Hi all, I just bought a '99 A4 1.8T Quattro 5-speed with 86k miles 2 days ago. I've spent the last 2 days reading all the important posts on this forum. I can say I learnt a lot about this car. The car runs very good and it's fun to drive. However, I still have some questions that I hope you guys can give me some input, it's greatly appreciated.

- The first thing I'm gonna do it to change the oil and filter. I'll go with Castro Synctec 5W40. But I'm a little confused about the big oil filter thing. The best one seems to be Audi/Volkswagen updated big filter. Is it a revised version by Audi for the A4 1.8T? Or is it originally for a V6 version? And how would I order it from a Volkswagen dealership (closer to me), like telling them to get me an oil filter for '99 GTI 1.8T? Or do I just tell them a part number?

- Most people recommend replacing the timing belt at 60k miles for pre-2000 models, as the timing belt tensioner will break soon. I have the 99.5 model with revised front and tail light design. Does it mean the timing belt on my car need to be replaced now at 86k miles? Or I can wait until 105k miles?

Thanks in advance for your input, and I'm happy to join the club!!

[IMG]local://upfiles/35654/717E6DDD4F884FF382EB29ECB614D28F.jpg[/IMG]

 

Looks like a nice car! Congrats.

Just tell the dealer you want the updated big filter -- they'll know what you mean, and would likely have given it to you anyways.

I, as well as everybody else here, will tell you to change your timing belt, and all the things that go with it, as soon as you can. Nobody should wait until 105 on these cars... ever.

EDIT: debadge that thing, and get rid of that green sticker on the bumper!

 

The filter is for the 1.8t, you can just go in and ask for one from the parts department.

For the timing belt, see if its been changed and if not, change it asap. do not wait on that.

 

Thanks! Can I use a compatible one for Volkswagen as Audi dealer is quite far from my place. Here are a couple more pictures. I found out the cruise control wasn't functioning after I bought it, otherwise I could probably knock the price down a little more, my bad!!

[IMG]local://upfiles/35654/99A9CD77F070461E8618251976A293AA.jpg[/IMG]

 

Another one.

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the gti is still a small version. i use the large filter on my TT for the summer so i can hold almost 6qrts (sorry longitude guys). You should be able to get a mobil 1 or bosch filter at a parts store also. Just see if its bigger than the gti version before you buy, they are huge.

 

Passat 1.8T would use the same filter.

There's a DIY fix for the cruise control... you should try it. It might be on Audiworld.com in the tech section... I can't remember.

 

Welcome, i'm prety new to the forum as well!

first of all, that little blue hunk a junk right there. . . snapped a TB at just about 105k and cost me over $2k so like the other say, DO NOT WAIT, if in doubt CHANGE IT

also your car looks REALLY nice, mind me asking how much you paid? i kick myself for not finding one with the sport package with the sweet-a** steering wheel and electric seats etc.

my previous 2 b5's had it and i miss it dearly

 

Thanks, so I just go in to the volkswagen part dept. and ask for a '99 Passat 1.8T oil filter? Yea I read about the DIY fix, it could be the stalk or module, I will do it when I have time, it looks time-consuming.

 

why not go to ECS tuning and buy they oil kit for your car, its 50 bucks and ashipping, there is tons of stuff on there