Hi, I also had been contemplating a 2014 S4. I have researched this car in depth for a year. Hours and hours to be honest. Mostly around the magnetic steering issues. Here is a letter I finally wrote to the dealer/GM where I was going to make the purchase. You need to look closely at the various forums to be safe. I have since bought a Q50 which has arrived at the dealer. Have driven a couple of them and they are gorgeous. I preordered or Chestnut Bronze S fully loaded. The only thing I don't have is the Hybrid model. Have also owned 3 Infinitis previously and have built, over the years, a great relationship with the local dealer. Good luck. Hope this helps.
Hi,
As you know, over the past many months, I have been thoroughly impressed with the Audi product and excited to become part of the Audi family. Because the Audi brand is totally new to me, and because I am a researcher of everything I do and purchase, I have daily put considerable effort into finding out as much as I can about the product, particularly the S4.
Unfortunately, I am apprehensive of the issues that seem to be surfacing around the magnetic steering that has been employed on the S4. I know it is not new technology for Audi as it has been in the 3 series since 2006. I have also spoken in depth with **** and **** about the potential issues with this system. Both people have assured me that it has not been a huge problem up to this juncture. I know that you do not give a lot of credence to car forums or bloggers (i.e., Audizine, Audi World etc.) however with me where there is 'smoke there could be fire'. The issues that seem to be coming to the fore have mainly been around the steering. The individuals that are sharing their stories are not potential Audi customers but the majority of them have been Audi followers for years. One person reporting has had 6 Audis in 12 years. Many report that they presently own more than just one Audi. But for them to continue to revisit this unfortunate situation, quotes such as: (grinding noises, notchiness, unstable, hazard to drive, vibration, wandering, shimmy, drifting, rough feel, vagueness etc.) and myriad more descriptive words about the steering issues such as 'tramlining', makes me have grave doubts about being satisfied with these potential problems. A number of people have even spoken about disabling the 'Driver Steering' through the VAG-COM. I have to admit I have been zeroing in mainly on the A/S series vehicle as that is the car that I am most interested in purchasing. Many of these same individuals who have thousands of dollars invested in their vehicles are saying that they don't want to travel long distances because of the steering feel on crowned roads, rough pavement or a highway with imperfections, is definitely a concern of mine. Numerous times they speak to changing from the factory tires, or driving all year with snow tires, changing back to 17" wheels, not using the Dynamic mode in Drive Select etc., etc. which speaks to fact that there is something unusual present with this steering system. Some have stated that their dealer has performed the Power Steering Control Unit Criteria 44 test with still no improvement. I have also read that Audi of America is aware of these issues and is working to correct the problem but as yet there is no solution and people just have been told to live with it.
I have to be admit, that when I drove the S4 I did not experience these issues as I only drove locally and for a very short distance as it was a new car and you wanted to keep the mileage low.
With all the research that I continue to do, I remain apprehensive about committing to a vehicle, that in the end, may present issues that cannot be rectified or resolved by Audi to my satisfaction. "That is just the way they drive, handle or are" remains a very unsatisfactory answer to me being the kind of person I am. I sincerely hope that the next generation of S4 that will arrive in the not too distance future, will be a vehicle that I can seriously consider as I have never seen a vehicle that is so dedicated to fit and finish which I so much appreciate.
At this time I do not believe that I can comfortably commit to the purchase of a 2014 Audi S4 with the present knowledge that I have with this vehicle.
I want to sincerely thank you for our many chats and also the opportunity you gave me to familiarize myself with the Audi brand. It has been very much appreciated!
