Audi A4 B7 2006-2008 (3rd Generation) Review

The third-generation Audi A4 (B7) received only one cosmetic upgrade during its short production run, because it was essentially an extensive facelift of the second-generation model. There was one range-wide styling update for the B7 Audi A4 in 2008, when the previously-optional "S line" appearance package became standard for all Audi A4 variants.

The generational overlaps are also interesting, because the B7 sedan and Avant (wagon) were sold alongside the B6 convertible until 2006, while the B7 convertible (which first arrived in 2007) remained in production until 2009 alongside the next-generation B8 sedan and Avant, before being replaced by the B8-generation A5.

With the S line body kit becoming standard for 2008, there are some notable changes applied to the B7 Audi A4's exterior styling. The front bumper is deeper and more squared-off in appearance¹, with larger, blacked-out side air intakes, black foglight housings², and a deeper grille with its slats arranged in a new egg-crate design³. It looks a lot more aggressive than before and explains why so many pre-2008 Audi A4 buyers specified this styling treatment at the time of first purchase.

Adding the S line styling kit to the rear end does the 2008 Audi A4 a lot of good as well, with a sharply-defined spoiler integrated into the trunk lid¹, and a more-pronounced lower valance trim which is now finished in body color². No other alterations to the 2008 Audi A4's rear end are applied, but the subtle improvements round off its exterior appearance nicely.

Looking at the 2008 Audi A4's profile view, the only change from the 2006-2007 Audi A4 will be found in the lower door trim. The cladding is more angular and features a pronounced lip, which becomes deeper as it develops from its subtle start at the front of the front door¹. In contrast, earlier (non- S line-equipped) B7 A4s have a much simpler, flat shape for this trim insert.

No interior changes are applied to the 2008 Audi A4's interior, so the only differences between different B7 Audi A4 model year interiors will depend on the specifications selected by their initial buyers.

Two new gas power units were available for the B7 Audi A4 sedan and Avant, while the carry-over B6 convertible continued to be offered with that generation's older engines and transmissions for 2006. Both new engines feature direct injection, and various transmission combinations were available.

There is insufficient owner data available regarding the 2006-2008 Audi A4's real-world fuel economy figures, with neither the 2.0T nor 3.2 versions having any owner-submitted fuel consumption data on the EPA's website. The official EPA figures vary between body style and transmission options, so here's a run-down of the different models and their claimed fuel economy figures.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Standard safety equipment in the B7-generation Audi A4 was generous from launch, building on the solid foundation of the B6 model from which the new car was developed. The specification list is impressive, with six airbags (dual frontal airbags, dual front side airbags, and side curtain airbags), seat belt pre-tensioners, stability and traction control, rear child-seat anchors, rear-door child safety locks, four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated in front) with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and emergency braking assist, front foglights, halogen headlights with auto-on/off, and height-adjustable head restraints all round with whiplash protection in front.

Because the B6-generation Audi A4 served as the base for the development of the B7 generation, the earlier model's NHTSA safety ratings apply to the newer car as well. Remember that this test was conducted before 2011, when a new test protocol came into effect, so these results are not directly comparable to later tests, which were conducted according to the latest protocol.

But, even with this in mind, the Audi A4 demonstrated impressive performance in its crash testing. Protection in a frontal collision resulted in a four-star rating for both driver and front passenger, five-star side-impact protection for the front seats with four stars for the rear-seat occupants, and four stars for rollover prevention. These ratings only apply to the A4's sedan and Avant variants, however, as the convertible wasn't subjected to these tests: the Cabriolet may have similar frontal-collision protection, but its side-impact protection will probably not be able to meet the high standards set by its fixed-roof siblings.

At launch, the 2006-2008 Audi A4 sedan and Avant were available in 11 different configurations. The 2.0T sedan could be had in FWD form with either a six-speed manual transmission or the Multitronic CVT at the entry level, followed by sedan and Avant models with quattro AWD in either six-speed manual form or with the six-speed automatic. At the high end, the A4 3.2 could be ordered as a sedan with FWD, in which case it came equipped with the Multitronic transmission or with quattro AWD in sedan and all Avant versions, paired with either the six-speed manual or the six-speed automatic. From 2007-2009, the B7 Audi A4 convertible was offered with both engine choices, but no manual transmission was available. The 2.0T could be had with FWD (combined with Muiltronic) or AWD (with the six-speed automatic), and the 3.2 only came with AWD and the six-speed automatic.

The 2006-2009 Audi A4 presents a beautifully-designed interior with an ergonomically sound layout, high-quality materials all-round, and very good build quality. It's very comfortable inside as well - at least for the front-seat occupants because rear-seat space is restricted. Not only that, but the downward-sloping roofline eats into rear headroom as well. Children will be fine back there, but average-sized adults might feel confined in the rear seat.

Comparative data confirms these assertions, because the concurrent (E90-generation) BMW 3 Series beats the B7 Audi sedan in almost all rear-seat dimensions with the exception of rear headroom (where the Audi only has a 0.1-inch advantage over the cramped BMW). Front seats have plenty of available space, however, with 38.4 inches of headroom, 41.3 inches of legroom, and 55.1 inches of shoulder room on offer. This compares well to the 3 Series, which has slightly more legroom and shoulder room (41.5 and 55.4 inches, respectively), but has a whole inch less headroom up front.

Cargo capacity does swing things back in the Audi's favor, with the sedan's trunk offering a generous 13.4 cu.ft., as compared to the BMW sedan's 12 cu.ft. The same applies to their fuel tanks, because the Audi can swallow 18.5 gallons, compared to the BMW's fuel tank capacity of only 15.9 gallons.

If you require greater practicality, the Avant will be a brilliant choice. Front- and rear-seat space is similar to that of the sedan, but the wagon's cargo capacity is increased to 27.8 cu.ft., or 59 cu.ft with the rear seats folded down. As for the convertible, its front seat space is similar to the sedan, but there's almost no room in the rear seat, and its trunk can only swallow 10.2 cu.ft.

The Audi A4 B7 has a fairly uncomplicated service schedule, with no real 2006-2009 Audi A4 maintenance problems to report. The engine oil and its filter must be changed every 5,000 miles, according to official Audi literature, and we'd strongly recommend sticking to this interval, because failure to do so greatly increases the risk of sludge formation in these engines.

Often misdiagnosed as 2006-2009 Audi A4 oil-pump problems, sludge in the sump is guaranteed to result in oil starvation and serious internal engine damage, in both the 2.0T and 3.2 engines. This is a major cause of engine failure in B7 Audi A4s, and frequent oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil is the only way to avert sludge formation.

For Audi A4 models with the Multitronic CVT, transmission-fluid and -filter replacements are equally critical, especially given this system's reputation for fragility. Audi states that 35,000 miles is a suitable service interval for this transmission, but we'd change these vital fluids every 30,000 miles instead.

The six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission is supposedly sealed for life, but we'd recommend fluid- and filter changes for this ZF 6HP19A gearbox every 60,000 miles to achieve a good service life. Failure to keep this up will eventually lead to costly 2006-2009 Audi A4 B7 automatic gearbox problems. The manual gearbox shouldn't need any attention before at least 120,000 miles.

Spark plugs should be good for 60,000 miles but, because Audi reckons that the engine air filter should be changed every 55,000 miles, this would also suffice as an appropriate spark-plug change interval. If an Audi A4 is used in dusty (or otherwise severe) conditions, we'd shorten the engine air filter replacement interval to 30,000 miles.

The pollen filter should be replaced every 15,000 miles, and the brake fluid every two years. Audi doesn't specify power steering fluid replacements at all, but we'd flush the system with OEM-specification power steering fluid every 75,000 miles to avoid any 2006-2009 Audi A4 power steering problems.

The Audi A4 2.0T takes 4.8 quarts of 5W-40 full-synthetic oil, which will cost between $78 and $110, including a replacement filter, while the A4 3.2 needs 6.9 quarts of the same synthetic oil, which will set you back between $100 and $124 including an OEM filter. Both engines use the same air filters, which costs around $25 for an OEM engine air filter element, and an OEM pollen filter for either model will cost about $22.

A set of four OEM spark plugs for an A4 2.0T should cost around $61, while a set of six OEM plugs for the A4 3.2 will cost about $114. Note that these parts are not interchangeable between the two engines, and are of different specifications. Fitting incorrect spark plugs to either engine can result in poor performance on the 3.2, and potential engine failure on the high-compression, turbocharged 2.0T.

The 2006-2009 Audi A4 is subject to a number of recalls, and they all relate to airbags. There was a succession of recalls for the passenger airbag inflator, all related to the ongoing Takata airbag recall campaign, where the inflator could rupture and send metal fragments flying into the interior.

The other 2006-2009 Audi A4 B7 airbag recall was in connection with the airbag control units, wherein the power supply module may corrode and cause failure of the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in case of a collision. Check with your nearest dealer whether these two important safety recalls were executed.

Audi A4 B7 owners who are concerned about a possible recall on the water pump need not worry, as the 2009+ Audi A4 water pump recall only applies to earlier-build next-generation (B8) models, and applies to a component not used in the B7 at all.

The following error codes may appear in an OBD-II scan of a 2006-2009 Audi A4:

• On all 2006-2009 Audi A4 models, the P0332 and P0333 error codes indicate knock-sensor malfunctions, but this usually points towards a wiring problem, rather than a sensor issue.
• OBD-II error code P0455 indicates a leak on the 2006-2009 Audi A4's fuel-tank evaporation system.
• On 2006-2009 Audi A4s with the P0706 OBD-II code, the automatic gearbox is communicating incorrect data to the engine control unit.
• Error code P1157 on a 2006-2009 Audi A4 2.0T is related to a power-supply problem on the engine's manifold-pressure sensor, while P1158 points toward improbable signal values from the manifold-pressure sensor.
• If there's a problem with the throttle actuator of a 2006-2009 Audi A4, the OBD-II code P1171 will be present. When the fuel tank's level is too low for the fuel system to function, P1250 will show up.
• The Audi A4 B7 features active engine mountings and if they malfunction, error codes from P1571 to P1578 would appear in the OBD-II scan. P1571-1574 indicate problems on the driver-side engine mount and P1575-1579 relate to the passenger-side mount.
• If the battery voltage is too low or there's a power supply problem on the engine-control system, the error codes P1600 or P1602 will appear.
• An open circuit on the coolant-temperature sensor will present the P1620 error code.
• Error code P1624 means that the control unit has turned on the CEL, but you'd probably know about that already, else you wouldn't have checked. In turn, a P1848 code asks you to check the diagnostic trouble codes.
• Finally, error code P1850 on a 2006-2009 Audi A4 shows that there's no communication between the engine's control unit and the car's internal data network. This typically indicates a wiring or power-supply problem and will most likely appear along with a host of other error codes.

Control-arm bushings are known to fail any time from 30,000 miles, depending on the road conditions to which the cars are subjected - the rougher the roads, the more likely it is that the bushings will wear out prematurely. This also applies to the front suspension subframe bushes and shock-absorber top mountings, which are subject to the same load conditions. If you experience any 2006-2009 Audi A4 front-end problems, take a good look at these bushings. 2006-2009 Audi A4 front lower motor-mount problems have been reported by a few owners, but these usually only apply to high-mileage cars, or to cars that were subjected to harsh usage conditions. That's about the extent of potential 2006-2009 Audi A4 mechanical problems, however.

Provided the torque-converter automatic gearbox (as used with the quattro AWD system) is serviced with fresh oil and a new filter at the latest every 60,000 miles, it should prove fairly trouble-free. However, neglecting this maintenance will lead to serious Audi A4 B7 Tiptronic gearbox problems, likely before 100,000 miles, and that means a very expensive repair - a reconditioned gearbox can set you back more than $4,000, with a new gearbox costing around $6,500 excluding fitment. The manual gearbox is durable, though, with no Audi A4 B7 transmission problems reported on manual-equipped cars. And, as proven by decades of heavy-duty usage in a multitude of performance Audi quattros, 2006-2009 Audi A4 AWD problems are also highly unusual. The engine management of the Audi A4 B7 is well-resolved, apart from the aforementioned electrical glitches, and there are few Audi A4 B7 throttle-body problems to report, and no mention of 2006-2009 Audi A4 stalling problems.

Some electrical issues have also been reported on the 2006-2008 Audi A4, with the most-prevalent ones relating to the battery discharging due to the engine's cooling fan not switching off. These 2006-2009 Audi A4 cooling-fan problems have been traced to water ingress in the fan-control module, which is mounted on the radiator housing. 2006-2009 Audi A4 light-switch problems have occurred on some cars, but this could usually be ascribed to water ingress through an open driver's window. Most of the other reported 2006-2009 Audi A4 electrical problems are also related to water ingress, specifically into the ECU/fuse/relay housing mounted in front of the windscreen in the under-bonnet ventilation tray. The best way to avoid the latter issue is to ensure that the drains in the ventilation tray are kept free of leaf and mud debris, and to ensure that the cowl cover panel is always refitted correctly after any maintenance procedure.

There doesn't appear to be many body-related issues, so there are no specific 2006-2009 Audi A4 Avant or Cabriolet problems to note in this regard. However, 2006-2009 Audi A4 door-locking and trunk-latch problems could appear, but are usually easily resolved. This is most often related to the key fob's battery losing charge, but in some cases, the vacuum pump which powers this system could be at fault. In the latter case, the entire Convenience Control module needs to be replaced - rather look for a second-hand unit, because a new one is very costly (around $760). Also check for vacuum-pipe leaks in the door grommets, where the vacuum hoses could become dislodged. On the upside, there doesn't appear to be any endemic battery problems on the 2006-2009 Audi A4. The sunroof also appears to be largely hassle-free, with few 2006-2009 Audi A4 sunroof problems to report.

Apart from the climate-control interface losing a few pixels and some reports of the air-conditioning refrigerant escaping over time, there are also very few Audi A4 B7 climate-control or air-conditioning problems to note. There are some potential issues with the gauge cluster, however, where digital-display problems on the 2006-2009 Audi A4 could rear their heads, and lose pixels in the trip computer display unit.

The optional navigation system is very archaic when seen through a modern lens, but there are no actual 2006-2009 Audi A4 navigation problems to report. Some 2006-2009 Audi A4 power-window problems have been mentioned, but those most often relate to a blown fuse or damage to the driver's window switch panel - again, due to water ingress. Isolated cases of power-window mechanism failures have been mentioned, but this will likely only happen after many years.

The absolutely least-desirable Audi A4 B7 is anything with a Multitronic, because it's not very nice to use but is very likely to need expensive maintenance and repairs to keep working. And, while the 3.2 is torquey and sounds good, its oil consumption and timing chain issues make it a high-risk proposition. Combining these two concerns leads to one logical conclusion: You'd be better off avoiding any 2006-2009 Audi A4 3.2 Multitronic.

The Audi A4 B7 that's likely to prove the most fun to drive is a 2.0T with a manual gearbox, with or without quattro AWD. With the least weight up front, the four-cylinder model is noticeably less nose-led than the 3.2 in enthusiastic driving, more agile, more frugal, and not much slower. The 2008 sedan looks tasty with its S line body kit, but the Avant's extra practicality might be worth the weight penalty.

Good-looking, nice to drive, well-appointed, comfortable, and well-made, the 2006-2009 Audi A4 range holds up to modern scrutiny in almost all respects. This makes a used B7 A4 as enticing a used-car buy as it was when new, as long as all the maintenance is up to date and the service history is complete. But, even then, you'll need to keep your hand on it to keep it going properly: These are complex machines, and to make ownership a realistic proposition, owners should have either a good relationship with an Audi expert, or be prepared for some DIY wrench work along the way.

Available option packs were present from the outset, and a few more packages were introduced through the remainder of the B7 A4's production life.

• S line Package: More than just a dress-up kit, the S line package initially included more-aggressive exterior styling with an integrated trunk lid spoiler, deeper front grille with larger lower side air intakes, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, firmer suspension, a sport steering wheel and extended aluminum interior finishes. The suspension and wheel-change combination was renamed the Sport package in 2008, when the S line styling pieces became standard on all A4 variants.
• Titanium Package: Taking the S line package as a starting point, the Titanium package was introduced in 2006, and adds different (15-spoke) 18-inch alloy wheels, a gloss-black grille surround, black exterior window trim (instead of the standard aluminum trim), a black roofliner, and piano-black dashboard trim inserts.
• Special Edition (SE): Based on the updated 2008 Audi A4 2.0T derivative (which included the S line styling add-ons as standard), the SE adds 17-inch nine-Y-spoke alloy wheels, leather-trimmed and heated front seats, metallic paint, and one-year subscription to Sirius satellite radio.
• Premium Package: This package applies to 2.0T variants, and adds leather seat upholstery and 17-inch five-double-spoke alloy wheels. 3.2 models already include these features as standard.
• Convenience Package: This goes on top of the Premium Package, and applied to both 2.0T and 3.2 variants. Added equipment includes a HomeLink remote transmitter, light-and-rain sensor, auto-dim interior rear-view mirror with digital compass, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and memory for the driver's electric seat.
• Cold Weather Package: 3.2 models adds heated rear seats, a through-loading rear-seat armrest, and retractable high-pressure headlight washers.