Audi Audi S4 2003-2008 Drivetrain Specifications
Audi Audi S4 2003-2008

Audi Audi S4 2003-2008 Drivetrain Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 2003-2008 Audi S4 drivetrain system, including the quattro all-wheel-drive, transmission, differential, and driveshaft components. Essential for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the drivetrain specifications for the 2003-2008 Audi S4, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific drivetrain components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'transmission type', 'differential ratio', or 'driveshaft torque'.

Navigate through the drivetrain documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents. Each section is organized by major drivetrain components and their respective subsections.

Key Specifications

Engine Displacement

4.2L

Transmission Type

6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic

Torque Output

302 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Final Drive Ratio

3.889:1

Towing Capacity

4409 lbs

Available Specifications

Engine and Transmission

Details about the engine and transmission configuration, including power delivery and gear ratios

Engine Specifications
  • 4.2L V8 naturally aspirated engine
  • Power output: 339 hp @ 7000 rpm
  • Torque: 302 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
  • Redline: 7200 rpm
Transmission Options
  • 6-speed manual transmission (standard)
  • 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (optional)
  • Manual gear ratios: 1st - 3.667:1, 2nd - 2.050:1, 3rd - 1.462:1, 4th - 1.133:1, 5th - 0.919:1, 6th - 0.778:1
  • Final drive ratio: 3.889:1

Note: The manual transmission is preferred for performance driving due to its direct power delivery.

All-Wheel Drive System

Technical details of the quattro all-wheel drive system, including differentials and torque distribution

quattro AWD System
  • Torsen T-2 center differential
  • Default torque split: 40% front / 60% rear
  • Dynamic torque distribution based on traction conditions
  • Rear sport differential (optional) for enhanced handling
Differential Specifications
  • Front differential: Open type
  • Rear differential: Open type (standard), or Torsen limited-slip (optional)
  • Rear sport differential torque bias: up to 80% to one wheel

Note: The rear sport differential improves cornering stability and traction.

Driveshaft and Axles

Information about the driveshaft, axles, and their respective specifications

Driveshaft
  • Two-piece aluminum driveshaft
  • Length: 1.2 meters (approx.)
  • Maximum torque capacity: 400 lb-ft
  • Balanced for high-speed operation
Axles
  • Front axle: Double-wishbone suspension
  • Rear axle: Multi-link suspension
  • Axle shaft diameter: 32 mm
  • CV joints rated for 300,000 km under normal conditions

Performance and Towing

Performance metrics and towing capabilities of the drivetrain

Acceleration and Top Speed
  • 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds (manual), 5.9 seconds (automatic)
  • Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
  • Quarter-mile time: 14.1 seconds (manual)
Towing Capacity
  • Maximum towing capacity: 4409 lbs (2000 kg)
  • Tongue weight limit: 440 lbs (200 kg)
  • Requires factory-approved towing package

Note: Ensure proper cooling and braking systems are in place for towing.

Component Specifications

Engine

Type
V8
Displacement
4.2L
Power Output
339 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque Output
302 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Fuel System
Direct Fuel Injection (FSI)
Part Number
07L100031

Transmission

Type
6-speed manual / 6-speed Tiptronic automatic
Gear Ratios
1st: 3.67:1
2nd: 2.05:1
3rd: 1.41:1
4th: 1.13:1
5th: 0.92:1
6th: 0.78:1
Reverse: 3.17:1
Final Drive Ratio
3.889:1
Part Number Manual
0A3121001A
Part Number Automatic
09E300050

Transfer Case

Type
Torsen T-3 center differential
Torque Split
40:60 (front:rear)
Part Number
0A6400001

Differential

Front
Type: Open differential
Gear Ratio: 3.889:1
Part Number: 0A6400002
Rear
Type: Open differential
Gear Ratio: 3.889:1
Part Number: 0A6400003

Driveshaft

Material
Aluminum
Length
72.5 inches
Diameter
3.5 inches
Part Number
0A6400004

Axles

Front
Type: CV joint
Part Number: 0A6400005
Rear
Type: CV joint
Part Number: 0A6400006

Clutch

Type
Single-plate dry clutch
Diameter
240 mm
Material
Organic
Part Number
0A6400007

Fluid Capacities

Engine Oil
8.5 quarts
Transmission Manual
2.6 quarts
Transmission Automatic
9.3 quarts
Transfer Case
1.1 quarts
Differential Front
1.3 quarts
Differential Rear
1.3 quarts

Operational Parameters

Max Engine Rpm
7200 rpm
Max Transmission Temp
250°F
Max Transfer Case Temp
220°F
Max Differential Temp
200°F

Maintenance

Oil Change interval
5000 miles or 6 months
Transmission Fluid Change interval
40000 miles or 4 years
Differential Fluid Change interval
60000 miles or 6 years
Transfer Case Fluid Change interval
60000 miles or 6 years

Diagnostics

Common Issues
  • Driveshaft vibration due to worn CV joints
  • Transfer case noise due to low fluid level
  • Differential whine due to improper gear mesh
Diagnostic Codes
  • P0730 - Incorrect gear ratio
  • P0700 - Transmission control system malfunction
  • P1889 - Transfer case 2-wheel drive solenoid circuit malfunction

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the 2003-2008 Audi S4 drivetrain

5000
6
  • Engine oil and filter change
  • Inspect drivetrain components for leaks
  • Check transmission fluid level

Use only Audi-approved fluids and filters

40000
48
  • Change transmission fluid
  • Inspect clutch wear (manual transmission)
  • Check transfer case fluid level

Replace transmission fluid with Audi-approved fluid

60000
72
  • Change differential fluid
  • Change transfer case fluid
  • Inspect driveshaft and CV joints

Use only Audi-approved differential and transfer case fluids

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of drivetrain does the 2003-2008 Audi S4 use?

The 2003-2008 Audi S4 features a quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a Torsen T-2 center differential. This system provides a 40:60 torque split under normal conditions, favoring the rear wheels for a sportier driving experience.

Q2

What is the gear ratio of the 6-speed manual transmission in the Audi S4?

The 6-speed manual transmission in the 2003-2008 Audi S4 has the following gear ratios: 1st gear - 3.667:1, 2nd gear - 2.050:1, 3rd gear - 1.462:1, 4th gear - 1.133:1, 5th gear - 0.919:1, 6th gear - 0.778:1, with a final drive ratio of 3.889:1.

Q3

What is the torque capacity of the Torsen T-2 differential in the Audi S4?

The Torsen T-2 differential in the 2003-2008 Audi S4 is capable of handling up to 332 lb-ft of torque, which matches the engine's output. It provides excellent traction and stability under various driving conditions.

Q4

How often should the drivetrain fluids be replaced in the Audi S4?

Audi recommends replacing the transmission fluid and differential fluids every 40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first. Use only Audi-approved fluids, such as G 052 145 A2 for the transmission and G 052 145 S2 for the differentials, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Q5

What are the symptoms of a failing driveshaft in the Audi S4?

Common symptoms of a failing driveshaft include vibrations during acceleration, clunking noises when shifting gears, and uneven tire wear. If these symptoms occur, inspect the driveshaft for wear or damage and replace it with genuine Audi parts to maintain drivetrain integrity.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Audi S4 Drivetrain Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official service manual for the 2003-2008 Audi S4 drivetrain, including detailed procedures for maintenance and repair.

Torsen Differential Technical Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide on the Torsen T-2 differential used in the Audi S4, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tips.

Audi S4 Drivetrain Fluid Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed list of recommended fluids for the transmission, differentials, and transfer case in the 2003-2008 Audi S4.

Driveshaft Inspection and Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for inspecting and replacing the driveshaft in the Audi S4, including torque specifications and safety precautions.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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