The Audi S4 is the high-performance version of the brand’s compact car, the A4. The S4 has always boasted a more powerful drivetrain, a tighter suspension, and some sportier interior bits in every generation. But does that mean the Audi S4 is expensive to maintain?

Maintaining an Audi S4 is reasonably priced for a German sports sedan

If you’re looking to purchase an Audi S4, the general annual maintenance costs are what you can normally expect from a German luxury car. That means spending anywhere from $200 to $300 every 10,000 miles for oil and filter changes and routine inspections, reports Automoblog. Like many other luxury cars, the Audi S4 has a regular maintenance schedule that owners should follow.

When the S4 gets into the higher-mileage territory, the maintenance costs increase. Owners can look forward to spending between $700 and $875 for major maintenance services like brake replacements, batteries, and timing belts. Of course, the parts and labor costs for these services can vary depending on the shop or dealership doing the work.

Common Audi S4 repair costs

Routine maintenance for an Audi S4 can get expensive as the car racks up miles. But what’s even more costly are the typical repairs that can occur as the years go on. Here are some of the most common Audi S4 repairs and issues:

• Electrical component failure: The electrical wiring wears out over time, and the connections can corrode. A system diagnosis can cost anywhere between $130 and $200, and the parts and labor to replace the electric connectors can cost anywhere between $200 to $1,000.
• Ignition coil and spark plug failure: Audis are known for having faulty ignition coils and plugs. Fortunately, replacing these parts is on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Owners can expect to pay around $170 to $220 for the parts and labor.
• Faulty catalytic converters: Audis are known for having exhaust leaks and/or faulty catalytic converters. Repairing or replacing the exhaust issue can cost around $1,590 to $1.650.
• Oil leaks: Older Audis are known to leak oil, but newer ones also do. These leaks are typically caused by leaking valve covers or gasket seals, which can cost around $135 to $260 each time the seals must be replaced.

The Audi S4 costs less to maintain on average than other German rivals

Although the cost of certain parts and repairs can add up, the silver lining is that the Audi S4 costs less to maintain than its rivals. According to Car Edge, “An Audi S4 will cost about $9,345 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service.”

On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class can cost an average of $10,734 during its first 10 years of service, and the BMW 3 Series costs an average of $13,219. Ultimately, maintaining an Audi S4 isn’t cheap compared to the repairs and maintenance costs on a Honda or Toyota, but it’s affordable. These repair costs are general averages and can vary on a case-by-case basis.