How Much Does It Cost to Replace a PCV Valve on an Audi S4?

Replacing the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve on an Audi S4 typically costs between $350 and $900 USD at a professional shop in the U.S., depending heavily on model year, engine generation, and local labor rates. The part itself is usually in the $80–$250 range, while labor can span from $250 up to $650+ because access to the PCV system on modern S4 engines is labor‑intensive.

Why PCV Valve Replacement Costs Vary on the Audi S4

The PCV valve on an Audi S4 is not a simple, cheap under-hood component like on many older cars. On most modern S4s—especially supercharged and turbocharged V6 generations—the PCV is integrated into a more complex crankcase ventilation/oil separator assembly, often buried under intake components. As a result, the job tends to be more about labor time than parts cost, and that’s where owners see the biggest swings in price.

Typical Cost Ranges by Audi S4 Generation

The Audi S4 has gone through several generations with different engines and PCV designs. The cost to replace the PCV valve (or PCV/oil separator assembly) depends on how easily accessible it is and whether it is integrated into other components.

B8/B8.5 S4 (2010–2016, 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6)

On the B8 and B8.5 S4, the PCV system is integrated into a plastic breather/oil separator assembly mounted on top of or near the supercharger. Access requires removing or partially lifting the supercharger, which drives up labor time and cost.

The following list outlines typical cost ranges for PCV replacement on a B8/B8.5 Audi S4 with a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 engine.

• Dealer/Independent Euro Specialist: Total: $600–$900
• Parts (PCV/oil separator assembly): $120–$250 (OEM or high-quality aftermarket)
• Labor: $400–$650 (typically 3–5 hours, depending on shop rate and whether the supercharger is fully removed)
• Additional parts often replaced at same time: Supercharger gaskets, intake gaskets, various O-rings and clamps ($30–$120 extra)
• DIY cost (if you do the work yourself): About $150–$350 for parts and supplies, but several hours of skilled labor

In practice, most owners of B8/B8.5 S4s see invoices in the mid-to-high hundreds because of the supercharger removal and recommended replacement of related gaskets and seals during reassembly.

B9/B9.5 S4 (2018–present, 3.0 TFSI Turbocharged V6)

The newer B9 S4 uses a turbocharged 3.0 TFSI V6 (EA839). Its PCV and crankcase ventilation system is also integrated and not easily accessed, though in many cases the labor is somewhat less extreme than full supercharger removal.

The following list shows typical pricing for PCV valve or PCV assembly replacement on a B9/B9.5 Audi S4 with the 3.0 TFSI turbocharged V6.

• Dealer/Independent Euro Specialist: Total: $500–$850
• Parts: $100–$220 for the PCV assembly and associated gaskets
• Labor: $350–$650, often 3–4+ billed hours at typical European specialist rates
• Regional variation: Higher in large metro areas (e.g., California, New York) and lower in smaller markets
• DIY cost: Roughly $120–$300, but the job can still be complex for non-professionals

Owners of B9 S4s usually report costs similar to or slightly lower than late B8 models, with the majority of the bill still driven by labor rather than the price of the PCV part itself.

Older S4 Generations (B6/B7 V8, B5 2.7T)

Previous generations of the S4 use very different engines, so PCV-related repairs depend on the layout and integration of the crankcase ventilation system.

The following list summarizes typical cost trends for PCV work on older Audi S4 generations in comparison to modern models.

• B6/B7 S4 (2004–2008, 4.2 V8): PCV and breather hoses are spread out; individual components are cheaper, but labor can still be 2–4 hours. Typical total: $300–$700, depending on how many hoses/valves are replaced.
• B5 S4 (2000–2002, 2.7T twin-turbo V6): The “PCV system” is a network of valves and hoses under and around the intake manifold. Replacing a single valve might be $250–$500; a more complete breather overhaul can run higher.
• Parts cost range: Usually between $50–$200 for valves and hoses, depending on how much is replaced.
• Labor impact: Tight engine bays and age-related brittleness of plastic hoses can increase shop time and cost.

While older S4s may use cheaper individual components, their age, packaging complexity, and brittle hoses mean that PCV-related jobs can still become costly, particularly if multiple parts fail simultaneously.

Parts vs. Labor: What You’re Really Paying For

The bulk of the bill for a PCV replacement on an Audi S4 generally comes from labor. Modern Audi engines pack a lot of hardware in a small space, and technicians must remove or partially disassemble surrounding components to access the PCV assembly.

The following list breaks down where your money typically goes when replacing the PCV valve or assembly on an S4.

• Parts:
  

  • PCV valve or complete PCV/oil separator assembly
  • Intake manifold and/or supercharger gaskets
  • O-rings and seals for any removed components
  • New hardware (bolts/clamps) if specified by Audi

• Labor tasks:
  

  • Diagnosing PCV-related issues (smoke, rough idle, codes)
  • Removing intake piping, covers, and sometimes the supercharger
  • Accessing and replacing the PCV assembly
  • Reassembling with new gaskets and verifying no vacuum or boost leaks
  • Clearing fault codes and performing a test drive

• Additional services sometimes bundled:
  

  • Oil change (if contamination is suspected)
  • Inspection of PCV hoses and breather lines for cracks
  • Visual inspection of intake valves or supercharger/turbo components

This breakdown shows that while the PCV part is important, the true cost driver is the professional time required to reach and properly replace it on a tightly packaged performance engine.

Symptoms That May Lead to PCV Replacement

PCV failure on an Audi S4 can trigger a range of noticeable symptoms. Recognizing them early can prevent more expensive secondary damage, such as oil leaks, fouled spark plugs, or even turbo/supercharger issues in extreme cases.

The following list describes common signs that may indicate a failing or failed PCV system on an Audi S4.

• Check Engine Light (CEL): Diagnostic codes related to crankcase pressure, lean/rich mixtures, or misfires.
• Rough idle or hesitation: Unmetered air entering through a failed PCV can destabilize fuel trims.
• Increased oil consumption: Excessive vacuum or pressure can pull oil into the intake or cause leaks.
• Whistling or howling noises: A torn diaphragm in the PCV assembly can create noticeable sounds at idle or light throttle.
• Oil leaks or seepage: Crankcase overpressure may force oil past seals and gaskets.
• Smoke from exhaust: In more severe cases, oil drawn into the intake can burn and create visible smoke.

If you observe one or more of these symptoms, a mechanic may diagnose the PCV assembly as the culprit, leading to the PCV replacement costs outlined earlier.

Ways to Save Money on PCV Replacement

Although PCV replacement on an Audi S4 is rarely cheap, owners do have options to manage or reduce the cost. These strategies range from shop selection to proactive maintenance planning.

The following list highlights practical approaches to keeping PCV replacement costs in check for Audi S4 owners.

• Get multiple quotes: Compare pricing from the dealer and at least one or two reputable independent European specialists.
• Ask about OEM vs. high-quality aftermarket parts: Some aftermarket PCV assemblies are cheaper while still meeting OEM specifications.
• Bundle related work: If the supercharger or intake must come off, coordinate spark plug replacement, carbon cleaning, or gasket refresh at the same time.
• Check for extended warranty or service campaigns: Occasionally, certain model years may have coverage or goodwill adjustments if PCV failures are widespread.
• DIY only if experienced: Skilled DIYers can save hundreds on labor, but the risk of mistakes (vacuum leaks, broken connectors) can negate the savings.

Combining careful shop selection with smart timing of related maintenance can significantly reduce the financial impact of an S4 PCV replacement without compromising reliability.

How to Get a Precise Estimate for Your Specific S4

Because the S4 spans multiple engine designs and labor rates vary widely by region, the only way to get an exact figure is to get a quote tailored to your car.

The following list outlines steps to obtain a more precise PCV replacement estimate for your specific Audi S4.

• Identify your exact model and engine: Year, generation (B8/B8.5/B9), and engine code if possible.
• Call at least two shops: Include an Audi dealer and a well-reviewed independent European specialist.
• Describe symptoms and known fault codes: Mention any misfires, smoke, or diagnostic codes already pulled.
• Ask for a line-item estimate: Request a breakdown of parts, labor hours, and any additional recommended gaskets or seals.
• Confirm warranty on parts and labor: Many shops offer 12–24 months on both, which adds value to a more expensive quote.

Following these steps will give you a realistic, shop-specific cost for PCV replacement and help you compare offers on more than just the bottom-line price.

Summary

For most Audi S4 owners, replacing a PCV valve or PCV assembly runs between $350 and $900, with the majority falling in the $500–$800 range at professional shops. The part itself is relatively modest in price—often $80–$250—but complex access on supercharged and turbocharged V6 engines drives labor costs to several hundred dollars. B8/B8.5 and B9 S4 models typically require partial disassembly of the intake or supercharger area, making PCV work a medium-to-major job rather than a quick under-hood swap. Recognizing symptoms early, getting multiple quotes, and bundling related maintenance can help keep costs under control while ensuring the engine’s crankcase ventilation system continues to function reliably.