Audi/CAKA

Audi · Engine

CAKA

S4·B8·2009–2012

"If you're buying a performance Audi, expect shit to break. Show love to your car and it will love you back."

RISKY

58/ 100

"Fast and fun, but maintenance-hungry"

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Max HP

—

Torque Nm

10,000

Oil interval km

Recalls

Known issues

Known Issues

Timing Chain Tensioner Failure€1,500-3,500 · 80,000-160,000 kmCRITICAL

Hydraulic tensioners on the secondary timing chain are prone to failure. When tensioners fail, chain rattle begins, plastic guides crack and break, and cam phaser values go out of spec. Left unaddressed this leads to catastrophic engine damage.

Cold-start chain rattle

Rattling noise from engine bay on startup

Check engine light with cam timing codes

Rough idle

DIY: Hard

Crank Pulley / Accessory Belt Failure€400-1,200 · 100,000-180,000 kmHIGH

The harmonic balancer / crank pulley is known to fail, potentially causing the accessory belt to melt the supercharger belt tensioner and damage the coolant return pipe. Reported failure on the freeway with cascading damage.

Belt squealing or slipping

Loss of supercharger drive

Coolant leak after belt failure

Belt shredding or melting smell

DIY: Moderate

Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks€300-800 · 80,000-150,000 kmMODERATE

Valve cover gaskets are reported to leak oil at higher mileages. Commonly discovered during other under-bonnet inspections. Can worsen and lead to oil on hot engine components if not addressed.

Burning oil smell

Visible oil residue around valve covers

Oil on spark plugs

DIY: Moderate

Airbag Inflator Module (Takata Recall)€0-0 · 0-999,999 kmLOW

Two NHTSA recalls issued for frontal passenger-side airbag inflator modules on affected S4 models. This is a known Takata recall issue covered under manufacturer recall programs.

No drivability symptoms

Potential airbag malfunction in crash

DIY: Not DIY – dealer only

Buying Checklist

Perform a cold-start and listen carefully for any timing chain rattle in the first 10 seconds of running

Request full service history and verify oil changes were done every 10,000 km or less with correct VW 502/504 spec oil

Check VIN against NHTSA recall database and confirm Takata airbag recall has been completed at a dealer

Inspect valve covers and surrounding areas for oil seepage or burning oil smell around the engine bay

Visually inspect crank pulley rubber damper for cracking, delamination, or wobble at idle

Have an Audi-specialist perform a diagnostic scan for cam timing fault codes and check supercharger belt and tensioner condition

Service Reality

Community oil interval10,000 km

Oil specificationVW 502.00 / 504.00 compliant 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic

Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,500–3,500 per year including consumables, timing chain preventive work, and incidental repairs on higher-mileage examples

Real fuel consumptionNo data

Also Found In

Audi S5 B8 (2009–2012)Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI (CTWB variant)Audi A6 3.0 TFSI (related EA837 family)

Buying Advice

The CAKA-engined B8 S4 is a genuinely exciting performance car, but it demands respect and a committed maintenance budget. The single biggest risk is timing chain tensioner failure, which can be a catastrophic and expensive repair if ignored — always perform a cold-start listen before any purchase. Budget for proactive replacement of tensioners, guides, and the crank pulley on any high-mileage example, and factor in elevated running costs compared to mainstream vehicles. This is a rewarding car for an owner who maintains it properly, but a financial trap for anyone expecting Toyota-level neglect tolerance.

Parts People Buy

CAKA Timing Chain Kit (tensioners, guides, chains)Link unavailable

Crank Pulley / Harmonic Balancer – Audi 3.0 TFSILink unavailable

Supercharger Drive Belt – Audi 3.0 TFSILink unavailable

Valve Cover Gasket Set – Audi 3.0 TFSI V6Link unavailable

VW 502.00 / 504.00 5W-30 Full Synthetic Engine OilLink unavailable

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