Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Audi · Mid-Size · 2004–2008 Custom Search

Audi S4 B7

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Body Variants

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

Generations

Engine Overview

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

S4 · Petrol· 344 PS
2004 2008

High-revving V8 naturally aspirated with direct injection, fitted in S4 B6/B7, RS4 B7, S5 B8 and R8. Timing chain sits on the gearbox side — repair requires engine removal. Oil change intervals of max. 10,000 km are mandatory. Short-trip use massively accelerates wear.

  • !! Timing chain: tensioners and guide rails — THE main problem from 80,000 km

    Chain tensioners and guide rails on the BBK wear prematurely, often from 60,000 km. Chain skips teeth → engine damage. Complete engine removal required; gearbox must be separated. Costs: 2,600–7,500 €.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, progressively louder ticking at operating temperature, engine warning light, sudden power loss
    2,600–7,500 $
    Ad timing chain BBK S4 V8chain tensioner BBK 4.2Gleitschiene BBKtiming chain kit BBK BHF
  • !! Alusil cylinder bore wears — elevated oil consumption to engine failure from 120,000 km

    The BBK uses Alusil-coated aluminium cylinders (not Nikasil). With sulphur-containing oil or long intervals the bore surface is damaged. Oil consumption rises to up to 4 L/1,000 km; result: piston seizure. Engine block replacement ~10,000 €.

    Symptoms: Rapidly increasing oil consumption, blue smoke, falling compression, borescope reveals bore damage
    3,000–15,000 $
    Ad Motorblock BBK S4 V8crankcase BBK 4.2Motorinstandsetzung BBK V8
  • !! Camshaft adjusters generate fault codes — limp home from 70,000 km

    Camshaft adjusters on the BBK wear and generate camshaft deviation fault codes. Vehicle goes into limp-home mode. Adjuster replacement possible without engine removal; tensioners/rails require engine removal.

    Symptoms: Rattling on start, engine warning light, limp-home mode, reduced engine output, rough idle
    500–3,000 $
    Ad camshaftnversteller BBK S4 V8chain tensioner BBK V8camshaftnversteller set BBK

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle 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
  1. 01 Lighting
    58
  2. 02 Engine & Cooling
    15
  3. 03 Airbags
    15 ⚠ 2
  4. 04 Electrical
    11 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Powertrain
    7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Lighting (58 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (15 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (15 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Hyundai Azera TG

Mid-Size (2006–2011)

Same Segment

Lexus IS XE20

Mid-Size (2006–2013)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo 159 939

Mid-Size (2005–2011)

Same Segment

BMW 3er E90

Mid-Size (2005–2013)

Same Segment

Fiat Croma 194

Mid-Size (2005–2011)

Same Segment

Mazda 5 CR

Mid-Size (2005–2010)

Explore more

All Audi models
Hyundai Azera TG Mid-Size (2006–2011)
Lexus IS XE20 Mid-Size (2006–2013)
Alfa Romeo 159 939 Mid-Size (2005–2011)
BMW 3er E90 Mid-Size (2005–2013)
Fiat Croma 194 Mid-Size (2005–2011)
Mazda 5 CR Mid-Size (2005–2010)
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} B7 facelift of the V8 S4: more refined, quieter, more mature than the B6. The last generation before the supercharged V6 takes over. With a manual, the purist statement — anyone who knows what comes next buys now. Prices climbing since the B8 arrived with a V6.
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