I bought my low miler blue B8 RS4 with pretty much every option from Fontain late last year and they've been superb in their after sales support and do know their stuff. Great car. I also like the steering, yes it's different but the comfort setting is range rover light for town and dynamic is good for sportier driving. Great video and impressed with the editing!
i prefer the b8 of course, i own one and it looks suberb, never had one issue in 5 years, only issue is the fuel cost lol. And yes, i will keep it for life :)
Thank you for the balanced, factually supported review. I love my B8 and whilst I did look at B7's concluded a high price for essentially old tech, though nice nonetheless. Genuine oils are worth the money, just purchased all 4 from Audi (no labour) (except engine) at £235. 12 litres. The steering appraisal was spot on, prior to driving one, the press coverage nearly put me off buying, I now conclude the press didn't understand what they were driving.
U made my day :D, so far no negative reviews so I made a good buy. Btw, fixing the front shock absorbers though as mentioned in the video. :( won't see it for two weeks, really miss my V8. I also want to black the secondary colour out so its primary is red and secondary black instead of silver. Also refurbishing back right wheel, I will look out for this vibration too just in case! THANKS
Nice review...currently in a BMW M4 Comp but looking for a change...looked at these before buying the M4 but never drove one..I had a B5 RS4 years ago and loved that..maybe it’s time for a test drive 🤔👍
M4 also a really nice car; given they're near-direct competitors it's quite surprising just how different the RS4 is in character to it. A pleasingly old-school engine wrapped up in a more modern package.
Fontain Motors Ltd thanks for your reply 👍 got to love the sound of a V8..the RS4 seems to be ageing really well and price wise they seem to be a bit of a bargain... I’ll be probably looking at one at around the 30-35k mark so hopefully something well specced and low mileage...only thing iv heard negative is the possibility of carbon build up .. but if I get a really low mileage one and drive it properly this won’t be an issue 👍
Yup i bought a rs4 they go good and have a sound man the 4.2 litre should be brought back with a stick . People need to email audi and demand sticks in all cars. The rs3 rs4 rs5 s3 s4 s5 s6 s7 rs7 s8 all need sticks.
Alex, In regards to the suspension issue (7:08), how does the issue manifest itself? I note that when turning the steering wheel (near full right lock) and gently moving the car forward (over a sightly bumpy surface) that there is a rattle (or knocking) coming from the front driver side wheel area. I've been informed that this may be due to an issue on the front passenger side suspension. Keen to clarify if this sounds related to the DRC issue you have noted that can occur with the front suspension. Thanks!
What you describe could relate to something like a worn or split suspension arm bush, or possibly ARB link. DRC leaks first manifest themself as slightly bouncy or under-damped suspension and becomes a knock over bumps as the leak worsens and fluid pressure drops.
@@FontainMotorsLtd Hi Alex, a wonderful video and great knoweldge of the car - thank you for the very infomative video. The engineer said I had light misting on my B8.5 RS4 on the fronts. They sound dry when I go over a speed bump, could this be true? Are there kits availailable to refurbish the shocks or do they need to be replaced with new ones?
@@BenJamminJones1 Hi Ben - light misting generally no concern. Check again at next service or MOT but leave alone until then (assuming system working well and holding pressure). Properly leaking dampers require replacement with new.
@@FontainMotorsLtd Gotya thanks! That's good news :-) Pretty sure it's holidng pressure well as when I switch to suspension from Compoft to Dynamic it really hardens up the suspension :-)
I've got an RS4 B8 sized wedge of cash burning a hole in my pocket... My wife things I'm insane but... it's my birthday coming up and well, I really bloody want it. What's the recommendation on the carbon ceramics?
Hi James, the ceramics come into their own with very high speed use. If you were planning top-speed events or trackdays on some of the faster circuits they could well prove handy. It is important to treat them correctly though, and in the event that the discs did become worn or pick up some damage they are expensive to replace. I personally prefer the pedal feel that the standard brakes provide. The replacement cost is less than a quarter of the ceramics too. If you were worried about heat/fade with the standard brakes a higher temperature brake fluid is easy to change in and there are lots of aftermarket pads around that are designed more for repeat, hard applications. Hope that's helpful, they're great cars!
They're no heavier on batteries than most other modern cars (although like a lot of sports cars very low mileage examples can suffer from a lack of use). A quality battery is going to be +/- £200 and fitting/coding an hour of labour. If it's being fitted by an independent garage or motor factor etc. do ensure they have the ability to code the battery as you'll get lots of odd faults without doing so.
I run a b8 it’s awesome 2014 only 28k all black great spec 20 inch oz black gloss spooks, still have original wheels, might consider selling if price is fare ?
Hi Alex, I have a couple of issues with my B8.5 RS4. I bought the car a few months ago with the engine light on, but the car itself is not running badly. I've love to solve these issues. I have 2 problems. I'm happy to work on the car myself. I get an EPC and engine light as well. You seem very competant on these cars and thought you may have an idea? (1) 8113 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System P2181 00 [237] - - MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear I think these cars have a common fault with thermostat or thermostat sensor? (2) 2838 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure P0087 00 [096] - Too Low Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear Maybe a failed fuel pump or injector? Any idea the best way to test? I have VCDS. Had an occasional missfire when changing gear at higher revs. This has only happened twice. Any pointed would be agreat help 🙂 Cheers, Ben
For that Ben I could only recommend a competent workshop to carry out a diagnosis for you, even if you do plan to do the repair work yourself. Guessing at faults inevitably ends up costing more in terms of money, time, and stress.
Hi Jerry, what is it you'd like to know about the engines? They're generally good, but you have to remember they're old cars now. Components of any older vehicle (particularly a performance car) will begin to suffer the affects of age and simple wear.
@@FontainMotorsLtd thanks for the reply. I’m considering buying one and wondering what are the common engine issues, thing to check and maintenance tips
Just bought daytona grey, B8 RS4....😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Previous car was 4.2l na S5 2008 xxxxxxxx Car before this was 335d bmw coupe, bmw drove the best but in the great British weather its quattro that wins every time xxxxxxxx
Appreciate the thought, but the "in person" benefits from this to us as a business outweight the UA-cam figures by some margin (the channel isn't monetised anyway). Over the years it's attracted people to the product, helped confirm buying decisions, and even allowed us to buy some lovely cars from owners who are moving on to something else. I like to imagine it's been at least a little but useful to people we've never met also, and in their case I'm happy simply to share some info. Thanks for watching :)
What a load of bollocks , had B8.5 in Suzuka Grey , brakes £2500 for 4 corners , DSG electronics in gearbox , my advise money pit ! Now with B9 and no comparison
Hello Keith, B9 is a great car; won't hear any arguments from us on that one. The performance is explosive. That is about the right money to do the brakes all round, the cars have fantastic stopping power but that does come at a price. I think you were unlucky on the fault; obviously any component can have an issue but in our experience those gearboxes are generally good when correctly maintained. Hope you continue to enjoy the B9!
Also a B9 here from a 2018 RS3 9(with sports exhaust). Had the car with the soundtrack, now loving the B9. Slightly down on orchestra but wow, it goes….
@@CCN-tu2kr👍good man , now in the B9.5 or face lifted B9 2022 Tango red carbon edition , more bass in sports exhaust over previous model but still goes like stinky over the B8 😂
I bought my low miler blue B8 RS4 with pretty much every option from Fontain late last year and they've been superb in their after sales support and do know their stuff. Great car. I also like the steering, yes it's different but the comfort setting is range rover light for town and dynamic is good for sportier driving. Great video and impressed with the editing!
This is the type of content my brain needs. Very interesting and 100% informative. I’ve the B8.5 RS5 version but the advice still applies. Great job.
Myself also... I've had a couple of issues with mine, warped break discs and a flex plate breakage, so be on the lookout for those :(
For me B7 Saloon with a stick you just cant beat that feeling every time you shift
Thanks for this. Still interesting to watch today, a glimpse into the past. What a car.
i prefer the b8 of course, i own one and it looks suberb, never had one issue in 5 years, only issue is the fuel cost lol.
And yes, i will keep it for life :)
Any DRC issues?
@@mikeclarke6000 im aware of that problem,seems common on this model but no,never had any issue yet
Great vid! Perfect assessment from a B8 owner!
Thank you for the balanced, factually supported review.
I love my B8 and whilst I did look at B7's concluded a high price for essentially old tech, though nice nonetheless.
Genuine oils are worth the money, just purchased all 4 from Audi (no labour) (except engine) at £235. 12 litres.
The steering appraisal was spot on, prior to driving one, the press coverage nearly put me off buying, I now conclude the press didn't understand what they were driving.
Thanks Ian, glad you liked it!
Another cracking video guys! Keep up the great work.
Cheers! You're making me feel bad about not doing the next one 😬
Thanks for this article
Helped me purchase my riviera blue b8 rs4 awesome engine
I'm off to get mine tomorrow 😊
I pick mine up on Saturday! I have to make a 600+ mile return trip home with it. Can't wait!
I 💕 love my Audi A4. Thank you for this Video
Great video, very helpful for new comer, can't wait to take delivery of my new RS4 B8
Must be like waiting for Christmas when you're 9 :)
What colour and spec is yours?
U made my day :D, so far no negative reviews so I made a good buy. Btw, fixing the front shock absorbers though as mentioned in the video. :( won't see it for two weeks, really miss my V8. I also want to black the secondary colour out so its primary is red and secondary black instead of silver. Also refurbishing back right wheel, I will look out for this vibration too just in case! THANKS
Great insight
Lovely cars
Nice review...currently in a BMW M4 Comp but looking for a change...looked at these before buying the M4 but never drove one..I had a B5 RS4 years ago and loved that..maybe it’s time for a test drive 🤔👍
M4 also a really nice car; given they're near-direct competitors it's quite surprising just how different the RS4 is in character to it. A pleasingly old-school engine wrapped up in a more modern package.
Fontain Motors Ltd thanks for your reply 👍 got to love the sound of a V8..the RS4 seems to be ageing really well and price wise they seem to be a bit of a bargain... I’ll be probably looking at one at around the 30-35k mark so hopefully something well specced and low mileage...only thing iv heard negative is the possibility of carbon build up .. but if I get a really low mileage one and drive it properly this won’t be an issue 👍
Yup i bought a rs4 they go good and have a sound man the 4.2 litre should be brought back with a stick . People need to email audi and demand sticks in all cars. The rs3 rs4 rs5 s3 s4 s5 s6 s7 rs7 s8 all need sticks.
Great report and well delivered, just drop a few of the 'umms' for a prefect job.
The only Audi that I will ever want
If you were going to pick just one that's a pretty good one to pick!
Alex, In regards to the suspension issue (7:08), how does the issue manifest itself?
I note that when turning the steering wheel (near full right lock) and gently moving the car forward (over a sightly bumpy surface) that there is a rattle (or knocking) coming from the front driver side wheel area.
I've been informed that this may be due to an issue on the front passenger side suspension.
Keen to clarify if this sounds related to the DRC issue you have noted that can occur with the front suspension.
Thanks!
What you describe could relate to something like a worn or split suspension arm bush, or possibly ARB link. DRC leaks first manifest themself as slightly bouncy or under-damped suspension and becomes a knock over bumps as the leak worsens and fluid pressure drops.
@@FontainMotorsLtd Thanks for your feedback! I got a diagnostic report since, which matches with what you described! Thanks again!
@@FontainMotorsLtd Hi Alex, a wonderful video and great knoweldge of the car - thank you for the very infomative video. The engineer said I had light misting on my B8.5 RS4 on the fronts. They sound dry when I go over a speed bump, could this be true? Are there kits availailable to refurbish the shocks or do they need to be replaced with new ones?
@@BenJamminJones1 Hi Ben - light misting generally no concern. Check again at next service or MOT but leave alone until then (assuming system working well and holding pressure).
Properly leaking dampers require replacement with new.
@@FontainMotorsLtd Gotya thanks! That's good news :-) Pretty sure it's holidng pressure well as when I switch to suspension from Compoft to Dynamic it really hardens up the suspension :-)
I've got an RS4 B8 sized wedge of cash burning a hole in my pocket... My wife things I'm insane but... it's my birthday coming up and well, I really bloody want it. What's the recommendation on the carbon ceramics?
Hi James, the ceramics come into their own with very high speed use. If you were planning top-speed events or trackdays on some of the faster circuits they could well prove handy. It is important to treat them correctly though, and in the event that the discs did become worn or pick up some damage they are expensive to replace.
I personally prefer the pedal feel that the standard brakes provide. The replacement cost is less than a quarter of the ceramics too.
If you were worried about heat/fade with the standard brakes a higher temperature brake fluid is easy to change in and there are lots of aftermarket pads around that are designed more for repeat, hard applications.
Hope that's helpful, they're great cars!
Great video but the image feels too dark :(
Alex, any concerns around defective battery in the B8? What's expected price to have it replaced? Thanks!
They're no heavier on batteries than most other modern cars (although like a lot of sports cars very low mileage examples can suffer from a lack of use). A quality battery is going to be +/- £200 and fitting/coding an hour of labour. If it's being fitted by an independent garage or motor factor etc. do ensure they have the ability to code the battery as you'll get lots of odd faults without doing so.
@@FontainMotorsLtd Brilliant, thank you!
I run a b8 it’s awesome 2014 only 28k all black great spec 20 inch oz black gloss spooks, still have original wheels, might consider selling if price is fare ?
Sounds really nice Mark, and yes please. Email me if you like, alex@fontain.co.uk
Hi Alex, I have a couple of issues with my B8.5 RS4. I bought the car a few months ago with the engine light on, but the car itself is not running badly. I've love to solve these issues. I have 2 problems. I'm happy to work on the car myself. I get an EPC and engine light as well. You seem very competant on these cars and thought you may have an idea?
(1) 8113 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
P2181 00 [237] - -
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
I think these cars have a common fault with thermostat or thermostat sensor?
(2) 2838 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure
P0087 00 [096] - Too Low
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Maybe a failed fuel pump or injector? Any idea the best way to test? I have VCDS.
Had an occasional missfire when changing gear at higher revs. This has only happened twice. Any pointed would be agreat help 🙂
Cheers, Ben
For that Ben I could only recommend a competent workshop to carry out a diagnosis for you, even if you do plan to do the repair work yourself.
Guessing at faults inevitably ends up costing more in terms of money, time, and stress.
@@FontainMotorsLtd Thanks for your advice!
is there a chapter on the timing chain replacement?
On older S4s perhaps? The timing chain on these isn't an issue.
Lets wait about 10 or 15 years to check prices of manuals B7 vs B8... 🙃
Nothing mentioned about what to look for in the engine
I’ve never heard that brake discs last 30-40k miles. Been driving for 20 years all of my vehicles had them run 80k miles
I think to get 80k out of RS4 discs you'd need to throw out an anchor at each junction!
Does the RS4 B8 have brake assist?
It was available as an option (came with adaptive cruise control)
Can i buy a car from getmany and have it sent to the usa.
Once they're more than 25 years old, yes.
I just wish they made this into a sedan ahhh chucks
You didn't cover the engines which always seemed to have some sort of problem
Hi Jerry, what is it you'd like to know about the engines? They're generally good, but you have to remember they're old cars now. Components of any older vehicle (particularly a performance car) will begin to suffer the affects of age and simple wear.
How about the engine?
Hi Denis, what would you like to know about the engines? I'll do my best to give a useful answer.
@@FontainMotorsLtd thanks for the reply. I’m considering buying one and wondering what are the common engine issues, thing to check and maintenance tips
Difference between a B8 and B8.5?
B8 RS4 launched 2013; there are no pre-facelift cars.
Just bought daytona grey, B8 RS4....😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Previous car was 4.2l na S5 2008 xxxxxxxx
Car before this was 335d bmw coupe, bmw drove the best but in the great British weather its quattro that wins every time xxxxxxxx
This video has nearly 50k views and 800 likes and not even 2k subs people are taking the piss for all this info they're getting for free
Appreciate the thought, but the "in person" benefits from this to us as a business outweight the UA-cam figures by some margin (the channel isn't monetised anyway). Over the years it's attracted people to the product, helped confirm buying decisions, and even allowed us to buy some lovely cars from owners who are moving on to something else. I like to imagine it's been at least a little but useful to people we've never met also, and in their case I'm happy simply to share some info.
Thanks for watching :)
I wish they'd made a B8 / B8.5 RS4 sedan
What a load of bollocks , had B8.5 in Suzuka Grey , brakes £2500 for 4 corners , DSG electronics in gearbox , my advise money pit !
Now with B9 and no comparison
Hello Keith, B9 is a great car; won't hear any arguments from us on that one. The performance is explosive.
That is about the right money to do the brakes all round, the cars have fantastic stopping power but that does come at a price.
I think you were unlucky on the fault; obviously any component can have an issue but in our experience those gearboxes are generally good when correctly maintained.
Hope you continue to enjoy the B9!
Also a B9 here from a 2018 RS3 9(with sports exhaust). Had the car with the soundtrack, now loving the B9. Slightly down on orchestra but wow, it goes….
@@CCN-tu2kr👍good man , now in the B9.5 or face lifted B9 2022 Tango red carbon edition , more bass in sports exhaust over previous model but still goes like stinky over the B8 😂
@@keithmason5584 Enjoy !
@@CCN-tu2kr you too 👍