The 2008 Audi RS 4 represents the pinnacle of Audi's performance engineering from that era. It's a high-performance variant of the A4, available as a sedan, Avant (wagon), and cabriolet. Model years for the RS 4 were limited, making it relatively rare. Key trims are essentially differentiated by body style. New pricing started around $70,000. It stands out thanks to its naturally aspirated V8 engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, and understated yet aggressive styling, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance and practicality.
The Good
The 2008 Audi RS 4 excels in performance, delivering thrilling acceleration and handling. Its sophisticated design and comfortable interior appeal to emotional buyers, while the Quattro all-wheel drive system and practicality of the Avant body style resonate with practical needs. Reliability, while not flawless, is generally good with proper maintenance. However, efficiency is not a strong point.
The Bad
Several issues plague the 2008 Audi RS 4. Carbon buildup in the intake manifold is a very common and expensive problem. DRC (Dynamic Ride Control) suspension failure is another frequent issue, requiring costly repairs or replacement. Also, watch out for excessive oil consumption, and ensure regular maintenance has been performed, especially regarding the timing chain.
2008 Audi RS 4: Quick Overview
- Engine: 4.2L Naturally Aspirated V8
- Horsepower: 420 hp @ 7,800 rpm
- Fuel Economy: Approximately 13 mpg city / 20 mpg highway (can vary significantly based on driving style)
- 0-60 mph: Around 4.6 - 4.9 seconds (depending on transmission and testing conditions)
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or officially rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Standard:
- Quattro all-wheel drive
- Sport suspension
- High-performance braking system
- Sport seats
- Leather upholstery
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Premium audio system
- Xenon headlights
- Optional:
- Navigation system
- Sunroof
- Heated front seats
- Carbon fiber interior trim
- Upgraded audio system
- Adaptive headlights
- Standard:
2008 Audi RS 4 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2008 |
| Make | Audi |
| Model | RS 4 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Subcompact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | NECKARSULM |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1845.21 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 4.2 |
| Engine Size | 4.2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $81,900 USD |
| Invoice Price | $76,168 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $775 USD |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2008 Audi RS 4 Have?
The 2008 Audi RS 4, while desirable, has some commonly reported problems. Carbon buildup on the intake valves is a significant issue due to the direct injection engine design; this can lead to reduced performance and requires periodic cleaning. The Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension is prone to failure, resulting in expensive repairs. Oil consumption can be higher than average, so regular monitoring is crucial. Additionally, the timing chain tensioners can wear over time, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed.
There have been some recalls on the B7 A4 platform (which the RS 4 is based on) that may be applicable, so checking the VIN with Audi is essential. Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance. Neglecting these issues can result in significant repair bills. There weren't major year-over-year changes in the RS 4 during its limited production run, so the problems are generally consistent across all model years. Preventative maintenance focusing on carbon cleaning, DRC maintenance, and oil level monitoring is vital for long-term reliability.
There have been some recalls on the B7 A4 platform (which the RS 4 is based on) that may be applicable, so checking the VIN with Audi is essential. Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance. Neglecting these issues can result in significant repair bills. There weren't major year-over-year changes in the RS 4 during its limited production run, so the problems are generally consistent across all model years. Preventative maintenance focusing on carbon cleaning, DRC maintenance, and oil level monitoring is vital for long-term reliability.
How long will the 2008 Audi RS 4 last?
Given their age, 2008 Audi RS 4s typically have mileage ranging from 80,000 to 150,000+ miles. With diligent maintenance, particularly addressing the carbon buildup and DRC issues, these cars can provide many more years of service. However, neglect can lead to a shortened lifespan and expensive repairs. The engine itself is robust, but the supporting systems require attention. Long-term durability hinges on proactive maintenance and addressing known weaknesses. Cars that have received consistent care are more likely to reach higher mileage milestones, while neglected examples may face premature component failure.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2008 Audi RS 4 came equipped with decent technology for its time, though it lacks the advanced features found in modern vehicles. Standard features included a premium audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and xenon headlights. Optional features included a navigation system, sunroof, and heated front seats.
Entertainment: The standard audio system was well-regarded. Navigation was optional, offering basic route guidance.
Driver-Assistance: Driver-assistance features were limited compared to today's standards. It primarily relied on the Quattro all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and stability. Rear parking sensors were available as an option.
Safety Features: Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and multiple airbags.
Crash test ratings from organizations like NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for the standard A4 model can provide some insight into the RS 4's safety performance, though direct RS 4-specific ratings might be limited. It's important to consider that safety standards have evolved significantly since 2008. Check official sources for the most accurate information.
Entertainment: The standard audio system was well-regarded. Navigation was optional, offering basic route guidance.
Driver-Assistance: Driver-assistance features were limited compared to today's standards. It primarily relied on the Quattro all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and stability. Rear parking sensors were available as an option.
Safety Features: Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and multiple airbags.
Crash test ratings from organizations like NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for the standard A4 model can provide some insight into the RS 4's safety performance, though direct RS 4-specific ratings might be limited. It's important to consider that safety standards have evolved significantly since 2008. Check official sources for the most accurate information.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Brilliant Black
Ibis White
Avus Silver Pearl Effect
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Misano Red Pearl Effect
Sprint Blue Pearl Effect
Mugello Blue Pearl Effect
Phantom Black Pearl Effect
Imola Yellow
Interior Colors
Black Leather
Silver Leather
Black/Black Leather
Black/Silver Leather
Amaretto Brown
2008 Audi RS 4 Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2008 Audi RS 4 had an MSRP starting around $70,000. Current used market prices vary widely depending on condition, mileage, and maintenance history, ranging typically from $20,000 to $40,000. Depreciation has been significant due to age and the cost of potential repairs. Factors affecting resale value include the car's overall condition, the presence of complete service records (especially addressing the carbon buildup and DRC issues), and the rarity of the Avant (wagon) model, which often commands a premium. Low mileage examples in excellent condition are highly sought after by enthusiasts.
2008 Audi RS 4 Cost of Ownership
The 2008 Audi RS 4 is not economical to own. Insurance costs are higher due to its performance nature. Fuel consumption is poor, especially in city driving. Maintenance and repairs can be very expensive, particularly addressing carbon buildup, DRC suspension issues, and potential timing chain problems. Long-term ownership costs can quickly escalate if preventative maintenance is neglected. Budgeting for these potential expenses is crucial for prospective buyers. Properly maintained examples will be less costly but expect premium costs regardless.
2008 Audi RS 4 Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
62.84 liters
City Mileage
5.1 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.08 km/l
2008 Audi RS 4 Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2008 Audi RS 4 Recalls & Defects
AIR Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2017-01-11
Recall no.
17v032000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan Vehicles Originally Sold, or Ever Registered, IN Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, THE District OF Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, NEW Jersey, NEW Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "zone B." Additionally, Unless Included IN "zone B" Above, Volkswagen IS Recalling Certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan Vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan Vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet Vehicles Originally Sold, or Ever Registered, IN Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, NEW Hampshire, NEW York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These Vehicles ARE Equipped With Certain AIR BAG Inflators Assembled AS Part OF THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Modules Used AS Original Equipment or Replacement Equipment. IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Front AIR Bags, These Inflators MAY Rupture DUE TO Propellant Degradation Occurring After Long-term Exposure TO Absolute Humidity and Temperature Cycling.
Consequence
AN Inflator Rupture MAY Result IN Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Audi Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Inflator, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began March 30, 2018. Owners MAY Contact Audi Customer Service AT 1-800-253-2834. Note: This Recall HAS Been Superseded BY Recall Number 18v427.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2018-06-22
Recall no.
18v427000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan Vehicles. These Vehicles ARE Equipped With Certain AIR BAG Inflators Assembled AS Part OF THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Modules Used AS Original Equipment or Replacement Equipment. IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Passenger Frontal AIR Bag, These Inflators MAY Explode DUE TO Propellant Degradation Occurring After Long-term Exposure TO Absolute Humidity and Temperature Cycling.
Consequence
AN Inflator Explosion MAY Result IN Sharp Metal Fragments Striking THE Driver or Other Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Audi HAS Notified Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG With AN Alternate Remedy Part, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began June 29, 2018. Owners MAY Contact Audi Customer Service AT 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 69r7. Note: This Recall Supersedes Recalls 16v382, 17v032 and 18v004 and Includes Vehicles That MAY Have HAD Their AIR BAG Previously Replaced Under ONE OF Those Campaigns.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2018-01-30
Recall no.
18v082000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet Vehicles. Upon Deployment OF THE Driver's Frontal AIR Bag, Excessive Internal Pressure MAY Cause THE Inflator TO Explode.
Consequence
IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Driver's Frontal AIR Bag, THE Inflator Could Explode With Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Potentially Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Audi Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Driver's Frontal AIR BAG Inflator With AN Alternative Inflator, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began February 23, 2018. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 69r6. Note: This Recall Partially Supersedes Recall 16v-078.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
2008 Audi RS 4 Insurance
Insurance for a 2008 Audi RS 4 is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2008 Audi RS 4 Compare to Other Sedan?
The 2008 Audi RS 4 competed against performance sedans like the BMW M3 (E90) and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204). In terms of performance, the RS 4 offered a unique naturally aspirated V8 experience, while the M3 had a higher-revving engine and the C63 delivered more raw power. Features were comparable, though the German rivals each had their own strengths in technology and luxury appointments.
Reliability is where the RS 4 suffers relative to the M3, which is generally considered more reliable. The C63 also has its share of potential issues.
Price-wise, used examples are now similarly priced, making the decision more about personal preference and condition.
Alternatives:
* BMW M3 (E90): More reliable and offers a similar driving experience.
* Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204): More powerful but potentially less reliable.
* Audi S4 (B8): Newer model with a supercharged V6, potentially more reliable and fuel-efficient, but lacks the RS 4's unique V8 charm.
The choice depends on priorities: the RS 4 offers a special engine and Quattro AWD, but the M3 provides better reliability. The C63 delivers brute force, while the S4 provides a more modern, balanced alternative.
Reliability is where the RS 4 suffers relative to the M3, which is generally considered more reliable. The C63 also has its share of potential issues.
Price-wise, used examples are now similarly priced, making the decision more about personal preference and condition.
Alternatives:
* BMW M3 (E90): More reliable and offers a similar driving experience.
* Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204): More powerful but potentially less reliable.
* Audi S4 (B8): Newer model with a supercharged V6, potentially more reliable and fuel-efficient, but lacks the RS 4's unique V8 charm.
The choice depends on priorities: the RS 4 offers a special engine and Quattro AWD, but the M3 provides better reliability. The C63 delivers brute force, while the S4 provides a more modern, balanced alternative.
Ranks #1188 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1188 | 2008 Audi RS 4 | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 Audi RS 4 a Good Sedan?
The 2008 Audi RS 4 is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a naturally aspirated V8 engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, and understated performance. It's worth buying *if* you are prepared for the potential maintenance costs associated with carbon buildup, DRC suspension, and other known issues. It's best to buy a well-maintained used example with complete service records. The Avant (wagon) body style offers added practicality and is often more desirable. Avoid neglected examples with questionable maintenance history. If you value low running costs and ultimate reliability, other options might be better suited.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.