The Audi A4 B8 (model 8K) is under the category of entry-level luxury/compact executive vehicles. represents the market sector “D (large automobiles)”. Between 2007 and 2016, the vehicle was marketed in 4-door sedan and station wagon body styles. In 2012, there was a significant alteration (or “face lift”) during a model run.
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What does Audi’s B8 stand for?
The fifth generation of mid-sized Audi sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Avants, manufactured between 2008 and 2016, is designated by the chassis code B8/8.5. The A3, S3, and TT are among the models in the range that fall above the little “A” chassis and below the “C” chassis, which is made up of the A6 and S6. The S4 and S5 are built on the same MLB platform as the Porsche Macan and other Audi sedans. The B8 and the B8.5 are the two different chassis codes for the fifth generation of the S4. The B8.5 covers the S5 from 20132016, while the B8 covers the S5 from 20082012 and the S4 from 20102012.
Volkswagen Group revealed its intention to create a standardized, interchangeable bin of parts that its many manufacturers could share in order to consolidate parts and reduce R&D expenses. The B8, A5, and S5 were used to introduce the MLB, which stands for “Modular Longitudinal Matrix” in German. Since then, it has also included the Porsche Macan, the Audi A4, A6, A7, and A8. With the A5 and S5, the B8 platform was the first to employ MLB architecture.
On and off the racetrack, the B8/8.5 competed head-to-head with the other high-performance luxury sedans in its class. The B8/8.5 was tested against the E90 335i, W211 E63, CTS-V, and ATS 3.6 both in showrooms and in magazines. When competing against Mercedes and BMW in the DTM, or German Touring Car Championship, Audi showed off their B8/8.5 chassis on the track. Mike Rockenfeller helped Audi win the championship in 2013.
When the B8 S4 was first unveiled in 2010, it represented a considerable design improvement over the outgoing B7. To provide the new S-models much greater agility, the redesigned chassis had shorter overhangs and a firmer chassis. A forced-induction V6 made a comeback in the S4’s engine compartment with the B8 as well. The venerable 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 is a legend in its own right, albeit more so for its frequent issues than its power. A roots-type supercharger was added to the new 3.0t engine to make up for a decrease in cylinder count and displacement.
However, the B8 initially had seven fewer horsepower than its predecessor, which was theoretically a step back. The B8 is substantially faster than the B7 in actual use, though. The V6 has a fatter and flatter torque curve thanks to the supercharger than the original V8 had. Additionally, the horsepower is distributed over a wider curve, providing the B8 more usable power.
The 3.0t was installed by engineers in the company’s new S4 and S5 Cabrio, although the 4.2L V8 remained in the S5 Coupe until the B8.5 was released in 2013.
By the time Audi’s B8/8.5 production came to an end in 2016, over 57,000 had been sold. Since then, S4s and S5s with 3.0t engines have developed as performance mainstays on the used market. With a few tweaks, their dependable power plants may readily produce a large increase in power above stock. They are encased in a large, comfortable chassis that can comfortably navigate inclement weather in classic Audi form.
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 having 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 updated 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.
How can I tell if my Audi is a B8 or a B8 5?
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.
Is the B8 an effective motor?
The B8 replaced the B7 in model year 2008 A4s, and it remained in production until model year 2016. The B8 A4 was available in three body styles: sedan, avant/wagon, and allroad quattro (4-wheel drive). An additional A4L variant was also available for the Chinese market. The B8 underwent a facelift in 2012 that involved redesigning a number of its outward and interior aspects.
The 2.0L TFSI and 1.8L TFSI for the non-diesel models, and the 2.0L TDI for the diesel ones, were the main engines utilized in the A4 B8.
The Audi A4 B8 is an exceptionally dependable car all around. However, these cars frequently have both engine-related and non-engine-related issues.
The Audi A4 B7 is what year?
Audi unveiled the seventh version of the A4 in late 2004. Although it was referred to in its internal documentation as a B7, it was announced as a B7. It was a major facelift rather than a brand-new vehicle.
As it is commonly referred to, the Audi A4 B7 used the same platform as its predecessor. a very effective platform designed for longitudinal engines. Outside, it appeared to be a brand-new vehicle. T…
What year Audi A4 is most reliable?
It is generally acknowledged that 2001 is the most dependable year for the Audi A4. The original B5 was produced until this year, and if you can find one with the 1.9 TDI, it’s worth buying. The 1.9 TDI is an extremely dependable engine; some of them have been driven 500,000 miles while receiving routine maintenance and are still on the road.
The 2001 Audi A4’s only drawback is that it lacks some of the more modern equipment seen in more recent models. 2010 is a fantastic year to look at if you’re seeking for something with improved technology. Around that time, Audi was making some excellent vehicles and received the fewest complaints annually.
In terms of dependability, Audi has experienced some ups and downs over the years, but they appear to be returning to the correct track. If you are considering a new A4, I wouldn’t worry about it surviving up to more than 150,000 kilometers.
What Audi A4 years to avoid?
If you’re considering the Audi A4, you should steer clear of 2011 and 2014. Compared to the other years, these had the most complaints. The 2011 A4’s terrible oil consumption is the main issue that has been brought up.
For the 2011 model year, the A4’s oil system became unnecessarily complicated, which caused it to use oil significantly more quickly than other vehicles. As a result, the car eventually runs out of oil. Due to insufficient lubrication, a car with low oil can suffer more engine damage.
Because replacing the oil system in an A4 from 2011 or 2014 would cost roughly $6,000, many people choose to replace the engine instead. The entire engine has to be taken apart in order to be repaired, which takes a lot of time and increases the cost for the business.
Which Audi A4 engine is best?
The 1.9L TDI engine is the greatest one you can purchase for an Audi A4. This excellent diesel engine generates 228 pound-feet of torque and 130 horsepower. Even while it might not seem like much, that is a fantastic choice for the A4, a compact car.
The 1.9L TDI engine excels in this regard. These little diesel motors are some of the most durable ones ever made. There are several of them still on the road today who have driven more than 300,000 miles, and some of them have exceeded 500,000. If they choose to swap engines, many consumers opt to replace the gasoline engines in their A4s with the 1.9L TDI.
Although it’s an older option, the A4’s 1.9L engine has been reliable over the years. If you’re considering an Audi and want it to survive longer, you should think about choosing a diesel model because they have better gas mileage and a longer lifespan than their gasoline counterparts.