RS4 b7 - The M3cutters

technics · 11th April 2018, 08:13 PM

Anyone had one of these before?

Any known issues apart from the drc?

How do running costs compare to a e46 M3.

Cheers,.

boba fett · 12th April 2018, 06:03 AM

DRC as already mentioned and B7 suffers from engine Cocking so most are running around with 370 to 380 bhp unless its been walnut blasted within the last 4 months or so (£1k job) it will not go away.

Parts are more expensive like brakes etc, but a lot less goes wrong with the B7 over an E46.

nwates99 · 12th April 2018, 06:14 AM

Bought one 6 months ago very inexpensive to service .
Drives like a dream amazing handling

bennn · 12th April 2018, 06:42 AM

I'm hopefully going for one of these when i get my dividend.

Been looking into it a lot lately and the issues they have seem more expensive to sort than E46's but there seem to be a lot less of them.

nwates99 · 12th April 2018, 03:14 PM

Very scarce took me ages to find a low miler.
Last of the manual V8’s should be a good investment

pops53 · 12th April 2018, 03:19 PM

Love these things

Stix1982 · 13th April 2018, 01:41 PM

I had one about 8 years ago, absolutely loved it. But as said the engine choking and drc are the 2 big things. Its also very hard to find a good example these days, I looked at about 8-9 cars at garages and private until I found a good one and it was only a 4 year old model at that point....

MirrorJohn · 14th April 2018, 05:50 PM

I’ve just bought a B7 Sprint Blue RS4 Avant. Definitely needs a decent exhaust system fitted to release some more V8 noise

BirdsEye · 16th April 2018, 08:34 AM

I bought one about 3 months ago as I gave up trying to find the 'right' e46. It's a weapon, as mentioned it's only really the DRC and coking issues to deal with. I found one that had Bilstein coilovers and a uprated manifold to reduce coking. It's probably a better all round road car than an M3 but obviously not as capable on track. I'm a huge fan of mine, and as said a manual V8 will only get harder to come across.

technics · 16th April 2018, 12:23 PM

Cheers for all the input guys

MirrorJohn · 16th April 2018, 01:06 PM

As mentioned, check for DRC leaks at shocks and valves. If caught early enough, it is not that expensive to rectify. Check that exhaust valves are free and open and close using the S button. They should be open when the engine is off. Also check the inlet flaps are working. There should be a slight kick at about 5500RPM. Obviously engine coking is also mentioned a lot. Although I think this is blown a little out of proportion. Mine was dyno'd prior to me buying it and it made 375 bhp at MRC. Mine had done a lot of short local trips prior to me buying it, which didn't help. However it was showing 7.5 degrees of retard so I don't think it had V-power in it. Probably normal 95 octane. Now it's had a few tanks of V-power through it and some decent blasts, it seems to have freed up a bit. With a De-coke and a remap they make about 430 bhp. Other than that it's just the usual things to check for: condition of brakes (replacement fronts are expensive), tyres, service history etc etc. Always better to buy from an enthusiast. Mine was found on RS246 forum.

Mine drives very well and it is a nice place to be. One of the last of the V8 manuals. As I was looking for an estate for dog transporting, carrying around junk and putting our mountain bikes on the roof; I didn't have a lot of choice. Always wanted a V8 too, so this ticked all the boxes. Compliments the E46 M3 well, but doesn't handle anything like it so would never replace it. I went out in one at the weekend that had an exhaust system fitted and it sounded very fruity! Definitely the next thing I want to do to mine.

Here's a few piccies of my one:

Let me know if you have any questions mate

technics · 17th April 2018, 08:01 PM

Thanks mate, looks great!

JaFooley · 10th June 2018, 09:34 AM

Had mine a few months love it - and yes I work for ASOS

123dan · 10th June 2018, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaFooley

Had mine a few months love it - and yes I work for ASOS

Great Q car, it is on my shortlist to replace the daily Clio when funds allow.

Ferosferio · 10th June 2018, 08:08 PM

Ran one for a year. Can't add anything to what's been said already other than the fact I'd have another one in a heartbeat. Mine had a non-res Milltek and it sounded absolutely sublime

bennn · 11th June 2018, 10:19 AM

I've also just got one of these too. Mine is pretty much the same as Johns but with a sunroof.

Looks like we both need to adjust our front bumpers to get rid of the gap!

JaFooley · 12th June 2018, 08:02 AM

Stunning motors there Bennn\MirrorJohn -

Stix1982 · 12th June 2018, 01:43 PM

Just to add mine had the miltek full system on it and I would say its a must have for these to release the true sound....

bennn · 13th June 2018, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaFooley

Stunning motors there Bennn\MirrorJohn -

Cheers bud - likewise. What colour is yours? Looks a bit lighter than Daytona grey to me?!

MirrorJohn · 13th June 2018, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaFooley

Stunning motors there Bennn\MirrorJohn -

Thanks mate. Yours looks a good one too.

First mod for mine will be a full exhaust system from JC Weldfab

11th April 2018, 08:13 PM	#1
technics Achieved official socks Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London Tan Posts: 1,067 Car: 2003 M3 Vert	RS4 b7 Anyone had one of these before? Any known issues apart from the drc? How do running costs compare to a e46 M3. Cheers,.

10th June 2018, 09:34 AM	#13
JaFooley Achieved official socks Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,206 Car: RS4 Avant B7	Had mine a few months love it - and yes I work for ASOS Last edited by JaFooley; 10th June 2018 at 09:37 AM.

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12th April 2018, 06:03 AM	#2
boba fett Achieved official socks Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Kent Posts: 9,239 Car: N/A	DRC as already mentioned and B7 suffers from engine Cocking so most are running around with 370 to 380 bhp unless its been walnut blasted within the last 4 months or so (£1k job) it will not go away. Parts are more expensive like brakes etc, but a lot less goes wrong with the B7 over an E46.

12th April 2018, 06:14 AM	#3
nwates99 On the path Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 50 Car: 2004 M3 CSL	Bought one 6 months ago very inexpensive to service . Drives like a dream amazing handling

12th April 2018, 06:42 AM	#4
bennn Achieved official socks Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Shrewsbury Posts: 1,375 Car: B7 RS4 Avant Colour Combo: Sprint Blue / Black	I'm hopefully going for one of these when i get my dividend. Been looking into it a lot lately and the issues they have seem more expensive to sort than E46's but there seem to be a lot less of them.

12th April 2018, 03:14 PM	#5
nwates99 On the path Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 50 Car: 2004 M3 CSL	Very scarce took me ages to find a low miler. Last of the manual V8’s should be a good investment

12th April 2018, 03:19 PM	#6
pops53 Achieved official socks Join Date: May 2011 Location: Retired in Derby. Posts: 1,331 Car: PH1 Clio V6	Love these things

13th April 2018, 01:41 PM	#7
Stix1982 Wearing official robes Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 335 Car: former e46 cs, rs5, now have F80 CP in Sapphire black	I had one about 8 years ago, absolutely loved it. But as said the engine choking and drc are the 2 big things. Its also very hard to find a good example these days, I looked at about 8-9 cars at garages and private until I found a good one and it was only a 4 year old model at that point....

14th April 2018, 05:50 PM	#8
MirrorJohn Site Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Southampton Posts: 2,582 Car: 2005 Individual E46 M3 Coupe Manual, Honda S2000 GT, Honda CBR600RR Colour Combo: Estoril / Schwartz	I’ve just bought a B7 Sprint Blue RS4 Avant. Definitely needs a decent exhaust system fitted to release some more V8 noise

16th April 2018, 08:34 AM	#9
BirdsEye A mere Chipper Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 37 Car: E46 M3 soon	I bought one about 3 months ago as I gave up trying to find the 'right' e46. It's a weapon, as mentioned it's only really the DRC and coking issues to deal with. I found one that had Bilstein coilovers and a uprated manifold to reduce coking. It's probably a better all round road car than an M3 but obviously not as capable on track. I'm a huge fan of mine, and as said a manual V8 will only get harder to come across.

16th April 2018, 12:23 PM	#10
technics Achieved official socks Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London Tan Posts: 1,067 Car: 2003 M3 Vert	Cheers for all the input guys

16th April 2018, 01:06 PM	#11
MirrorJohn Site Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Southampton Posts: 2,582 Car: 2005 Individual E46 M3 Coupe Manual, Honda S2000 GT, Honda CBR600RR Colour Combo: Estoril / Schwartz	As mentioned, check for DRC leaks at shocks and valves. If caught early enough, it is not that expensive to rectify. Check that exhaust valves are free and open and close using the S button. They should be open when the engine is off. Also check the inlet flaps are working. There should be a slight kick at about 5500RPM. Obviously engine coking is also mentioned a lot. Although I think this is blown a little out of proportion. Mine was dyno'd prior to me buying it and it made 375 bhp at MRC. Mine had done a lot of short local trips prior to me buying it, which didn't help. However it was showing 7.5 degrees of retard so I don't think it had V-power in it. Probably normal 95 octane. Now it's had a few tanks of V-power through it and some decent blasts, it seems to have freed up a bit. With a De-coke and a remap they make about 430 bhp. Other than that it's just the usual things to check for: condition of brakes (replacement fronts are expensive), tyres, service history etc etc. Always better to buy from an enthusiast. Mine was found on RS246 forum. Mine drives very well and it is a nice place to be. One of the last of the V8 manuals. As I was looking for an estate for dog transporting, carrying around junk and putting our mountain bikes on the roof; I didn't have a lot of choice. Always wanted a V8 too, so this ticked all the boxes. Compliments the E46 M3 well, but doesn't handle anything like it so would never replace it. I went out in one at the weekend that had an exhaust system fitted and it sounded very fruity! Definitely the next thing I want to do to mine. Here's a few piccies of my one: Let me know if you have any questions mate

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17th April 2018, 08:01 PM	#12
technics Achieved official socks Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London Tan Posts: 1,067 Car: 2003 M3 Vert	Thanks mate, looks great!

10th June 2018, 06:10 PM	#14
123dan Achieved official socks Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,021 Car: E46 M3 CS Colour Combo: IB / Black	Quote: Originally Posted by JaFooley Had mine a few months love it - and yes I work for ASOS Great Q car, it is on my shortlist to replace the daily Clio when funds allow.

10th June 2018, 08:08 PM	#15
Ferosferio On the path Join Date: May 2012 Location: Glasgow Posts: 96 Car: 2018 F80 M3 Competition Package Colour Combo: San Marino Blue / Silverstone	Ran one for a year. Can't add anything to what's been said already other than the fact I'd have another one in a heartbeat. Mine had a non-res Milltek and it sounded absolutely sublime

11th June 2018, 10:19 AM	#16
bennn Achieved official socks Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Shrewsbury Posts: 1,375 Car: B7 RS4 Avant Colour Combo: Sprint Blue / Black	I've also just got one of these too. Mine is pretty much the same as Johns but with a sunroof. Looks like we both need to adjust our front bumpers to get rid of the gap!

12th June 2018, 08:02 AM	#17
JaFooley Achieved official socks Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,206 Car: RS4 Avant B7	Stunning motors there Bennn\MirrorJohn -

12th June 2018, 01:43 PM	#18
Stix1982 Wearing official robes Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 335 Car: former e46 cs, rs5, now have F80 CP in Sapphire black	Just to add mine had the miltek full system on it and I would say its a must have for these to release the true sound....

13th June 2018, 07:04 AM	#19
bennn Achieved official socks Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Shrewsbury Posts: 1,375 Car: B7 RS4 Avant Colour Combo: Sprint Blue / Black	Quote: Originally Posted by JaFooley Stunning motors there Bennn\MirrorJohn - Cheers bud - likewise. What colour is yours? Looks a bit lighter than Daytona grey to me?!

13th June 2018, 04:07 PM	#20
MirrorJohn Site Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Southampton Posts: 2,582 Car: 2005 Individual E46 M3 Coupe Manual, Honda S2000 GT, Honda CBR600RR Colour Combo: Estoril / Schwartz	Quote: Originally Posted by JaFooley Stunning motors there Bennn\MirrorJohn - Thanks mate. Yours looks a good one too. First mod for mine will be a full exhaust system from JC Weldfab