So am I looking at getting a solid reliable daily driver? Never owned an Audi

[Stopsign32v]

Well I am in need of a nice 4 door "daddy mobile" as my wife puts it. But I'm not even 40 yet and I've been addicted to performance cars since I could drive. This will be my first 4 door and I want to make sure it handles good and does good at the 1/4. I'd like a nice 11 second daily driver. Had it before in the means of a Mustang, and need it again!

I don't want anything domestic this time around so that really just left me with Mercedes, BMW, or Audi. The E55 AMG looked tempting but it's honestly too old for my taste. I would like something 2013+ at least. The newer ones have reliability issues or high maintenance cost (cylinder head bolts) and honestly just get too crappy of gas mileage. So there went Mercedes as an option.

Then along came the obvious choice and up to this point what I was planning to get. A N55 335i sedan Msport. However there were 3 things I really didn't like. I absolutely can't stand the ricer'ish sound of the exhaust, it still wasn't really that reliable from what I read on forums, and the owners seemed way immature. They were more worried about the "burble" of their exhaust more than anything. No matter how much I wanted to like them I simply couldn't help but feel like I wouldn't fill in with the group of owners.

Then my wife said "I've always liked the look of Audis, what about those?" and I replied what I've replied since probably 2002. "Yea they look nice but reliability sucks. Mainly the electronics." I was referring to I believe the B4s?

Anyways I figured what the hell and looked at the lineup. Now I don't know jack about squat so A3, A4, A5, S2, S9, Q3, D4 none of it means anything to me. So I came to the conclusion that for me (roughly 335i sedan size) the right size would probably be a S4. Whatever, so I looked up reliability of the newer S4 and to me surprise I found people suggesting to go with the B8.5 over the B8 but honestly nothing really was said about reliability issues! WHAT?! Was I wrong all this time?!

So I get on the Youtubes and find a couple videos of the B8.5 S4 and come across the video of the ECS valved exhaust.



"Oh God...THAT is what a German car should sound like!" is what I thought.

So then I got to looking more into it and see bolt on and tuned B8 S4s are running 11's with street tires with more to go if you'd like.






SO........Am I in the right place and on the right track to what would fill the bill or am I missing something? How reliable is the DCT? (DSG is what you guys call it?) How much will the stock internals take before they give up? Do axles break at the track? WHAT AM I MISSING? This shit seems too good to be true.

[whiped]

DSG is a DCT, they get a little clunky as they age but are the best DCT behind the PDK imo.

3.0T(Our engine) is the most reliable engine Audi has released in a LONG time.

Engine internals are good for about 600whp although this isn't achievable on the stock blower. There have been a few cases of blown diffs and other random things at the track but they are few and far between.

You can very reliably get a mid 11 sec car, 3.0 sec 0-60 with bolt-ons on pump gas. (Dual Pulley with proper cooling)

-------------------------

With that said, as these cars get cheaper and the owners get younger I fear we are going the same direction as the N54/55 crowd. You can see this already beginning to happen now.

[Stopsign32v]

So the DSG...How much does it hold up to launching and when does it start to slip/break? Also what options/maintenance/tuning/upkeep is there on the DSG?

[whiped]

It only slips on hard launches as you get close to breaking into the 10s. SSP makes upgraded internals but I haven't heard much from people who have installed them.

Other than that it's just normal maintenance.

Mine is still stock and I have 500+ launches and redline at 7600 rpm... There are a few with even more abuse on theirs.

[nicknice91303]

Well I am in need of a nice 4 door "daddy mobile" as my wife puts it. But I'm not even 40 yet and I've been addicted to performance cars since I could drive. This will be my first 4 door and I want to make sure it handles good and does good at the 1/4. I'd like a nice 11 second daily driver. Had it before in the means of a Mustang, and need it again!

I don't want anything domestic this time around so that really just left me with Mercedes, BMW, or Audi. The E55 AMG looked tempting but it's honestly too old for my taste. I would like something 2013+ at least. The newer ones have reliability issues or high maintenance cost (cylinder head bolts) and honestly just get too crappy of gas mileage. So there went Mercedes as an option.

Then along came the obvious choice and up to this point what I was planning to get. A N55 335i sedan Msport. However there were 3 things I really didn't like. I absolutely can't stand the ricer'ish sound of the exhaust, it still wasn't really that reliable from what I read on forums, and the owners seemed way immature. They were more worried about the "burble" of their exhaust more than anything. No matter how much I wanted to like them I simply couldn't help but feel like I wouldn't fill in with the group of owners.

Then my wife said "I've always liked the look of Audis, what about those?" and I replied what I've replied since probably 2002. "Yea they look nice but reliability sucks. Mainly the electronics." I was referring to I believe the B4s?

Anyways I figured what the hell and looked at the lineup. Now I don't know jack about squat so A3, A4, A5, S2, S9, Q3, D4 none of it means anything to me. So I came to the conclusion that for me (roughly 335i sedan size) the right size would probably be a S4. Whatever, so I looked up reliability of the newer S4 and to me surprise I found people suggesting to go with the B8.5 over the B8 but honestly nothing really was said about reliability issues! WHAT?! Was I wrong all this time?!

So I get on the Youtubes and find a couple videos of the B8.5 S4 and come across the video of the ECS valved exhaust.



"Oh God...THAT is what a German car should sound like!" is what I thought.

So then I got to looking more into it and see bolt on and tuned B8 S4s are running 11's with street tires with more to go if you'd like.






SO........Am I in the right place and on the right track to what would fill the bill or am I missing something? How reliable is the DCT? (DSG is what you guys call it?) How much will the stock internals take before they give up? Do axles break at the track? WHAT AM I MISSING? This shit seems too good to be true.

Haha I have to say I love the "I'm not 40 yet" quote. I'm in the same boat. Close but not yet 40 and looking for a daily that can also hold it's own on the track and doesnt sound like a ricer or have to worry about how loud the burple is out the exhaust. A nice exotic German exhaust note is what I'm after. I LOVE the sound of the ghibli sq4 but hate the fact that a 2016 is alittle more then HALF its orginal price.. how does a 80k Maserati drop to 35-40k in 2 years? Good luck on your search.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Dr GP]

If you really want reliability,you are better off buying a Lexus . consider and IS350 AWD/ That being said,The b8 and b8.5 s4s have been remarkably reliable even with higher mileage. The DSG trans have not been problem free and neither has the sport differential. Both can be expensive to repair if and when they have problems.You can count on the thermostat failing betwien 60k and 80k miles. To replace it requires removing the supercharger,so while it is off,it is prudent to replace the water pump,coolant tube and,if you are having any oil consumption issues,the PCV valve'since the SC needs to be removed to get to those parts as well. You can figure on spending $1500 at an independent shop to get it done .a lot more at the Audi dealership.Its not a matter of if the t-tat fails , but when.Some consider purchasing an extended warranty. I did so with my 2011 that I purchased with 50k miles. After 3 yeas and no claims,I felt like I wasted my money.

[gamatt]

If you really want reliability,you are better off buying a Lexus . consider and IS350 AWD/ That being said,The b8 and b8.5 s4s have been remarkably reliable even with higher mileage. The DSG trans have not been problem free and neither has the sport differential. Both can be expensive to repair if and when they have problems.You can count on the thermostat failing betwien 60k and 80k miles. To replace it requires removing the supercharger,so while it is off,it is prudent to replace the water pump,coolant tube and,if you are having any oil consumption issues,the PCV valve'since the SC needs to be removed to get to those parts as well. You can figure on spending $1500 at an independent shop to get it done .a lot more at the Audi dealership.Its not a matter of if the t-tat fails , but when.Some consider purchasing an extended warranty. I did so with my 2011 that I purchased with 50k miles. After 3 yeas and no claims,I felt like I wasted my money.

I was under the impression that the tstat situation was better with the B8.5's? 2013+ basically. For the DSG the last major revision was during the 2013 model run, so if you go 2014+ you should have your best reliability there.

To the OP, I was in exactly the same boat, I had a 2015 Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack, but my kids were getting older and a 2 door just wasn't cutting it. The S4 was the best four door alternative I could find.

[Morritse]

I was under the impression that the tstat situation was better with the B8.5's? 2013+ basically. For the DSG the last major revision was during the 2013 model run, so if you go 2014+ you should have your best reliability there.

To the OP, I was in exactly the same boat, I had a 2015 Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack, but my kids were getting older and a 2 door just wasn't cutting it. The S4 was the best four door alternative I could find.

Yeah, the tstat was upgraded then. You'll still have to deal with PCV, intercooler, and water pump stuff eventually but it's really not that bad.

[Dr GP]

Unfortunately, it was the PCV valve that was upgraded NOT the t stat. Same POS as always.

[Stopsign32v]

Is there a better up-gradable water pump?

[TMurt]

The S4/S5, especially 2014+, is probably one of the most reliable Audis in recent history. Yes the t-stat sucks and will fail, cooling systems seem to be a weak spot on Audis/porches as we've had them fail on every car we've had. Granted, generally it isn't until 8+ years or 100k, the S4's poor t-stat is an exception. I think they did improve them from original versions, which failed within 1-2 years. The laters DSG have proven reliable as well, but I would definitely avoid 2010-2011. To your point about electronics, they can be a hassle at times, but the S4 generally hasn't had a ton of high profile issues. Apologies for my new post if it scares you, my problem seems to be unique so I wouldn't pay much attention to it for your purposes. It is worth mentioning that my Dad's Q5 did have some of the keyless entry feature fail on one of the doors, which wasn't cheap, but that was an early build Q5 with over 120K on it. Overall, you will have yourself a car that has an impeccable balance of performance/reliability/practicality. Even with a few issues, I still intend to replace my 2010 with a 2016 S5, unless a 2018 A4 convinces me otherwise, but giving up the supercharger would be tough.

[Tkohli]

I have had 2 Audi's in the past ,
2007 Audi rs4
2012 Audi A6

When thinking of Audi, you never think of good reliability (my pov)

My rs4 was a complete nightmare, I was spending money each week repairing a new issue.

Audi left a terrible taste in my mouth after I parted ways with the rs4.

I switched vehicles a lot before landing a great deal on the A6. Sadly I owed it for less than a month before selling it for a very decent profit.

In the short spand I owed the A6 I went straight to a unitronic dual pulley and man what a beast.

A couple of months went by and I couldn't stop thinking about the A6. All I was thinking about what if I did a dual pulley upgrade on a S4 which weighs a lot less and has a dual clutch tranny.

I swallowed the pill and recently bought a 2015 S4 and man these things are pretty much bulletproof. My friend who owns a indy vw/audi/Porsche shop told me he hardly saw issues in the b8.5 s4's so I felt really comfortable with the purchase.

Good luck

[jungy4]

My S4 is my first Audi. I have always wanted an Audi with V6 power and manual, so this was it.

I would strongly recommend buying a certified pre-owned which extends the factory warranty and purchase additional warranty from Audi on top of that to extend further.

Warranty purchase is always a gamble, but as a first time Audi owner, piece of mind might be important.

[Envy187]

My S4 is my first Audi. I have always wanted an Audi with V6 power and manual, so this was it.

I would strongly recommend buying a certified pre-owned which extends the factory warranty and purchase additional warranty from Audi on top of that to extend further.

Warranty purchase is always a gamble, but as a first time Audi owner, piece of mind might be important.

*Peace of mind, and yes - agreed with the overall sentiment.

I bought my 2012 DSG/Premium Plus that had under 50,000 KM's/31,000 miles on the dash completely outright from the jump back in early 2017. It was my first time owning a German car, ever - coming from an Acura beforehand.

It doesn't have Audi Care, but it has the dealership's added warranty that covers drivetrain and the like until 160,000 KM's (just shy of 100,000 miles).

I intend to hold on to this ride as long as humanly possible (God willing), so having that buffer in case something goes awry is definitely a nice, cushy feeling.

As some have noted above; the B8/B8.5's engine is not only potent, but very reliable and strong as a whole.

The age-old debate between the DSG or the manual comes into play often, but even the "lesser reliable" DSG's have been solid; just do your due dilegence in regards to replacing the fluids at the appropriate times/pay attention to your shift points in order to avoid clunking/getting-hit-from-behind sensations...and you're golden.

Keep in mind that this is a forum, after all - so the worst case scenarios pop-up more often than your run-of-the-mill perfect driving scenarios.

DO NOT LET IT SWAY YOUR DECISION, OTHERWISE!

[raudiace4]

You want to keep this car reliable as a Daily driver long term? Keep it at Stage 1 tune, DSG tune and swap out OEM crank pulley for updated version of OEM or equivalent. That's it. More than enough power to run with most cars on the road on a daily commute and still fun, quiet, reliable daily driver. Add an intake and catback if you want sound.

[jungy4]

*Peace of mind, and yes - agreed with the overall sentiment.

I bought my 2012 DSG/Premium Plus that had under 50,000 KM's/31,000 miles on the dash completely outright from the jump back in early 2017. It was my first time owning a German car, ever - coming from an Acura beforehand.

It doesn't have Audi Care, but it has the dealership's added warranty that covers drivetrain and the like until 160,000 KM's (just shy of 100,000 miles).

I intend to hold on to this ride as long as humanly possible (God willing), so having that buffer in case something goes awry is definitely a nice, cushy feeling.

As some have noted above; the B8/B8.5's engine is not only potent, but very reliable and strong as a whole.

The age-old debate between the DSG or the manual comes into play often, but even the "lesser reliable" DSG's have been solid; just do your due dilegence in regards to replacing the fluids at the appropriate times/pay attention to your shift points in order to avoid clunking/getting-hit-from-behind sensations...and you're golden.

Keep in mind that this is a forum, after all - so the worst case scenarios pop-up more often than your run-of-the-mill perfect driving scenarios.

DO NOT LET IT SWAY YOUR DECISION, OTHERWISE!

Thanks for the spelling correction. It's Monday morning.
I used to be a huge Acura fan but they have fell behind the competition. Now that the Genesis G70 came into play, the bar is set high for the next generation TLX.

[Envy187]

Thanks for the spelling correction. It's Monday morning.
I used to be a huge Acura fan but they have fell behind the competition. Now that the Genesis G70 came into play, the bar is set high for the next generation TLX.

My pleasure, man. I'm known as the resident spelling/grammar N*z* on these forums, so rest assured - you're good.

The Acura I own is the third generation TL (UA6-UA7)/2004-2008 model. It was all black outside, tinted, but I changed both the headlights and taillights to clear/smoked...so the contrast of the black paint against the white on the front/rear really made it pop and unique.

It's still running strong, even to this day. I love it so much - and use it on occasion when the S4's at the mechanics for routine maintenance.

[jungy4]

My pleasure, man. I'm known as the resident spelling/grammar N*z* on these forums, so rest assured - you're good.

The Acura I own is the third generation TL (UA6-UA7)/2004-2008 model. It was all black outside, tinted, but I changed both the headlights and taillights to clear/smoked...so the contrast of the black paint against the white on the front/rear really made it pop and unique.

It's still running strong, even to this day. I love it so much - and use it on occasion when the S4's at the mechanics for routine maintenance.

I had a 06 TL 6 MT at one point. If you look at my signature, I have had an interesting mix of cars. TL was the one that taught me how to drive manual.

[Envy187]

I had a 06 TL 6 MT at one point. If you look at my signature, I have had an interesting mix of cars. TL was the one that taught me how to drive manual.

Wow. It really is a Monday, ain't it? I completely overlooked even skimming your signature to compare if you responding with your Acura point-of-view was pertinent to my case, as I had a previous generation model/the same model as you. LOL! Love it, man. Too good.

[VtotheJ]

If you really want reliability,you are better off buying a Lexus . consider and IS350 AWD/ That being said,The b8 and b8.5 s4s have been remarkably reliable even with higher mileage. The DSG trans have not been problem free and neither has the sport differential. Both can be expensive to repair if and when they have problems.You can count on the thermostat failing betwien 60k and 80k miles. To replace it requires removing the supercharger,so while it is off,it is prudent to replace the water pump,coolant tube and,if you are having any oil consumption issues,the PCV valve'since the SC needs to be removed to get to those parts as well. You can figure on spending $1500 at an independent shop to get it done .a lot more at the Audi dealership.Its not a matter of if the t-tat fails , but when.Some consider purchasing an extended warranty. I did so with my 2011 that I purchased with 50k miles. After 3 yeas and no claims,I felt like I wasted my money.

Good suggestion, but I would get the IS-F instead , for the V8 . I had one for 4 years. Only issues I had in 4 years: leaky water pump, malfunctioning Nav touch screen, and squeaky brakes (all covered under warranty). Spirited driving for 4 years to say the least, as well. Since this thread is about reliability, Lexus HAS to be in the conversation. When it comes to Audi, both B8 and 8.5 models have the t-stat, PCV, and water pump issues. Most people don't get Audi's for reliability. I got mine knowing these issues would occur at some point.

[Dr GP]

[QUOTE=Stopsign32v;13546597]Is there a better up-gradable water pump?[/QUOTE

All 2010 and some 2011s came from the factory with plastic WPs. They all failed. Replaced with metal units which are much better but some failures have been reported.

[Dr GP]

My S4 is my first Audi. I have always wanted an Audi with V6 power and manual, so this was it.

I would strongly recommend buying a certified pre-owned which extends the factory warranty and purchase additional warranty from Audi on top of that to extend further.

Warranty purchase is always a gamble, but as a first time Audi owner, piece of mind might be important.

I understand the CPO warranty is not what it used to be as far as coverage, mileage and time. If the car does not have a CPO, an extended warranty can be purchased, They are not cheap. It will cost more to buy from the dealer. There is a guy named Troy who works at a dealership in New England that sells the same warranty as the Audi dealers at a considerable discount. I would contact him(info available if needed) and get a warranty from him if you feel you really need/want one.

[Dr GP]

Good suggestion, but I would get the IS-F instead , for the V8 . I had one for 4 years. Only issues I had in 4 years: leaky water pump, malfunctioning Nav touch screen, and squeaky brakes (all covered under warranty). Spirited driving for 4 years to say the least, as well. Since this thread is about reliability, Lexus HAS to be in the conversation. When it comes to Audi, both B8 and 8.5 models have the t-stat, PCV, and water pump issues. Most people don't get Audi's for reliability. I got mine knowing these issues would occur at some point.

Don't disagree with you about the IS-F. But it all depends on how much performance the OP is really looking for or needs. As far as Audi problems, the WP is really a 2010-2011 model year issue.the metal ones have held up much better and they have been used since mid year 2011. same goes for the PCV valves with a redesign. And they only need replacement if oil consumption is an issue I had less issues with my B8 S4 than my wife had on her IS 250 AWD. Her 2008 RX 350 (bought used with 25k miles) has been basically bulletproof through 110 k miles

[Envy187]

Don't disagree with you about the IS-F. But it all depends on how much performance the OP is really looking for or needs.

"This will be my first 4 door and I want to make sure it handles good and does good at the 1/4." - OP's quote.

With this in mind...do you feel the IS-F would fit the bill, Dr GP?

[VtotheJ]

"This will be my first 4 door and I want to make sure it handles good and does good at the 1/4." - OP's quote.

With this in mind...do you feel the IS-F would fit the bill, Dr GP?

I think it would, certainly. I ran a 12.3 and all my F had was straight pipes (no mufflers) and no secondary cats (and drag radials on the rear). If we are talking reliability, auto transmission, and RWD, ISF would fit the bill. If OP wants a manual and AWD, S4 is the way to go. Just need to keep in mind the common failures of the B8 and 8.5 models, which aren't cheap. The 3.0T motors are stout for the most part with the exception of a few shitty plastic components that tend to fail over time.

[4RCFED]

You want to keep this car reliable as a Daily driver long term? Keep it at Stage 1 tune, DSG tune and swap out OEM crank pulley for updated version of OEM or equivalent. That's it. More than enough power to run with most cars on the road on a daily commute and still fun, quiet, reliable daily driver. Add an intake and catback if you want sound.

☝️This

[Stopsign32v]

ISF only has 2 back seats, much like a Mustang. I need the option for someone to sit in the middle.

[Solarsuplex]

Keep in mind cars with even no tune or stage 1 have cat issues.

That and the mechatronics errors are the hidden gremlins of this car.

Neither of them are cheap replacements if paid for out of pocket. On that note, this car is pretty damn bullet proof.

[Envy187]

Keep in mind cars with even no tune or stage 1 have cat issues.

Thank God most of us are dog-people, amirite? ;-) In all seriousness? Great points!

[Dr GP]

"This will be my first 4 door and I want to make sure it handles good and does good at the 1/4." - OP's quote.

With this in mind...do you feel the IS-F would fit the bill, Dr GP?

Yes ,but at the price of significant fuel consumption..If you don't mind spending more money for gas. No free ride here. I suggest you drive both a IS 350 and a IS F to see which you like better and then drive and compare it to the S4. Also, you can easily increase the performance of the S4 by adding a simple plug and play Chipwerke tune module($400) .Can easily be removed when taking the car in for service so as not to have the warranty voided, Many are using CW without any engine issues,

[trip'n]

Take a good look at a 2014 or 15 S8 , S6 or S7 15 or 16's-

The trick to any Audi is to replace before it breaks.

Regarding the S4's or 3.0T, with proper maintenance they will go well over 250k miles wise-
The 3.0T is S4's are also one of the best "Bang for the Buck" when it comes to tuning bar none. The difference in the car from stock to a stage 1 with SC pulley and intake in night and day