Best Tail Light Replacement for Audi S4 B8.5 (2013–2016)
If you own a B8.5 Audi S4, you already know this is one of Audi’s most underrated beasts. Sleek, aggressive, and subtly…
If you own a B8.5 Audi S4, you already know this is one of Audi’s most underrated beasts. Sleek, aggressive, and subtly luxurious—it checks every box. But tail lights? Those are one of the first things to fade out—literally and stylistically. Whether you’re trying to replace a cracked one, upgrade your rear end for a more aggressive vibe, or just want something cleaner, this post covers the best tail light replacement for Audi S4 B8.5 with everything you need: product picks, install tips, comparisons, and real advice from an actual enthusiast.
This isn’t one of those robotic parts reviews. I’m going to break everything down like I would for a car buddy who’s thinking about swapping his S4 tails for something better.
Why Replace the Tail Lights on a B8.5 S4?
Your 2013–2016 S4 came with decent LED lights, but they’re dated now. Maybe one’s cracked. Maybe the inside is fogging up. Maybe you want to go for the clean RS look. Whatever your reason is, you’re in the right place.
Here’s why you might consider upgrading:
- One or both tail lights are fogged up or yellowing
- Cracks or rock chips from highway driving
- You want sequential LED turn signals
- You’re building a blackout or RS-style setup
- The factory bulbs are dim and old-school
The tail lights are the final touch on your rear end. Pair a fresh set with a carbon diffuser and black badges? You’re going to get compliments every gas stop.
OEM vs Aftermarket: Which One’s Better?
When looking for the best tail light replacement for Audi S4 B8.5, most owners go aftermarket. Here’s why:
✅ OEM Pros:
- Direct fit, no guessing
- Factory appearance
- No coding or flickering
❌ OEM Cons:
- Super expensive ($1,000+ for a pair)
- No style upgrade
- Hard to justify unless you’re restoring a stock car
✅ Aftermarket Pros:
- Way cheaper than OEM
- You get sequential signals, animations, smoked lenses
- Total styling flexibility
❌ Aftermarket Cons:
- Some coding may be needed (for errors or blink speed)
- Fitment varies by brand (some cheap stuff fits terribly)
If you want better style, better features, and don’t want to blow a grand, aftermarket is the way to go. Just stick with brands that have good reviews and check install guides ahead of time.
Tail Light Specs: What You’re Working With
| Feature | S4 B8.5 (2013–2016) |
|---|---|
| Stock Light Type | LED (DRL + brake) w/ halogen turn signals |
| Facelift Difference | Smoother LED strip design |
| Common Issues | Moisture, fading, cracks |
| Wiring Harness | Standard 3- or 4-pin plug |
| Coding Required? | Yes (usually for sequential setup) |
One note: the B8 and B8.5 tail lights aren’t cross-compatible, so make sure you’re buying for B8.5 only (2013–2016).
My Favorite Aftermarket Options
Let’s get into the actual lights. These are two top picks I’ve used, seen installed, or had friends run on their B8.5s.
🔥 VLAND RS-Style LED Tail Lights
Why I like it:
- Full LED array (brake, signal, DRL)
- Smoked lens or red-clear options
- Sequential turn signals with full animation
- Plug-and-play wiring harness
You can pick smoked for that blackout look or red-clear if you want to keep it OEM+. Either way, VLAND nails the RS-style layout without jacking the price up.
🔥 Spec-D Tuning LED Tail Lights
Why I like it:
- Budget-friendly but solid quality
- Red lens or black housing available
- Cleaner design than stock
- Easy install and decent brightness
If you’re just trying to get rid of faded stock lights and want something that won’t mess with your wiring or throw errors, Spec-D is a safe bet.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | OEM | VLAND RS Style | Spec-D Tuning |
| Sequential Signals | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| LED Brake + DRL | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price Range (pair) | $1,200+ | ~$400–$500 | ~$300–$400 |
| Smoke Option | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Startup Animation | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
How to Install Tail Lights on a B8.5 S4 (DIY)
Installing tail lights is probably one of the easiest mods you can do on your S4. If you’ve got a socket set and basic tools, you’re good.
Tools You’ll Need:
- T25 Torx screwdriver
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- Trim removal tools (plastic)
- OBDeleven or VCDS (for coding)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Pop the trunk and remove the trunk liner panels
- Unplug the wiring harness on each tail light
- Remove 2–3 mounting bolts with 10mm socket
- Carefully pull the housing out (go slow)
- Align the new tail light and plug in the harness
- Bolt it in place securely
- Use OBDeleven or VCDS to code any required changes (like disabling bulb-out warnings or activating dynamic indicators)
- Test all lighting modes: brake, reverse, DRL, signals
That’s it! Should take you 30–45 minutes max.
Coding Tail Lights with OBDeleven
If your new lights throw errors or don’t blink right, coding solves it.
Common Coding Adjustments:
- Disable cold diagnostics
- Disable bulb-out warnings
- Activate dynamic/sequential turn signals
OBDeleven is a must-have tool if you’re into modding. Super easy to use and way cheaper than going to a dealer.
Owner Tips & Feedback
“I got the VLAND smoked LED tails and they look incredible. I had to code out the warnings but they’re easily the best value mod I’ve done.” – Marco R.
“Spec-D lights looked clean and installed in under 40 minutes. Coded with VCDS and haven’t had a single issue.” – Lucas H.
“Honestly these aftermarket tails make the car look 5 years newer. Worth every penny.” – Jayden S.
Other Mods to Do While You’re At It
If you’re already swapping tail lights, why not knock out some other rear-end upgrades?
- RS-style rear diffuser
- Blacked-out badges
- Rear trunk lip spoiler (carbon or gloss black)
- LED reverse bulbs (brighter backup lighting)
- Exhaust tips or full cat-back
Knock out a couple of these at once and your S4 will be catching looks every time you pull up.
Tail Light FAQ
Q: Do I need to code aftermarket lights?
A: Usually yes, especially for sequential lights or if you get bulb-out warnings. OBDeleven or VCDS makes it easy.
Q: Will these fit my B8 (2009–2012)?
A: Nope. B8 and B8.5 lights are shaped differently. Only buy if your car is 2013–2016.
Q: Can I install them myself?
A: Yes. Super easy job. Just have some trim tools and a socket set.
Q: Do VLAND lights pass inspection?
A: Most do, but check your state laws. Some smoked lenses might be a gray area in strict states.
Q: Do I need resistors or extra harnesses?
A: Nope, not usually. Most quality aftermarket kits are plug-and-play.
Final Verdict
If you’re ready to upgrade the look of your Audi S4 B8.5 and you’re hunting for the best tail light replacement, go with either VLAND or Spec-D depending on your budget and taste.
VLAND wins for aggressive styling and features. Spec-D wins for price and simplicity. Both are solid choices, and either one will make your rear end look sharper, more modern, and way more noticeable.
Just make sure you code them properly, double check fitment before ordering, and enjoy the extra attention your clean S4 is about to get.
Have questions about your specific trim? Drop a comment or hit me up.