Audi RS4 B7
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Body Variants
The Audi RS4 B7 is available as Limousine and Avant and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi RS4 B7 is available with one engine variant at 420 hp.
The Audi RS4 (Benziner, 420 PS) has the BNS (4.2L FSI V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| DRC suspension dampers leaking The Dynamic Ride Control hydraulic suspension operating at ~15 bar system pressure is known for leaking dampers. If one damper fails, the others wear faster. Repair requires dealer-level special tooling. Symptoms: Harder ride, uneven handling, oil marks under the vehicle, knocking dampers from 80,000 km | High | |
| Control arm ball joints worn Worn control arms are the most common MOT failure on the S4 B7. Ball joints and track rod ends suffer under the heavy vehicle weight and spirited use. Symptoms: Knocking over bumps, steering flutter, uneven tyre wear from 120,000 km | Medium | |
| Propshaft centre bearing defective On quattro models the propshaft centre bearing can cause problems and produce a dull knocking noise, especially when accelerating. Typical wear damage at higher mileage. Symptoms: Dull knocking from the underbody when accelerating, drivetrain vibrations, noises in corners from 120,000 km | Medium | |
| Upper front control arms worn The upper front control arms can fail at higher mileage and are expensive to source. Typical wear pattern on sportily driven examples. Symptoms: Knocking from the front-wheel area, uneven tyre wear, toe changes from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Front and rear wheel bearings Wheel bearings wear on the RS4 B7 due to the high forces of the quattro drivetrain combined with spirited driving. At high mileage one or more wheel bearings require replacement. Symptoms: Humming or droning at certain speeds, noise changes during lane changes from 120,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Ford Mondeo BA7
Mittelklasse (2007–2014)
Honda Accord CU
Mittelklasse (2007–2012)
Mazda 6 GH
Mittelklasse (2007–2012)
Toyota Camry XV40
Mittelklasse (2007–2011)
Volvo V70 III
Mittelklasse (2007–2016)
Alfa Romeo 159 939
Mittelklasse (2005–2011)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS4 B7 (2005–2009) — 8 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: BNS (4.2L FSI V8). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Rust.
What to watch out for with the Audi RS4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Audi RS4 B7 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee