B9 S4 or M340i? Or…SQ5?

[AudiS4SD]

Looking to get back into an Audi. Had 3x B8.5 S4s. Really like the look of the B9s. But, M340i seems to be a monster stock.

From what I’ve seen, low mileage (less than 10k) 2023 S4s are selling for around $50k, which is like a $10k depreciation after only 1 year. Seems like a good deal. The M340i seems to hold to their value slightly better.

- I haven’t kept up, but how’s are tunes on the S4?
- Anything I need to look out for concerning maintenance or long-term issues?
- Looking to daily, so how does everyone enjoy it?
-Maybe an SQ5. If so, I’m getting rid of my Outback. Otherwise, the S4 would probably be an add to the garage.

Appreciate any insight to assist in the decision. Thanks!


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[Redblueblur]

I love the S4, and the M340i is a beautiful car, but have never driven one. Go read the entire thread "Brain storm ahead! Whats the deal with cylinder 6"

I had a B9 S4, but sold mine and bought a new Golf GTI. I miss the S4 every day, and probably would have been fine if I kept it... I let the few stories I have read from random people on here and on reddit. com, scare me out of ownership. Get one with a warranty for piece of mind, unless the extra possible expenses aren't a problem for you.

I miss my S4.

[A4 Centaur]

My .02 Cents:

Base M340i is $59,600 to build one with many if not all of the features of the S4 with a Prestige Package total is $68,145, this includes the 19" wheels and Shadowline Package etc. Audi S4 Base Price: $53,800 https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/mo...iew/build.html Audi S4 with Prestige and loaded with options comes in at $69,340

The OEM 2023 BMW will outrun the S4/ S5 in this config: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOeRpQ1ZTtQ so the B58 engine is apparently stronger than the E839.

Here is another comparison from this Euro/ German guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFjJykNspvA&t=1552s He mentions "more relaxed" and better steering etc.

OEM Base Power numbers for the BMW are probably around 400 HP? and for Audi 349? APR says 369 HP https://www.goapr.com/products/softw...U-30T-EA839-B9

My thoughts are the Audi gives better OEM torque numbers at 394 Lb. Ft. by APR. Factory reports 369 Lb. Ft. For the BMW C&D reports Power: 382 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/

I have cross-shopped every car in this line up over the last few years. I guess like politics you will ultimately vote your past choices to your affiliation. I wasn't and haven't been a fan of BMW styling at all, though their cars aren't necessarily ugly except the M3/M4 grills, I was landing on the Audi after every thought process or thought experiment.

I will say that BMW and Mercedes Benz seem to prioritize power and sportiness more than Audi in every regard. Not sure why this happens but it appears these are the facts.

[A4 Centaur]

Here is a B58 story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pbc_lQQaNk

[Advocado]

Looking to get back into an Audi. Had 3x B8.5 S4s. Really like the look of the B9s. But, M340i seems to be a monster stock.

From what I’ve seen, low mileage (less than 10k) 2023 S4s are selling for around $50k, which is like a $10k depreciation after only 1 year. Seems like a good deal. The M340i seems to hold to their value slightly better.

- I haven’t kept up, but how’s are tunes on the S4?
- Anything I need to look out for concerning maintenance or long-term issues?
- Looking to daily, so how does everyone enjoy it?
-Maybe an SQ5. If so, I’m getting rid of my Outback. Otherwise, the S4 would probably be an add to the garage.

Appreciate any insight to assist in the decision. Thanks!


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Not gonna lie. I would go with M340xi (x-drive only). I’m pretty sure I’d be crucified but SQ5 is slow AF and S4 is so outdated that it’s just hard to swallow the price.

I would consider S5, M440, M340

It’s my opinion

[AudiS4SD]

I have cross-shopped every car in this line up over the last few years. I guess like politics you will ultimately vote your past choices to your affiliation. I wasn't and haven't been a fan of BMW styling at all, though their cars aren't necessarily ugly except the M3/M4 grills, I was landing on the Audi after every thought process or thought experiment.

I will say that BMW and Mercedes Benz seem to prioritize power and sportiness more than Audi in every regard. Not sure why this happens but it appears these are the facts.

So true. I want to go back to Audi since it’s all I know honestly and the bias is totally there. But then BMWs have a huge stigma…


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[AudiS4SD]

All very interesting points! Thanks for all the info.

Kinda surprised about the engine. Very odd. I know the B8s had the timing rattle (which I had), but never engines blowing up. Granted, maybe rare.

I still need to test drive the BMW, but the Audi does have a more classy look (some may call it boring). Haven’t looked at Mercedes, but maybe the C43 AMG, but that’s debated to not be a real AMG.

Interested in more feedback as people come across the post.


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[981CS]

Here is a B58 story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pbc_lQQaNk

What does a B58 engine that ingested water have to do with anything?

[981CS]

If you enjoy the looks of the m340 then I think its the overall funner car, drives and handles like a car that really has no right to feel anywhere close to a base M3. On that note I just purchased a s5 sportback, because the looks, interior design and overall performance in my opinion trumped the m340/m440, the m340 is a design that's an acquired taste, even the m3 with the nostrils looks better in real life. If BMW actually hired a decent designer they would probably win in most categories, lucky for everyone else they appear to outsource their designer work to an unemployed 15 year old teenager in ohio.

[AudiS4SD]

If you enjoy the looks of the m340 then I think its the overall funner car, drives and handles like a car that really has no right to feel anywhere close to a base M3. On that note I just purchased a s5 sportback, because the looks, interior design and overall performance in my opinion trumped the m340/m440, the m340 is a design that's an acquired taste, even the m3 with the nostrils looks better in real life. If BMW actually hired a decent designer they would probably win in most categories, lucky for everyone else they appear to outsource their designer work to an unemployed 15 year old teenager in ohio.

How does the S5 perform better than the M340i?


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[981CS]

How does the S5 perform better than the M340i?


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Yeah that was a typo on my end, more like the overall package for me. Speed and handling alone on the s5/s4 is enough to mostly make any difference between the m340 and s5/s4 negligible at town speeds, im not sure where I would really push the s5 enough to really see the night and day difference. Having said that, the m340 is faster and seems to handle like a smaller car, I just couldn't get over the way it looks inside and out. I will however probably get the M3 comp, that one has enough drama at low speed to warrant the difference in price :D, wife gets the s5 sportback

[AudiS4SD]

Yeah that was a typo on my end, more like the overall package for me. Speed and handling alone on the s5/s4 is enough to mostly make any difference between the m340 and s5/s4 negligible at town speeds, im not sure where I would really push the s5 enough to really see the night and day difference. Having said that, the m340 is faster and seems to handle like a smaller car, I just couldn't get over the way it looks inside and out. I will however probably get the M3 comp, that one has enough drama at low speed to warrant the difference in price :D, wife gets the s5 sportback

Haha I hear ya! Yea, town speeds probably not much difference. The BMW is just ok in appearance, but I think there is a way to option it such to have it look a bit more "normal". However, the dash with the goofy backwards gauges is odd. The S5 SB is definitely a good option. I'd go RS5 all day long if the budget allowed...

Or, I just get an F-150 and slap the Roush supercharger on it

[A4 Centaur]

What does a B58 engine that ingested water have to do with anything?

I was curious about the design of the engine, timing chain locations and overall construction vs. the hot "V" of the Audi that's all.

[A4 Centaur]

Here is the C43:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YOR8Unb9KQ

[AudiS4SD]

Here is the C43:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YOR8Unb9KQ

Oh that’s right…the new one is a 4-banger. Well that’s out.


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[Quimicax]

M340 (Xdrive) > S4 Plus This Car Have Option To Put El Car RWD Que Xdelete (Tune)

B58 Is Better Engine

[TJay74]

I owned a 18 S5, own a 19 S4 and a 20 X3M. Had a 23 X3 M40i on order at one point. With that here is my take....

Figure out if you want a SAV or Sedan, two different worlds. Driving and handling wise the S4 and M340i are both very close. As said the M340i is going to be faster and on the stock turbo the B58 can put down way more power than the B9 S4 EA 388 engine. Tuning wise the M340i sucks to tune, the DME has to be removed and sent to Finland (FEMTO) to be unlocked before you can tune the DME. That alone is a little over $1500 not including the tuning fees.

Both are really amazing vehicles in the long run. I love my modded 19 S4, but my 20 X3M just straight out walks all over it performance wise.

[Z06Corey]

Or, I just get an F-150 and slap the Roush supercharger on it

I have seen advertisements for a dealership in Alabama selling a F-150 supercharged, new, for about $47,000 with a 3 year powertrain. There are various packages available but there you go!

[AudiS4SD]

I have seen advertisements for a dealership in Alabama selling a F-150 supercharged, new, for about $47,000 with a 3 year powertrain. There are various packages available but there you go!

Yup exactly that one. Gets pricey once you go Super Crew though….


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[GoCougs1234]

To me, BMW interior design and ergonomics are abysmal - those gauges having me wanting to hang myself. I was narrowed things down to the Macan Turbo, X3M Competition and SQ5 and despite the screaming deal that the X3M is (only $3k more than what I paid for a fully-loaded SQ5 Prestige) that interior killed it for me. The Macan has some moderate ergonomic issues too, esp. rear seat and cargo space and I REALLY don't like the turtle-like exterior styling. The SQ5 is 1-2 steps down in performance (and all together sorta slow) vs. either but for me far better in design, interior, infotainment, styling and ride/NVH. A stage 1 tune brings performance closer, and though not to the level of the BMW or Porsche, still very good (for me: 0-60 in 4.0s and 1/4 mile in 12.3s @ 110 mph and that's with a weak launch due to A/S tires). All told, the B9.5 has much-appreciated improvements in interior/infotainment design, solved various issues like the rocker arm SNAFU and as mentioned and in general there's a huge Audi tuning scene with readily available, reliable and durable off-the-shelf tunes (though 2022 and newer seems slow in coming).

All told, the SQ5 worked out for me! I'm at almost 3 years of ownership so I'm getting the itch again. Will see if Audi has the guts to bring the RS5 Avant to the states - I'm eagerly awaiting the announcement. If so, I'll wait. If not, not sure what I'll do. I also hate Mercedes-Benz product and the Japanese have long since bowed out of the performance scene. Both the RS6 and RSQ8 are too large. Maybe the B10 (or w/e the new chassis code) SQ5 again? Or grow up a bit and just go A4 or A6 Allroad? (Yes, I need an SUV or wagon as I'm always carrying stuff.) We'll see!

[AudiS4SD]

Maybe the B10 (or w/e the new chassis code) SQ5 again? Or grow up a bit and just go A4 or A6 Allroad? (Yes, I need an SUV or wagon as I'm always carrying stuff.) We'll see!

When is a B10 coming out? Are there rumors on the Avant? I’d do an RS4 Avant all day long. Perfect size.


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[GoCougs1234]

When is a B10 coming out? Are there rumors on the Avant? I’d do an RS4 Avant all day long. Perfect size.


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Looks to be MY2025. The current A4/A5 product will move to the A5/S5/RS5 moniker whether coupe, sedan, wagon, or whatever - IOW, all ICE/hybrid product will be odd numbers apparently. The A4 moniker (and I guess all even numbers) will be EV only. This means the new compact wagon will be the A5/S5/RS5 Allroad or Avant.

The huge advantage the (B9/9.5) SQ5 has is the air suspension - ride quality is unmatched in the class and vs. its S4/S5/RS5 stablemates.

[A4 Centaur]

^ It's crazy trying to cross-shop some of these models. I went through it this past spring/ summer. My father-in-law has the Macan S with the same E839 our S4 gets. However, the turbo has a different P/N#. The folks at motor trend gave the 2.0 E888 engine a "poor" ownership rating: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/porsche/macan/2021/

It has crappy rear seating and actually feels about the same size as a Golf inside.

If Audi does bring the smaller RS4/5 Avant here its gonna be a game changer and hopefully the 2.9 Ltr. engine is replaced with something better or can compete with the B58 platform.

[Hostile]

The folks at motor trend gave the 2.0 E888 engine a "poor" ownership rating: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/porsche/macan/2021/

That's utterly idiotic. VW's EA888 is a notoriously reliable engine that's in dozens of models across all of their brands. It's probably one of the best engines they've ever made.

[A4 Centaur]

^ Yea, it won some engineering award as well. I got to test drive the Macan 2.0 last month when the wife's 718-T was in the shop for a clutch throwout bearing or clutch master cylinder.

It's a good engine and I would love to put the Gen3 E888 in my Avant.

[DreamTFK]

S4 is a much better bang for the buck IMO and a lightly used one is a bargain.

The design is on the bland side and the interior is becoming dated. I got my B9.5 back in 2020 though and pre-covid prices.

I will admit that the G20 LCI made it a pretty good looking car and I am a big fan of the large curved screen.

Also, we all know how deep the BMW aftermarket goes and parts seems to be easier to find.

[TheContrarian]

I owned a 18 S5, own a 19 S4 and a 20 X3M. Had a 23 X3 M40i on order at one point. With that here is my take....

Figure out if you want a SAV or Sedan, two different worlds. Driving and handling wise the S4 and M340i are both very close. As said the M340i is going to be faster and on the stock turbo the B58 can put down way more power than the B9 S4 EA 388 engine. Tuning wise the M340i sucks to tune, the DME has to be removed and sent to Finland (FEMTO) to be unlocked before you can tune the DME. That alone is a little over $1500 not including the tuning fees.

Both are really amazing vehicles in the long run. I love my modded 19 S4, but my 20 X3M just straight out walks all over it performance wise.

The tuning issue is a big plus to Audi in my opinion. The stock output of the EA839 is fairly irrelevant if you're going to tune. I took my wife's SQ5 from 350 hp to 450 hp for less than $1000 and 10 minutes with a laptop. 4000lb+ SUV now does 0-60 in the low 4 second range with no other mods and wasn't very expensive used. Same would apply to an S4.

[RudyH]

My personal opinion from driving a 2021 CPO M340i M Track package (had the rear diff, suspension and brake bits along with lap timers etc) vs 2019 CPO S4 (including sports diff and dynamic suspension) as I was looking to get a B9.5 CPO S4.

I found the M340i was a bit more numb to drive then the S4 to be honest, I even had the salesperson double check I had selected Sports+ mode in the M340i. The interior was very 330i as well, as I was waiting for the salesperson at BMW and sat in the new 2023 330i with the new interior. The B58 I am sure is great, but if its a daily driver and not a track car, to me a Stage II S4 would be more than enough and enjoyable to drive. I am sure if you had stopwatches set while you are trying to enjoy your drive, the M340i would be better. If you wanted a pleasure to drive, I definitely felt more in the S4. Plus the interior was WAY nicer in the S4 in pretty much every aspect. If you are planning on building a car for the strip, I mean yes go with the M340i by all means the B58 is good, but otherwise I had a REALLY hard time taking it over a S4. I also know xDrive is nothing like the Quattro Torsen system, and would take Quattro every day of the week over it.

Exterior is really up to who you ask, but they are both larger cars.

What had me pull out of a 2021 S4 last second when I finally found exactly what I wanted (Daytona Grey, black interior /w sports diff, dynamic suspension and carbon atlas), was the sales guy slipping up and saying that his GM just returned from Audi Canada announcing the 8Y.5 RS3 for Canada the day before. Literally I drove 250 km to sign for the S4, chatted and wished they had the 8Y.5 RS3. My deposit ended up local for the RS3, but I would be driving a 2021 S4 for sure.

As for the SQ5, it's not my type of vehicle so no opinion on that.

Why am I back in this end of the forum? I found a great deal on a B9.5 S4, and I am talking myself out of the RS3 again...I wish it was just sitting in my driveway, and not still a good 8 months from being able to even get pricing and package listings...

[A4Qwattro]

OP you need to figure out if you want a sedan or an SUV first. It doesn't make sense to cross shop sedans with SUVs. You either need the space and have something to tow, or you don't.

[Z06Corey]

OP you need to figure out if you want a sedan or an SUV first. It doesn't make sense to cross shop sedans with SUVs. You either need the space and have something to tow, or you don't.

Not much additional space in that SUV. The S5 won for me due to my driving style. Couldn't do the SUV. I have a trailer for the S5 when I need to do light duty towing. ☺️

[grat_master]

Not much additional space in that SUV. The S5 won for me due to my driving style. Couldn't do the SUV. I have a trailer for the S5 when I need to do light duty towing. ☺️

Do you have pictures of your hitch installed? I just bought a 2020 S4 and need to mount my hitch to tow my jet ski but I'm not sure I want to cut that beautiful black optic rear diffuser. You can write me in private if you prefer to not pollute this discussion.

Thanks!

[jtdbsr]

I have stealth hitch and you can't see the cut out - if done correctly - unless you are laying on the ground

[davesxx01]

Just got my B9 S4 a couple months ago. ‘19. Jumped on it when I saw it at a dealer. Should have held out as I got the base model, should have held out for the one with sport diff and adjustable suspension! Still not a bad car at all just miss those options that I had on my B8 S4!

[Z06Corey]

Do you have pictures of your hitch installed? I just bought a 2020 S4 and need to mount my hitch to tow my jet ski but I'm not sure I want to cut that beautiful black optic rear diffuser. You can write me in private if you prefer to not pollute this discussion.

Thanks!

I'll respond here and if there's back and forth we can always go private message. There are two different hitches, the one I have and the stealth hitch. There's a material price difference between the two of them, maybe four or $500. This is my daily driver so I really didn't care too much about the hitch being there visually. The cut in the diffuser is small and not noticeable at all unless you are literally underneath of the car. I can shoot you some specific pictures if you want, these are just pictures I had on my phone currently. Not very detailed for what you're asking.

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