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Audi · Mid-Size · 2003–2006

Audi S4 B6

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Body Variants

The Audi S4 B6 is available as Limousine and Avant and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
1 Engines 1× Stay Away!
view Limousine →
Avant
1 Engines 1× Stay Away!
view Avant →
Cabrio
1 Engines 1× Stay Away!
view Cabrio →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi S4 B6 is available with one engine variant at 344 hp.

S4 · Benziner· 344 PS
2003 2005
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses

The Audi S4 (Benziner, 344 PS) has the BBK (4.2L V8 FSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Control arms and ball joints wear

The front control arms wear accelerated by the S4's high weight. Ball joint play is a typical MOT failure point. Full replacement often required at 200,000 km.

Symptoms: Knocking and banging over surface irregularities, unsettled handling, steering flutter
from 150,000 km
Ad control arm Audi S4 B6 frontKugelgelenk A4 B6 8E front axlecontrol arm set Audi A4 8E
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
108 complaints · 2003–2006
Lighting
59
Engine & Cooling
16
Airbags
12 ⚠ 2
Electrical
11 ⚠ 1
Powertrain
9

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Lighting (59 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (16 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (12 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S4 B6 (2003–2006) — 8 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: BBK (4.2L V8 FSI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Brakes, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Audi S4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi S4 B6 have? +
The Audi S4 B6 has 8 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S4 B6? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the BBK (4.2L V8 FSI). Problem engine: BBK (4.2L V8 FSI) — stay away!
Which Audi S4 B6 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S4 B6 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Audi puts a V8 in the S4 for the first time — and nails it. High-revving to 8,250 rpm, with a manual it is a mechanical experience. The B6 sounds rawer and less refined than the later B7. Less polished, more visceral. The beginning of a short, glorious V8 era.
Is the Audi S4 B6 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi S4 B6 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S4 B6? +
The Audi S4 B6 is available with engine variants from 344 to 344 hp. Petrol: BBK (4.2L V8 FSI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee