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Audi S4 B7 (2004-2008) reliability

Not enough data

Audi S4 B7 built around 2005: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Audi S4 B7 models built around 2005 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at an Audi S4 B7?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

2004-2008SaloonPETROL

Based on 587 tests of S4 models registered 2004-2008.

B7 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5119.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
13124.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
14122.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
18420.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
8021.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

How the S4 B7 compares

At each age below, see how the S4 B7 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 22,411 tests across 8 Audi models, built around 2005 (20 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5119.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
13124.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
14122.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
18420.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
8021.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S4 B7.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.9%

    No clear edge over the Audi S4 B7 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,334 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  2. 2

    Volvo S40

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.3%
    Dangerous
    8.3%

    No clear edge over the Audi S4 B7 on these figures.

    1,410 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  3. 3

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.3%
    Dangerous
    7.2%

    No clear edge over the Audi S4 B7 on these figures.

    3,248 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  4. 4

    BMW 3 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.9%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.8%

    No clear edge over the Audi S4 B7 on these figures.

    15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,816 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Audi S4.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Audi S4 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

How S4 B7 cars have aged

How S4 B7 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1415161718192021Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (82 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (69 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (70 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (63 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (73 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (124 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (133 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (112 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (110 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (98 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (135 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (121 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (102 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (102 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (99 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (115 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (103 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (102 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (97 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (80 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Audi S4 models of this age

This list covers every Audi S4 built around 2005, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B7 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    27.2%
    Advisory: 49Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    15.2%
    Advisory: 39Fail: 20 (34% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    12.5%
    Advisory: 38Fail: 2 (5% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.9%
    Advisory: 24Fail: 2 (8% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.2%
    Advisory: 25Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 184 tests

Looking at an Audi S4 B7?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2005 (20 years old), the Audi S4 B7 (2004-2008) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 184 20-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 587 MOT tests on Audi S4 models first registered between 2004-2008. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.