RCB6S4

I am in the process of purchasing a 2004 B6 S4 Sedan with a manual transmission. I would like to have the input of as many users of the site as possible about problems that are common to the B6 S4 and also any items I should pay close attention to when inspecting the mechanicals of the car.

The car in question is a 2004 model with ALL options (excluding Tiptronic Transmission and Multifunction Steering Wheel) and 60,000 miles.


Thank you.

Gordo

I can only speak to my experience with essentially the same car (04 S4, manual). I've owned it for almost 5 years and the maintenance problems I've had so far were:

* Driver's side window regulator went. Replaced under extended warranty.

* Rubbery paint on ESP button on dashboard is cracking.

* Rear light bulb became intermittent. I fixed myself by cleaning contacts and replacing bulb.

* Gas cap stopped creating a seal, giving CEL intermittently. Dealer replaced with new cap, problem solved.

* safety triangle holder in trunk broke; replaced for like $25

* 2 of the original OEM Continental tires blew out on the road.

Gordo

oh, and the serpentine belt started whining at about 50k, and was replaced before any damage was done.

lanccos4

Hey man... I've only owned my car for a year now and only put on about 6,000 miles, but the one issue that I had to deal with already was one of the auxillary radiators (not sure if that is the technical term...but there are three radiators on the car--one main large one and two smaller ones to either side). One of the smaller radiators was leaking antifreeze for no apparent reason (as in, it had no indication of being struck by a stone or other object). When my mechanic replaced it--which wasn't covered under extended warranty--he said that it was apparent that the OTHER small radiator had also been replaced already. So that, along with a few posts on this forum that I've read which also indicate this as a problem on these models, I'd say it's a safe bet you want to check them out. The smaller radiators are basically directly behind both fog lights, but you can't see them very well.

Hope this helps a bit. Other than that, no major issues with the car....yet.

carl viking

I bought mine about a year ago - the famous '04 gearbox issue is realyl for really early cars (I belive 10/04 and before).

s4master1

mostly oil leaks at the valve cover gaskets and lower timing cover, a few a/c compressors, upper control arms, steering pumps and driver side radiators
keep in mind that we see about 15 every week so don,t use these figures for general reference
forgot the large number of ignition coils

jallingt

Window regulators, small oil leaks are very noticable (big motor in small space w/ lots of heat), glove box door.

AdvNetSol

- Auxiliary radiators*
- Driver window regulator
- Passenger window regulator
- Valve cover gaskets leaked
- Currently my AC is not working – suspect the compressor

*the radiators have an issue that is you bump a curb, the bumper will push back into the radiators cutting a hole in it. this will cause all the radiator fluid to drain.

AdvNetSol

what is this gearbox issue?