Secondary Air Injection (Smog Pump) Failure
high- Typically appears
- 40–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $2,200
2007 Audi
RS 4Sedan
Sedan
The 2007 Audi RS 4 Sedan is a high-performance version of the B7-generation A4, built around a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that revs to 8,250 RPM and produces 420 horsepower. It was engineered by Audi's motorsport division and shares its V8 lineage with the R8 supercar. Quattro AWD, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and a sport-tuned suspension make it one of the most capable sport sedans of its era. The RS 4 was sold in the US for model years 2007–2008 only, making it relatively rare. It was priced well into M5 and E63 AMG territory and delivered comparable performance — 0–60 in about 4.6 seconds — while seating four adults in genuine comfort. This is not an economy performance car; it was expensive new and remains expensive to keep. Owners who go in with realistic expectations about fuel costs, premium parts pricing, and Audi-specialist labor typically love it. Those who expect it to run like a Camry on a Camry budget will be disappointed quickly.
Reliability
2/5
Verified data
Specs shown for RS4 — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Premium gasoline
MPG
13 city / 20 hwy / 15 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Compact Cars
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2007 Audi RS 4 Sedan is a high-performance version of the B7-generation A4, built around a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that revs to 8,250 RPM and produces 420 horsepower. It was engineered by Audi's motorsport division and shares its V8 lineage with the R8 supercar. Quattro AWD, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and a sport-tuned suspension make it one of the most capable sport sedans of its era. The RS 4 was sold in the US for model years 2007–2008 only, making it relatively rare. It was priced well into M5 and E63 AMG territory and delivered comparable performance — 0–60 in about 4.6 seconds — while seating four adults in genuine comfort. This is not an economy performance car; it was expensive new and remains expensive to keep. Owners who go in with realistic expectations about fuel costs, premium parts pricing, and Audi-specialist labor typically love it. Those who expect it to run like a Camry on a Camry budget will be disappointed quickly.
Known for
- 8,250 RPM naturally aspirated 4.2L V8 shared with the R8
- Quattro AWD with rear-biased torque split for genuine handling balance
- Handbuilt by Audi Sport — extremely low US production numbers
- Aggressive looks with subtle factory widebody flares
- One of the last analog, non-turbocharged Audi performance sedans
Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a usable daily driver with supercar-adjacent engine character
- Drivers who prioritize driving feel and sound over efficiency
- Collectors — low US volume makes clean examples increasingly sought after
- Four-season performance driving with Quattro AWD confidence
Watch for
- High-revving V8 requires strict oil change adherence — neglect causes catastrophic wear
- Parts and specialist labor costs are well above average European car pricing
- Secondary air injection (smog pump) system is a known failure point
- Timing chain tensioners and cam-phase actuators (HPFP adjacent system) are sensitive to oil quality
- Low US sales volume means fewer mechanics with hands-on experience
Common issues by mileage
6 knownCam Phaser / VVT Actuator Malfunction
high- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,200 – $3,500
Timing Chain Tensioner Wear
medium- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $2,500 – $5,500
Oxygen Sensor / Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 60–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Quattro / Rear Differential Actuator Issues
medium- Typically appears
- 70–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $600 – $2,000
CAN Bus / Module Communication Faults
low- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $1,500
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first Oil change with 5W-40 full synthetic (VW 502.00 spec or equivalent)
The high-revving V8 is extremely sensitive to oil quality and degraded oil. Cam phaser and timing chain issues are directly tied to skipped or stretched oil changes. Use the flute-style filter housing cap wrench — do not attempt without it. OEM filter part 079 198 405 B; drain plug torque 30 ft-lb.
- 2 Every 30,000 miles or at first cold-start hesitation / check engine light Inspect and test secondary air injection system
The smog pump and associated check valves fail frequently. Catching a weak pump early is far cheaper than replacing the whole system after a failed pump has damaged downstream components.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles or any time P0012/P0015/P0022/P0025 codes appear Inspect timing chain tensioners and cam phaser operation
Tensioner rattle on cold start is an early warning sign. Ignore it and you risk jumping a chain, which on this engine means catastrophic internal damage.
- 4 Every 40,000 miles Check and replace spark plugs
The V8 has 8 plugs — access is labor-intensive. Fresh plugs maintain ignition quality and prevent misfires that stress the catalytic converters.
- 5 Every 2 years Inspect brake fluid and flush if moisture-contaminated
High-performance braking generates more heat. Moisture-laden brake fluid boils under hard use, causing fade. Wisconsin winters accelerate corrosion on brake lines too.
- 6 Every 50,000 miles Quattro differential fluid service (front, center, rear)
Often overlooked on European AWD vehicles. Degraded differential fluid leads to clutch pack wear and costly actuator faults.
- 7 Every 30,000 miles or 3 years Inspect coolant hoses, thermostat, and coolant level
Cooling system components age faster in high-heat V8 applications. A thermostat failure in a Wisconsin winter or a summer canyon run can cause overheating quickly.
- 8 Every 4–5 years, or before winter if 3+ years old Test and replace battery proactively
The RS 4's electronics are voltage-sensitive. A marginal battery in sub-zero Lake Geneva temperatures can trigger cascading module faults (U-codes) that cost far more to diagnose than a new battery.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$1,800 – $5,000
Fuel
Premium (91+ octane) required. At 15 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $3,000–$3,600/year at current upper Midwest fuel prices.
Insurance
Expect high-performance / collectible-tier premiums — typically $1,800–$3,000/year for full coverage depending on driving record and insurer. Verify the insurer understands the vehicle's collectible nature.
The RS 4 is not cheap to own. Routine annual maintenance (oil, brakes, filters) runs $1,800–$2,500 in a good year. Any year that involves cam phasers, a smog pump, or timing chain work can push the total past $5,000–$8,000 easily at an independent Audi specialist. Fuel alone adds $3,000+ annually. Budget accordingly and keep a repair reserve — this car rewards owners who plan ahead.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to a dedicated winter tire set — the RS 4's performance summer tires are dangerously inadequate below 40°F regardless of Quattro AWD. Quattro helps you go; it does not help you stop.
- Test the battery before the first hard freeze. This car's electronics are voltage-sensitive; a weak battery in sub-zero temps triggers expensive module faults.
- Use winter-rated washer fluid rated to at least -30°F. Lake Geneva salt spray in January will freeze in your lines with standard fluid.
- Rinse the undercarriage — especially differential housing areas, brake lines, and subframe mounting points — every 2 weeks during salt season. Quattro AWD hardware is expensive to replace when corroded.
- Allow a longer warm-up idle (60–90 seconds) in sub-zero temps before driving away. The V8 and cam phasers need oil pressure established before high-RPM operation.
- Check tire pressure weekly — every 10°F drop in temperature costs roughly 1 PSI, and underinflated performance tires handle poorly on winter roads.
Summer
- Inspect A/C refrigerant level and cabin filter before summer — the climate system on this generation Audi ages, and a failing A/C compressor is an expensive surprise.
- Check tire pressure weekly in heat — summer temps inflate tires above spec and can cause uneven wear on the RS 4's wide performance tires.
- Monitor coolant temperature during spirited driving. The 4.2L V8 generates serious heat; any sign of temp creeping above normal warrants immediate diagnosis.
- Inspect brake pads and rotors if you plan any track or mountain driving. Heat-soaked brakes on worn pads can warp rotors quickly.
- Park in shade when possible — the RS 4's interior materials and electronics are sensitive to prolonged heat soak, and extreme heat accelerates rubber hose aging under the hood.
Comparable vehicles
2007 BMW
M5
Same era V8 sport sedan, similar price and mission. The E60 M5's S85 V8 revs even higher but has its own notorious rod bearing issues. Direct rival the RS 4 was benchmarked against.
2007 Mercedes-Benz
E63 AMG
V8 sport sedan at a comparable original price point. The E63 is more of a grand tourer than a driver's car, but offers similar straight-line performance with potentially lower running costs.
No catalog match
2007 Cadillac
CTS-V
American alternative in the high-performance sedan segment. Supercharged V8, much cheaper parts and labor, but lacks the RS 4's AWD and refinement.
2007 Subaru
Legacy GT
Far more affordable AWD sport sedan for buyers who want all-season performance without the RS 4's running costs. Much less power, but dramatically lower ownership expense.