B7 RS4

m3jala · 04-20-2018, 01:26 AM

Wondering what you all think about the B7 RS4 - classic from the past. I got my V8 fix via the e92 m3 here. Anyone own or driven one of these?

xcusem3 · 04-20-2018, 08:33 AM

Yup driven one many times, a good friend of mine has one. Compared to our m3 the biggest noteworthy items are steering feel and weight transfer in the corners. Steering feels a little numb on center and not quite as precise, body roll in corners is a bit of an issue as well.
The 4.2 v8 is a gem though, high revving and noticeably more torque than the s65, feels faster out of he hole and sounds pretty good as well. You do notice the extra weight up front though with the Quattro system and that big v8 hung entirely in front of the front axel.
Solid car all around, great daily IMO.

quiksi · 04-20-2018, 02:10 PM

great motor, except for the carbon buildup issue

also, forget about back seat passengers... it's almost as small as the current A3

m3jala · 04-20-2018, 02:16 PM

Great to know. I have heard one of these before. It definitely is a nice sounding engine. I feel like this and the e92 are sort of from a previous era squashed due to emissions regulations when all the fun starts. Maybe I will nab one up and add to the stable

)

Transfer · 04-20-2018, 05:48 PM

Spend a little more and try an RS5 if you don't mind DCT.

SDPLV · 04-20-2018, 06:10 PM

I would absolutely buy one.

Hits all my criteria and one which I can't with E9X = AWD

dparm · 04-20-2018, 07:44 PM

If my life required me to commute every day, I would've bought it instead of my E90 M3.

EnVe46 · 04-20-2018, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

If my life required me to commute every day, I would've bought it instead of my E90 M3.

Really?! I assume cause your location?

dparm · 04-21-2018, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnVe46

Really?! I assume cause your location?

Yep. The AWD would make a world of difference.

Prior to the M3, I had a B6 S4 and that thing was unstoppable on snow tires.

EnVe46 · 04-21-2018, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnVe46

Really?! I assume cause your location?

Yep. The AWD would make a world of difference.

Prior to the M3, I had a B6 S4 and that thing was unstoppable on snow tires.

Yea the quattro is unstoppable. My wife had an A3 Quattro and years ago my family had an Audi 100 Quattro. Studded snows got thru anything upstate NY thru at it

jc05e46m3 · 04-21-2018, 08:44 PM

They're all around solid cars minus the carbon buildup that someone already mentioned. Also, If you're half decent with a wrench, go for it. Repair/Maintenance costs are just stupid on these cars.

dparm · 04-22-2018, 06:01 PM

Carbon buildup isn't the end of the world. It's just part of the routine maintenance. Every high-strung car has its quirks like that -- be glad the carbon buildup is relatively cheap and easy to remove.

From a maintenance perspective, the S4/RS4 is a bit tricky due to the cramped engine bay. Still, it's no harder than any other car, but things do take longer.

last1left · 04-22-2018, 07:20 PM

My favorite Audi

kyrix1st · 05-08-2018, 11:07 AM

One of the few Audis I like.

Kal_el · 05-08-2018, 11:08 AM

I had a B7 S4 as a daily when I had my E46 M3.

So when it comes to "daily" it really depends. These V8s drink a lot. I used the B7 as a daily for a year and from a maintenance and petrol perspective it sucked. Timing chain is expensive and MPG wasn't the greatest. I had a muffler delete on the S4 as well and the V8 sounds beastly. Euro muscle car. Just wish I had the RS4 because it definitely need the extra 70 hp.

They are a beautiful car, the RS4 even more so and it would a great car to own. I'd buy one for sure, not to replace the M3 but just to have and I definitely wouldn't consider it a daily, but that's just me.

Visceral · 06-02-2018, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

Prior to the M3, I had a B6 S4 and that thing was unstoppable on snow tires.

Not that the E9X M3 is great, but the thing that most often stops B7 RS4s is...

themselves. Great cars to drive until things start to go wrong... and they go wrong incredibly frequently. I have a best friend with one, and he's the best amateur mechanic I've ever met. And he is drowning in all the problems he has with it. The M3 is built from granite in comparison.

Driving-wise, its much easier to drive on the street than the "busy and nervous" M3 but slower at a track, dragstrip, or autoX.

SDPLV · 06-03-2018, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Visceral

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

Prior to the M3, I had a B6 S4 and that thing was unstoppable on snow tires.

Not that the E9X M3 is great, but the thing that most often stops B7 RS4s is...

themselves. Great cars to drive until things start to go wrong... and they go wrong incredibly frequently. I have a best friend with one, and he's the best amateur mechanic I've ever met. And he is drowning in all the problems he has with it. The M3 is built from granite in comparison.

Driving-wise, its much easier to drive on the street than the "busy and nervous" M3 but slower at a track, dragstrip, or autoX.

Good to know about maintenance. Been wanting one for a while to daily.

TTony · 06-03-2018, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDPLV

Good to know about maintenance. Been wanting one for a while to daily.

I know about the suspension (which can be cured by installing KW's) and the carbon build up (which there is no cure...). What are other common issues?

pbonsalb · 06-04-2018, 06:17 AM

Water/meth injection could help with carbon buildup.

B8bydesign · 06-06-2018, 11:44 AM

I've been more than happy with mine since selling my e92 M. Maintenance costs are very similar between the two, and it was nice getting back into a proper gearbox car (My M was a DCT). The torque in the RS4 is noticeably greater than that of my previous M, and the Quattro system is fantastic as others have noted.

If you're seriously considering one, there are quite a few more threads on the topic I'd suggest going thru:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1447516

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1037078

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492837

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTony

I know about the suspension (which can be cured by installing KW's) and the carbon build up (which there is no cure...). What are other common issues?

A good PPI will go a long way in cutting down on headaches down the road. Some of the more 'high dollar' items to check for include:
-Most recent Carbon Clean
-Brake Rotors/Pads
-Sticky clutch
-Oil cooler lines corroding at insertion point (causing leaks)
-If it still has the original DRC Suspension, check for leaks
-Injectors
-Check the CV boots for leaks/tears

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Water/meth injection could help with carbon buildup.

Unfortunately it's been proven to not really help on our cars: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...on-for-N-A-RS4

R3dliner · 06-06-2018, 01:05 PM

Is this the same 4.2L that needs the engine out for a timing job?

B8bydesign · 06-06-2018, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R3dliner

Is this the same 4.2L that needs the engine out for a timing job?

No, timing chains are NOT an issue with the RS4, only the B6/B7 S4 4.2L. The guides were upgraded to metal on the RS4 (when the service is performed on the B6/B7 S4's most shops actually use the RS4 kits as the default upgrade).

04-20-2018, 01:26 AM	#1
m3jala Captain 544 Rep 765 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2013 BMW M3 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Tysons Corner, VA iTrader: (0)	B7 RS4 Wondering what you all think about the B7 RS4 - classic from the past. I got my V8 fix via the e92 m3 here. Anyone own or driven one of these?
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04-20-2018, 08:33 AM	#2
xcusem3 Lieutenant 457 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Yup driven one many times, a good friend of mine has one. Compared to our m3 the biggest noteworthy items are steering feel and weight transfer in the corners. Steering feels a little numb on center and not quite as precise, body roll in corners is a bit of an issue as well. The 4.2 v8 is a gem though, high revving and noticeably more torque than the s65, feels faster out of he hole and sounds pretty good as well. You do notice the extra weight up front though with the Quattro system and that big v8 hung entirely in front of the front axel. Solid car all around, great daily IMO. __________________ CP-E DP's / Remus Race / ETS 7" FMIC / AFE DCI / Cobb V3 / ETS CP / HKS BOV
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04-20-2018, 02:10 PM	#3
quiksi Captain 75 Rep 903 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 Toyota Tundra ... [0.00] 2011.5 E90 M3 [0.00]	great motor, except for the carbon buildup issue also, forget about back seat passengers... it's almost as small as the current A3 __________________ 2011 E90 M3 6mt AW/Speed Cloth - ZCP, Moonroof, non-iDrive - PCD 12/9/10 Painted reflectors, matte black grills/gills, Deansbimmer Belly Pan, DEI Alarm, Homelink/compass retrofit, Passport MAX2 Hardwire, GP Thunder 8500K, modmy3 LED interior, Dinan Mufflers, HRE P40 19" Satin Charcoal, Michelin PS4S
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04-20-2018, 02:16 PM	#4
m3jala Captain 544 Rep 765 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2013 BMW M3 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Tysons Corner, VA iTrader: (0)	Great to know. I have heard one of these before. It definitely is a nice sounding engine. I feel like this and the e92 are sort of from a previous era squashed due to emissions regulations when all the fun starts. Maybe I will nab one up and add to the stable )
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04-20-2018, 05:48 PM	#5
Transfer Major General 5250 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	Spend a little more and try an RS5 if you don't mind DCT.
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04-20-2018, 06:10 PM	#6
SDPLV Major 493 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 DCT Silverstone II Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	I would absolutely buy one. Hits all my criteria and one which I can't with E9X = AWD __________________ Current: 08 E90 M3 DCT SSII w/ BE RB Swap, H8 Lux 180s, MS Drop-in AF, CF spoiler, CF diffuser, OEM CF leather trim, CF DCT paddles, Custom DCT flatbottom wheel, MirrorTap 9500ix, RockAuto rotors, Hawk HPS pads, AMS ECU 93 Oct Map Tune, GTS DCT update, Slambo custom undertray
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04-20-2018, 07:44 PM	#7
dparm Stop the hate, get a V8 3850 Rep 8,625 Posts Drives: C7 Corvette GS, AMG C63 S Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Frisco, TX iTrader: (1)	If my life required me to commute every day, I would've bought it instead of my E90 M3. __________________ Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP
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04-21-2018, 08:44 PM	#11
jc05e46m3 Brigadier General 846 Rep 3,249 Posts Drives: '21 F90 M5 Comp Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Everywhere. iTrader: (3)	They're all around solid cars minus the carbon buildup that someone already mentioned. Also, If you're half decent with a wrench, go for it. Repair/Maintenance costs are just stupid on these cars. __________________ '21 /// M5 Comp - Frozen Brilliant White/Black '18 Porsche GT3 Carrara White/Black/Red - Sold '18 /// M3 - Individual Imola/Black - Sold '15 /// M4 - YMB/SO - Sold '12 E92 ///M3 ZCP - AW/FR - Sold
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04-22-2018, 06:01 PM	#12
dparm Stop the hate, get a V8 3850 Rep 8,625 Posts Drives: C7 Corvette GS, AMG C63 S Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Frisco, TX iTrader: (1)	Carbon buildup isn't the end of the world. It's just part of the routine maintenance. Every high-strung car has its quirks like that -- be glad the carbon buildup is relatively cheap and easy to remove. From a maintenance perspective, the S4/RS4 is a bit tricky due to the cramped engine bay. Still, it's no harder than any other car, but things do take longer. __________________ Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP
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04-22-2018, 07:20 PM	#13
last1left Lieutenant 175 Rep 450 Posts Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: West Coast iTrader: (0)	My favorite Audi
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05-08-2018, 11:07 AM	#14
kyrix1st Colonel 2357 Rep 2,359 Posts Drives: G87 M2; E92M3 MT&DCT; M3 euro Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: nyc iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 BMW Z4 [0.00]	One of the few Audis I like. __________________ Pass me if you can.
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05-08-2018, 11:08 AM	#15
Kal_el First Lieutenant 278 Rep 372 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I had a B7 S4 as a daily when I had my E46 M3. So when it comes to "daily" it really depends. These V8s drink a lot. I used the B7 as a daily for a year and from a maintenance and petrol perspective it sucked. Timing chain is expensive and MPG wasn't the greatest. I had a muffler delete on the S4 as well and the V8 sounds beastly. Euro muscle car. Just wish I had the RS4 because it definitely need the extra 70 hp. They are a beautiful car, the RS4 even more so and it would a great car to own. I'd buy one for sure, not to replace the M3 but just to have and I definitely wouldn't consider it a daily, but that's just me. Attached Images
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06-04-2018, 06:17 AM	#19
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5211 Rep 10,585 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	Water/meth injection could help with carbon buildup.
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06-06-2018, 01:05 PM	#21
R3dliner Lieutenant Colonel 935 Rep 1,930 Posts Drives: 18 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: NYC iTrader: (5)	Is this the same 4.2L that needs the engine out for a timing job?
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