[Shreyfiesta]

Used buying guide : Audi A4 B8/B8.5

Introduction :
You've just been given a promotion and now have the budget to move up to a bigger car that fits the bill. You’ve taken a look at the cars in the ₹ 8-12 lakh bracket but you really want to make a statement and move up in life. Get yourself an entry-level premium sedan at the price of a brand-new Maruti Baleno. Say hello to the Audi A4 B8/B8.5, probably one of the best cars to enter into the premium car segment?

The B8 generation has aged beautifully over the years.


Well, the B8 generation Audi A4 (2008-2016) is a solid, well-engineered sedan that makes a good buy in the used car market. This car don’t hold its value for long compared to the Mercedes C-Class (W204) and the BMW 3 Series (E90). So, buy one if you plan to keep it for a long duration. If you attribute luxury with something which is fill it, shut it type, this is not the car for you. Get a well-maintained Camry with your eyes closed in such a case.

Probably the toughest of three-way fights?


Understanding the variants :
The Audi A4 B8 was built based on Volkswagen group's Modular Longitudinal Platform, MLB-B to be specific. This platform allowed for a shorter front overhang, resulting in a greater wheelbase length without no major increase in overall length compared to the older generations of A4. The B8 generation itself was offered in sedan and estate (Avant) bodystyles. In the Indian market, the B8 generation sedan began in 2008 and ran all the way until mid-2016, with a mid-cycle refresh in 2012 (codenamed B8.5). The S4, a high performance variant of the executive sedan was launched in India softly in 2012. Only a few units were sold here, so let's exclude it from this thread.

Pictorial comparison between pre-facelift and facelift.


Majority of the pre-owned examples available in India are 2.0 TDIs.


For the pre-facelift A4, you can find various configurations like 1.8 TFSI petrol, 2.0 TFSI petrol, 3.2 FSI petrol, 2.0 TDI diesel and 3.0 TDI diesel in the used car market. Facelifted models came in 1.8 TFSI petrol, 2.0 TFSI petrol, 2.0 TDI diesel and 3.0 TDI diesel. Majority of the used examples available in the market are diesels, with the 2.0 TDI version accounting for around eight out of every ten cars. 2.0 TDI itself was offered on the A4 in two different state of tunes from 2013 onwards : 105 kW and 130 kW. The engine of course was the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, the construction, the bore and stroke, the compression ratio were all identical on the two engines. The additional power and torque then was courtesy a rewired ECU.

A facelifted 177bhp A4 2.0 TDI being test driven by Motorbeam in 2014.


Engine specifications table from a 2012 brochure.


The 3.2 FSI V6 petrol Quattro was discontinued in early-2012. While the four-wheel drive 3.0 TDI V6 diesel was quick enough, it was made available only on demand. Audi India kept experimenting on the A4 with trim levels as well for quite a long time. Premium, Premium Plus and Technology were the variants offered on the facelifted A4 initially, and Standard and Premium Sport trims came later in 2014. The Premium Sport has 20-spoke alloys, carbon black ORVMs and all-black cabin to differentiate it from other variants. Economic variants like Business Edition and Celebration Edition were stripped-down to the max, and were sold only for a limited period. A lot of creature comforts including sunroof, cruise control, window curtains, electrically-adjustable driver seat, etc were deleted from the latter in favour of a lower starting price back then.

Throwback to the time when there was no confusion in Audi's model nomenclature.


A Phantom Black A4 3.2 FSI Quattro displayed during the launch event in 2008. The 18" 5-spoke wheels were exclusive for the 3.2 FSI. Image courtesy : Hanmust.



Bodywork :
Corrosion isn't an issue with the VAG cars unless it has been living by the sea or has seen a poor accident-repair job. Audi India normally provides warranty against corrosion/perforation for a period of 12 years, without mileage limitation. This is transferable without cost to new owners, if ownership of the vehicle changes within the warranty period. Front wheel well rusting is a typical issue in pre-facelift cars. The wheel well liner, made of felt-like material, scrubs against the fender and the paint peeling and rusting begins from the inside. It would be wise to upgrade the wheel well liners to plastic ones, which comes installed on facelift models. Facelift cars get additional stone guard protectors too, and they are snapped with some kind of fixing pins in the wheel well liner (not in fender itself). If you want to have these on your pre-facelift car, you need to cut the pins away and tape them on wheel arcs.

A clear picture of the area where the rust is normally located.


8K0853823B - Part number for the stone guard.


Check if all body panels are in good shape or not and make sure the car has not been involved in a major shunt. Lighter paint on some panels may be hark back to a shunt. Always remember to open the doors and inspect the pillars from inside. Kinks on the metal indicates that the car has been crashed and repaired. Fixing broken headlights, bumpers and bonnet assembly can turn out to be an expensive affair as you know. Also, check for paint bubbles on areas like roof, boot lid and door edges. Sometimes these bubbles indicates that the previous owner has tried to hide the rust by a cheap repaint job.

LED DRL discoloration is a common issue with most of the Audi/Skoda products.


Another common rust spot of the A4 B8, the area where inner piece of taillamp intersects with the license plate slot.


Engines :
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel sold well, so there are plenty out there if you’re in the hunt, and it does suffer from a few common issues. A known fault is the water pump failure, this manifests itself as a leak rather than any strange noise. Look for tell tale signs on your garage floor where coolant has stained the ground. Another problematic area is the gasket that seals the water pump to the thermostat. After some time, gaskets become brittle and deteriorate. The gasket’s ability to prevent leaks reduces eventually. This is a not a difficult fix, but I suggest going above and beyond. A full cooling system refresh should happen after 70,000 kms anyway, so if you are concerned about your water pump, the best thing to do is a full service. Also, the injectors can be faulty on all of the diesel engines, especially after 1,00,000 kms.

Technical data of VAG's bread and butter 2.0 TDI diesel mill.


Since the A4 B8 came out, there have been grumblings of major oil consumption problems with the 2.0-litre and 1.8-litre four-cylinder TFSI petrol engines. Engine codes known to be affected includes CAEB and CDNC. The overwhelming majority of reports are for the 2.0, but 1.8 TFSI is also affected. Many users have complained that their vehicle uses more oil than usual. Some say they have to add a whole quart of oil in every 2,000 kms, while others’ cars’ motors have no such issues. The problem is caused by defective pistons and rings that allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in excessive oil consumption, reduced engine performance, and increased emissions. Some sources claim that Audi has discovered a solution for this issue by replacing the engine breather valves. On 1.8 TFSI cars, a whistling noise from under the hood can often get misdiagnosed as a turbo or intercooler issue. But it could also be a defective PCV valve.

Check the MMI for how much the oil is low. If it does not read on the MMI, add 1/2 quart and wait for the added amount to register.


Old u-shaped piston ring is now being replaced with a wave-shaped one.


3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel, one of the most desirable engines of the A4 B8 is generally reliable. The high pressure fuel pump in this engine is Bosch CP4 pump, which is likely to fail after a certain age, releasing tiny metallic particles which can destroy the injectors. This pump is located on the back of the engine under the intake manifold and basically almost under the turbocharger, so replacing it is not definitely an easy task. The 3.0 V6 TDI in the A4 being the second-gen CAPA/CCWA one, has a simpler timing chain mechanism. Chain can wear out prematurely sometimes, starting to rattle before hitting 1,00,000 kms mark. Post-2014 units should have an updated chain tensioner fitted, so in these newer cars chain should not start to rattle that early.

The Bosch CP4 pump costs around ₹ 55,000 to replace.


3.2-litre V6 naturally-aspirated FSI petrol, the rarest of all A4 variants sold in India, is considered susceptible to accumulating carbon deposits on the intake valves. A common thing is that this occurs despite the usage of high quality fuel and Audi recommended oils. Reports have also come in from all over the world, suggesting it's not localized to any particular region's fuel, environment or emission standards. Symptoms of carbon build up includes hard starting, misfiring and reduced engine performance. To remove build-up, only a manual physical cleaning of the intake valves and vanes has proven to be able to completely remove the carbon. To prevent the issue from reoccurring, oil catch cans are the most commonly raised potential solution in addition to methanol injection.

For the ones with a heavy foot, the 265hp 3.2 NA FSI petrol.


Transmission :
One of the most common talking points about the A4 B8 is its 8-Speed Multitronic CVT automatic transmission. All the regular engine options like 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI were mated to this transmission. The CVT is electronically controlled as there are no gears and, the module that controls it can bring in a lot of problems. With no gears to grind or trouble shifting, most of the issues that you will encounter will be related to the electronics, and replacing the transmission control module is the only solution in some cases. Not to forget the fact that there have been many success stories about simply having the module reprogrammed. If this module is healthy, you may just need to continue with regular maintenance. Change the transmission oil in every 40,000 kms to prevent early burnout of the clutch friction plates. This is a simple task that only requires a ratchet and a fill pump to get the job done.

Multitronic CVT, a stepless transmission developed by Audi in collaboration with LuK.


The transmissions control module located on a side of the gearbox.


Pre-facelift 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI engines comes paired with a 6-Speed ZF XHP28 torque-converter automatic transmission, the 'Tiptronic' in Audi speak. Nothing about the XHP28 is as glamorous as an S-Tronic transmission, which is technically a DSG. Post-2012 facelifted version's 3.0 TDI gets a 7-Speed 0B5 (DL 501) dual-clutch S-Tronic automatic transmission instead. Internal failure of the S-Tronic mechatronic control unit will show a lot of symptoms on the vehicle beginning with the illumination of the PRNDS warning lights. The running symptoms indicating a fault within this mechatronics unit includes limp home mode, harsh gear change and erratic gear selection. As the mechatronics failure advances, these symptoms progress further into critical transmission failure : sticking in gear, deactivation of half of the gears, no reverse or gears above first.

Sectional view of the 0B5 gearbox, an overview of the component parts.


Suspension and Steering :
FWD or AWD, what to pick? The expensive Audis, like the Q7 and A8, comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive system, but cheaper products like A3, and A4 are typically available either way. In India, the B8 generation of A4 had Quattro on 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI. Unlike other conventional systems, Quattro eschews the use of a heavy, traditional transfer box and makes use of a center differential instead. This setup on the A4 and A6 is biased to send most power to the rear wheels, unless slippage is detected, so as to mimic the handling of a rear wheel drive car. If you care about fuel efficiency more than ultimate performance, front wheel drive is probably the better choice for you.

Quattro's self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear axle.


Post-2012 facelifted cars gets an electric power steering unit. Many users have complained about a slight pulling to one side even when the alignment was accurate. The steering rack is placed low and forward, in close proximity to the front wheels. This issue is mostly fixed by updating the power steering software in India, while in other countries some owners got the entire steering rack replaced under warranty. The rear suspension design allows for sporty and short springs and the dampers are tall for luxury car-like travel. In the 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI, dampers are adjustable for either a pliant ride or harder dynamic setting. As always, look out for knocking or clunking noises from the suspension and be prepared that the electronic shocks are obviously more expensive than regular shocks in case if you are opting for the above mentioned variants.

Typical Audi Quattro chassis and drivetrain.


Audi uses a complex front suspension with four individual control arms on each wheel, with a ball joint and a rubber bushing. It only makes sense that once these rubber bits wear down or become cracked or damaged, they also lose their ability to keep things quiet, and properly aligned for that matter. To check the bushings, jack up the front of the car and use a pry bar to move each suspension bit around and watch how they react. It's pretty easy to spot a damaged bushing, and excessive play is a sign that it needs to be replaced. If the control arm bushings are healthy, the ball joint on the other end could still be bad. Also, check the condition of CV joint boots.

Drive select system components.


Brakes :
The A4 comes with disc brakes all around and the pedal has good bite while stopping power is impressive. There are various things that can go wrong with the brake system that could affect its stopping power. Whether you hear noises while braking, your brake pedal feels spongy, or the car doesn't stop as well as it usually does, everything requires attention. Check the master cylinder for proper fluid level. In case if a leaking brake line is detected, replace it and bleed the brake system. This can affect the brake performance, making the pedal feel spongy. Brake pads should be replaced as part of the scheduled maintenance intervals. For changing the pads, it's always better to evaluate its thickness and condition, and not age or mileage.

Front brake discs and callipers of the facelifted A4.


The brake rotor can go faulty if you don't replace the pads on time, or if you live in an area with poor weather conditions where they can rust out. Visually inspect the rotors for any cracks, rust, or grooves, it should be smooth and clean. Check the callipers as well, its pistons could be stuck. If the pistons are stuck, replace the calipers immediately to avoid any further damage to the pads and rotors. You will need to bleed the brake system after replacing the caliper. ABS sensor failure, as you know, is commonly reported for the A4. Each sensor costs around ₹ 8,500 to replace including labour.

Front LH brake caliper, part number : 8K0611707E.


Interior :
The B8 generation A4's interiors are superbly crafted, and has a true luxury feel to it even by current standards. However, rattles can occur anywhere from a speaker grill to a sunroof spring and pretty much everything in between. If the problem is simply something like a loose speaker grill or center console lid, tighten it back up and see if that solves the issue. Check for broken clips and replace any that aren't holding parts in place as they should. Perhaps the most notorious rattle in some Audi's comes from the sunroof area. In some cases, springs have been known to come loose and even fall out of the sunroof. Adjusting the position of the sunroof if it is out of alignment can also solve wind noise or even rattling issues.

Interiors exude a premium feel, with all controls laid-out neatly.


While inspecting the cabin, toggle with the dashboard buttons to ensure that they are functioning properly.


Sometimes, upholstery, door pads, door handles and other leather trims becomes sticky which becomes an eyesore. If cracks and tears have already begun to appear on the leather seats, there are DIY solutions you can make to remedy the problem on your own, without making much dent on your bank account. Remember, the newest example of A4 B8 you can find in the used car market will be at least 8 years old. A stuck key fob has been known to be an issue in the A4. Forcing the key out could result in major damage. Make sure your brake pedal is not pressed when attempting to remove the key. Try turning the car off, wait for a couple of seconds for the key to release, and then pull it out. This solution has worked for many users with this similar issue. Patience is the best remedy here.

Leather seats of the A4 tend to fray quickly if not maintained well.


A normal case of the roof fabric getting separated from its foam backing, this usually happens due to heat and age.


Should you buy one?
While everyone raves about C-Class and 3 Series, people rarely talks about the A4 nowadays. People who need a well-engineered, comfortable and luxurious sedan for less than 1 million rupees have a pre-owned Audi A4 on their radar. You'll find these cars in the market for dirt cheap prices. Finding your choice is actually easy since the model stayed in production for almost a decade. Be sure about what exactly you’re going to be doing with your car, and then find a well-priced example in desired condition. If you're a sedate driver and keeps reliability at the forefront, the regular 2.0 TDI will do a fine job. Mod potential is infinite for the A4, you can get anything including remaps, body kits, interior addons, suspension and brake upgrades, etc. Well-maintained, facelifted 2.0 TDI examples can be had for as low as ₹ 10 lakh here in the South. Keep in mind that these cars are surprisingly expensive to maintain and you may end up with a white elephant if you don't account for the high maintenance costs that come with it.

The B8 generation of A4 has helped Audi very much in building up the brand image in India to enjoy the luxury status it has today.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[PB65]

Need more stuff like this!
Indeed, this might be an eye opener for many. Buyers get a used luxury car for showing off at 10 lakh Rupees without realising that it's actually a 40-50 lakh Rupee car, and will have the maintenance costs accordingly.

A known of mine bought an S-Class 2010 for 17 Odd lakhs, assuming the yearly maintenance to be 30 k - 40 k per year, in tune with the trends of the 20 lakh Rupee segment at that time, and some buffer amount due to the luxury badge. Poor guy!

[Cresterk]

Very informative thread. Just reading all the mechanical features had me drooling. Imagine getting AWD, selectable dampers, V6 diesel or just 4 engine options in any entry - mid level luxury car today. Very tempted to pick one up, maintenance cost be damned.

[Dhruvtalwar]

These all look lovely. Apart form maintenance cost, i would suggest keeping a corpus of 2-3 lakhs to bring the car up to speed once you buy it. This includes replacing things like the coolign system, if not done, or the suspension bit.

Makes the ownership journey far more enjoyable if you start from a point where the these things have been sorted...

[skandreg]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a 2011 A4 Technology S-Line 2.0 TDI finished in Ibis White exterior and Milano Brown leather interior for use as my highway/weekend fun car. I daily an i20 Active SX.

I picked this up from Audi Approved Plus Showroom a few months ago with 23000 kilometers on the odometer and paid 13.75 Lakhs. Over the past few weeks, I have spent 1.5 Lakhs to add certain features, customize the car, fix certain non-serious issues, service the car and buy some accessories.

Currently with 15.25 Lakhs spent on the car (excluding fuel) I am the proud owner of this white beauty and she glides like magic carpet. The 320 Nm Torque on this motor puts a smile on my face!

I understand some might argue that this price is too high for a 13 year old car but I am happy and enjoying my purchase. It is in pristine mechanical condition.

Here are some pictures of my car.