Hi, This may be a stupid question, But I am looking for a new pair of headlights for my car and a lot of people say that I should get e-code ones. What exactly is e-code? Also one more thing. I also noticed that their is a 1998 and a 1998.5 audi A4. What is the difference and how do I know which one I have. Thanx again.

 

e codes are european code headlights, the most disirable is the one piece european spec headlights that are a really clean finish. I dont know the difference of 98 to 98.5 but the 99.5's got a bunch of upgrades including the one piece headlights.

 

yes, ecodes are entirely clear, and have a better beam pattern, and excellent light output, they also use a single element bulb, so the amber corner lights wont be on the entire time the lights are on.. just blink when turn signal is used

i think they only difference for 98.5 is the tailights

 

So if I were to buy a pair of e-code headlights the light pattern will be ok to use here in the U.S.? These are the ones I'm thinking of getting. LINK
I know the clear side lights are technically illegal in the U.S. but that doesn't bother me. What do you think?

 

valeo ecodes are the best on the market...but you might as well just upgrade to the one piecers.. it only requires some fender trimming

you could get depo ecodes.. but they have fogging problems

 

usually in most states the clear corners are not illegal as long as there is an orange bulb in it. I think the difference between the 98' and 98.5' is the radio...heating/cooling unit is different and maybe the tailights, not sure. Yah the one piece headlights look a hell of a lot better

 

the ecodes are somewhat illegal, because they are not dot approved.. but 99% of inspection stations wont notice they arent..

and if they are euro car enthusiasts.. they will probably just pass you out of fellow respect, haha

 

Here is a chart that tells the difference between all years of the B5
http://ctny.audiworld.com/mark/a4/diff/
Basically if you have a 1.8t you are driving a 98.5 since they didn't come out as early as the 2.8