B7's are *****, I want my S2 back

[S-Express]

Anyone thinking of updating their ageing B4 to a B7.................DON'T!
The bean counters have attacked Audis in the 10 years between the B4 and B7.
Its not a patch on my old S2
Not built LIKE they used to be thats for sure.........................

[Nuvo]

Can you tell us what are your particular concerns with the newer generation cars?

[S-Express]

no protection from leaf debris on scuttle panel so it blocks up the drain holes, then fills up and rots the servo. (the B6 had the covers and they then deleted them from the B7 even though the exact same part fits! )

Handling (even with aluminium suspension is not as good (although my S2 had koni rear shocks and whiteline RARB)

Rear wheel arch panel covers are cheap nasty rubbish that don't even shut properly, the B4 ones were thick solid plastic with moving parts that worked. On the B7, they just made them as cheap as possible and they're naff.

Rear light lenses have water ingress (car has not been in any accidents, its just a cheap poor seal).

Rear wiper motors fail often - corrosion in the water pipe that runs through them (they got the design right on the B4 so why change it!!!???)

I've only had the car for 2 days, so I'm pretty sure I'll find more faults in the next few months, but thats enough for now

On the plus side, its a 3.0 tdi and it flies, would definitely give my Fried S2 a runf or its money, oh and gets 40mpg not 22mpg!

All in all, would have my S2 back tho

[b3robo]

So S2 chassis and torsen diff + B7 3.0 TDi engine?

[Dan]

To be honest they're not two cars I'd compare.

We have a C7 A6 and the S2 - I wouldn't trade either for the other, just different animals entirely, although I guess the A4 is closer.

Can't really speak for the B7, but the C7 handles itself well for a car of its size. Thing is though, it is a car of its size, so yes, the S2 kicks it in absolute terms.

I did drive an A4 for a couple of days while our A6 was in for service - I have to say, I wasn't impressed - but it was also a smaller engine, not S-Line and not Quattro, so I can't really compare on platform alone.

The newer Audis definitely feel softer and the steering is less direct, but that's just catering to the majority market. Fact is, we're in the minority here - most people, even those who want a "sporty" car, don't want something like the S2 where you feel every single bump and have to work out to handle the steering.

I'm sure it's possible to firm up the new models just like the old - you're just starting from a different point.

We have the wet rear light issue too - Audi's response was, "we know, it's an issue, but it's not getting fixed".

All that said though, the 3.0TDI is an absolutely amazing engine. It's certainly nothing like most people's idea of a diesel; it doesn't chug, it revs like a petrol. The petrols are of course still more responsive and give the higher BHP on paper, but that doesn't tell anything of the simply wonderful amount of midrange torque.

If you haven't already, get it remapped - better fuel economy and even more grunt.

[pixsaudisex2]

I have read so many storys the same thats why i think im going to stay audi 80 untill you really can not get parts anymore..

[baltiboyS2]

The only A4 i would replace my 80 for would be the B6 1.9 tdi 130bhp sport working on alot of audi's the B6 is by far the best put together but they still have there odd faults but they are easily fixed

cheers Raj

[S-Express]

The only A4 i would replace my 80 for would be the B6 1.9 tdi 130bhp sport working on alot of audi's the B6 is by far the best put together but they still have there odd faults but they are easily fixed

cheers Raj

Ah well, I may have only had the B7 for 3 days but i've already replaced the rear wiper motor, fixed front & rear ash trays, fitted scuttle panel covers from a B6, removed battery and cleared drain holes, cleaned it form top to bottom and found £2.56

It'll be as good as my S2 was in no time........

[PeteRR]

I'll miss occasionally seeing (and hearing!) your S2 go past Alex.

I was sat day-dreaming at the lights on the Chester road a few weeks back, but snapped straight out of it after hearing that sweet I5 burble past ......this probably isn't helping is it........

[baltiboyS2]

LOL the famous bulkhead blockage i had one come in with a crack in the pollen filter cover 3 days of heavy rain yup you guessed right Comfort control module sitting in 2" of water

cheers Raj

[S-Express]

I'll miss occasionally seeing (and hearing!) your S2 go past Alex.

I was sat day-dreaming at the lights on the Chester road a few weeks back, but snapped straight out of it after hearing that sweet I5 burble past ......this probably isn't helping is it........

no it isn't

[S-Express]

LOL the famous bulkhead blockage i had one come in with a crack in the pollen filter cover 3 days of heavy rain yup you guessed right Comfort control module sitting in 2" of water

cheers Raj

Hey Raj - where is the comfort module? I haven't found it yet

[baltiboyS2]

under the passenger floor on the left by the sill it is in a plastic box in a gully just remove the side trim and lift the carpet and you will see it

cheers Raj