Restyling is very important in the automotive industry as it extends the life of an existing model and continues production. Ultimately, this allows the automaker to significantly save on developing a new project from scratch.

And so it happened with one of the most popular models - Audi A4 B8, which is confidently sold in our market. This procedure not only made it possible to tighten her already good appearance, but also slightly modified the interior.

As a result, we got a decent copy, which has absorbed all the best from pre-styling cars and corresponds to the latest trends in automotive fashion.

Specific changes in the design of the car

The most obvious modification was made to the front of the Audi A4, during which the following were used new elements:

1. Front optics, which received a new design of LED strips.
2. Front bumper with a modified form of the false radiator grille and a different configuration of the air intakes.

The interior of the German car was not left unaffected either, in which the MMI interface unit with the main display was changed. The latter has become more qualitative, which is a positive moment of this update.

Thus, the restyling procedure turned out to be rather superficial, and the number of parts and assemblies affected by it speaks of the initial high quality of this automotive product.

What remains unchanged in the A4 B8 model from Audi

At first, these are the engines that migrated to the updated car with one caveat: due to a different setting, their power indicators have changed.

Among them petrol engines of the TFSI family with a volume of 1.8 to 3 liters and diesel duo TDI, consisting of two- and three-liter units.

All of them are quite economical and show good dynamic characteristics. For example, the 3.0 TFSI V6 accelerates this car to 100 km / h in 5.4 seconds, while the 3.0 TDI V6 takes half a second more for the same action.

The results are impressive to say the least, especially considering the fact that in a quiet city mode they consume about 8 liters of fuel... This has been achieved thanks to Audi's engineering excellence.

Secondly, this is gambling handling, which is provided by an almost perfect weight distribution along the axles. To do this, the manufacturer had to revise the classic layout of the engine compartment and move a number of elements from their usual places.

During this event, the battery was moved to the luggage compartment, which is unusual for a manufacturer from Ingolstadt. As a result, the car began to have neutral understeer, which directly affected its handling.

Thirdly, it is a high manufacturability of the electronic filling of the car. Among the most progressive systems, it is worth noting the control over the presence of the car in its own lane, the position of the pilot's head, as well as the neighbors along the stream moving in the dead zone.

About such familiar "bells and whistles" as separate climate control, adaptive cruise control, many active safety devices, as well as about a high-quality audio system, is not even worth talking about.

The above elements, which were successfully tested on the pre-styling model, allowed the auto concern to leave them unchanged in the updated version. This circumstance, in the end, preserved the main advantages of the model, which should please true connoisseurs of the brand.

Pricing issues

In order to acquire this representative of the middle class, future owners need to have 1,167,000 Russian rubles... For this price, a basic version with a 1.8 liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission is offered.

Depending on the expansion of the list of additional equipment, the cost can increase to two million. This suggests the conclusion that when receiving a high-tech product, you need to be ready to fork out for its not cheap purchase.

Sales market: Russia.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, the third generation of the Audi A4, representing the D-Class, debuted. This car once bore the index "80" and was considered a simple and convenient transport. Much has changed since then. Already the predecessor of this model, which bore the same name A4, was far from the most unpretentious car. And the representative of the third generation has become even more solid and luxurious. The design is more sporty. The wheelbase has been increased from 2648 to 2808 mm, and the total length of the car has increased by almost 12 centimeters and is 4703 mm in the standard version. At the same time, the combination of available rear legroom and useful luggage compartment volume is one of the best in the class. The car in this generation is characterized by the presence of engines with direct injection and turbocharging, the use of effective measures to further reduce weight and redistribute the center of gravity, which improved driving dynamics and safety.

The interior of the Audi A4 is primarily driver-oriented - the center console is rotated eight degrees so that all control functions are easily accessible, informative and comfortable. Depending on the version, standard equipment may include 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, full power accessories including power driver's seat, electronic handbrake. Many options are available - xenon headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, sunroof, keyless entry system, three-zone climate control, MMI, 10-speaker audio system and six-disc CD / MP3 changer. The version with the most powerful 3.2 engine comes standard with leather upholstery, wood-look inserts, heated front seats, an electric front passenger seat and other premium features.

The petrol engines of the Audi A4 are equipped with FSI technology, which increases torque and output, as well as reduces fuel consumption (up to 15%) and reduces exhaust emissions. On FSI engines, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. This reduces internal heat loss as well as increases power and fuel consumption. The addition of turbocharging further improves efficiency. So, the 1.8 TFSI engine develops 170 hp, and the two-liter engine - 225 hp. Power 3.2 FSI V6 is 265 hp, but the most powerful version - 3.0 TFSI - has a return of 270 hp. The TDI engines use the latest generation Common Rail system. It has a maximum injection pressure of 1600 bar, which is 250 bar more than the previous generation Common Rail system. As a result, the output of the two-liter TDI has increased to 150 hp. This engine is the most optimal in terms of power and efficiency, but it is offered only for front-wheel drive versions, and for all-wheel drive - 3.0 TDI, whose power is 245 hp.

As for the design of the chassis, a double wishbone independent suspension with stabilizers is installed in front. The aluminum subframe for the front axle and engine is bolted firmly to the front of the vehicle so that the steering force is transmitted without delay. Rear suspension - multi-link independent with trapezoidal levers and carrier beam. The quattro all-wheel drive transmission, which can be fitted to the A4 regardless of the engine, has not fundamentally changed in design, but has undergone a reconfiguration, as a result of which the car in this modification has become "a little" rear-wheel drive. When driving on a straight dry road, 60% of the torque is transferred to the rear axle. The reduction in weight (about 10%) and the optimization of the weight distribution also contributed to the improvement in driving performance.

The car body has become much stiffer and safer than its predecessor. As a result - five stars in the Euro NCAP standings, while in the previous body - only four. In a frontal impact, the aluminum subframe effectively absorbs impact, the steering column can deform up to eight centimeters (3.15 inches), while the pedal assembly can be released from its mountings. The adaptive airbag control unit accurately calculates the deployment time by assessing the position of the passengers. The equipment includes front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags, a full set of active braking systems (anti-lock braking system, brake force distribution system, additional brake), electronic stability control system (ESP). As additional measures, the car could be retrofitted with adaptive headlights and a variety of assistants: parking, lane control and blind spots.

The Audi A4 demonstrates increased opportunities for dynamic driving, especially when it is an all-wheel drive version, as well as a significant reduction in fuel consumption. The widespread use of forged aluminum parts in the design of both suspensions helps to reduce unsprung masses and is not at all so scary from the point of view of daily operation, although when buying a used car, it does not interfere with the state of the suspension. A big plus of the model is a wide choice of engines, depending on fuel and power, a generous offer for transmission (mechanics, robot, variator), front and four-wheel drive.

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The fourth generation Audi A4 was presented at the end of 2007, and in 2008 its mass production began. In 2012, the model underwent restyling, and in 2015, there was a generational change.

Engines

The Quartet has a wide range of various engines: 1.8 TFSI (120 and 160 HP), 2.0 TFSI (211 HP), 3.2 FSI (265 HP), 2.0 TDI (120, 143 and 170 hp), 2.7 TDI (190 hp) and 3.0 TDI (240 hp).

The most widespread are the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TSI turbo engines, and with them the problems that undermine the reputation of VAG engines. The most common trouble with "inflated" motors is the increased oil consumption, sometimes reaching up to 1-1.5 liters per 1000 km. Unhealthy appetite grew by 20-40 thousand km. The reason for the "maslozhor": unsuccessful design of pistons and rings. Authorized services recognized the problem after a control measurement if the oil consumption exceeded 0.5-0.6 liters per 1000 km. In this case, the piston group was replaced. As a rule, after the repair, the appetite of the motor returned to normal. Those who have not looked into the service eventually have to change defective parts at their own expense - from 40,000 rubles.

Engines with a modified piston group began to roll off the assembly line from the 22nd week of 2011 (i.e. from May 2011). But they, no, no, and they begin to eat up oil after 100,000 km. In June 2013, they began to install modernized gen.3 turbo engines, in particular the CJEB and CNCD. They no longer suffer from maslorezor.

The oil separator can also contribute to increased oil consumption - due to a ruptured diaphragm or a seized valve (cleaning briefly revives the oil separator). The cost of a new unit at dealerships is about 8,000 rubles, in ordinary auto parts stores - about 4,000 rubles.

In modernized gen.3 turbo engines, the thermostat often fails. VAG prescribes to replace the entire unit at a cost of 15,000 rubles, but you can get off by replacing a cheaper emergency thermostat - only 600 rubles. Most often, it is he who becomes the source of problems - a wedge or opens early.

Another serious, but less common malfunction is the timing chain jump to one or more links. Typical for engines assembled before 2011. Symptoms: crackling, clatter, rattling when starting a cold engine, or the engine simply won't start. Causes: chain stretching, failure of the chain tensioner and phase shifter shut-off valve. To prevent possible problems, the manufacturer held a campaign # 15D6 to replace defective units.

2-liter turbodiesel Audi A4 B8 is reputed to be quite reliable.

With high mileage, a loss of traction is possible due to a clogged particulate filter. The filter has a regeneration function, which is activated by a command from the sensors when the clogging is more than 40%. Due to sensor failure, the self-cleaning program does not start and the filter becomes clogged. Its restoration is impossible. A way out of the situation: removing the particulate filter and flashing the engine ECU. The cost of such work is about 9,000 rubles.

The turbodiesel uses a timing belt drive with a replacement interval of 180 thousand km. In Russian operating conditions, it is better to reduce this period to 120 thousand km. The cost of the timing kit is about 7 thousand rubles, and the replacement work: about 25-30 thousand rubles from official dealers and 8-10 thousand rubles in ordinary services.

After 250-300 thousand km, the hexagon of the oil pump drive may wear out. The pump performance drops, which leads to accelerated wear of the turbocharger and the engine itself. A new balancing shaft module with an oil pump costs over 90,000 rubles. Many services have learned to restore the assembly by replacing the re-machined hexagon.

The rest of the engines are rare, but do not have any serious problems.

There are two more "weak points" in all Audi A4 engines. This is the current pump. The problem usually comes out after 60-90 thousand km. The cost of a new pump of the cooling system at the "officials" is about 8-10 thousand rubles, and work on its replacement from 2 to 6 thousand rubles - depending on the engine. A more budgetary option is to replace only the pump impeller at a cost of 2,000 rubles. Another equally common malfunction is the failure of the engine hydraulic support when the mileage is more than 40-60 thousand km. The cost of a new support from dealers is about 10 thousand rubles.

Transmission

The engines were paired with a 6-speed "mechanics", a continuously variable variator Multitronic, a classic "automatic" Tiptronic (all-wheel drive versions with 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI) and a 7-speed S-tronic robot (all-wheel drive with 2.0 TFSI).

Manual and automatic transmissions are the most reliable on the list. The variator is considered more reliable than on its predecessor, but sometimes there are calls to the service with a mileage of more than 80-100 thousand km. Most often, you have to complain about tremors, which are almost impossible to eliminate.

The most capricious was the robotic gearbox. Common Complaints: Twitching and hard shifting. The problem worsened to 40-60 thousand km. Dealers re-flashed the box's ECU and changed the clutch, and in case of repeated calls, they changed the mechatronics (about 30 thousand rubles). At the end of 2013, the problematic node was finalized.

The all-wheel drive versions feature a reliable transmission. There were no systematic complaints about the work of the all-wheel drive.

After 200-250 thousand km, it may be necessary to replace the two-mass flywheel (it starts rattling or knocking), the cost of which is about 30,000 rubles, and the replacement work - about 6,000 rubles. The clutch serves more than 200-250 thousand km (from 15,000 rubles per set).

Undercarriage

With the onset of cold weather, when driving through irregularities behind, knocks begin to be heard from time to time. The source is the depreciation struts, which often begin to leak even after the mileage is more than 30 thousand km. The suspension arms are capable of overcoming the milestone of 100-120 thousand km. But it was not without a black sheep: the front lower levers have to be sentenced to be replaced after 50-80 thousand km due to wear of the ball joint.

Front wheel bearings often give up after a mileage of 50-80 thousand km. Original bearings in official services are available for 6 thousand rubles, on the side - for 3-4 thousand rubles. The cost of work on their replacement is about 1.5-2 thousand rubles. After 60-80 thousand km, a rupture of the anthers of the external "grenades" of the CV joint is often found. The cost of the boot is about 700 rubles, and the replacement work is about 1-1.5 thousand rubles.

Sometimes there are steering rack leaks. There are frequent cases of knocking on the slats after hitting a deep pothole at high speed. The cost of a new rail is about 60-70 thousand rubles.

After restyling, they began to install rails with a built-in electric amplifier. The amplifier often failed after 20-60 thousand km - more often in cold weather. In rare cases, the owners managed to get off with a software update. VAG ordered to change the steering rack assembly. The cost of such a procedure from official dealers is 200,000 rubles! A restored rail can be purchased for 30,000 rudders, but it sometimes fails after six months. The original site on the side is available for 120,000 rubles. Unfortunately, few people still know how to bring the rail to life.

Body and interior

Some Audi A4 owners were puzzled by paint peeling on the front fenders along the edge of the arches on cars from 2008-2010. There are few such cases - perhaps there was a manufacturing defect (marriage in painting).

Most surprising are the front optics, which work like a vacuum cleaner: the presence of dust and dirt inside is a common occurrence. It penetrates there through the ventilation ducts, the filters of which do not cope with their task. Folk remedy: a piece of foam rubber in a tube. There is also clouding of optics and fog lights. With a run of more than 40-80 thousand km, the motor of the gas tank flap lock may stop functioning.

Squeaks in the Audi cabin are rare. Troublers can dwell in the rear parcel shelf or door trim.

On the Audi A4 2008-2009, over time, the MMI display starts to glow dimly. Cause: CCFL backlight burnout. With a mileage of more than 100,000 km, there are problems with the heater motor (about 10 thousand rubles). Sometimes the driver's door lock fails, and in winter the Keyless keyless entry system is often "buggy".

Conclusion

Let's summarize briefly. The Audi A4 B8, like most VAG models, played a knockout game. The reputation was significantly tarnished by the TSI series engines, the S-tronic robotic box and weak suspension elements.

Do not look for unanimity of opinions on the fourth generation Audi A4 (index B8) on the net. It just doesn't exist. Paying tribute to the merits of the sedan, many complain about its fragility and high cost.

Anticipating a review of a no doubt worthy, and in some places even an exemplary sedan, it should be borne in mind that negative reviews about this car are often associated with overestimated expectations. Premium brand, German quality, rich history ... However, the front-wheel drive sedan (and station wagon) B8 should not be considered the standard of reliability. Although in terms of trim, comfort, ergonomics and driving performance, why not ... It began production at the end of 2007. And they continued through restyling in 2011, until 2015. As befits a "German", there were a lot of motors. Petrol 1.8 TFSI (120 to 170 HP), 2.0 TFSI (180 to 225 HP), 3.0 TFSI (272 HP) and 3.2 FSI (265 HP). Turbodiesels are also widely represented: 2.0 TDI with power from 120 to 190 hp, 2.7 TDI (190 hp) and 3.0 TDI (204, 240 and 245 "horses"). We have the most widespread 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI, with which the largest number of problems are noted. The main one is the increased oil consumption (up to 1.5 liters per thousand km). The problem appeared on cars before 2011 for 30-40 thousand kilometers. The culprit was the unsuccessful design of the cylinder-piston group, which was changed under warranty and the "stuck" oil separator valve.

Happened on these motors and overshoot of the stretched timing chain, as evidenced by the difficult start with a characteristic crackle. However, this attack was typical for cars until 2011. But the diesel 2.0 TDI is praised by almost everyone, even despite cases of flywheel failure and a clogged particulate filter. We do not know anything about systemic problems with 6-cylinder engines. But their maintenance is much more expensive.

2008-2011. In general, there are almost no complaints about the interior and equipment. The quality is at a high level. Experts recommend regularly cleaning the body drains for maintenance. Otherwise, water gets into the cabin, and the expensive electronic components in the floor cannot swim

Don't mess with "robots"

The "thin" place is the robotic transmission S tronic, read DSG. She was "awarded" all-wheel drive versions 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI. Jerks, shocks during work, and as a result, rarely anyone manages to avoid flashing and replacing mechatronics. There are a lot of questions about the Multitronic variator, which was used in all front-wheel drive A4 modifications. It is not a contraindication to buying a car, but only on condition of low mileage and a transparent history of operation. Repair of the variator and replacement of the control unit (about 100 thousand rubles) threaten ruin. The most reliable are the 6-speed "mechanics" and the automatic tiptronic, which, however, is available only in combination with all-wheel drive and 3.0 TDI or 3.2 FSI engines. In a word, the later the car is released, the less the risk of running into problems with the transmission.

Front hub bearings run 60-70 thousand km. Their service life is highly dependent on the quality of the roads. About the same amount you can not follow the anthers of the outer CV joints. Steering rack leakage is not uncommon. And when hitting a hole at speed, she "likes" to remind of herself with a knock. By the way, you can buy a new rail for 110 thousand rubles! But you will definitely not have any problems with the bodywork, unless, of course, someone ruthlessly repaired it in the garage by candlelight. Even paint chips from pebbles remain for a long time just chips and do not "bloom". The front optics often work like a vacuum cleaner, there is ventilation there that sucks in debris and even insects. But the foam filter in the ventilation tube removes the problem. For a long time, there will be no problems in the cabin. "Crickets" are rare here, and if they start some, it is more likely in the rear shelf or door trim.

Unlike its predecessor, the Audi A4 in the B7 body, which, in fact, was the product of a deep restyling of the B6 generations, the car in the B8 body was developed from scratch.

The main design achievement is the improved axle weight distribution, which has become almost ideal. The fact is that, due to the location of the engine in front of the front axle, many Audi models sinned with an overloaded front end, which is manifested by understeer. The creators of A4 (B8) significantly widened the wheelbase (compared to its predecessor, increased by as much as 160 mm), moved the power unit back (it is located almost behind the front axle together with the gearbox), and the battery was moved to the trunk. The result is an almost perfect weight distribution. Thanks to this, the car is endowed with excellent stability and controllability and now has the right to be called a driver's one: it is a pleasure to actively drive it!

A different design concept is also emphasized by the design - A4 (B8) is made in the new corporate style of Audi, which was then tried on by all other models of this brand. A predatory front end with an aggressive bumper, a branded trapezoidal radiator grill and narrowed front optics, delicately highlighted by an LED curl of running lights, indicate a driver's character.

4 years after the presentation, the "four" B8 underwent restyling, the "makeup" of the exterior and interior was so light that only observant people or experts can notice the changes.

Modifications

• Audi AA Avant. It has been produced since 2009. Production of the station wagon began almost immediately after the sedan. He was in great demand in Europe. The same cannot be said about Russia. However, on the secondary housing today you can find a fair amount of station wagons of those years. We recommend that you treat cars from Europe without our dealer's service booklet with caution.
• Audi SA and SA Avant. Produced since 2008. The charged versions of the sedan and station wagon were offered with a V-shaped compressor 3-liter "six" (333 hp) with a robotic or manual transmission and the obligatory quattro all-wheel drive. The sedan accelerates to a hundred in 5.1 seconds. The SA Avant is 55 kg heavier and has a higher drag coefficient. Perhaps that is why it loses to the sedan in acceleration to a hundred 0.1 seconds.
• Audi AA allroad quattro. It has been produced since 2009. For the first time, the A4 received the allroad quattro version in the fourth generation. A practical car with 3.5 cm increased ground clearance. On the Russian market, it was offered only with a two-liter turbocharged gasoline engine TFSI with a capacity of 225 "horsepower".

Traditionally for Audi, "fours" are distinguished by high corrosion resistance, even in places where paint is chipped, the metal almost does not rust. At a high level and passive safety - maximum 5 stars according to the results of crash tests EuroNCAP 2009.

Taking into account modern trends in this model, LED lights are widely used (in navigation lights, rear optics, additional brake light). However, in practice, this beauty can cause trouble, and restoring the status quo costs a pretty penny (see "Weaknesses")!

Inside the Quartet one immediately feels the premium quality of the brand, which is emphasized by high-quality and solid materials, wear-resistant cladding, precise fit of parts, excellent noise insulation and rich (even in the basic version) equipment. The driver's notes of the model's character are also successfully inscribed in all this splendor.

The central part of the dashboard, the seats with developed support, the vertical zero position of the tachometer and speedometer arrows testify to the driver's character of the car.

In terms of wheelbase, the A4 is noticeably superior to its main competitors (2810 mm versus 2760 mm in the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class), and even giants have enough legroom for passengers. The one sitting in the middle is hampered by a protruding box and a massive floor tunnel. However, during operation, it was still possible to identify several problem areas: over time, the shelf near the rear window may creak (additional noise reduction is required) and the window lifters beep (the guides need cleaning).

Engine

A wide range of gasoline and turbodiesel power units was designed for the A4, and both types are presented here in almost equal proportions.

As operating experience has shown, a number of problems have been identified in each of the gasoline engines. General - the failure of individual ignition coils is not excluded, however, this malfunction occurs much less frequently than on its predecessor.

The most common gasoline engine is 1.8 TFSI, and the rarest is the top-end 3.2 liter. The most popular diesel engine is 2.0 TDI. The weak point of all gasoline engines of the TFSI family is the timing, premature stretching of the chain and a breakdown of its hydraulic tensioner are noted. This can happen with runs from 70 to 100 thousand km and threatens with a slipping of the chain and a fatal meeting of valves with pistons. Therefore, with the specified runs, in order to avoid trouble, it is necessary to control the condition of the specified parts.

In a 1.8 liter engine, high pressure pumps also leak (replacement is required). 2.0-liter "gasoline" is distinguished by an increased oil "appetite". If there is more than 0.5 liters per 1,000 km, the service station first proposes to replace the crankcase ventilation system. If this does not help, repair of the engine with replacement of the piston group is required.

The most reliable of the diesel engines is the most massive 2.0 liter. In 3.0-liter models, a failure of the intake manifold flaps (more often seen by the Check engine warning light) and the throttle valve block (the engine loses traction, malfunctions occur, and smoke increases) were noted.

"Fours" are front-wheel and all-wheel drive, however, the latter are much less common. Compared to its predecessor, the setting of the proprietary quattro all-wheel drive has changed - in this generation A4, priority is given to the rear wheels: in standard modes 40:60, while the predecessor's torque distribution was equal (50:50). All-wheel drive versions are characterized by better stability and cross-country ability than their mono-drive "brothers". No characteristic weaknesses were identified in the quattro drivetrain.

Transmission

The range of gearboxes designed for A4 is also very diverse: there is a 6-speed "mechanics" (less common), a Multitronic variator (for low-power front-wheel drive versions), a robotic manual gearbox - S-tronic (analogue of Volkswagen's DSG) and a classic "automatic" - Tiptronic.

The most unreliable turned out to be a "robot" with two clutches - a weak point in the "mechatronic" control unit (manifested by jerking in motion). Sometimes the problem can be solved by reprogramming the "brains", but often it is necessary to change the problem node.

In a manual gearbox, aggregated with diesel engines, failure of the dual-mass flywheel is possible (clicks and knocks when starting to move and idling).

But the most problem-free were Multitronic (it is a new generation, and the weak point inherent in its predecessor has been eliminated in it) and Tiptronic.

Suspension

Structurally, the car's suspension is similar to its predecessor - in front and behind the "multi-link" with anti-roll bars. To reduce the weight of unsprung masses, the front suspension arms (four on each side) and the lower wishbones of the rear suspension are made of aluminum alloy. The chassis is characterized by moderate rigidity and energy consumption.

The trunk volume of the A4 is average compared to competitors - 480 liters versus 460 liters for the BMW 3 Series, 475 liters for the Mercedes C-class and 565 liters for the VW Passat (B6). Folding rear seats up to 2011 - additional option, after - in the "base". As an option, the A4 was equipped with the proprietary Audi drive select system, which allows you to change the character of the car (the settings of shock absorbers adjustable in terms of stiffness, the responsiveness of the power steering and the accelerator pedal are varied) - the versions before restyling have three operating modes: Comfort, Auto and Dynamic, and after 2011 - added the fourth - Efficient. Modes are changed by buttons near the gear lever. The adjustable shock absorbers have proven to be just as reliable as conventional ones.

The suspension is also durable enough. Most of the original "consumables" of the front and rear suspensions are capable of reaching up to 100 thousand km. Slightly less (about 80 thousand km) are the hydraulic silent blocks of the rear lower arms of the front suspension and about 60 thousand km - the stabilizer struts. At the same time, suspension repairs are expensive - the front levers are supplied with ball bearings, while the lower levers are offered in the rear suspension along with "rubber bands".

Difficulties also arise with the replacement - over time, the steel bolts in the aluminum steering knuckles of the upper levers and the rear suspension collapse rods are tightly sour. They have to be heated, drilled out and sometimes even cut off with a grinder.

Steering

The electric power assisted rack and pinion steering has proven itself to be reliable. Steering tips are capable of withstanding at least 100 thousand km, and thrust - about 150 thousand km.

The parking brake is also electrified at A4 - it is activated by a button near the gear lever, and the brakes block the pads by means of electric motors installed on each rear caliper. Unlike the Audi A6 in the 4F body and the VW Passat (B6), the “four” have no problems with the “electric hand”. The only caveat to the brakes is that over time, the rear caliper brackets break and knock on bumps.

Weaknesses of the car

• The weak point of all gasoline units of the TFSI family is the premature stretching of the timing chain and the wear of its hydraulic tensioner.
• In the "robots" S-tronic similar to the VW DSG, problems are caused by the "mechatronic" control unit.
• The weak point of A4 optics is LED lights. So, in the front, there was a failure of the running lights (more often during the warranty period), in the back there was a burnout of the LEDs, and in Avant station wagons, the board oxidized over time and the LEDs of the additional brake light burn out. In all cases, the headlights for replacement are assembled.