is smart enough to only apply stock boost.

So far only 2 of those mentioned tuners above will be offering flash from home capabilities later this year (EPL and Ultronic), only one so far has this ability and that is EPL .. this allows you to flash back to stock from the comfort of your own home without having to pay and visit your tuner to flash for service appointments ..

another option is having ur service done at a local shop.. however going in for recalls to teh dealer will still cause the connection to Audi of America

don't pay attention to 1/4 mile times too hard.. some tunes are more widespread so they will have a big number of times and also alot of those drivers are just seasoned 1/4 mile veterans

Stage 2 Pulley Sizes

I wanted to make a quick thread that was searchable for all of the pulley diameters for the S4. Whenever I use the search the other thread doesnt come up. Maybe because of spelling it "pullies" in that thread I guess. Either way. Here is what I have. Still waiting on the CTS results if anyone gets it.

B8 / B8.5 S4 Supercharger Pulley Diameters / Sizes from largest to smallest - measured at the tips of the ribs

Stock: 63.25mm - verified independently

Unitronic: 58.30mm -

APR: 57.75mm - verified independently

Revo: 57.65mm - revo provided number

GIAC/AWE: 57.55mm - verified independently x2

CTS: 57.02 - verified independently

Mike

[DGVR6]

Finally someone did it.. Good job. Sticky please

[rulaxin12]

Thank you!

[mccluskeybj8]

-New headlights, foglights, front bumper including grill, new taillights, headlights and taillights not interchangeable from B8 to B8.5


Is this saying that the headlights and tail lights aren't interchangeable or are none of the cosmetics interchangeable from the b8 to b8.5? If it is just the lights, is it just because they're a different shape or because the connectors are not compatible?

[Whistle]

-New headlights, foglights, front bumper including grill, new taillights, headlights and taillights not interchangeable from B8 to B8.5


Is this saying that the headlights and tail lights aren't interchangeable or are none of the cosmetics interchangeable from the b8 to b8.5? If it is just the lights, is it just because they're a different shape or because the connectors are not compatible?

They are physically a different shape. It MAY be possible to swap the front bumper, grill, headlights and hood to change from a B8 to B8.5. May also be possible to change your trunk lid, rear bumper and tail lights to change from B8 to B8.5, but I haven't studied all the parts in the level of detail necessary to say. At that level of expense, it may be cheaper to sell you car and buy what you want.

It is possible, and very popular to update the B8 with the B8.5 shifter and steering wheel.

[doug97gxe]

They are physically a different shape. It MAY be possible to swap the front bumper, grill, headlights and hood to change from a B8 to B8.5. May also be possible to change your trunk lid, rear bumper and tail lights to change from B8 to B8.5, but I haven't studied all the parts in the level of detail necessary to say. At that level of expense, it may be cheaper to sell you car and buy what you want.

It is possible, and very popular to update the B8 with the B8.5 shifter and steering wheel.

IIRC the 5 guys have only swapped headlights grill and bumper


Sent from my iPhone8s using Tapatalk

[bhvrdr]

Very nice job.

On other platforms its always been helpful to know wheel fitments. You mentioned its daunting and I agree. I'd suggest simplifying it by listing wheel diameters and widths, then allowable offsets, then allowable tire sizes.I'm

Only as an example. I am not a wheel fitment guru

19x8.5
ET45-30
255/35/19 (recommended) - 245/35/19, 265/35/19

19x9"
ET40-35
255/35/19/(recommended) - 245/35/19 (slight stretch), 265/35/19

Etc etc

Just an idea. It may be better in a whole new thread though if u think its too much. Thanks for the post

Mike

[thowell]

IIRC the 5 guys have only swapped headlights grill and bumper

Unfortunately B8 front fenders will not match up to a B8.5 front bumper cover. They look really close, but if I remember correctly one is a little longer where they snap together.

[Whistle]

IIRC the 5 guys have only swapped headlights grill and bumper


Sent from my iPhone8s using Tapatalk

Unfortunately B8 front fenders will not match up to a B8.5 front bumper cover. They look really close, but if I remember correctly one is a little longer where they snap together.

Spent a lot of time searching this, couldn't find an example of someone who had done the swap. Can someone share a link?

I searched B8 vs B8.5 hood part numbers and they came up with a different letter at the end. I'm not a part number guru, but since they were different I assumed they weren't compatible.

There are RS4 front bumper replicas available on ebay, but you keep your B8 headlights.

[14S4GWM]

You can add the Carista link under DIY section.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...testing-wrench

[Whistle]

my suggestions to add to the original posts


AWE Exhausts Sounds vs Stock Rating

The low down on tunes

Stage 2 Pulley Sizes

Thanks doug, I will update original post! Great info!

[doug97gxe]

Thanks doug, I will update original post! Great info!

Just a small fraction of ur great effort.. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone8s using Tapatalk

[Whistle]

Very nice job.

...

Etc etc

Just an idea. It may be better in a whole new thread though if u think its too much. Thanks for the post

Mike

Thanks Mike! That looks like a great place to start. I will try to format something decent so it's easy to read, and doesn't take up too much real estate.

You can add the Carista link under DIY section.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...testing-wrench

Added, thanks for the great suggestion. Need to get this app going myself!

Just a small fraction of ur great effort.. Thanks

I'm just copy and pastin' man. All the hard work was all the folks writing all the DIY's.

Just a heads up too for anyone that hasn't even BEEN to the B8 A4 forum ( I hardly ever go over) ...they have a great DIY/FAQ going there, and some of the info does transfer over obviously. Check it out: DIY Link Compilation and Additional Links

[14S4GWM]

Add this to the diy

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Removal-Guide

[Whistle]

Add this to the diy

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Removal-Guide

Added, thanks!

[14S4GWM]

Your lists are getting long and I would like to get this list up to par. Great work and I will contribute when I can.

[lexcruiser]

Why hasn't this thread been stickied? Was looking for it. Great resource!

[MrFunk]

Nice job!
B8's did have adaptive cruise control and dynamic steering - it's not only an option on B8.5's. That's not very clear in your post.

[allsunday]

Thank you so much for your time.
this is very helpful for B8&B8.5 owner !
Thanks again !