UrS4 Purchase Information

[Fred Munro]

Hi Jim;

These cars are quite bullet-proof. The only major weak point is the early
transmissions. The '92 and early '93 models were prone to pinion bearing
failure - listen for a speed-related whine that is independent of gear or
engine load. The fix was to replace the tranny, although some listers have
had the tranny repaired. The other tranny problem is a weak first gear in
the pre- '95.5 cars. Tire smoking starts (or tire spinning starts in rain or
snow) in first will gall the first gear set, resulting in steadily
increasing first gear noise. The later trannys came with a wider first gear.
The other major mechanical difference was the introduction of EDL
(Electronic Differential Lock) in 1996 (1995.5 in the U.S.A.). EDL is a neat
bit of marketese which makes you think you are getting a sophisticated extra
when in reality something is taken away. Audi eliminated the positive
mechanical rear diff lock and now uses the ABS system to brake spinning
wheels (EDL). One knowledgeable lister has reported EDL is totally useless
when stuck in the snow (as tested on an A4 quattro).
Other changes in '95 were largely cosmetic. The S6 got a RF remote instead
of the earlier IR with the S4. S6 instruments and body trim  differs from
the S4. The most heavily loaded car was the '92 S4 which came with a trip
computer, a rear roll bar, stiffer factory sports suspension, "quattro"
script in the rear defroster, and a metal sunroof - all of which were
eliminated in the '93 and later model years.
A problem that is cropping up frequently is a leaking fuel flex line at the
fuel filter - Audi will fix these free if you scream loud and long enough.
The leak shows up in cold weather. If the flex line is covered in stainless
braid, it is OEM and will (eventually) leak. If there is no braid, it has
already been replaced.
You can't go wrong with any of the UrS cars - it's just a matter of personal
preferences. Make sure the tranny is OK and the fuel line doesn't leak.

HTH

Fred Munro
'94 S4  117k km


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Bonnet" <jimbo at sysdump.com>
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2000 12:11 AM
Subject: UrS4 Purchase Information


> I am looking to buy a UrS4, and after reading and reading can't decide
> which year is best or is there a 'best' year? I am thinking pre 1995 is
> about what my checkbook can handle.
>
> Where are the problem spots? I have read urs4.org about brake calipers,
> steering rack, etc.. Other things to look for?
>
> Any bits of wisdom that can be offered would be appreciated :) If you
> have one of these cars for sale on the west coast, please dont hesitate
> to email me!
>
> TIA
>
> Jim Bonnet
> 1986 4000csq
> 2000 VW Passat Wagon 4motion
>