2009 saw the introduction of the Audi B8 A4, which was produced until 2012 before being replaced by the B8.5 A4.
Let’s first examine the distinction between the B8 A4 and S4. Here, you can observe the minor difference between the lower grille on the S4 and the A4, with the latter having ‘fins’ that extend onto the bumper.
Look at the B8.5, A4, and S4 now. The bottom fog light grills have undergone a much more subtle alteration. The ‘bend’ in the strip that runs horizontally over the fog light grill is different since it is not straight. And in the bottom image, we can see the B8.5 Audi’s alternate grille option, which is totally mesh rather than having horizontal slats.
The front end of the B8.5 models has been entirely overhauled, adding new headlights, grille, fog lights, a new bumper, hood, and fenders.
Please be aware that without a complete front-end switch, the parts of the B8 and B8.5 front ends are not interchangeable.
The B8.5 also has electromechanical steering in addition to a redesigned, lighter center differential with crown gears. The B8 features hydraulic steering, however.
Last but not least, the B8.5 gets a small modification of a number of interior components, including the climatronic and plastic dash surround.
In This Article...
What is the Audi A4 B8 5?
There are a few essential details regarding the Audi S4 to know before searching for a used one. The B8.5, a mid-cycle update of the 2010-released B8 S4, was unveiled in 2013. With improved appearance both inside and out and technical improvements to the driveline, the refresh was both visual and mechanical. View the YouTube video embedded below for a detailed look at the many options for the B8 and B8.5 S4 and our Audi S4 Buyer’s Guide.
The B8 and B8.5 A4 and S4 were sold over the following years:
- Audi A4 B8 – 2009 to 2012
- Audi A4 (2013-2016) B8.5
- Audi S4 B8 (20102012)
- Audi S4 B8.5, years 20132016
Depending on the age, mileage, and particular features of the car, prices can vary greatly. Here are some prices you may anticipate seeing if you’re searching for an Audi A4 or Audi S4 for sale.
- Audi A4 2009-2012 B8 – $6,00111,001
- Audi A4 2013-2016 B8.5 – $9,000 to $15,000
- Audi S4 2010-2012 B8: $11,00018,000
- $15,000 to $35,000 for the 2013-2016 B8.5 Audi S4.
Audi S5 B8 5 is from what year?
The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 TFSI engine with 245 kW (329 horsepower), which was previously used in the S5 Cabriolet and S4 Sedan/Avant since the 2010 model year, is utilised in the (B8.5/8.5T or Facelift) Audi S5 Coup. The addition of stop-start technology for increased fuel efficiency is the other significant modification under the hood. Compared to the current 12.6 L/100 km [22.4 mpgimp; 18.7 mpgUS] in the V8 coupe and 10.7 L/100 km [26 mpgimp; 22 mpgUS] in the Cabriolet, Audi promises an average fuel economy of 8.9 L/100 km (32 mpgimp; 26 mpgUS).
The S5 goes through some significant front-end alterations as part of the mid-generational refresh, including a total redesign of the headlights.
This entails new LED DRLs, a completely new grille that is roughly based on the grille of the 2012 Audi A6, and new fog lamps. Along with upgraded LED tail lights, Audi has also unveiled a new rear diffuser that seems to be more aesthetic than the one on previous models. [6]
The S5 gets some new features inside. The center console’s dials, window button borders, four Audi MMI control buttons, and Audi’s 3G+ MMI, which has a slightly updated interface and now includes Google Earth maps, all receive chrome trim. The shifter from the RS5 has been transferred by Audi to the S5. With the inclusion of the Menu and Car buttons below the MMI control dial (Audi has removed the skip forward/backward buttons that previously occupied the area on either side of the back button), there is a change from having four buttons down each side of the console to only two. Last but not least, a flat-bottom steering wheel type will have piano black detailing and a new circular airbag cover.
My Audi A5 is a B8 or a B9.
Since June 2007, the German automaker Audi has been building the Audi A5 line of small executive coupes. The Audi A4saloon and estate models’ coupe, cabriolet, and “Sportback” (a five-door liftback with a fastback roofline) variations are also available in the A5 lineup.
The A5 shares its platform designation with the A4 saloon and Avant and is classified as a member of the B-platform series of vehicles under Audi’s internal platform numbering scheme. As a result, the Type 8T A5 from the first generation belongs to the B8 family, whereas the Type 8W6 from the second generation is based on the B9. [1] The Volkswagen MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) architecture is the source of both designs.
B5 (1996-2001)
Due to a negative brand reputation and an outdated product selection, the first-generation Audi A4 was created. Although A4 production started in 1994, the car wouldn’t reach the United States until the 1996 model year. The A4 signified a complete redesign of the brand’s compact luxury sedan from the previous Audi 80. The first-generation Audi A4, which was built on the Volkswagen B5 chassis, came standard with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, with a 2.8-liter V-6 and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system available as upgrades. Standard transmissions included a five-speed manual and a Tiptronic manual-shiftable automatic based on Porsche technology. A minor visual update arrived in 1999, along with a new 2.8-liter V-6 engine with 30 valves and more power than the 1.8T basic engine. The 30-valve, 2.8-liter V-6 twin-turbocharged S4 performance model with a six-speed manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive was available in the United States. It produced 250 horsepower. A wagon, known as the Avant, was additionally offered in addition to the sedan body style. This first-generation A4 was successfully sold in the United States through the 2001 model year, effectively helping to rebuild the Audi brand in the region.
B6 (2002-2004)
On the new lighter, stronger, and bigger B6 platform, the second-generation Audi A4 made its debut in the United States for the 2002 model year. On most models, a manual transmission remained the default setting, while the preceding Tiptronic automatic was swapped out for a CVT transmission. There were sedan, wagon, and two-door cabriolet body types in addition to front- or Quattro all-wheel drive. The 1.8-liter turbo-four remained the base engine, but the 2.8-liter V-6 was swapped out for a 3.0-liter engine with 220 horsepower. From 2003 on, a new 4.2-liter V-8 engine with 339 horsepower was added to the S4 performance sedan.
B7 (2005-2008)
Despite the fact that the B7 designation was given to the third generation, this model is more of a thorough update than a completely new one. Finally, the 1.8-liter turbo-four was replaced with a brand-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower, direct fuel injection, and a four-valve head in place of the prior five-valve head. The original five-speed manual transmission was replaced by a six-speed standard across the board, and the 3.0-liter V-6 was swapped out for a 3.2-liter model that also featured direct injection for the first time. While the CVT persisted in 2.0-liter vehicles, those choosing a self-shifting transmission with the new V-6 engine were given the option of a new conventional six-speed Tiptronic automatic. For the first time in this series, comforts like Bluetooth compatibility and a full-color navigation system were available, although the S5 kept on with its 4.2-liter V-8 and Quattro all-wheel drive.
B8 (2009-2016)
Audi’s flagship sedan, the A4, once again grew in size with a new Audi Modular Longitudinal Platform shared with the A5 model for the 2009 model year in the U.S. (one year later than the European market). The new A4 was noticeably bigger than the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class it competed against, measuring five inches longer, two inches wider, and with a wheelbase that was six inches longer. A new 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 265 horsepower was the only option at launch, and sedan, wagon, and convertible models were still on the order list. An revised 2.0-liter turbo-four with new “valvelift” technology would soon come after it, boosting output to 211 horsepower and, more importantly, torque to 258 lb-ft. The optional Audi Driving Select, which offers several drive and suspension settings, and the Audi MMI display interface were at this point settling into their groove as in-car luxuries and infotainment systems. A new eight-speed automatic transmission was added to the Quattro variants in 2011, replacing the six-speed manual and CVT in front-drive cars. A mid-cycle revamp in 2013 included more aggressive exterior styling in line with A5 revisions and debuted electric power steering assistance. By that time, the 4.2-liter V-8 in the S4 had been replaced with a 3.0-liter V-6 that was supercharged and produced 333 horsepower. A seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission was an optional addition.
B9 (2017-present)
The new Audi A4 B9 model was the company’s major announcement for the year. With innovative aluminum brake and suspension components, a five-link front and rear design, and other features, Audi stated that 90% of the new A4 is actually brand-new. The B9 A4 was introduced in the US with two new engines: a 188-horsepower TDI turbodiesel four and a new 248-horsepower TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder. While the car is slightly larger than its predecessor, the seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission is now standard, and the use of lightweight materials has reduced weight by roughly 100 pounds. Although updated with the new “Virtual Cockpit” architecture, MMI infotainment is still available. Do you want a wagon version? The Audi A4 Allroad, which has an increased body height and Quattro all-wheel drive, was introduced for the 2018 model year; the conventional Avant and cabriolet are no longer offered for the American market. The new S4 debuted in 2018 as well, replacing the old supercharged component with a 3.0-liter V-6 that is turbocharged and produces 349 horsepower. Unfortunately, the S4 no longer has a manual transmission option and instead comes standard with an eight-speed automatic. The A4 lineup received a facelift for the 2020 model year, but the fundamental powertrains remained the same.
Audi A4 Highlights
While the S4 has never been a weakling in any of its versions over the years, just one A4-related model has attracted enthusiasts’ attention: the RS4. The A4’s sportiest variations, known by the initials RSfor Renn Sportwere these vehicles; sadly, many of themlike the original B5 RS4 Avantwere never offered for sale in the United States. In both sedan and cabriolet body types, the RS4 made its debut in America as a B7 in 2006 and was equipped with a Getrag six-speed manual transmission and an altered version of Audi’s 4.2-liter V-8 engine producing 414 horsepower with an 8,000 rpm redline. Sadly, it was scrapped shortly after, and despite the fact that Audi presently sells the RS4 Avant in other countries, there are no plans to bring the vehicle to the power-hungry American market.
Audi A4 Buying Tips
When purchasing a used Audi A4, there are often a ton of things that might go wrong because they are high-end vehicles with lots of technology and luxury features. For this reason, we advise purchasing any used A4 from a dealership’s certified pre-owned program with a warranty unless you are mechanically adept or have a sizable budget for repairs. If a B5 S4 or B7 RS4 was very well-kept, we might make an exception, but again, make sure your repairs fund is well-stocked. There aren’t many fixes that will get you out the door of your neighborhood service center for less than $400.
What variations of the Audi A4 are there?
- 2020 – Now Facelift for the Audi A4 Sedan B9 (5th Gen).
- 2019 Audi A4 Sedan B9 Model Years (5th Gen)
- Audi A4 Sedan B8 (4th Gen) Facelift, 20132016.
- A4 Sedan B8 from 2009 to 2012. (4th Gen)
- Audi A4 Sedan B7, 20062008 (3rd Gen)
- Audi A4 Sedan B6 20022005 (2nd Gen)
- Audi A4 Sedan B5 (1st Gen) Facelift, 19992001.
Is the 3.0 Turbo Audi dependable?
The 3.0T Supercharged Audi engine is a pretty reliable engine, let’s say that right off the off. It would be the most dependable S model engine to date because it is not particularly prone to failure. The items we’ve listed below are just a handful to keep an eye out for in case you encounter problems. Having said that, here is some background information on the 3.0T.
A brand-new engine, the 3.0T TFSI, was originally made available in the redesigned C5 A6 for the 20092010 model year. This new engine was based on the 3.2L V6 FSI, which was offered in various A4, A5, and A6 cars from 2006 to 2009. The twin-screw roots style supercharger required some changes, even if the engine blocks appeared to be the same. According to the year and trim model of the car, there are two generations of 3.0T engines as well as a number of various engine code variations, which we’ll discuss below.
The thermostats in these engines have undergone numerous changes throughout time. Due to thermostats that would occasionally stick closed, the early first generation 3.0T engines in the A6 were vulnerable to overheating issues. Sadly, several early C6 A6’s were also affected by this. The engine control module underwent software updates, and some thermostats were replaced based on specific operating circumstances. A customer satisfaction bulletin required the replacement of gaskets, fuel rails, and thermostats on some manufactured models, which were also covered by warranty.
The Audi S5 is swift.
The 349-hp turbocharged V-6, eight-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive are standard on every S5. The most recent S5 coupe we examined offered competitive acceleration in a class of swift alternatives because of its launch-control system and all-wheel drive traction. In our tests, it took 4.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. The S5 cabriolet convertible that we drove was nonetheless rather speedy, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds despite the extra weight. Both of the exciting two-door S5s we drove had the S Sport option, which adds a torque-vectoring rear differential and adjustable dampers, as well as 19-inch wheels and performance summer tires. Our test cars’ rides were stiff but nevertheless comfortable as-equipped. The Dynamic Steering option, which speeds up steering the more the wheel is turned from center, was also available for the coupe. We discovered the system to be unexpected and uncommunicative; we advise keeping with the conventional fixed-ratio steering configuration.