Jump LinksGerman Sleeper SedanWhat engine did the B5 S4 have?DId the B5 S4 have a V8?How many B5 Audi S4 were made?Which S4s are supercharged?The late 1990s to early 2000s were exciting times if you were looking for a performance machine from Germany. From Bavaria, you had the beloved E46 M3 that makes all driving enthusiasts' hearts racing. As for Stuttgart, the 996 generation of the Porsche 911 revolutionized the sports car legend by pushing the model into the water-cooled era. But what happens if you are looking for a decently sized sedan that has both performance and practicality in one package? The Audi B5 S4 might be the perfect answer you've been searching for. While its competitors dance through the corner, the Audi B5 S4, with its legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system, offers a completely different experience while behind the wheel. Interested in getting one in 2026? Here's a complete guide to this fast German saloon for you.This article examines the performance, common issues, and second-hand value on the market currently for the Audi S4 B5. The First-ever Audi A4 With A Bit More Spice 2000 - 2002 Audi S4 (5)A bit of context before we get into the spicy part. The B5 generation is also the first to wear the well-loved Audi A4 nameplate under its belt. The first-generation Audi A4 debuted in 1994, making quite a statement to its other German rivals such as the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series. The B5 generation would also prove to be state of the art and modern, having not received a major facelift throughout its entire seven-year lifecycle. Setting the tone for all the Audi sedans that would follow, an estate version called the A4 Avant was also launched in 1996, offering space and luxury to those who fancied something other than a sedan.The performance model wearing the 'S' badge entered public sight in 1997 and immediately made a name of its own with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system, which differs from anything found in German competitors. Rather than focusing on cornering and excitement, the B5 S4 AWD offers more confidence and stability when you are really pushing it. The American market wouldn't get this performance saloon until 1999, when it was sold all the way to the end of its lifecycle in 2002. Throughout the years in the states, both sedan and Avant models with the V6 bi-turbo were offered to customers, which helped Audi build a solid reputation as a manufacturer of both performance and luxury. More Than Just A Fast Audi Audi The powertrain is one of the key highlights of the B5 S4, differing from the E46 M3 during the same era, which had a high-revving naturally aspirated block. The B5 S4 is powered by a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 that produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like a lot when compared to its competitors, but let's not forget that the S4 sends power to all four wheels for maximum traction. Combine that old-school quattro system with Torsen hardware, and the B5 S4 is able to put down power consistently in any conditions. It's also worth noting that the horsepower figure mentioned earlier was a result of a detuned version to meet the US emission regulations. And in case 250 horsepower doesn't sound exciting enough for you, the B5 S4 could unlock far more potential with just a few easy modifcations. German Sleeper Sedan Chris Junecko @ chrisapinado The B5 S4 has earned a reputation within the tuning community for being the ultimate sleeper sedan. It doesn't need a lot of work and modification to become a monster that puts out insane horsepower. To start with, you would want to tune the ECU, which can easily bump up the horsepower figure quite a bit into the 300 range. The air intake and exhaust system were also crucial in increasing the horsepower figures. The air filter and intake manifold can be a good starting point if you are looking for places to begin. If you are looking for something more, upgrading the pair of turbos can boost outputs to 400+ horsepower, but this might cost you a couple thousand bucks. It would be ideal to also swap in a performance clutch and single-mass flywheel to handle that extra horsepower. Common Issue With B5 S4: What To Look Out For 2000 - 2002 Audi S4 (8)Despite the B5 S4 being generally recognized as a reliable vehicle, there are still things you need to be aware of before getting your hands on this fast German saloon. The first thing before owning a B5 S4 is to be prepared to spend time and money on maintenance. Just like any other vehicles on the market that are over 20 years old. Good maintenance is the basis for keeping them running. A regular oil change should be performed every 5,000 miles, and remember to use good quality synthetic oil. Although there isn't a particular model year that you need to stay away from, do be aware of those which have been extensively modified and stay away from them. Even if your goal is to have a modified beast, it is generally best to start with a stock model with a good service history.As for common issues, the two turbochargers have been known to develop an issue after a certain number of miles, so be sure to have a closer look into that before buying. The timing belt and water pump are also up there on the list as well. Be sure that they have been replaced by the previous owner or otherwise just change them as soon as you get the car to prevent any potential problems. Over 20 years, rust can also accrue in certain areas. Make sure that you've checked the front wing and top of the front windscreens for any signs of rust, and it would be best to give the entire underside a good look before making any decision. The B5 S4 in 2026: Performance Sedan At A Bargain 2000 - 2002 Audi S4 Avant (5)If the idea of performance over 20 years old doesn't bother you, then the B5 S4 might be the perfect choice on the market currently. A clean B5 S4 can be purchased for less than 10K on the market, with some higher-mileage examples costing just 5K. Although it really depends on the condition and mileage, according to auction listing websites, the average sale price for the B5 S4 is somewhere around $14,000.The more desirable example is still the one with a six-speed manual and lower mileage, as those examples can normally go beyond $20,000. However, if you are just looking for a daily commuter, the ones with five-speed automatic and decent mileage can be had for around $7,000 to $8,000, making them a perfect entry point for those who want to experience German performance. As for the Avant model, which was offered alongside the sedan models during its years in the US, the average sale price is slightly higher when compared to the sedan model at around $15,000. FAQs What engine does the B5 S4 have? The B5 S4 is powered by a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 that produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Does the B5 S4 have a V8? No, the B5 S4 is powered by a 2.7L V6. Although a V8 swap is a popular mod that can be found on many B5 A4 since the V8 can fit within the engine bay of a B5 A4. How many B5 Audi S4 were made? In total, 12,096 Audi B5 S4 sedans were sold in the US during its sale period between 2000 and 2002. The B5 S4 Avant was significantly less, with only 1,540 units sold between 2001 and 2002. Which S4s are supercharged? The B8 and B8.5 generations of Audi S4 were powered by a supercharged engine. The model was available between 2009 and 2016, and featured a 3L V6 supercharged engine.Source: Audi, Classic.com