Audi A4 2004 and earlier

markcincinnati

You mentioned you chipped your allroad -- APR I think you said. Where did you have this done and do you have the "switches" that allow you to turn the chip on and off?

JBaumgart

If you meant to ask me instead of "Jason" yes I did in fact use APR who about a year ago sponsored a special Audi day at a local repair place. They sold and installed over 50 that day as well as doing various other performance-enhancements for a long line of willing buyers. As I have an '01 without the "chastity belt" it's all but invisable. As you probably know the cruise control stalk acts as the on-off switch - I just leave it on except when taking it in for dealer service - Joel.

P.S. Sure wish one was available that would have the same effect on the A4 (2.8 non-turbo).

markcincinnati

markcincinnati

I went to an Audi meeting and one of the guys at the meeting had had his DEALER bolt on a Supercharger to his A4 (a 1997, I think). He said the brand was Eaton and that "all ya gotta do is. . ." He said his dealer told him "no worries" on the factory warranty IF whatever problem he had could not be attributed to the Supercharger.

Now, I'm fearless, Joel (or as I like to call you, Jason) -- but doing this would scare the heck out of me. But, the results -- so he claimed -- were "dramatic" (about $3500).

If I did that, I would be certain I would end up buying a new engine. I'd rather get a 1.8T and take it to stage one chip and new exhaust system (cat back) and maybe some heavy duty BPV's.

But, you asked.

I heard there was a chip for the 2.8 and that the chip, a new air filter and a new set of dual exhausts (all the above about $2000) added a little more torque and about 15 horsepower. This too, seems like too much trouble but probably wouldn't blow your engine.

vocus

If the dealer bolted on the turbo to the guy's 2.8, then it should be ok.

I would prefer a 1.8T, because you can get a lot more power out of the car than from the V6 with the chip.

JBaumgart

Early on I tried a chip on the A4 and it really didn't have much of an effect on performance, even with the new air filter that came packaged with it. It did seem to make the temperature run hotter than normal, but without any corresponding performance boost, I ended up returning them to the manufacturer and getting my money back.

I've also heard of the supercharger conversion, but I don't think I'd ever go this far - would instead purchase a different car. The new S4 looks like it might do the trick. ;-)

jenks4

Does anyone else know of this? Sometimes I hear a very loud grinding noise when I turn the steering wheel to the left. People actually turn and stare! It only happens turning to the left and when not moving or barely moving. I have a 2003 A4.

oblu_guy

But it only does it right after I start the car and start moving...no matter how hard I turn the wheel. It just so happens that's the direction I turn out of my driveway so I haven't tested it to the right.

Sounded more to me like an ABS self-test than a grinding noise.

affy

I do get strange vibration and weird noise while turning right and left, but not so loud that people will stare at me.
Then does anyone notice when the car is in idle the car vibrate a lot more than other cars?

I am currently Driving a 2003 B6 3.0

oblu_guy

Hit the "econ" button on your climate controls. The AC compressor is on at all times unless that's pushed and it tends to make my car idle a little rough.

lauk0dg

Returning to Chicago and haven't checked this board.

So 3 weeks of inactivity on my A4 caused the battery to totally drain down.....so much that the alarm system turned itself off (though all doors are still locked, thank God), dome lights inoperable, and engine won't even crank when key was turned.

Got a jump start from my coworker and car was back to life. Radio incredibly retained the security code and even the preset channels, although the clock reset itself. Hey how come the odometer kept the mileage.....anyhow. Weird things started to happen afterwards.....

1. The one-touch up and down functions were gone. Windows still went up and down, but the one-touch functions were gone.

2. Armed the car and 5 minutes later, the alarm went off by itself. Weird, all doors were slammed shut and windows closed tight.

Forced to go to the dealership right away, as I park my car in a public parking lot and can't afford to have the alarm going off continuously or have the car sitting there with its doors all unlocked. The weirdest thing was, the one-touch functions went from totally inoperable to intermittently operable to totally normal on my way to the dealership.

Dealership checked the battery performance and they claimed normal and recharged it. They also blamed the alarm going off because the motion sensor sensitivity was reset to MAX by default when the battery died. Turned out the slightest wind motion rocking the car already set off the alarm.

And hopefully those are the only observations. Be those lessons to everybody. So apparently 3 weeks of inactivity coupled with all the power depleting devices on our cars can drain the battery out. 'Rocco, be warned, LOL.

Billy

vodgut

I changed the battery in my 1998 A4 last summer. Batteries generally seem to go after about 4 to 5 years.

There's some info in my owners manual about that, there were steps I had to take in order to get some things (like the auto up/down windows) working correctly again. They're documented in the manual. I didn't have the problem with the alarm.

I was amused at the owners manual, however, strenuously suggesting that the dealer change the battery. It's really not that hard, just a bit of an inconvenience doing all the stuff after replacing it.

I'm sure the odomoter has some sort of non-volatile memory or mechnical device that stores the miles.

Didn't have the problem with the alarm, though. That would have sucked.

andys120

certainly drains batteries on modern cars. I found this to be true of my '98 A4, my '96 Saab 900S and even more old '86 Mustang. OTOH regular driving seems to give all the charge it they need.

If your car is going to be idle for 3 weeks at a time I recommend buying a trickle charger. 5-6 hrs on that will usually bring it back. One of those jump boxes comes in handy as well.

My alarm goes off if the roof is left open unless I remember to trip the switch on the base of the B-post (inside, driver's side). It's unfortunate there's no provision for locking the car wo enabling the alarm system.

vocus

On the Jetta, if you close all doors and use the passenger's side lock switch to lock all doors, you can close the door without arming the alarm. I don't know if the A4 has a passenger side switch though. This works in all VWs though...

lauk0dg

In my 2001.5 A4, there is no passenger's side door lock. So the VW solution, a clever one, won't work in the Audi :-(

Well in my 96 Accord it too had a remote alarm and a blinking LED, and it did sit outside in cold Wisconsin winter for 4 weeks in a row and it started back right up. Maybe there's more gadgets in the A4 that drain more power than the Accord.

Billy

vocus

It says in the owner's manual of my Jetta that the alarm LED will stop blinking after 3 weeks of sitting or something like that...check the manual and see what it says.

jrichar6

I am looking into purchasing an Audi, and I am torn between gently used 2000 A6s (probably a 2.8)and new 1.8T A4s.

Does anyone have strong opinions either way?

markcincinnati

Get the A4 -- IF a big back seat is only needed sometimes. . .other than that qualification, no hesitation, get the A4.

lee0001

Hello all,
Well I'm waiting on my ordered A4 1.8T. However, a situation has now occurred that I need to ask for opinions. I'm planning on changing jobs which will increase my daily mileage significantly. I'll be driving 50+ miles each way. This means that I'll be most likely putting 25,000+ miles on the car per year.
Can the A4 handle that much wear and tear? After two years I'll be off the 50k warranty. Will I get kill with repairs? Should I consider a different/cheaper vehicle? Should I buy it and drive it into the ground (mind you after 4 years I could have 100k miles on it), or sell it after 2 years. Any help would be appreciated.
thanks, Lee

vocus

Definitely think about an extended warranty. I drive the same amount as you will (25K yearly) and have a Jetta. I got a warranty on it already, aftermarket.

lee0001

May I ask where you got the aftermarket warranty?
Also, was it significantly less expensive than from the dealer? Did you get it as soon as you purchased your car? How long are you going to keep your car?

kinnman

My dealer quoted me something like $2500 for an extended warranty. They said not to bother until I came close to the end of my warranty, at which time I could buy the extension if I decided keep the vehicle. Another thing to consider is the type of miles you will be putting on your car. If you're putting mostly highway, then I would say forget the extended warranty, any bugs should surface in the first 50k. kow

lee0001

Does it really make sense to keep the car after 50k? With the expected miles I'll be putting on annually justify the extended warranty? What about when its time to get rid? Will I get killed with the mileage? I really like the car, but I don't want to get screwed at the end.
tia, Lee

vocus

I am going to keep my Jetta probably until it doesn't run anymore. The warranty I got was for 5 years/150K miles (5 yrs. from date, 150K total miles), and it cost me about $1700 (it was on 'sale') with a $50 deductible. It was from WarrantyGold, so contact them directly. Email me (see my profile for the address) and I will give you the guy's name and extension as well.

kinnman

Any car is going to depreciate significantly with this amount of miles. If you want a $30K new car, expect to lose 50% of it's value in 2yrs/50k miles. The next 2yrs/50k, probably 75%.
Your alternative is trading in the vehicle at 50K and purchasing new one, but this would be far more expensive than keeping the vehicle for the full 100K and purchase the extended warranty. Regardless, I would hold off on purchasing the ext warrant upfront, and wait for a couple years....worry about it then....relax and enjoy your car today.
If you're still concerned, then I would suggest purchasing a 2yr old Toyota Camry for your commute and keep the A4 for fun....good luck

vocus

I agree with you. I will probably end up cancelling my warranty for now, since my std. warranty is in effect for 50K (I still have 15K left). The only problems thus far with my car (besides a couple rattles that they fixed) was the dreaded 1.8T coilpacks, an armrest clip, a bad radio fuse, and dash lights that went out in the climate panel. If this keeps up, then I would be ok without a warranty. I don't know though, I plan on driving it up to 150K miles, so it might be a smart investment. I will probably see if there's any trouble with the car between now and 50K to make the decision.

gusharls

My guy at the local MOPAC store in Vancouver tells me that the companies that make after market chips are nolonger going to be making them for Audi. Is this true?

markcincinnati

My two cents -- there will be chips for a few more years, even if Audi immediately stopped bringing turbo charged cars to market.

It looks like they are moving out of the turbo world, somewhat --V8 S4, discontinuation, so I hear, of the 2.7T, etc.

lee0001

Well, I'm now a proud new owner of a 2003 A4 1.8T AWD, with premium all weather package, and upgraded wheels. I picked it up today. It's great! This process took me literally months to come together. It's a relief that it's finally over. I wish to thank everyone on this forum for the answers to my questions and support. I know I'll have more questions in the future. Thanks again! regards, Lee

lee0001

Hello,
Just picked up my new A4. There appears to be some condensation in my driver headlight. What's the best way to eliminate it?
Thanks in advance,
Lee

lauk0dg

First of all congrats on your purchase. What's the color choice?

Second about the condensation. I dunno if other B6 A4's are experiencing that or not. I'd say since it's a brand new car under warranty, bring it in for them to take a look. It could be the headlight assembly being not water tight, and tell them they should exchange it under warranty. I experienced that once or twice but that was because I did an aftermarket xenon headlight mod and on one side I knew I cut a hole a little too big and water could get in. Blame myself on that little error.

Good luck and enjoy, Billy

lee0001

Thanks for the info...I wanted the "classic" black and black. It may show the dirt more often but when it's clean it looks simply marvelous. I'm probably going to call the dealer on Monday. I was looking at the audiworld forum website and there was messages mentioning that this condensation is a "common" occurence that Audi feels will eventually go away by using over time. However, it seems that some people have been able to get their headlight replaced. When I call, I'll see what they say. regards, Lee

barelyg

I am looking to purchase an A4 within a couple months. I have owned a 1991 80 Quattro for 11 years. 170,000 miles and nothing but great driving experiences here in the northeast. Car still drives really well. No major problems.
One of my only complaints is the lack of power off the line. I believe the car has a 1.8, 5 cylinder. Not really sure of HP. Goes pretty fast (eventually) but is not very quick off the line.

My question: Is the 2003 A4 1.8T Avant with a 4 cylinder going to be much quicker with it's turbo? Or will it guzzle gas just to get it to move off the line. I have heard stories about it being a little heavy. Varying stories about gas millage experiences also. I have heard 18mpg and 28mpg form two different people. Is it the way they drive, or could the 18mpg have a problem? I am very worried about over working a 4 cylinder as well, but also not willing to pay the extra $$ for a 3.0. Are the after market HP chip enhancments worth doing and can they cause any problems? Higher gas milage, warrenty void etc.?

Question 2: Is the sport package worth getting? I understand that it comes with summer high performance tires that even with quattro are lousy in the snow. I am concerned about a very stiff ride as well. With this said, would I be better off sticking with the stock suspension? I'm sure it will still handle better than my 91'.
What other options are really worth getting?

Question 3: Does anyone know when the 2004's will be showing up on the lots? Will there be any changes to the A4?

Question 4: Sedan or Avant? Any feedback would be helpfull. I've had the 91' sedan with a stick since 92'. Looking maybe at going with the tiptronic wagon. Wife has the tip in her Passat wagon. It seems ok.
Thanks in advance. BarelyG

vocus

I thought that black on black looked great too on the showroom floor. After owning the car for a couple months, and through the summer to boot, I decided that I never wanted another black car ever again. They look great, but the maintenance is unbelievable to keep them looking good,

Congrats on your purchase.

scirocco22

BarelyG-- To comment on your question 1, to my recollection the 1991 Audi 80 quattro does in fact have a 5-cylinder engine but I believe it was a 2.3L not a 1.8L and had a horsepower rating of only 130 hp. I went back and looked up what the gas mileage ratings on that configuration was and found that they were pretty dismal for an engine with that output: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

In contrast and comparison, a new 1.8T Avant with Tip will have a 170 hp rating (probably a bit underestimated) and gas mileage figures of 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway. Granted, the new Avant will be slightly heavier than your 80 (probably by at least a good 500 lbs.) but nevertheless, it looks like you'll see slightly better acceleration and power along with slightly better gas milage with the new Avant.

And no, chipping it will generally not cause any problems. Go to AudiWorld to read testimonials and potential problems. It will not void the warranty unless the chip actually is proven to have caused the problems you are trying to get Audi to fix under the warranty but any modification in and of itself will not automatically void the warranty ...it's actually against the law and you'll win in court if you can prove the defective part would have failed regardless of any modifications done by you had the claim been denied by the manufacturer.

I believe you'll be very happy with the Avant!

--'rocco

lee0001

Thanks for your reply. You're probably correct that black on black will be alot of work to keep looking good. Hopefully, it'll be my labor of love. In anycase, I'm now proud be an audi owner. It's been a while since I had a car that I expect to be fun to drive. The last fun car I had was a corvette and that was 10 years ago. With family reponsibilities and obligations, I just couldn't convince myself to take the leap. Now, that it's my new toy, I'm looking forward to its upkeep. regards, Lee

nutguy

The A6 is better than the A4, hands down. I had a 2000 A4 and had lots of trouble with it.

scirocco22

Lee-- Just a comment on the condensation in the headlights. I remember reading on another message board (could have been either vwvortex or audiworld) where it stated that this condition is normal. Posters claimed it was not only described as normal in the owner's manual but also in the video which AoA sends you shortly after you take delivery of the car. I think they said that the remedy was to run the high beams (if equipped with Xenons) or the regual halogens for about 10 minutes in order to heat up the housing enough so that it can evaporate the condensation. It was further stated that if this did not work after several attempts (or if it continued to do so as time progressed) or if the condensation was especially bad with actual droplets of water forming inside the housing, then the dealer might consider replacing the entire housing under warranty.

I remember having a car which had condesation in the tail lights when the car was new. After the first long drive at night, the heat of the bulb of the tail lamp did evaporate the condensation and it didn't seem to happnen again for a long time afterward. But when it did happen again, I just turned on the tail lamps for awhile and the moisture disappeared.

So how bad is your condensation problem? If you see droplets of water after trying the remedy described above, I'd bring it to the attention of your dealer and insist that the assembly be replaced.

May you have continued enjoyment of your new A4!

--'rocco

lee0001

Thanks for the message. I read that same bit of info as well. Over the weekend I tried running my engine with my headlights on (non-xenon) for a good 20 minutes. Some of the condensation was eliminated, but not all. I contacted the dealership on Monday. They said to give it about a week or so and if it is still present to make an appointment with service. So, we'll see. I'll be on vacation next week (not driving the Audi), so I'll check it out by the end of next week.
regards, Lee

barelyg

Appreciate the feedback. The rating you found on the 1991 80 Quattro I am currently driving is pretty accurate. I average about 25mpg almost everywhere I drive and no matter how heavy on the accel.

In regards to the 2003 A4 Avant 1.8T Quattro:
My wife is somewhat concerned with the rear seat leg room. I am not tall enough to put the front seats all the way back. After looking up some comparisons with other models similar in size the rear seat leg room looks about the same as anything else. Has anyone heard any complaints about the interior being too small?

I can't find any info on towing. Can I pull a small utility trailer with the A4 Avant without adding tranny and oil coolers?

BarelyG

scirocco22

BarelyG-- Yes, rear seat leg room --although better than the old B5 chassis-- is relatively tight but acceptable in most cases if you are not carrying NBA players for long distances.

From what I can remember --and I'll go back and look this up for sure if you want me to-- the towing capacity is 1,600 unbraked and 2,300 braked using either a class 1 or class 2 hitch.

Coolers for oil or transmission are always good, I suppose, but I don't think are necessary for light towing under normal circumstances. I'll do some more research on this too for I don't remember reading about anyone doing this but maybe we can go and check AudiWorld to see if anybody has installed oil coolers or transmission coolers for towing purposes. Like I say, I don't recall anybody talking about it but who knows.

Here's a hitch you can use. I've had this bookmarked. I thought it might come in handy some day! *chuckles*

http://www.hitch-web.com/proDescrip.asp?ProductCode=233604&OI- - D=8

Lee-- Yes, please let us know what happens regarding the moisture in the headlamp assembly problem. I'm curious if Audi will replace it for you without any questions asked.

--'rocco

deepthinker

Hello everyone, I'm new to the board, just wanted to get some feedback on A4's.
The A4 is second on my list as far as likely purchases, all things considered. One concern is price-would any one have some good estimates on what a new A4 Q 1.8T would go for? Has the recent A4 coil problem caused any price drop? I'm in Connecticut, I'd be looking for minimal options, unless people would recommend otherwise. I really want AWD, but would like to stay somewhat close to 25k. I have the money, I just don't want to spend too much on a car, plus, we all know there is a fun to drive 25k car AWD that I could get. But, do I pay extra for luxury? Hmm. -Thanks. Steve

scirocco22

Steve-- A modestly equipped A4 1.8T sedan will probably run right around 30k. Yes, you can order a "stripped" unit with an Edmunds TMV of $25,903. This would have to be special ordered from the dealer because seldom will a completely "stripped" car come into a dealer's inventory. No, I haven't noticed dealers heavily discounting A4 because of the coil problems. The coils on the most recent '03s have already been fitted with the new problem-free (presumably) coils at the factory. The coil problem has been a public relations nightmare for VW/Audi but doesn't effect the overall reliability of the car. Sales may be hurting because of the bad press they are getting so, yes, you may be able to get a better deal now than at any other time but you still have to remember that there is no dealer holdback on Audis so you still have to expect to pay approximately $1,400 over invoice. This figure will vary according to your location. In some regions, I've been hearing, A4 sedans are being sold for as little as $500 over invoice.

I'm assuming that the other AWD car you are considering is the WRX for you refer to the 25k figure. Subarus are being sold for invoice or below because there is a 3% dealer holdback plus other incentives and also for the reason that the supply is relatively plentiful. The 2004s are about ready to be introduced and there's a good chance that you'll be able to pick up a good deal on an '03. But, I caution you not to jump too fast on the Subaru bandwagon. I'd encourage you to compare the fit and finish between the A4 and the WRX ...there's really no comparison. The fit and finish of Audis has been said to rival some of the most expensive European cars out there. There are many things which the A4 has that the Subaru doesn't ...too numerous to mention here but if you'd like, I'll be happy to list them for you later. IMO, the A4 is much more technically advanced than the WRX. Is the A4 worth $5,000 more than a WRX? I think so but it's only my opinion. Don't get me wrong, a Subaru is a good product. I also own a Subaru (not a WRX but a Forester which is Impreza based). Maybe it's not a fair comparison but, IMHO, the A4 far outranks the Subaru for refinement and solidity. So, it's more than just paying extra for luxury!

Good luck with your decision and let us know what you finally decide.

--'rocco

barelyg

I'm also fairly new to the board. I am also looking into a new A4 Q 1.8T within the next couple of months. I'm in CT as well.
I would suggest the first thing you need to do is move the A4 from your second choice to the top of your list. If you are not looking for a lot of options and willing to go with cloth seats opposed to leather I think you can get the price fairly close to 25K. I am pricing an A4 sedan with Prem pack, Bose sound, Cold weather pack, 16" wheels with a TMV in CT at about $30,900. This is from doing a price check on edmunds.

I also currently own a 1991 80 Quattro and have for the past 11 years. It currently has 170,000 miles on it and still going strong. The car has been great! No major problems at all. Original exhaust and clutch. The only reason I want to get rid of it is to enjoy some of the Audi technical revelations made in the last 11 years.

Don't forget to consider the 4Y 50,000mile no charge scheduled maint. I think that's worth a little extra. In my opinion you would be hard pressed to get the Impreza to last as long as an Audi and to have anywhere near the same driving feel even right out of the showroom. Oh yeah. I know Subaru has AWD but Quattro is the leading AWD system among all of them as far as the technology and how it works. I have been amaized with the control I have had in my 80 Q for the last 11 winters here in CT. It goes vertually anywhere in any amount of snow!

I am also a deep thinker and to make the wife happy I have looked at many different new car options. Always returning to a new A4 as my favorite for many different reasons! I'm going to stop banging my head against the wall now. It's starting to hurt.
Hope this helps.
A very happy Audi owner. BarelyG

scirocco22

Yes, I agree with BarelyG. Put the A4 at the top of the list!

--'rocco

barelyg

'rocco,
Thanks for the research Re: Towing with the A4.
I have to agree with you it's probably not worth the tranny cooler and oil cooler for the light towing.
I just come from "old school" thought that you can do a lot of damage to drive train when towing without the proper gear setup.
I'll be sure to check out the hitch site you attached.
Thanks again,
BarelyG

nyccarguy

I know the A4 has been available in the dolphin grey with body colored bottom, but I saw a Silver 1.8T with a Sports Package and body colored bottom and it was striking! I thought it was a new S4 at first, but then realized that's not coming out for another few months. Was this a custom paint job?

scirocco22

Bradd-- I would think it would be a custom job because all A4 lowers come in that gray color, right? The dolphin gray is so close to the color of the standard lowers that it almost looks like the same color. Do you mean that only the Dolphin Gray can be ordered from the factory with the matching paint texture? I haven't heard anything like that. I do know many people who are custom (after-market) painting their lowers to match the body color and possibly the texture (?).

BarelyG-- Oh, yeah, you're welcome. I agee with your "old school" thinking. But unless you're going to be towing that trailer on a regular basis or hauling weight approaching the limit, then I really don't think that the coolers will be necessary. But I'd like to issue a disclaimer: I'm no expert. I don't want you to ruin a transmission by towing and frying the tranny on my recommendation!

I just did a search at AudiWorld for "transmission+coolers" "oil+coolers" "towing trailers" towing+trailers" and didn't come up with anyone using a tranny cooler or and oil cooler on an A4 Avant.

--'rocco

dtwleungnyc

I noticed my dealer has a specially built A4 1.8T for sale. At first glance, you would think its a S4. What they did was add on rocker panels and custom from and rear air dam with matching paint color. Stunningly gorgeous. I will probably go by on Monday and take a picture of it and post it here.

deepthinker

Thanks for the input...I will definitely take it all into consideration.
I must admit I've only driven the WRX(very impressed), been passenger in Audi. Still trying to make time for Audi test drive. I suspect the ride comfort of Audi will be unmatched, as is quattro technology, refinement, overall features. I don't put on alot of miles, so 150,000 miles is not a goal of mine. I've read some posts where people are really irritated that people are considering both these cars, so I feel the need to quickly decide which 'club' I belong to...I hope no one is insulted by me 'comparing' the two.
-Steve