Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2008
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is deeply polarized, split between passionate admiration for the driving experience and significant criticism regarding ownership costs and reliability.
8 problems reported (4 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTiming chain and tensioner wear
Plastic guides can become brittle and fail, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage; located at the rear of the engine, requiring engine removal for service.
- Very frequentIntake valve carbon buildup
Causes misfires and rough running, requires walnut shell blasting to clean, a recurrent maintenance item.
- Very frequentDRC (Dynamic Ride Control) suspension failure
Hydraulic system prone to leaking, very expensive to repair through Audi; many owners opt for aftermarket coilover replacements.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequentHigh general maintenance and parts costs
Brakes, oil coolers, and general age-related repairs (sensors, gaskets) are noted as very expensive. Parts availability is declining.
- RecurrentAutomated single-clutch transmission reliability
High-cost failure point; rebuilds are expensive, making the manual transmission a strongly preferred option.
- RecurrentIntake manifold flap screws
Screws can loosen and fall into the engine, causing severe damage; a common preventative fix is to delete the flaps.
- IsolatedOil consumption
Some reports of significant oil burning (e.g., 1 quart every 300 miles), potentially indicating worn piston rings.
- IsolatedRapid front tire wear
Mentioned as an issue on at least one specific owner's vehicle.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as "best." The B7 generation (2006-2008) is the primary subject of discussion. The manual transmission is strongly implied as the preferred choice over the automated single-clutch transmission due to reliability concerns with the latter.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW M3 (E9x generation), Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204 generation), Lexus IS-F, Audi S4 and Audi S5.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is deeply polarized, split between passionate admiration for the driving experience and significant criticism regarding ownership costs and reliability. The naturally aspirated 4.2L V8 engine is universally praised for its sound, high-revving character (8000 rpm redline), and raw, engaging feel, which owners describe as a defining and special characteristic. The vehicle is celebrated for its handling, often attributed to the DRC (Dynamic Ride Control) hydraulic suspension, which provides a planted, confident feel. However, this positive sentiment is heavily tempered by very frequent reports of high maintenance costs, age-related failures, and several known catastrophic failure points. The consensus indicates it is a rewarding but financially demanding enthusiast car, suitable only for those prepared for significant ongoing investment.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more raw and engaging alternative to its contemporaries, with the high-revving V8 often contrasted against the turbocharged or larger-displacement V8s of rivals. It is frequently compared favorably to the BMW E9x M3 and Mercedes C63 for engine character and driving feel, though noted to potentially be more reliable than the Mercedes 6.2L V8 and BMW's 4.0L V8 rod bearing issues. Within the Audi lineup, it is seen as a more visceral and special vehicle compared to the later turbocharged S4/S5 models, with a more engaging driving experience than the newer, tech-focused RS models.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly recommended to avoid the potential high-cost failures associated with the automated single-clutch transmission. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection (PPI) including a compression test is considered essential. Verification of maintenance history is critical, with a focus on services related to the timing chain, intake valve carbon cleaning, and DRC suspension. Ownership requires budgeting for significant, inevitable repairs.
General recommendations
Suitable only for knowledgeable enthusiasts with a substantial maintenance budget who value driving engagement and engine character over modern convenience and low running costs. Not recommended as a primary or only vehicle due to potential downtime. Essential to purchase only after a thorough PPI by a specialist familiar with the platform. Buyers should prioritize examples with documented major service history, particularly for the timing chain guides, carbon cleaning, and DRC system or aftermarket suspension replacement. Expect ongoing costs for parts, which are noted to be expensive and becoming less available.
Remarks
The discussed vehicle is exclusively the B7-generation RS4 (2006-2008). No substantive data is present for the newer B9-generation RS4 (2018+), so this report cannot speak to its ownership experience. The 4.2L V8 (FSI) engine, while praised for its performance, is universally acknowledged as a high-maintenance unit with several design-related failure points that become acute with age and mileage. The financial reality of ownership dominates discussions, with the car described as a "money pit" by some. Enthusiasm remains high for its driving dynamics and emotional appeal, but it is consistently framed as a project or second car for committed enthusiasts, not a trouble-free daily driver. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions focused on the B7 platform.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2007 | 4 | 2 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2007 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V032000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2007 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 18V427000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: B7
4.2 FSI V8 32V quattro
4.2L 8-cylinder · 420 hp · AWD · manual
Built 2006–2009