400AWHP B8.5 Audi S4 | Review/First Impressions
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ย. 2019
- Mod List and Film Gear Below
The B8 and B8.5 Audi S4 represent some of the most performance per dollar you can find. With an extremely stout drive-train, sharp looks, and high build quality, these cars excel at just about everything. Today we drive a tastefully modified B8.5 and discover some of what makes them such a strong platform.
S4 Modifications
EPL Stage II Dual Pulley ECU & TCU Tune
ECS Carbon Fiber Intake
Porsche Macan brakes by Brembo
Eurocode Front and Rear Sway Bars
H&R Sport Springs
RKX Trans Mount Insert
Resonator delete w/Magnaflow 11385 X-Pipe
Rohana RFX10 Wheels w/ Firehawk Indy 500s
ECS Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
Maxton Design Front Spoiler
Filmed With
A-Camera (Original Black Magic Pocket Cinema)
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A-Camera Lens (Rockinon 12mmPrime T2.2)
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A-Camera Stabilization (DJI-Ronin-SC)
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Best Entry-Level Video Tripod
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Drone (DJI Mavic 2 Pro)
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Audio (Tascam DR-04 w/ Insignia Lavalier Mic)
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B-Camera (Canon Rebel T7)
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Action Camera (GoPro Hero 7 Black)
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See if you can get your hand on a 335xi
I owned one haha! There’s a review on the channel, “The Evolution” check it out 👍🏼
I own a 335xi and s4 both are different monsters!
WhoisMikey what are the differences in terms of handling? I’m a big VW/Audi but I can’t ignore the potential of that n54/55
Buckie Fairweather I cant really say because my s4 has suspension upgrades inserts xbrace and all that such. But the n54 handles great at stock height suspension and wheels too! I just done majority of maintenances since. I just recently Mhd flash it stage 2 with proper bolts on.
@@BuzzytheBlue where is the rear splitter from mate
B8-B8.5 S4s are just different in the best way possible. The main reason I got mine
If I’m in New England much longer I’m probably going to end up owning a 6MT one...
BuzzytheBlue Exactly the one I got haha! You’re gonna love it.
S4 just fits like a glove. A 911 feels primitive compared to this and feels even better after driving a 911s. Mine has 458hp 400 torque.
Where did you get your grille?
I have 13 B8.5 stock, and have pushed the shit out of this racing, Tesla’s, BMW’s, Porsche panamara, camaro, so far. Up in Reno to truckee California flying through the high mountains freeways. I have come out on top, probably cause I’m fucking crazy! My point is this Audi S4 stock can still get with it! Never did I feel uncomfortable even at 130mph! It just wants to go fast and sticks to the roads
Jesus, what a review. I am so sick of watching reviewers rehash the specs (which I've Googled 100 times) and rehash the same points about the character of the car that they heard someone else say. You my friend, know how to drive, and know what the hell you're talking about. Easiest sub of my life
amazing cinematography, the review was amazing!
Great video man! The B8.5 will be a very desirable car in a few decades as it’s one of the last truly modern autos to offer power that isn’t being interrupted by turbochargers. Good job plugging the sport diff as well, it really is the unsung hero of the B8.5 S4. I came from many dialed in E46’s and am always surprised at the S4’s rotation. They must be driven in 911 fashion though; slow in, fast out... unlike the BMW’s.
Thank you! Having driven larger A6 and even S6 Audi’s that had left a “very capable yet compromised” impression with me, the S4 was a welcome surprise dynamically. With a 6MT it would likely be my first pick for year round performance cars.
I drive the hell out of my 13 S4 everyday! From 100-160mph all the time. It dominates! It is stage 1! Most cars don’t want anything to do with this S4. Talking about hauling ass all the time!
Have a 2013 6MT with the sport diff... All the things you were surprised by surprised me as well. Had a B6 S4 before this and hated the way that car felt when you pushed it. The handling of the B8/8.5 is just next level. It almost feels rear wheel drive but with a safety net that allows you to hammer the throttle mid corner with no consequences. Drove it back to back with a friends E36 M3 and genuinely can say its the first time I've preferred the driving dynamics of an AWD platform to RWD. Might be less fun on a track at 10/10ths, but in terms of a street car, it makes you feel like superman.
100% agree, the grip is unreal. I've floored it first gear on a hairpin mountain switchback. Just hooked and went
Great video, made a few myself saying similar things about my B8.5. Just subbed, keep up the good work.
Great review!
It's funny how people worry about the understeer issue like myself included but really the odds of actually tracking the car where that really comes into play is slim to none...lol. I have a 2013 A4 with a 6 speed manual and for the most part I love it.
Yeah for the most part, with cars this capable especially, understeer is a handling trait that just doesn’t show up on the street.
great video man
Local E46 M3 guy here. Stumbled on your channel over the E46 and Z exhaust videos. You've gotta let me know where these roads are! Looks like Essex/Chester area?
Nice review!
Have this motor in a A6 and love the instant torque.
Thank you! And cool, the A6 with this engine is a total sleeper.
hmmmm do i go a6 or s4 🤔 i like the a class seats better
@@raephixx2300 s4 easy choice
Great video! I love my S4 as well. I’ve done a bunch of performance mods to it but nothing aesthetic (yet). Wondering what grill that is on the front - been looking for one but haven’t landed on it yet.
This is such a good review! I have considered an S4 or E46. If you don't mind, although they are kind of different cars, how do you feel about the S4 to E46? I know how much you love the E46 as I watched that video many times, so I am super curious to hear your take on it if possible.
Tough comparison as they’re so different and from different eras. The E46 M3 offers similar performance stock but is much more of a traditional sports car obviously. The non-M E46s are too far down on power to be directly compared to a B8 S4 I feel. They definitely are substantially lighter, and they feel it. A 330Xi with a supercharger installed would be an interesting comparison to make though!
How'd you get the S4 badge on the honeycomb grille??
Great vid
The engine is out there, but get this... Front = 55.4% | Rear = 44.6%. Driver Side = 51.1% | Passenger Side = 48.9%. (No occupants, full tank of gas. S4 B8. (not 8.5)). It's not nearly as bad as the older 4.2V8. If you feel understeer, you are not taking the corner fast enough. Trail brake, then use the quattro to balance the car by powering before and through the apex. When driven hard with AWD technique, the B8.5 S4 is a guided missile through the twisties. It handles wayyy better than any 4000# car should. It's Scary Fast! Some say, that the B8.5 electronic-steering feels disconnected compared to the hydraulic rack on the B8. Yes, that does make it harder to feel traction limit... but, get on the gas early and you need to almost manhandle it. Also, if the feature car has 400awhp on pump gas and has ridiculous low end torque, then it's a dual pulley. Beauty of a ride. Tasteful diffuser.
Just got my SQ5 ZF tuned. Waiting on my dual pulleys. Damn "supply" shortages.
Does the tune and pulleys affect the mpg?
Mine has so much torque I have be gentle or the rear wheels will spine and sometimes all 4. At low temperature all wheels will spin even if you push hard from 30 mph. Traction requires summer temperatures. It feels better than driving a 9114s.
I love mine. Its not that big is 4k lbs but thats what it needs to gecko around corners. Mine everything but pullies . Why because at the time it was a daily
Now its just kicking back. 6spdm, piggyback,exhaust x pipe , ie intake, lower on spings, dsg,new southbend clutch and flywheel, motor mounts, and all the diff and trans bushings upgrades. They are not cheep but fix is and i am loving it. I live in the nw part of oregon where i have lots of windy and flat out straight aways. I can say my 2010 s4 is the beast out in my hills. Rock on and keep the legacy strong. They are bad ass cars.
Great video. I’m trying to buy one this week. Low mileage 35k
Where did you buy the diffuser?
get an awe track exhaust and youll fall in love with the sound no lie
Picked mine up a few months ago. My god the grip really mid corner or later is absolutely ridiculous. Stock lacks the low end though
Me too! I just scooped a 6 speed manualbwith that torque vectoring sports differential. Juiced!
Absolutely Beautiful Car love the video
Currently driving 2015 S4 sith 124K on it
Sanu Zachariah how has reliability been thinking about getting a high mileage one to save some money
2013 S5 here with 60k. Been more reliable that my girlfriends Accord with 40k on it. Nothing has failed. The 13+ cars are where they hit the reliability streak.
Probably been mentioned in a past comment but have you upgraded the rear anti-roll bar, to limit the understeer?
Not sure if he had one on the car at the time of this video but I’m almost certain it does now. Either way I was impressed.
I really thought my previous E92 335i MT was a drivers car, been looking into these B8/B8.5 S4's but they're pretty pricey vs 335i. I'll have to try one out.
I had on 08 e90 335i, move from a b6 S4 into that, but then moved back to a 2014 b8.5 S4 and love it. To be fair the 335i was very reliable and fun to drive, sold it at 180k and it was still tight and pulled hard. This S4 has been rock solid, no oil burning at all unlike the B6 V8. The power is excellent for daily driving. Love this B8.5 platform! Great review, right on the money about the DCT as well, it's a fun tranny when at speed...
Where did you get your grille?
why don't you do a dedicated video to the comparison between 335xi and S4. in this price range I suppose this is a common question.
That’s a great idea, I’ll likely do that! Having owned a 335xi I think I could weigh in on it pretty accurately.
Ok but how about the 6MT version?!
Hi
Where can i buy the Yellow Fog Glasses ??? I cant find it. Many Thx.
GreetZ Gore
Goremaster 666 those are LED bulbs from deAutoLed. Plug and play. You can cycle between white, yellow, flashing etc. Or you can just get yellow only. No lens necessary
Do you remember what tires Ryan was running at the time? TY
I believe the car was on Firestone Indy 500s at the time. If not then, it is now. They’re my favorite very affordable high performance summer, I came from PSS and was quite impressed.
Why did they put the engine so far at the front????
How is the mpg on this thing?
What fog lights are those?
Between this and the 392 you reviewed which one would you say was faster? 🤔
Probably relatively close but if I had to guess it’s the Audi. The power levels are pretty close and the DCT in the S4 has way tighter rations than the 6-speed in the challenger. From a dig it’d be a slaughter obviously.
what is the intro song?
What are the wheels called ?
is this for sale?
joe list...sweet
Im 19 and recently just got a new job, I've been looking into Audi a5 Audi 4 and Audi s4 b8.5. I just dont want to get a car that I might not be able to afford, I've saved $7000 this month comfortably and can again next month and the month after but I'm really wondering about the reliability of the b8.5 s4 . Is that enough to afford the s4 as a daily?
Way more than enough. The B8.5 S4 is overall a very reliable car, generally speaking they tend to have few issues when maintained properly. I highly doubt you’ll need much of the money you have saved to maintain it. Have a pre-purchase inspection completed and perform preventative maintenance whenever possible.
@@BuzzytheBlue thank you so much man I really appreciate it! Definetly will do those things listed 🤞🏼 have a good one friend.
@@BuzzytheBlue also really curious, what KM range would be safe to purchase one in? I've been looking around the 100000-140000 km range. Ik it does greatly depend on the cars service history and who knows maybe I just answered my own question lol, I appreciate your time once again.
You’re correct the most important element is a thorough maintenance history and as few owners as possible. Otherwise, the 3.0T is known to handle higher mileage quite well; priced right, I’d have not qualms with a higher mileage one with a solid history.
I loved my s4 b7 so so much, it had the 18 or 19" bbs rims I forget the size now. I dont know what the reviewer is talking about though audi s4's handle amazingly and I've owned an e46 m3 and g37s and a clk55 amg and I dunno the audi handled the best to me.
Not sure what you’re talking about; I praised the S4’s handling throughout the entire video.
B7 handles completely different than b8.
Don’t have a upgraded intercooler?
I likely forgot to mention it, I’m pretty certain this car has an upgraded intercooler. I think that’s pretty much standard for 3.0T cars going beyond a Stage 1 flash.
Anyone have experience running methanol in these cars? If so, id love a reply
I run meth. I daily a 104 file with 91-93 pump. I can run on 87 pump with a 93 file with CA crappy gas.
👍 What year is this S4?
I think newer ones are turbocharged, how does it compare?
Great video
I believe Ryan’s car is a 2013, the refresh (B8.5) ran from 2013 to 2016. I haven’t had the chance to drive the new B9 generation with the turbocharged engine yet. I’ve only heard good things about it thus far though, modern turbocharged engines have come a long way in terms of responsiveness and reduction of lag. Meanwhile it sounds as though the ZF auto is just about as quick as the older DCT. Outright performance difference doesn’t seem staggering, more-so a refinement of what was already great.
I know someone with a B9S4... 😏😅
MdubMedia Let me know if you want to shoot a video of it, would love to do a review if you’re down 👍🏼 Bound to make Ryan jealous too 🤭😂
ive driven both since i worked at a audi dealer for a while and to sum it up here is my opinion, b9 looks, interior, features, engine blah blah blah its better lol . but if you want a manual b8 gen is the way to go. b9 is a bit faster but it doesnt have that punch like the b8 gen s4 do. price wise id go with a b8. if you have the money for a b9 then you can buy a b8 AND modify it. thats just me . both great cars
Do you wanna review my dual pulley s4 with a manual. I’m in ct too!
im looking into buying one, and really torn on the manual or dsg. the dsg's are amazing, but idk just something good about a manual. if yours wasnt manual do you think it would still be as good?
Where about? Im in Vernon.. 2015 S5 Dual pulley APR, 6 speed manual.
Dominic Mariani no specifically got it for 6mt awd. I hate autos
Jeeper1378 Fairfield
How do you like the dual pulley? Stock is good but I feel like it lacks low end punch or any sort of occasion. Been eyeing the dual pulley for a bit
The camera on the windshield should be facing the road. Not sure there is much benefit of us watching your face while you talk. Otherwise solid vid mate.
Ha thanks man. This was a very quickly made video, had an older GoPro facing forward to be spliced in to the talking footage but it’s battery failed part way through. Either way appreciate the feedback 👍🏼
If I wanted the manual, I would get a v8 one.
Auto exited out
Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?
BuzzytheBlue broken English is the worst isn’t it!?
You should drive my B8 s4 with the 6 speed and same power and see how they compare lol
If you’re offering haha! Are on the East Coast?
@@BuzzytheBlue Yeah I live in north NJ but I'm up in the South Windsor area frequently
Cool, next time you’re in CT shoot me a message on Instagram (BuzzytheBlue) would love to shoot a video of your car!
BuzzytheBlue where in Ct? Im in Vernon.
Gorgeous car, sounds delicious. Wish they made it in a manual transmission, though. #SaveTheManuals
They did... the B8 and B8.5 had a 6 speed manual as an option.
How you know ZF did a great job with the 8 speed auto transmission? This guy thinks it's a dual clutch.
This B8.5 S4 is the dual clutch. I’ve also reviewed the A6 3.0T with the conventional ZF8 and it’s a great transmission as well. You must have misheard me.
@@BuzzytheBlue you are right, this thing came with a dual clutch
Do not even compare this car to a 335.
That’s it’s direct competitor, just as the S6 competes with the 550i. Audi themselves have said this. So 🤷🏻♂️
I wouldn’t say it’s fair to talk about how much better it is than a 335i if yours was just stock. I have a lot of respect for the S4’s, but with a turbo upgrade on any 335i it will easily outperform most S4’s. The S4’s don’t have that option. They can upgrade to an “Ultracharger” but the gains for the money spent are minimal.
Also, great review man. Well done.
My comments on the power and driving experience were based on stock vs. stock. I had driven this S4 before anything was done to it, should’ve mentioned that in the video. Absolute peak HP #s of highly modified ones likely goes to the N54 335i, but as far as tuned, bolt on modified cars go, the S4 just consistently outperforms them. (Especially if you’re looking at $ to $ invested. Those turbo upgrades are ridiculously expensive, at least the ones from Pure for my N55 were) With all that said, I loved my 335i, but for me personally the S4 just seems to offer a more focused driving experience.
BuzzytheBlue spot on... reliability is a huge factor as well. The 3.0T engine is bulletproof.
The ultracharger is, like most things from APR, a bit overpriced for what you get. For much less you can send your supercharger and throttle body to one of a few reputable community members for porting. Those cars on meth are in the high 10's.
My 2011 S4 has only been ousted by a new M3, an M5, 1 camaro and one Chrysler, not sure what. I have for years beat everyone the pulls up. (stage 1 tune, most of that, race setting on tuner, now I have the pulleys and stage II).
Great cars on a straight line. Not my weapon of choice in the twisties. The understeer really kills it. Even with the sport diff. Also that STronic gearbox is an expensive timebomb waiting to explode.
yea.. you drive honda bozo
How is he stage 2 with only 400hp? Stage 1 alone gives you 445hp. 400 sounds slow for all the money spent, not to mention there's cars with more
400 at the tire, as it says in the title. (AWHP) The measurements you are quoting are at the crank, I.e. no drivetrain loss. With that said, keep in mind dynos are different and some read higher or lower than others.
Is this car on stock cats too?