Hey all! I just picked up my second 96 quattro, and I wanted to ask around about some issues the car has before I get quotes.

1.) The muffler is loud, possibly leaking. The seller said it was a bracket, and it rattles some, but the car also smokes some on idle (white/grey, smells like a car engine.) Are these related? I don't think it's a head gasket, based on the smoke, which dissipates easily and is kinda grey. (It's cold here, and the car has sat for more than a month.) It needs to pass DC emissions, so I need to get the smoke issue figured out. The loud muffler isn't super loud - just annoying. Louder on acceleration.

3.) I would like a keyfob, but - the driver's door is a different lock (and handle) from the rest of the car. So right now I have a broken switchblade key for the door and an original key for the ignition/rest of the doors. What would be the most elegant solution?

I'd like to learn to do engine work myself, so any ideas you have please share!

 

The exhaust noise has to be solved by lifting the car enough to get under it, or on a shop lift. It should be obvious, especially when running.

Learn to work on the car? Good idea, but get a complete set of metric tools (sockets, wrenches, hex keys, etc.) and then get a Chilton repair manual for the A4/Passat. The Chilton manuals are simplified with photos and tend to concentrate on routine work rather than everything, as the Bentley manual does, so excellent for someone starting out.

 

and if the manual docent answer any questions people here can. they have helped me alot with diag that i could not figure out.(swapping engines,car not starting, car not cracking ect.) Hint Hint, bookmark this site hint hint. Good luck with the car!