Audi RS4 B8
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Audi RS4 B8 (2012–2015) carries the CFSA 4.2 FSI V8 with 331 kW/450 PS — high-revving naturally aspirated, spinning to 8,250 rpm. No turbo, no supercharger — pure displacement. This makes it the last of its kind and a sought-after collector's item.
The CFSA is fundamentally durable, but three things cost serious money: timing chain sits on the gearbox side (recurring Audi V8 FSI theme), stretch from 100,000 km (,300–7,700). Oil consumption — the V8 FSI drinks up to 1 litre per 2,000 km. Carbon deposits on intake valves from direct injection — walnut blasting every 50,000–80,000 km recommended (–880).
The S tronic DL501: mechatronics can fail from 60,000 km (,650–8,800). Gearbox oil change every 60,000 km mandatory. Brakes: wave discs standard — expensive to replace (,320–2,200 per axle).
Test-drive checklist: Rev V8 to 7,000+ rpm (smooth?), S tronic: kickdown and slow manoeuvring, brakes: fading after downhill?, oil level after warm-up.
2026 market: With 40,000 miles ,800–57,200. Under 20,000 miles ,000–77,000. Trend: stable — one of the last high-rev V8s without turbo. Insider pick: example with timing chain proof, S tronic oil change and full Audi service book.
Body Variants
The Audi RS4 B8 is available as Sedan and Avant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi RS4 B8 is available with one engine variant at 333 hp.
The CFSA is Audi's farewell gift from the naturally aspirated V8 — 8,250 rpm rated speed, 450 PS without a turbo. The character is the opposite of a BiTurbo: the engine demands revs and rewards with a sound no production family car offers any more. Double throttle body in the intake: soft down low, sharp up top. Direct injection (FSI) is the structural weakness: without fuel washing over the intake valves, their backs coke up from blow-by oil vapour. Walnut blasting every 50,000–70,000 km is mandatory. The variable intake manifold with flaps tends to rattle from oil deposits — bolts can come loose and fall into the engine. Timing chain fundamentally robust, needs clean oil and short change intervals.
- !! Timing Chain on Gearbox Side — Most Expensive RS4/RS5 Problem from 120,000 km
CFSA uses simplex chains on the gearbox side. Although more robust than the BBK predecessor, tensioners and guides are wear items. Engine removal mandatory for a full repair. Significantly more durable with regular short oil change intervals.
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start, timing chain noise at low revs, engine warning light - !! Con Rod Bearings at High RPM — RS4/RS5 Revs to 8,250 rpm from 100,000 km
The CFSA revs to 8,250 rpm as a high-revving naturally-aspirated engine. Con rod bearings are under extreme stress. Neglected oil changes or poor-quality oil risk bearing wear. Preventive replacement at 80,000–100,000 km is discussed.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine at operating temperature, increasingly loud rumbling at high revs, oil pressure drop - !! Camshaft Adjusters — Heavily Stressed at High RPM from 80,000 km
Four camshaft adjusters on the CFSA are more heavily stressed by high-rev operation up to 8,250 rpm than a normal V8. Oil quality and short change intervals are critical for longevity.
Symptoms: Rattle on start, camshaft fault codes, limp mode
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| S Tronic DL501 Mechatronics Failure The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox DL501 is prone to mechatronics failures. Typical: judder on pull-away, delayed gear changes or complete failure. Repair costs €3,000–5,000, a new unit up to €11,000. Symptoms: Judder engaging D or R, delayed or missing gear changes, gearbox fault message, vehicle entering limp-home mode from 90,000 km | High | |
| Rear sport differential failure The optional rear sport differential can fail after 80,000–100,000 km. A repair bill of over €3,000 is then to be expected. Regular oil changes extend service life. Symptoms: Noises from the rear axle area when cornering, uneven rear torque distribution perceptible from 90,000 km | High | |
| Sport Differential Oil Leak (Propshaft) On the optional sport differential, grease/oil leaks from the propshaft. Cause: the end-cap bonding fails to hold the internal pressure (TPI 2025572/1). Repair requires gearbox removal. Symptoms: Oil or grease patch under the rear of the vehicle, 'Sport Differential Fault' message from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS4 B8 (2012–2015) — 24 engine-related and 19 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CFSA (4.2L FSI V8). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Rust, Electronics.
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 B8 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS4 B8? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Audi RS4 B8 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Audi RS4 B8 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi RS4 B8? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee