Audi S4 and S4 Cabriolet

stealthbomber

alot of good discussion on break-in the "Coupes,Convert./Sport" section, "S4vsM3" thread. also the A4 thread here. check em out.

josh1818

To anyone who may be interested, I just received the Audi all-season floor mats and trunk liner from the Audi website (www.audiusa.com) for my new S4. An excellent choice for those who want the mats to fit perfectly (they even come with those two front snaps) with the Audi logo as well.

The floor mats are extremely durable and well worth the money. The trunk liner, although useful and well worth the $50, is not made of the hard rubber that the mats are made from, but rather a foam-type material. Again, it's well worth the money if you ever plan on putting things in the trunk that may leak or spill.

For those interested, go to www.audiusa.com and click on the Boutique button on the bottom of the page. There, you can find accessories such as these.

Lastly, I order a lot of my car care products from Griot's Garage (www.griotsgarage.com). They have some EXCELLENT car wash and wax that will keep your shiny new S4 looking incredible.

Just though some of you may find this info useful.

Josh

spridledog

I love Griot's stuff as well. Have you used their "Interior Cleaner"? If not, GET SOME. It's incredible - cleans all plastics (door panels, dash, leatherette), carpet, and leather! Gentle, yet very effective. One product to clean everything inside the car (except glass). Use it around the house, too. Everyone should try it! Happy driving....

pmvi

You mean you haven't pulled the trigger yet?!

I thought I was going to see a book report about your new S4!

By the way, I got my S60 T5M this week. Man, this car is one sweet ride. Of course, it's not an S4, but it is smooth and incredibly comfortable. Plus it's got plenty of punch when you have the turbocharger humming!

spridledog

You're exactly right, I still haven't got the S4, and it's been driving me and everyone else around me crazy!! I was soooooo close to making a deal on a Silver/Silver S4 last week, and then I decided to wait. Why? Well, I think maybe I should wait until the 2002 A4's start trickling in, and check out a 3.0 with manual and sport pkg. Maybe I'll like it better?! If not, I could still get an S4 at that time (the 2002 S4 will be unchanged). Also, I've been waiting for the VW Passat W8 4-Motion with 6-speed manual, which supposedly will start to show up this Fall. I own my current car, so I'm not in any real rush, other than the fact that the Silver S4 is still haunting me in my sleep! Do you think my plan is wise??

pmvi

....that you need to get off the fence and just get the S4. You know that's what you want.

You're not going to be able to wait for the next generation S4, and let's face it---as nice as the 2002 A4 is, the S60 T5 is way better (at least IMO).

My prediction: you will still be agonizing over your decision next year--only then it will be a different sub-set of cars you'll be consdidering. Come on, prove me wrong!

Firebird_EOU

Has anyone heard of subsidized winter tire from the dealer for leased cars? If I were to lease I don't really want to be stuck with 4 winter tires at the end of lease or have to transport 4 tires to get it changed (prefer to have the tires stored at the dealer). If the dealer could work out a program so you pay 1/2 the price for the winter tires for the 39 months lease that'd be ideal since the usage on the performance tires are reduced by half. Prob from Nov to March for the winter tires?

ilxman

I own a 2001 Nogaro Blue/Blue Alcantara 6-spd with every option except the nav system and phone. I have about 2,800 miles in the 3.5 months I've owned it (I live in downtown Chicago, so lotsa city driving). Bottom line? I LOVE this car. I have hauled 5 people in this car; I've shoehorned a bulky, 6-foot tall box into this car with the seats folded down; I've spanked a Mustang at a stoplight with this car; I've blasted the subwoofer with the windows and sunroof open on a glorious spring day with this car; I've enjoyed Beethoven's 9th Symphony in marvelous comfort while stuck in highway traffic jams in this car; and I've grinned from ear to ear as I've blasted up to 100+ mph speeds on lonely highways and taken winding exits at insane g-forces in this car.

In short, after test driving the 330Ci, 330xi, and E36 M3, my S4 owner's experience confirms my initial impression: The Audi S4 represents the very best balance of comfort, luxury, practicality, and butt-kickin' performance of any car on earth under $60k--with the probable(?) exception of the new E46 M3. Oh...and chicks dig the color combo. Lastly, my Passport 8500 has already saved my behind at least 6 tickets, so I give that my highest recommendation.

spridledog

I've been agonizing for months as to whether or not I should buy the Silver/Silver S4 that has been haunting me ever since I drove it, and now I am further teased by your comments! As I mentioned in my previous post no. 506, I guess I am waiting to check out the new 2002 A4 3.0, the new VW Passat W8 4-Motion, and am also considering the Volvo S60 T5. One question, though. You're in Chicago - did you drive the S4 in the snow? If so, how was it, and with what tires? Thanks, and enjoy the S4....

habitat1

I will be purchasing a new car in late 2001 or early 2002. Primarily considering BMW 3 or 5 series.

I must confess that I hadn't even seriously considered Audi based upon my impressions from years past of their reliability problems and severe depreciation. However, a few colleagues suggested I at least look at Audi. A quick check of the used car section of the Washington Post this morning found a 99 A8 Quatro (low miles, mint condition, 1-owner, Carfax Certified) listed at $35,995 by Radley Acura. A 2001 model lists for $62,000+. This seems to confirm that, at least for the upper end Audi's, depreciation is still horrific.

So, since the posts I'm reading here seem to come from very pleased owners, how did you reconcile this in making your purchase decision?? Assuming you get an S4 with some options for $42,000 +/-, are you planning to take a bath if you decide to sell in 3-5 years or is everyone planning on keeping the car until it drops??

I appreciate any feedback. It appears as though Audi has turned the corner in terms of product quality, but I am concerned that depreciation due to past image sometimes takes a long time to overcome.

hvan3

The best bang for the buck is Honda S2000. Inline 4 with 240 hp, 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. That is pure adrenaline for an inline 4. I bet you S4 can't do that!

mmcbride1

the S4 does it in about 5.5 sec. Lots more torque in the S4, too.

ruski

did you just come from the Moon?

x21bikakis

The A8 might have been in an accident or has some problem to be listed at $36,000. Either that or low miles means something like 80,000. Audi's do not lose their value as fast as you think they do. My 10 year old Audi is still worth $7,000 and it's original price was $28,000 (back in 1991). You can't tell why a car is priced the way it is unless you check it out. If that A8 really is in mint condition with low miles, i'm sure it's going to sell FAST.

-George

x21bikakis

That little thing is half the size, only 10 less hp, and the S4 beats it to 60.

drew37

Is the 2002 S4 being redesigned similar to the A4? Will it be coming out at the same time as the 2002 A4?

ilxman

I haven't driven the car yet on snow. The documentation on the low-profile Pirelli tires says performance on snow ain't so hot (no surprise of course), so I'm wondering just how bad snow will be--especially since I live in an apartment and don't have a garage to store four tires in order to switch to winter tires in November.

jbwcfp

drew37 the next s4 will probably be a 2003 or 2004, it will be based on the new design, but the engine has not been decided on as yet, it could be another turbo or a v8. There will be a short run of 2002 models, as a continuation of the current model. For more info check out audiworld.com.

spridledog

For what it's worth, my Audi salesman told me that the S4 with stock tires is pretty much "sideways" in the snow! It's supposedly not just bad, but practically UNSAFE in snow! If I finally break down and get an S4 (which, by the way, I may make an offer on this Thursday), I'm planning on having to get a second set of wheels and tires. This is a bummer, but, on the other hand, with four snow tires on, the S4 is supposed to be great!!

spridledog

I'm a big fan of maintaining a factory look, and, I LOVE the Avus wheels on the S4. I'd like to get a second set for winter. Anybody know how much they cost, and/or where I could get them at a lower price?!? Thanks...

JBaumgart

What I did for my A4 with Sport Pkg. is look for the very best deal I could find through Tire Rack. I did not care so much about appearance as long as they were alloy and looked decent. I also wanted a smaller diameter wheel (in my case 15 inchers) because with snow tires taller and narrower is better, if maximum traction is your main goal. They are also of course cheaper. I lucked out when a set of 4 OZ Racing wheels were closed out and became available at a very low price. As I recall they were something like $72 a wheel. Better yet they actually looked as good or better (except for the smaller size) than the stock wheels. I would call Tire Rack regularly and ask about closeout deals. If you want a low price it would be best at this point to be patient, and of course don't be too fussy. In winter (at least here in Minnesota) your wheels are typically always very dirty and are regularly exposed to corrosive road salt anyway.

I just didn't want steel wheels with tacky wheel covers but didn't want to pay a premium price either. IMO you're better off spending the extra money on better tires -- Joel

'01 allroad
'98.5 A4Q w/Sport

yns5

I just want to set the record straight on this issue. Is there going to be a S4 2002??? From what I heard and even going to European Audi sites, the S4 berline will be discontinued for at least a couple of years until the brand new model comes out (check out http://www.lltek.com/new_a4.htm) but the S4 Avant will continue. Thanx.

cochese

Well... There will be a limited run of 2002 S4's that will be exactly the same as the 2001 model. The production will end the final week of July. No one knows when there will be a new S4, to match the new A4 body, But it will be at least 2003.

ilxman

I took my '01 S4 to a body shop to fix a door ding. I noticed 2 extra miles on the odometer, meaning someone went out for a quickie joy ride. The problem was that the engine malfunction light came on when I started it up to leave. After giving those twits a good talkin' to, I went to my dealer and hoped it was nothing serious. It was time for my 5k miles/6-month tune-up anyway, even though I only have 3k miles on it.

It turns out that 3 fuel injection nozzles (or something like that) blew out; they have to order the Bosch parts and then they'll replace them and do the 5k work-up. [The car is still driveable in the meantime.]

After asking what could have caused such a quick parts failure, all they could say is that it sounds like a fluke. Any ideas on what those twits at the body shop could have done????

markcincinnati

My geography Cincinnati -- we have winter, but the worst I have ever seen it is perhaps 4 days snow on the roads which after the second day is pretty much gone on the primary and most secondary roads, sometimes the residential areas do not get cleared for 3 or 4 days (and that is the worst). Having had many quattros, I agree with those that have or will have S4's or any Audi product with the Sport Package (which comes with either Ultra High Performance or Maximum Performance Summer tires -- you have no choice) -- the quattro does help, and more than a little -- but the Summer tires coupled with quattro, ABS and ESP and/or EDL are still not quite the "experience" most of us expect with our High Performance Audi Cars. My solution, which I have not experienced during winter, was to take the Pirelli P6000's (Z rated version) 255 x 40 x 17"ers off of my 2001 A6 4.2 Sport (at 8,000 miles on the odometer) and replace them with an Ultra High Performance All-Season (but not Winter) tire from Yokohama called an AVS db.

I have "tested" the tires on my favorite twisty roads and in the SouthWestern Ohio Monsoon Season (which has been the past 2 months) -- but, again, not in winter. The tires are, of course, a compromise --yet I sense that they are compromised leaning toward the performance side rather than toward the All Season characteristics.

Using the above description of Cincinnat, and having experience in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Richmond, Washington DC and Chicago-land, I would suggest that these tires on an Audi quattro of recent vintage with both ABS and ESP, would not "get you sideways" any more than any non-studded snow tire would, unless of course, you just "can't resist" a power slide (intentionally induced, of course). But, if you really want to have fun, you'd be doing the power slide in a deserted snow covered parking lot with the ABS off.

alwaysjefff

I had my 1999.5 A4 quattro in for its 60,000 mile service the other day and the dealer let my take a 2001 S4 6speed sedan for a long test drive. Wonderful car. Just the type of car my 2001 yellow Vette eats for breakfast. I will probably buy a S4 in 2003 or 2004 when its time to replace the A4.The S4 is a great everyday fast car but if you want really fast, the corvette is the only way to go. 350hp, 0-60 4.9 seconds and 24.5mpg. All for only $3500 more than the $43,000 S4.What more can you ask for? If you live in northern N.J. and you see a millennium yellow 2001 corvette tail lights go by, I just ate you for breakfast.

jbwcfp

I have been giving some thought to what tires I will put on my s4 this winter. I'm in Michigan so I definately have to change, but am considering all season performance tires, rather than snow tires. Detroit winters are not terribly snowy, but we do have our days. This past winter it snowed from december to january, then hardly at all after that. I'm leaning toward the all season approach, since I don't go north to ski.
Jim W

jbwcfp

I'm no expert on the injectors, but there is too much coincidence with the repair shop, I'd let'm have it too. My car is also in the shop for a bumper repair, (someone tagged me sitting at a light). Not on purpose I left the car on empty, now I'm glad I did. But this place is connected to the dealership with audi s4's available.
Jim

mmcbride1

I have an A4, not an S4, but I've been hit twice in the first month of ownership. I was not moving either time. I'm starting to think that people don't see me...

At least I hadn't fixed the bumper yet when the second guy hit me.

Anyone else out there been hit a lot?

spridledog

I was hoping that with the all-new A4 coming soon, and the 2002 S4 coming, that I could work a good deal on a 2001 S4. The car I wanted was Silver/Silver, w/Bose, Cold Weather, Premium, and 6-speed, which has a MSRP of $41,925. The invoice is $37,522. I just offered my dealer $38,500, and he said YES!!!! I don't think I'll be able pass this up! Do you all think this is a good deal, or can I do better? Seemed like a great price to me...Thanks.

JBaumgart

Sounds like a great deal to me. Go for it.

so1144

Yeah, I have an A4 and have been hit in the rear while at a standstill too. I don't think it was because they didn't see me.

Spridledog, 38500 sounds like a good price to me. I was at the dealer yesterday here in the Philly area and I got an offer of 38900. The only thing I would look into is, if you live where it snows, the S4 and the TT's tires are terrible in the snow, so expect to spend another 600-800 on tires. You might want to ask the dealer to get you some snow tires "at cost" (you pay for them)and they install them free. It's something I am going to ask for. Good luck..

spridledog

I closed a deal on a 2001 Silver/Silver S4, with 6-speed, Premium, Cold Weather and Bose @ $38,500. I pick it up tomorrow at 6:00PM! It's gonna be a long day tomorrow!!!! Can't wait. Thanks for all the previous help & advice here at the hall!

jbwcfp

Congrats!!! You'll love it! I just got mine back on Friday after a week of getting the rear bumper replaced. Your price sounds really good to me as well. Enjoy your car, and take it easy during the break-in. If you thought the buying decision was difficult, the next 1000 miles will be a killer. BTW, if you are free August 11th or 12th you can sign up for the Audi Challenge, at Mosport Park, near Toronto. In a day they teach you the proper way to drive a quattro. If you go, I'll see you there.
Jim W

jbwcfp

Have you been out driving for the last 24 hours?
Where have you been. How do you like it?
Jim W

lauk0dg

Just wondering....I just got my 2001.5 A4 1.8T 3.5 months ago and did some daydreaming recently......

spridledog

Thanks for asking! Yes, I have now experinced the automotive equivalent of nirvana! Wow, I LOVE this car!! The smooth, quiet, effortless power, the solid, buttoned-down feel, the solid thunk of the doors and trunk, the quality leather, the awesome red dash lighting w/white glowing needles, the great, fat steering wheel, I could go on and on! You know what Audi does so well? DETAILS. It's all in the details. The awesome materials and textures, the way the glove box door feels like it costs $1,000 by itself, the little red glowing light cast over the center console at night, the way the assist grips retract with perfectly damped action, etc. Wow, can you tell I LOVE THIS CAR?! The gas mileage is a downer, but other than that - pure heaven!!! You're right, the break-in period is a drag! Oh well, it's worth the wait! Drive safe, and thanks!

ilxman

I just put 1,000 miles on my '01 S4 on a road trip last weekend (mostly highway driving); it was my first long trip. Even though I had two other passengers and gear in the trunk, this puppy was effortless at 100 mph (yes, the radar detector was on). My only problem is that I only averaged 18.3 mpg fuel economy...but then I was driving 80-100 mph, or stuck in traffic jams!

jbwcfp

I remember reading in R&T (I think) about a test bmw did testing engine efficiency and gas mileage. because hi-performance engines are more efficient when used at higher engine speeds, they found they got better gas mileage by quickley getting to speed, then shifting into hi gear. I think they used a 5k shift point. They compared this to the egg on the gas pedal theory, short shifting. The hi-rev procedure consistantly achieved higher mpg. Just a thought for fun driving, backed up by research!
Jim W

chimchim5

Yeah, I was rear-ended while moving slowly in traffic (braking). I think the A4,S4 must have a problem with the rear brake lights not being bright enough. People just cannot see the S4, A4 as designed. Just a theory. Maybe in converting the car to American specs, the German engineers miscalculated the resulting brightness of the brakelights?

lauk0dg

How come they are red?? I would think European laws prohibit red signalling lights and they should come here in yellow just like their siblings in Germany.

beaune

I had a pleasant suprise when I got 20.3 mpg with my new S4 Avant with Tip. I did mixed town and highway with both modes of the tranny. When shifting manually, I kept the revs under 4000 (with much self-restraint). It is one outstanding automobile. Comfort, great sound system, both musical and mechanical! Take a drive without the radio and listen to the turbos and the exhaust note. It's car-guy nirvana! If you read me note about 30 or so back, ya, I did it. It was useless to resist. beaune

dam225

I have had my S4 for about 2 months now, and with approx. 2200 miles I am finding that the car is running ten times better than when I initially bought it. Everything is so smoooooth! The transmission and trottle responce are right on. If it keeps getting better like this, I can only imagine what it will be like with 5k or 10k miles.

bobinsofla

I'm seriously looking at a new S4 to replace my 95 Maxima SE. Have compared it to the A6 2.7T and a BMW540i (used). I would like any suggestions/candid feedback on my trade study as well as ownership experience with the S4 (reliability, grin factor, audi service, etc.). Thanks for the feedback.
Bob

stgreen

Audi and bmw owners: i am contemplating the purchase of EITHER the S4 or 330Xi (All wheel drive sedan). S4 prices out 3,000 cheaper but will certainly need snows for new england driving (adding 600+ for those tires). If you can, please tell me pros AND Cons of either or both cars.

I like the power of the S4 and road grip, the roomier trunk and interior　was nice as well. bmw was also very solid, smooth engine but smaller trunk. one con of S4 to me was tire noise.

any other comments????? I really need them!

thanks!

jbwcfp

The car that you have and the other two you are looking at are a little bigger than the S4. If you need much of a back seat, the S4 is kind of tight. There is defineately a nice grin factor with the s4. My S4 avant is only 1 1/2 months old, but so far I love it! I also thought about a 540 used, but decided to get a new s4. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the cars you are looking at, just drive them and see what fits your needs.
Jim W

jbwcfp

I just got a S4 avant, so I'm biased toward the audi. I also required a small wagon and the bmw only comes with the 2.5l. I went audi because of there experience with quattro, if you choose the bmw choose rwd and get snow tires, you should do ok in the winter. If you get the bmw sport package you will also need snows. again, drive and compare, for street driveing I think the audi is better.
Jim W

spridledog

I am in the process of picking out winter wheels and tires for my new 2001 S4, which, by the way, is by far the most amazing vehicle I've owned. My Audi salesman suggested I get ALL-SEASON tires rather than snow tires, and go down to 16" in size. A Tire Rack salesman suggested that if I do go with all-season tires, I should stay with the 17" size. I live in Northeast Ohio where there is a fair amount of snow, although the main roads I travel are usually pretty well plowed. Do you think I should go with snow tires like Blizzaks, or are all-seasons good enough? What about the size - 16" or 17"? Anyone who can share their own experience would be helpful. Thanks.

JBaumgart

I would go with 16 inch wheels taking care to keep the same diameter and purchase good winter tires. I would stay away from the Blizzaks which from personal experience I can tell you are great on ice and snow but terrible on dry pavement. I would look for "H" rated winter tires such as the Pirelli Snowsports which would inspire a lot more confidence in slippery conditions than regular all season tires but still preserve most of the great handling characteristics of the S4 - Joel

('01 allroad & 98.5 A4 2.8Q w/sports suspension)

stgreen

about to start a 39 month lease on an 2001 S4: Santorin Blue pearl effect; silver leather; bose; cold weather and prem package as well. very excited.

did 6500 on saab '94 900SE turbo trade in and 39,000 on price of car. will try to go a bit lower once final deal approaches but i think dealer knows i really want it.

If i have a choice, what rubber should i try to get with 17 inchers? im looking for QUIET tires but not willing to pay for anything aftermarket yet until winter comes and i need snows.

Also, dealer 'tire guy' said cheaper steel rims would not work on S4; said had to go with $1400 package of aftermarket snows on 16" rims but look similar to avoys...

thanks!