Re: test driving urS4 tomorrow..

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

Peter;

    Visit the S-cars site at www.s-cars.org . It has lots of great info on
the S-cars and what to look for when purchasing a used one.
    I have just sold my '91 200q and bought a '94 S4. The S4 uses many of
the same components as the later Type 44, but the body and related
components are different, as is the 01E transmission. There have been
numerous (numerous relative to the fact that a manual tranny should not fail
before 400k) transmission problems involving failure of the pinion bearing,
primarily on the '92 cars. The '93 cars have some problems and it seems to
have been largely resolved by '94. The symptom of a bad pinion bearing is a
whine from the tranny that is speed related and not related to gear
selection. The sound has been described as a "jet turbine" whine when the
bearing is really bad.
    Another problem that is cropping up is failure of the braided fuel line
at the fuel filter. Many listers have had this problem and most seem to be
able to persuade (with varying degrees of coercion) to get Audi to pay for
the replacement.
    Some of my observations in the month I've had the S4:

    - it is better balanced than the 200q in the handling department. It
should be a great winter car.
    - more inherent wind noise than the 200q - I don't think the airflow is
as smooth around the C4 body
    - more road noise than the 200q
    - superb engine, lots of low end torque & top end power
    - definitely a sporting ride compared to the 200q, but some of the
owners of the later models find their cars too softly sprung.

    I haven't had mine long enough to evaluate the maintenance, but it
should be no worse than the 200q and actually should be better (if you avoid
big $$$$ items like the tranny).

    Check out the website, listen for tranny noise, and check the fuel line
for leaks. All other Audi buying caveats apply (hydraulic leaks, electrical
equipment functionality, etc.)

    Good luck!

Fred Munro
'94 S4  92k km


----- Original Message -----
From: <Ktaahden@aol.com>
To: <quattro-digest@audifans.com>
Sent: Friday, November 19, 1999 11:04 PM
Subject: test driving urS4 tomorrow..


> Hi all,
>
> I've put a deposit on a 93 S4, 72,000 mi, one owner, dealer serviced -all
> records available.  I am both excited and a bit nervous as I've heard some
> horror stories regarding transmissions etc..  I have owned an 89 200tqw
for
> some years now.  If I purchase this car can I expect a roughly similar
> (maintenance) experience or will it be different.  Any suggestions for
what
> to look for / ask?  All help / suggestions greatly appreciated.
>
> TIA
> Peter
> 89 200 tqw
> euro lights
> euro bumper
> v8 rear brakes
>