Even though the Audi A4 B7 was made from 2005 to 2008, it’s still a great-looking car. It’s no secret that these cars are on the expensive side compared to other vehicles of the same vintage and segment, but there’s a good reason for that. They’re reliable, offer a lot of in-car equipment, and are pretty safe.
If you’re looking for a small family saloon car, the Audi A4 B7 might be the perfect car for you. In this article, we’ll go over some of the engine options, trim levels, reliability, and known issues you should look out for. After reading this, you should be able to make an educated decision on whether this particular piece of German engineering is for you.
Audi A4 B7 – More Than Just a Facelift
The new Audi A4 B7 was intended to be a heavy facelift of the already successful B6 generation. Due to significant aesthetic changes, a few engine upgrades, and a lot more modern equipment available, the Audi A4 B7 became a new model altogether.
Compared to the A4 B6 model, the B7 had a significantly different, more modern appearance. However, the innovation went deep with this car. Audi A4 B7 brought improved steering, different suspension geometry, a new and advanced ESP system, and a refreshed range of engine options.
This generation marks the end of Audi’s legendary 1.8T engine, which has marked an entire generation of VAG products. However, the spot wasn’t left open for long. That 1.8T was pulled in favor of the new 2.0 TFSI engine that was putting down some pretty remarkable figures. Stock these bad boys could do 200 hp, which is plenty for a relatively compact saloon chassis of the A4 B7.
Available Engines and Transmission
Unlike the European version of the Audi A4 B7 which had five gasoline engine options and five diesel options, the US version of the Audi A4 B7 features two engine options – the 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 FSI V6.
When it comes to transmission options, it can be a bit confusing. As a front-wheel-drive model, the Audi A4 B7 2.0 TFSI was available with either the manual transmission or the Multitronic CVT. However, the Quattro model of the 2.0 TFSI version came with either the manual transmission or the Tiptronic automatic.
The more powerful Audi A4 B7 with the 3.2 FSI V6 engine was available only with the Multitronic CVT transmission as a front-wheel-drive model. The Quattro version of the 3.2 FSI V6 model was available with either the manual transmission or the Tiptronic transmission.
The Audi A4 B7 convertible is the only model that didn’t come with a manual transmission option.
Audi A4 B7 2.0 TFSI Engine
Out of the two options, the 2.0 TFSI engine was the smaller version with less power, but better fuel economy. The total power output of the Audi A4 B7 2.0 TFSI engine is 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
When it comes to performance, the top speed was 150 mph, and the 0-60 time was 7.3 seconds. This version of the Audi A4 B7 was available as a front-wheel-drive as well as a four-wheel-drive which included the famous Quattro system. Both options came with manual or automatic transmission options.
Audi A4 B7 3.2 FSI V6 Engine
The 3.2 FSI V6 engine had a bigger displacement than the 2.0 TFSI, and it had a noticeably higher power output. However, it had lower fuel economy than the smaller displacement engine found in the Audi A4 B7 for the US market.
The total power output in the Audi A4 B7 3.2 FSI V6 engine was 252 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Performance-wise, it was electronically limited to 155.4 mph.
Audi A4 B7 Body Styles that Made It to the US
When it comes to the Audi A4 B7 model, there were a few body options to choose from in the US market. All body styles had a front-wheel-drive option as well as the Quattro version that featured a Torsen T-2 based AWD setup. Or as Audi fanatics like to call it – the only “real” Quattro.
The most commonly bought body style was the saloon. There were also convertibles and estates available for this generation of A4. In addition to the civilian A4 variants, there was also the Audi S4. It was a more powerful version of the ordinary A4, fitted with a 4.2 V8 gas-powered engine. It made 344 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque.
The S4 was also available as a saloon, convertible, and estate. As expected, the exterior was different compared to a regular Audi A4 B7. It had a more aggressive appearance and was immediately recognizable.
Trim Levels – What to Look For?
When the Audi A4 B7 first came out on the US market, buyers could choose from 19 trim levels. We won’t describe every single one, but we’ll go over a few of the best ones you should look for if you’re in the market for a used Audi A4 B7.
The Audi A4 B7 even as a base model had a pretty long list of equipment, but a long list of optional extras as well. When it comes to the powertrain, it’s best to look for a model with a Quattro all-wheel drive, as is tradition. Not only are they much more stable around corners, but they were usually sold with more equipment compared to the front-wheel-drive model.
When it comes to the transmission, the best option to choose is either the 6-speed manual or the automatic. CVT transmissions aren’t very popular amongst Audi drivers.
Regarding engine options, both are equally good and have similar common issues to look out for. It’s a matter of preference and fuel economy.
The 2.0 TFSI engine has more potential when it comes to performance upgrades, it offers better fuel economy and is usually more affordable compared to the 3.2 FSI V6 Audi A4 B7 model. The 3.2 FSI V6 offers more power off the line, and a better sound coming from the exhaust.
Some of the optional features that can increase the value of the car include leather seats, 18-inch alloy rims, the S-line package, Bluetooth, Bose premium sound system, navigation system, and tire pressure monitoring system.
Is the Audi B7 A4 Reliable?
Speaking about reliability, the Audi A4 B7 is a pretty reliable car, no matter which engine or transmission option you choose. There are a few things to watch out for here and there, but if you find a maintained vehicle with clean service history, you’ll be more than happy driving this car.
Speaking of the common issues, there are a couple worth mentioning.
Common Issues With The Audi A4 B7 2.0 TFSI Engine
The 2.0 TFSI family of engines has a lot going for it. The modern ones are super reliable, efficient, and fairly agile all things considered. However, the earlier models had a few issues, some of them fairly chronic and potentially expensive.
Ignition Coil Failure and Spark Plug Failure
The 2.0 TFSI is known to go through a few ignition coils here and there, depending on the state of the engine. Motors that have had PCV issues (described below), could face ignition coil problems due to oil getting inside the ignition coil tunnel. Generally speaking, using quality ignition coils such as those made by Bosch, is a proven way to stay on top of any ignition issues. The same goes for spark plugs.
Or if you want to go a step further, you can always get yourself a set of R8 Redtop ignition coils. These work great on built motors or tuned 2.0 TFSI builds.
PCV Valve Issues
One of the most common issues with the 2.0 TFSI engine is the PCV valve. It’s a common issue for both Audi and Volkswagen gasoline engines and can cause a series of symptoms such as increased oil consumption, the oil cap sticking due to suction inside the valve cover, a P0171 error code accompanied by a check engine light, rough idle, oil penetration around ignition coils and more.
VW/Audi have released a number of upgraded PCV valve designs, which have corrected the problem in affected vehicles. The trick is finding out whether the car you’re looking to buy has the updated PCV valve or not.
Abnormal Oil Consumption
These older generations of Audi’s 2.0 TFSI (namely the EA113) engine were known to have defective piston rings. As a result, some of the affected engines consumed an abhorrent amount of engine oil between oil change intervals. Audi initially came out saying that a quart of oil every 1200 miles was acceptable by factory standards for these engines.
However, it didn’t take long for them to acknowledge the issue. The only way to know whether the particular car you’re looking to buy is affected is to drive it. If you notice high oil consumption, you’re either looking at constantly adding engine oil as necessary, or rebuilding the pistons with new piston rings. This is chronic issue was solved in later iterations of the engine, but there are still a bunch of thirsty EA113 blocks in A4 B7s out there.
Aside from faulty piston rings, the Intake Flap Runner being stuck open was also one of the more common causes of excessive oil consumption on early TFSI engines. The flap would allow oil to enter the combustion chamber and simply burn. Audi has issued a technical bulletin on this matter, so check if your car is affected.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Issues and Failing Cam Followers
Another common issue with the Audi A4 B7 2.0 TFSI engine is the high-pressure fuel pump. This part isn’t prone to falling on itself, but because the cam followers fail, the HPFP (high-pressure fuel pump) can’t provide enough fuel pressure for the engine to run smoothly. Checking the cam follower regularly is extremely important because it can wear down to the point of breaking and can cause fatal damage to the engine.
Carbon Buildup
Carbon buildup is also one of the issues most Audi A4 B7 drivers face from time to time. This can cause a number of symptoms such as misfire or reduced performance. It’s recommended to do a routine carbon cleaning to prevent the buildup from causing issues.
Valve Cover Gasket Failure
The valve cover gasket is prone to failure due to heat and can cause an oil leak. If the issue isn’t fixed, you’ll risk driving the car with low oil which can eventually lead to engine failure. Because it’s a fairly common issue on these engines, make sure you inspect it for leaks when buying.
Common Issues With The Audi A4 B7 3.2 FSI V6 Engine
Although the 3.2 FSI V6 engine found in the Audi A4 B7 is pretty reliable, there are a few common issues that are worth mentioning.
Timing Chain Failure
The timing chain on the Audi A4 B7 3.2 FSI V6 is located on the back of the engine making it hard to reach. Because of this, it’s a painful repair that many of the original owners simply decided to ignore.
The timing chain and tensioner should be replaced every 80,000 miles. Thankfully, the usual signal that it needs replacing is a rattling noise coming from the engine bay. If the timing chain fails, it can lead to catastrophic damage to the engine so make sure that all cars you look at have a clean service history.
Oil Leaks
The 3.2 FSI V6 is somewhat prone to oil leaks. You’ll often find them leaking oil around the valve cover gaskets, or if you’re extra unlucky, your 3.2 FSI will shoot large quantities of oil from the PCV area. There are instances of the entire front of the engine being caked in oil – all coming from a faulty PCV.
Carbon Buildup
The 3.2 FSI V6 has a common problem of carbon buildup. Compared to other types of gasoline engines, the carbon buildup happens more often on these because they have direct injection. This issue is easily fixed but tends to be somewhat stubborn in some instances.
Should You Buy an Audi A4 B7 in 2022
Although the Audi A4 B7 is a 15-year-old car, it still looks pretty good, and there are more than a few clean examples of the A4 still on the road. Many people consider it one of the best A4 models ever made, with just enough modern equipment to keep the driver and passengers comfortable without overdoing it.
The biggest thing about the Audi A4 B7 is that it’s a pretty reliable car even after all these years. If you’re looking to buy one, chances are that it will be in a decent mechanical condition. Even if the engine or transmission isn’t in perfect condition, you can easily find OEM parts. Not to mention that this car is relatively easy to work on, so you can DIY many of the maintenance and repair jobs.
Making Your Audi A4 B7 As Good As New
As mentioned, there’s an abundance of replacement parts available for the Audi A4 B7 on the market, whether it’s a turbocharged 2.0 engine or the naturally aspirated 3.2 FSI V6.
We’ve covered some of the most common issues with this car, and getting the proper parts for it is very important. That’s why we at eEuroparts.com offer some of the best quality parts for this particular vehicle. Whether you need ignition coil packs, spark plugs, or just oil and filters for the Audi A4 B7, eEuoparts.com is the place to be.
Ordering parts is simple and convenient – all you need to do is select your model in our vehicle selection tool and browse all the parts made specifically for that vehicle.
