1995.5 Audi S6

Like the C3 chassis that predated it, the C4 went through numerous changes seemingly every year – giving each individual model year something special for fans to covet. 1994 to 1995 saw some major changes for the C4; the most obvious being the model designation change from S4 (1991-1994) to S6 (1995-1997). European models had some additional drivetrain options that weren’t available in the U.S., and indeed the Avant had previously been available in S4 form, but the 2.2 liter turbocharged inline-5 carried over largely unchanged into 1995 for the US. The big news was the addition of the Avant to the US lineup; at the time, as expensive as an Audi got here. There was also the obvious external refresh; smooth body-colored bumpers and wider side trims eliminated the rubberized black moldings. The hood and lights were lightly re-sculpted too, along with the change (rolling, for some models) from the Fuchs-made 5-spoke alloys to the Speedline-made 6-spoke Avus wheels which would be the signature S-wheel for the next decade.

Gone were two staples of the Audi lineup from the 1980s; Procon 10, the seatbelt pre-tensioning safety system Audi highly marketed in the late 1990s disappeared with little fanfare, but also, perhaps more strikingly, S cars would no longer be branded with ‘quattro’ badges – a change that would carry on nearly until today’s models, where models like the RS7 re-introduced it in the grill. Inside minor changes were introduced; a revised dashboard, shift knob, along with the introduction of the most notable item (once again, rolling) with a 3-spoke sport steering wheel. It was a tremendous amount of minor fiddling that in sum resulted in a slightly different feel for the S6; slightly more polished and grown up, carrying the new design language for Audi that would remain for the next decade.

Audi wasn’t done, though, because in ‘1995.5’ Audi once again altered several items on the then-still-new S6. This included a major switch moving forward – the elimination of driver control of the rear differential, a hallmark of Audis since the introduction of the original Quattro. Audi opted for an ‘electronic differential lock’, which in reality was a system which utilized the ABS system to detect wheelspin and apply the brakes. This major change resulted in some minor interior tweaks, such as moving the cigarette lighter, and there were additional revisions to the radio. The transmission’s traditional weak first gear was also addressed, as well as swapping infrared locking for radio frequency and some other minor trim. All of these changes – some of them running – give the limited production S6s a bit of a bespoke feel. With numbers produced only in the hundreds, these are special and coveted cars that are very capable and highly sought:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995.5 Audi S6 on eBay

Year: 1995.5
Model: S6
VIN: WAUKA84A8SN121739
Engine: 2.2 liter turbocharged inline-5
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 151,200 mi
Location: Bailey, Colorado
Price: $10,000 Buy It Now

About this vehicle
PRICE DRASTICALLY REDUCED!
New car is on the way! Need to make room. This 1995 Audi S6 is a modified vehicle with updates to the drivetrain. The owner has had it for 1 year. The vehicle runs great and is mainly used for weekend drives.
Seller’s Notes
There were approximately 450 of these 1995.5 S6’s sold in America, and they are becoming difficult to find, especially with fewer than 200k miles. This is a fine example in the rare marigold / ecru color combination. The ignition has been converted to a reliable coil on plugs system, the boost hoses were replaced with silicone hoses, brake hoses have been replaced with stainless steel, front swaybar bushings are new, the stock suspension springs were replaced with H&R sport springs, and the stock injectors were replaced with RS-2 units. I have a set of new aftermarket wheels and Michelin x-ice tires that have about 2-3k mi of wear. They cost $1,000. I also have a new Southbend clutch. The car has the original clutch in it and it works well. I will include both of these items as well as the original suspension springs and the original center arm rest with phone. Health problems are dictating that I need a car with an automatic. I’m not interested in any trades.

This car has actually graced these pages before – two years ago, it was available with ~7k less miles for $8,900. Back then, I said this car had some desirable upgrades, but was in a less-than-desirable color combination. I think the same holds true today. A bit more is disclosed, and the car has a few big dollar items listed that weren’t there last time around. Does that all translate to more money today? I’m not sure. The market has moved forward slightly on nice examples, and this is probably one of the cleaner ones out there, but certainly not the cleanest. I think if you could negotiate down a bit and like the color combination, you could do worse.

-Carter