The entry-level petrol in the fifth-generation A4. Audi sold it in Germany from October 2015 to June 2018 and in the UK until November 2018, after which the 35 TFSI (a 2.0-litre EA888) replaced it. The 1,395 cc EA211 four-cylinder produces 150 PS and 250 Nm, driving the front wheels through a 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic wet-clutch dual-clutch gearbox. Quattro was never offered with this engine. The MLB evo platform delivers a refined ride and an interior that still holds up well against newer competitors.· more· less
Efficient and proven EA211 engineRefined ride and interior quality
Direct-injection carbon buildupSlightly underpowered for a D-segment car
Buy if: You want a well-built, comfortable mid-size car with low fuel consumption and can verify the cooling system and service history are in order.
Avoid if: You need quattro all-wheel drive (not offered), want strong overtaking performance, or plan to do only short urban trips (carbon buildup accelerates).
Price & maintenance
Used price
€16,500
median asking price, typically 110,000 km
Typical range€14,200 – €18,500
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€800 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €600 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€16,500
Typically €14,200 – €18,500, at around 110,000 km.
Plastic thermostat housing cracks or leaks from thermal cycling, causing coolant loss · more· less
The EA211 combines the coolant pump and thermostat into one module bolted to the cylinder head. The pump is driven mechanically from the exhaust camshaft by a toothed belt, and the plastic housing is prone to developing cracks or leaks over time. The housing warps from repeated heating and cooling cycles. Symptoms include gradual coolant loss (often evaporating before leaving visible puddles), the low coolant warning light, erratic temperature readings, and poor cabin heating. Failures typically appear between 60,000 and 100,000 km. Parts cost €150-350 depending on aftermarket or OEM. Total repair: €400-700 at an independent shop, €900-1,200 at an Audi dealer. If overheating is ignored, cylinder head damage can follow. When replacing the thermostat housing, specialists recommend replacing the water pump at the same time.
Carbon buildup on intake valves
€450 - 9002 of 7
Direct injection allows oil vapour deposits to accumulate on intake valves, restricting airflow · more· less
The CVNA engine uses direct injection only, without the supplementary port injectors that the later EA888 35 TFSI received. This means no fuel washes over the intake valves during normal operation, allowing oil vapours from the crankcase ventilation system to harden into carbon deposits. Symptoms typically appear between 60,000 and 100,000 km: rough cold-start idle that smooths out when warm, subtle power loss, increased fuel consumption, and occasional misfires. Walnut shell blasting is the standard cleaning method. Independent specialists charge €450-600, Audi dealers quote €700-900. Regular sustained motorway driving and quality fuel slow the buildup. This is a condition-based repair, best confirmed with a borescope inspection rather than done on a fixed schedule, because many cars will not need cleaning by 100,000 km.
Turbo wastegate actuator sticking or rattle
€300 - 1,5003 of 7
Wastegate linkage seizes or rattles from dissimilar metal corrosion, causing boost loss or noise · more· less
The turbo wastegate on the EA211 1.4 TFSI is known to develop issues. The linkage connecting the actuator rod to the wastegate flap can seize from dissimilar metal corrosion at operating temperatures, or the retaining circlip can fall off due to low clip tension. Symptoms include a metallic rattle when the turbo spools (especially when holding steady throttle or using cruise control), reduced power, and fault code P0299 (turbo underboost). If caught early, a new circlip (around €15) or actuator adjustment resolves the rattle. If the actuator itself is damaged, a standalone replacement costs €300-500 with labour. In severe cases where the wastegate pivot bushing in the turbine housing has worn, the entire turbo needs replacing at €1,000-1,500 including labour. Short trips and gentle driving accelerate the seizure because the linkage does not get exercised through its full range.
S tronic DL382 mechatronic issues (automatic only)
€1,200 - 3,0004 of 7
Mechatronic unit solenoids can clog or fail, causing jerky shifts, typically after 60,000 km without fluid change · more· less
The DL382 7-speed S tronic is a wet-clutch dual-clutch unit and significantly more reliable than the DQ200 dry-clutch DSG used in transverse-engine Audi and VW models. However, the mechatronic unit can develop solenoid or valve body issues between 60,000 and 120,000 km, particularly if the gearbox fluid has never been changed. Audi UK's service schedule calls for a gearbox oil change before each 38,000-mile interval, so a car with no record of one deserves closer scrutiny. Symptoms include jerky low-speed shifts (especially 1st-to-2nd), hesitation from standstill, and occasional downshift clunks. Mechatronic repair costs €1,200-2,000 at a specialist, and a full clutch pack replacement runs €2,500-3,000. Manual gearbox cars have no transmission reliability concerns.
Front control arm bushing wear
€500 - 1,5005 of 7
Rubber bushings in the multi-link front suspension deteriorate, causing clunking and vague steering · more· less
The B9 A4 has a complex multi-link front suspension with aluminium control arms. The rubber bushings degrade over time, becoming brittle and cracking. Symptoms include clunking sounds over bumps at low speed, vague steering feel, and uneven inner-edge tyre wear. The issue typically becomes noticeable between 80,000 and 130,000 km, earlier on rough surfaces. Audi recommends replacing entire control arms rather than pressing in new bushings, which drives up the cost. A full front control arm set costs €500-900 at an independent shop with quality aftermarket parts (Lemforder or Meyle HD), while Audi dealer quotes reach €1,500-2,500 with OEM parts. A four-wheel alignment (€100-150) should follow any control arm work.
Hydraulic engine mount leak
€400 - 1,0006 of 7
Electronically controlled engine mounts leak fluid, causing idle vibration after 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The B9 A4 uses electromagnetically controlled hydraulic engine mounts that adjust stiffness based on engine speed. Over time, the rubber casing cracks from heat exposure and the hydraulic fluid leaks out, visible as reddish-brown residue on the mount body. Once fluid is lost, noticeable vibration appears at idle and during start-stop operation. Individual mounts cost €120-200 each, and both typically need replacing together. Total repair is €400-600 at an independent shop, €800-1,000 at an Audi dealer. Not safety-critical but affects comfort noticeably.
Camshaft adjuster seal leak
€300 - 8007 of 7
Oil seeps past the camshaft adjuster seal and can contaminate the timing belt, shortening its life · more· less
The EA211 engine drives its camshafts with a timing belt rather than a chain. The camshaft adjuster solenoid valve is prone to developing oil leaks, typically from 80,000-120,000 km onward. A small external leak is a nuisance, but the real risk is oil reaching the timing belt: oil-contaminated teeth lose grip and the belt can skip or snap, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. When a belt change is done, the camshaft adjuster seal should always be replaced at the same time. If caught in isolation, seal replacement costs €300-500 at an independent shop, €600-800 at a dealer. Any oil residue near the camshaft adjuster or timing cover area should be investigated promptly.
Simpler than the EA888 sibling, but carbon buildup and cooling system need watching
The A4 B9 1.4 TFSI is a straightforward ownership proposition. The EA211 engine uses a timing belt (not a chain) and lacks the port injection system that helps the later 35 TFSI manage carbon buildup, making walnut blasting more likely to be needed at high mileage. The water pump and thermostat housing are the most common repair. The DL382 wet-clutch S tronic is reliable with regular fluid changes, and manual gearbox versions are lower-risk still. Platform-level items like control arm bushings and engine mounts are shared with all B9 A4 variants and well-understood. This car suits owners who want a refined, efficient daily driver and are prepared for a modest level of proactive maintenance.
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km or annually with correct specification oil (VW 504 00).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Inner front tyre wear may indicate worn control arm bushings.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for rough idle in the first 30-60 seconds, which may indicate carbon buildup on the intake valves.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds and stop-and-go traffic. Pay attention to gear changes, steering feel, and any warning lights.
Specific for this vehicle
Check coolant level and thermostat housing
With engine cold, inspect the coolant reservoir level and colour. Look underneath the engine for dried coolant residue near the thermostat housing. This is the most important mechanical check.
Listen for turbo wastegate rattle
During the test drive, hold a steady light throttle at 1,500-2,500 rpm and listen for a metallic rattle or fluttering sound from the turbo area. Also try cruise control. A rattle indicates wastegate linkage seizure.
Check cold-start idle quality (carbon buildup)
Insist on a genuinely cold engine start. A lumpy or uneven idle in the first minute that smooths out as the engine warms suggests carbon deposits on the intake valves.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Test S tronic gearbox thoroughly (if equipped)
Drive for 15+ minutes in stop-and-go conditions. Feel for jerky 1st-to-2nd gear shifts, hesitation from standstill, or clunking. Ask when gearbox fluid was last changed.
Feel for idle vibration (engine mounts)
With engine warm and idling in drive with the brake held, feel for excessive vibration through the steering wheel or cabin. Look for reddish-brown fluid residue on the mount bodies.
Listen for clunking over bumps at low speed
Drive slowly over speed bumps. Clunking from the front indicates worn control arm bushings. Check inner front tyre edges for uneven wear.
Inspect timing belt area for oil contamination
Look around the timing cover and camshaft adjuster area for oil residue. Oil leaking from the adjuster seal can contaminate the timing belt and cause premature failure.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Passenger airbag module screw not correctly tightened (campaign 69Y4, production Jan 2017 to Jul 2018, RAPEX A12/0226/19)Verify completed
Front seat backrest frame weld may not hold in a rear impact (campaign 72G1 / UK recall R/2016/294, production August to September 2016)Verify completed
Deviating propellant mixture ratio in the frontal airbag and belt pretensioner igniters, which can stop them deploying in a crash (production July to December 2016)Verify completed
Contact an Audi dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls and open service campaigns have been completed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years, no km limit)Expired on all 1.4 TFSI models (last sold new in Germany in June 2018)
UK factory warranty (3 years / 60,000 miles)Expired on all UK 1.4 TFSI models (last sold new in November 2018)
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)Active on all 2015+ models until at least 2027
Audi used-car warrantyAvailable through Audi dealers for cars under 8 years / 150,000 km
All A4 B9 1.4 TFSI models are outside their original factory warranty in both Germany (2 years, no km limit) and the UK (3 years / 60,000 miles). The 12-year rust perforation warranty remains active on all examples. Audi Germany's used-car warranty generally requires the car to be under 8 years and 150,000 km when it is activated, so most 1.4 TFSI cars are now past that limit.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
