Since `2019`, the facelifted `S4 Avant B9` pushes the European idea of a quick diesel `S` estate even further, with a discreet but very effective `3.0 TDI V6 MHEV 48 V`. Against a BMW 3 Series, it still bets on torque, cruising speed and versatility more than on noble-engine appeal. On the used market, this phase often looks modern and reassuring, but it depends even more than the earlier car on software follow-up, electrical-network health and coherent servicing.
The engine to inspect first remains the `3.0 TDI EA897 evo` in `DMKC` form, paired with `tiptronic`, `quattro` and the `48 V` system. The key watch points are `EGR`, `DPF`, `AdBlue`, the `12 V` battery, the starter-generator, restart quality, thermal management and the plausibility of updates. On the facelift, you also need to read `ADAS`, `MMI`, sensors, lighting and comfort electronics, because a heavily optioned car that was followed badly becomes tiring and expensive very quickly.