Audi

Best First Mods for Audi S4 B8.5 (2013–2016) – (Ideas)

The Audi S4 B8.5 (2013–2016) is easily one of the best tuning platforms Audi ever dropped. It’s got that aggressive front end,…

The Audi S4 B8.5 (2013–2016) is easily one of the best tuning platforms Audi ever dropped. It’s got that aggressive front end, Quattro grip, and the 3.0T supercharged V6 under the hood — one of the most reliable and tuneable engines in the game.

But from the factory? It’s conservative. Tame. Soft-spoken. And if you’re a real enthusiast, that won’t cut it.

If you’re ready to wake it up, this is the ultimate guide to the Best First Mods for Audi S4 B8.5 (2013–2016) — from power to sound to street presence.

Meta description:
Start building your Audi S4 B8.5 (2013–2016) with the best first mods. Get more power, better sound, and killer styling from day one.

Why Mod the B8.5 S4?

Because stock is a lie.

You’ve got a 333hp supercharged V6 with huge tuning potential, but Audi buried it under restrictions — soft shift points, quiet exhaust, and a neutered intake.

The platform is a monster in disguise. Here’s how to unleash it.

1. Intake System – Bring the Whine to Life

One of the best first mods for Audi S4 B8.5 is hands down a performance intake. The Eaton TVS1320 supercharger starts to whine like mad once you ditch the factory box.

Why it matters:

  • Signature supercharger sound
  • Faster throttle response
  • Cooler intake temps
  • Gains of 10–15hp (especially tuned)

✅ Injen Cold Air Intake – Amazon
✅ CTS Turbo Intake – AliExpress
✅ Best S4 Intake Mods – GermanCarMods

Once you hear that high-pitched scream at 5k RPM, you’ll wonder why it didn’t come this way from the factory.

2. Stage 1 Tune – Instant 400+ HP

The 3.0T engine was built for tuning. Even without bolt-ons, a Stage 1 ECU flash delivers a massive power jump and totally transforms the S4’s attitude.

Gains:

  • +70–100hp
  • +90–130 lb-ft torque
  • Sharper throttle
  • Raised rev limit, burble options

✅ Integrated Engineering Stage 1
✅ 034Motorsport S4 Tune
✅ Stage 1 Tuning Guide – GermanCarMods

With a tune and intake combo alone, you’re pushing 400+ crank HP and beating stock V8s without breaking a sweat.

3. Pulley Upgrade – Stage 2 on a Budget

Once you get a taste of Stage 1, you’re gonna want more. That’s where pulleys come in.

What it does:

  • Smaller pulley = faster supercharger spin
  • More boost
  • Unlocks Stage 2 power (up to 450hp+)

Most setups include a crank pulley, supercharger pulley, or both, depending on your tuner.

✅ CTS Pulley Kit – Amazon
✅ Dual Pulley Combo – AliExpress
✅ How to Stage 2 Tune S4 – GermanCarMods

If you want to smoke M340is and C43s? This is how.

4. Exhaust System or Muffler Delete – Unleash the Sound

Let’s not lie — the stock B8.5 S4 sounds like a vacuum. The first time you hear a modded one fly by with a proper setup? Game over.

Options:

  • Muffler delete = cheapest, meanest
  • Resonator delete = raspier
  • Cat-back = deeper tone
  • Full downpipes + exhaust = full send

✅ Borla S-Type Exhaust – Amazon
✅ Quad Tip Cat-Back – AliExpress
✅ Best Exhaust Mods – GermanCarMods

Throw on quad black tips to seal the deal.

5. Lowering Springs – Stance + Handling

The B8.5 sits too high — it’s clean, but it doesn’t look fast. You can fix that in a weekend with a good set of springs.

Options:

  • H&R = sportier feel
  • Eibach = smoother ride
  • KW or ST = coilovers for full control

✅ H&R Sport Springs – Amazon
✅ Lowering Kits – AliExpress

Not just for looks — the handling becomes tight and planted, especially if you run 19s or 20s.

6. RS4-Style Grille – Aggressive Front-End Swap

This is one of the most popular first visual mods — and for good reason.

What it adds:

  • Black honeycomb mesh
  • No license plate holder
  • Real RS presence

✅ RS4 Grille – Amazon
✅ Front End Conversion – AliExpress
✅ Best Grille Upgrades – GermanCarMods

Install is super straightforward. The front bumper pops off and the grille bolts right in.

7. Carbon Fiber Diffuser – Rear End Gamechanger

If you’re running a quad tip exhaust, a carbon diffuser finishes the rear like an RS4.

Look for:

  • Real or faux carbon
  • Aggressive fins
  • OEM-style fitment

✅ Carbon Diffuser – Amazon
✅ Aggressive Rear Valence – AliExpress
✅ Best Diffuser Mods – GermanCarMods

It’s one of the top exterior mods to take your S4 from executive to weapon.

8. LED Headlights – Light the Road Like an RS

Many B8.5 S4s came with okay-ish xenons, but they’re getting dated. Aftermarket headlights bring modern LEDs, DRL animations, and sequential turns.

✅ VLAND LED Projectors – Amazon
✅ Sequential Headlights – AliExpress
✅ Headlight Replacement Guide – GermanCarMods

The right set can make your S4 look like a 2023 model.

9. Tail Light Upgrade – Finish What You Started

After you do the headlights and grille, the rear needs love. Smoked or sequential LED tails bring balance.

✅ LED Rear Lights – Amazon
✅ Smoked LED Taillights – AliExpress

10. Paddle Shifter Extensions – Small Mod, Big Feel

You don’t need to keep tapping those baby paddles. Extensions snap on or bolt in, and add real presence when you’re shifting under boost.

✅ Aluminum Paddle Extenders – Amazon

Cheap, fun, makes your interior feel more like a cockpit.

Bonus Mods for the Addicted Builder

You’re deep in the game now. Here are some next-tier mods once your base is set:

  • Ported throttle body
  • Upgraded heat exchanger
  • Intake spacers (for lower temps)
  • Aftermarket wheels (19×9.5 square is clean)
  • Rear sway bar + end links

And don’t forget the basics: ceramic coating, window tint, short antenna, custom badges.

Final Thoughts – The B8.5 S4 is the Ultimate Mod Base

This generation of the S4 is peak Audi tuning. Reliable, stylish, AWD, and absolutely brutal with the right mods.

Start with intake and tune for the power. Then hit the exhaust, suspension, and lighting to bring out the full street presence. There’s no wrong path — just don’t leave it stock.

✅ Want install guides, sound clips, or visual examples? Check GermanCarMods.com/blogs — we’ve got real modding content from real owners.

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