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Audi · Mid-Size · 2004–2008

Audi S4 B7

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

Body Variants

The Audi S4 B7 is available as Limousine and Avant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

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

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi S4 B7 is available with one engine variant at 344 hp.

S4 · Benziner· 344 PS
2004 2008
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 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
Ad control arm Audi S4 B7 complete frontKugelgelenk A4 B7 8Etie rod end S4 B7
 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
Ad prop shaft center bearing Audi S4 B7prop shaft A4 B7 quattroGelenklager prop shaft A4 B7
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
106 complaints · 2004–2008
Lighting
58
Engine & Cooling
15
Airbags
15 ⚠ 2
Electrical
11 ⚠ 1
Powertrain
7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Lighting (58 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (15 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (15 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 B7 (2004–2008) — 8 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: BBK (4.2L V8 FSI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Rust.

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 B7 have? +
The Audi S4 B7 has 8 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S4 B7? +
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 B7 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S4 B7 — 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 B7 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi S4 B7 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S4 B7? +
The Audi S4 B7 is available with engine variants from 344 to 344 hp. Petrol: BBK (4.2L V8 FSI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee