Hello,
I just picked up a 96 B5 2.8M 62,000miles, my first "new"car. Already, I've replaced the tie rod ends, cracked expansion tank, snub mount, ordered replacement headlights, grill, still looking for some fair priced face lift tail lights, trying to track down the power steering leak, and have been reading up in the forums. The DIY pages and DIYsite are very helpful. Thank you.

A few things I'm still unsure of, however, are...
1. whether or not the armrests in the doors are removable so I can replace the fabric. I've heard yes and no.
2. is the a/c control panel illumination known to be intermitent (I can see it sometimes, sometimes not, but the controls always work), or is this simply a loose conection?
3. any suggestions or other things I need to look out for are encouraged. I'm already looking into a timing belt kit. although, I'm not having any problems just yet.

I'm a student just looking to have a nice driver with a few simple, clean (and affordable) mods.

thanks for the knowledge.

avenue.

 

the power steering pump is likely the culprit
the arm rest lid does come off.. but its a pain in the ***, you are better off soursing a whole armrest from someone on the classifieds

and dont wait till you have problems with the timing belt.. if you do then you will likely need a new motor

 

wheel bearings, and front control arms should be done soon, mine went out 4 months after buying that car, not too bad since i did the work myself, timing belt is a yes but the mighty 12v can last up to 100k with the original but reaplceing it early is always good, as for the A/C panel its jsut the lights that are loose.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec153.shtml
follow the steps on this link to take out the module and just tighten the bulbs, although they may be on their way out so you may have to go the dealer the bulbs are like $4 a pop, yeah i know steep.

 

thanks for the help and suggestions. although, I'm looking to replace the fabric on the DOOR panel ARMRESTS, not the middle console. any help there? are they removable?

also, are there any warning signs for when a timing belt starts to go bad?

 

ya the belt area for black dust, if your see alot of balck dust, the belt is wearing out. as for the armrest on the door, they are definitely removable but idk how