Interesting tech on the 1.8T B5- my observations

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Dec 17, 2006 | 07:44 PM
  #1  
So I got alot of major stuff out of the way (TB,WP,all fluids, etc) and noticed some things on the 1.8T (first Audi, first german car)

-the oil filter screws into a casting that is had coolant running directly into it! Is this right? I say that's pretty impressive.
-the mechanical parts are impressive to look at in themselves, like the TB tensioner. Glad I changed it b/c I had the old style tensioner and it was going out...
-what is frustrating is that there is so much impressive engineering and mechanical design but there is also alot of horribly cheap stuff in there too: for example the incredibly cheap plastics that litter the engine bay components.
- the cast suspension pieces are amazing
-this definitely drives better than a Passat
-the 1.8T is pretty straightforward to wrench on and once th front end is removed, the way things are put together is very impressive.
-it is amazing that with such great engineering, things like control arms, tre's, abs computers, maf's all going bad-and being a common occurance- is just crazy stupid. Those things are (on japanese cars) and should be near lifetime parts, not 30-50K wear items.

-still, not a big deal for DIY. I can see why a "regular guy" would quickly get fed up w/ paying a shop to fix things tho. for non-car people, the $$ for maintence would add up really quick.

bottom line is I really am loving the car. Quattro rocks, period. I chose the B5 b/c I feel it looks alot better than the B6 and B7 and "tighter" package, more sporty. Also the interior seems a bit more solid than the B6 (haven't had any time in a B7).
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Dec 17, 2006 | 08:11 PM
  #2  
RE: Interesting tech on the 1.8T B5- my observations
The oil filter cooler is what you're referring to that has the coolant going into it. It's fine until the seals give and you end up mixing oil and coolant. It's an easy fix though.

Nice comments.
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Dec 17, 2006 | 09:23 PM
  #3  
RE: Interesting tech on the 1.8T B5- my observations
good to know baconbait but that's the Audi all-over: really cool engineering mixed with some crappy materials...

*forgot to mention I love the fact I can reach the filter from above and w/ the suction machine, oil changes are a snap. That's a nice bonus for freq oil changes needed on a high revving turbo engine.
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Dec 18, 2006 | 09:51 AM
  #4  
RE: Interesting tech on the 1.8T B5- my observations
Germans have expertise in mechanical engineering, but lag the Japanese in electrical engineering.
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Dec 18, 2006 | 03:16 PM
  #5  
RE: Interesting tech on the 1.8T B5- my observations
Quote:
ORIGINAL: Cruiserhead
-what is frustrating is that there is so much impressive engineering and mechanical design but there is also alot of horribly cheap stuff in there too: for example the incredibly cheap plastics that litter the engine bay components.
I agree, this is a well engineered car.Not sure exactly which components you are referring too, butI am sure part of the reason forthe plasticis for overall weight reduction. Especially since it only had 150hp stock!
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Dec 19, 2006 | 12:23 AM
  #6  
RE: Interesting tech on the 1.8T B5- my observations
no problem w/ the amount of plastic, just the quality of the plastic.
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Dec 19, 2006 | 12:33 AM
  #7  
RE: Interesting tech on the 1.8T B5- my observations
I totally agree with you and welcome to the B5 fam!! Its my favorite body style too and I think it looks best exterior and interior details.. what year did you get??

As for repairs..Ive never met a better car to own and learn to fix!! Also Ive never met such enthusiasts like Audi fans and frankly the help Ive received from the forums goes unaccountable and unmeasurable

Post some pics and get going with some mods..simply you can transform it into a super fun car to drive with not very much money out of pocket.. check the classifieds ..thats whats also nice about having a B5 is guys go back to stock and end up getting newer B6 or B7s too

if you need any help or have any questions about parts upgrades etc..lemme know happy to help

Have fun driving
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