First off, I've had my B5 30V Quattro for six months now, and I've noticed two quirks with it. First off is my gas mileage. Around town it's about what I'd expect, around 18-20mpg. But on the highway at 70, taching right about 3k RPM on a steady non-cruise-control drive, I get almost 29mpg. Anyone else see that big a discrepancy between city and highway mileage?

Second, of all the cars I've had, this car has by far the worst brakes when it's raining out. In the dry, they're fine, but when it's raining and the discs are wet, this things pedal feel and stopping distances plain suck. In my past cars, rain didn't seem to affect the braking much at all (as far as the braking system goes - tires are a potentially different story of course). This car though, anytime I hit the brakes for the first time, after at least a few minutes of driving, it feels like I'm stepping on a bag full of sponges, and the stopping distances are drastically longer. I imagine that going to x-drilled or slotted rotors could help some, but still...anyone else see this with their cars, using OEM brakes?

No real burning need to get any fact-hunting answers here, but I'm curious if you guys see this also.

 

yes there is a major flaw with the brakes when they are wet. X-drilled or slotted rotors with a good set of pads SS lines and a bleed will make your braking 10x better stock. There is also the A8 upgrade or BBK if you feel you need extra stopping power

 

Yep I'm looking at the A8 drilled/slotted combo as a budget upgrade and would of course do the SS lines at the same time. I have new pads and a full bleed as of three months ago and they didn't seem to help, but when the brake upgrade goes in, I'll probably switch over to Motul 600 fluid (which I used in my 300Z and loved). Do you notice that kind of discrepancy in mpg in your car?

 

Yes I get only about 250 miles on a full tank around town, but on the highway its more like 330, sometimes even more. But I always drive aggressively anyways. I've also noticed the crappy braking that gets even worse in wet weather. Then I installed brembo crossdrilled/slotted rotors, ceramic pads and SS lines. Instantly the braking improved, the bite was harder with no more brake fade. The only downside is the ceramic pads tend to squeal a little when really hot.

 

Be sure to upgrade your pads no matter what choice you go with. Be sure to do some research.

 

my freakin ceramic pads squeel a little bit when its hot also, its soooo annoying.... its a very tiny squeel and doesnt happen often but still, ughhhh

 

I notice the same things you describe when braking in the rain. My pads and rotors are near new too. A flush and ss lines would probably make a good improvement.

 

How do SS lines improve braking?

 

Under hard braking those rubber lines tend to bend or expand a little this results in that squishy, dead pedal/brake fade. Imagine how the gardenhose expands when you turn on the water. SS lines are braided SS and very rigid, so no warpage. This improves the hydraulics and the overall braking feel. Its not a night and day thing but its a noticeable improvement.

 

I'm curious to hear more responses on your fuel issues. I have owned a B6 now for 2 weeks. The first 10 days were around town driving, where I averaged 20mpg. The tank was between half and 1 quarter with around 200 miles on the clock. A little concerning.

This weekend I was able to take the car on a long road trip. It ran like a dream. On the interstate, I averaged 28mpg on my journey, and 27.5 on the way home. This was much better; the tank was still over half full with 240miles clocked up. The good news for me is my commute is normally interstate at speeds over 50mph, so I should be looking to get 400 miles out of each tank. Then back for another $50+ fill up!

I'm considering seafoam to see if that helps mpg at all. Still researching previous posts on these forums though. I'm also wondering if seafoam will help 2nd gear; out of all my gears that seems very sluggish between 2000 rpm and 3800rpm. Hopefully a chip will increase torque and reduce that problem.