So I have had about 8 different VW vehicles in my lifetime. Ranges are from Fox to Passat to Golf. I am used to the handed down technology from Audi to the VW over the years, but had never experienced the technology first hand in an Audi. However in recently purchasing my 98’ A4 Quattro 2.8L 30v, I think this may be the best German vehicle I have had to date.

This forum has helped me tremendously in learning the nuances of the vehicle. In the last month I learned the following between forum reading and driving the vehicle:

• Why there are 2 fog light buttons. And that the front fogs are in the headlights.
• The gas cap door gets locked when you lock the vehicle.
• Knew about the key ability to raise/lower the windows and moon roof. Didn’t realize that in 1998 it was standard in the Audis. My first new (dealer purchased) VW in 2001 had it and I thought it was the greatest invention at the time.
• 2.8 L 30v V6 even with 206k miles is still FAST.
• A 14 year old Audi still looks better than half of the new vehicles out there.
• Realized the passenger side mirror is short/stubby. Although not sure why?
• Love the cargo space in the trunk. Fold the seats down and you can go to Home Depot and carry A LOT of stuff home.

I purchased the vehicle as a beater/commuter back-up to my 2012 Wrangler. Honestly I love driving both vehicles and love the massive differences from one to the other. Looking forward to continued smiles in the winter with Quattro.

 

Welcome to AF!

For starters, I just wanna thank you for taking it upon yourself to do some searching and reading before starting a thread. Too often people will register, do no research of any kind, and then start a new thread about a topic that has been covered a million times already (like most of the stuff in your list). So thanks!

That said, I agree with everything in your first post. IMO, the lines of the B5 are still very modern looking, especially when compared to the American and Japanese econo-boxes you see now.

To answer your question about the stubby mirror, it's one of the euro spec parts that found their way onto the first generation of American B5's. We also got euro-spec trunk lids/hatches for a short time. Presumably the stubby mirror on the passenger's side was to keep your mirror from getting clipped when you were parked on the street. Being that we drive and park on the other side of the road over here, it doesn't really serve a purpose.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me or post them here! Got any pics of the car?

 

I actually spent about 2 weeks straight learning about the car as i love forums. Nothing better than sitting at work and firing up the forum during lunch. I do the same over at the Wrangler forum. Seriously you can become an expert just by learning from others.

I spent most of the time learning about the engine upper seals. Similar to many of my previous VW, the always-fun VC and tensioner/half moon seals were needeed on the A4. I knew that when I bought it and as a hands on guy, I wanted to see some visuals and see what was required for tools, time etc. After debating with a couple of VAG indies, I decided to have a VERY good local VAG specialist do the seals as well as give it a complete look over. For me it was easier than spending a weekend doing it. I had already replaced the air filter and replaced all of the OEM original PCV lines.

The best part is that the vehicle is in mint condition. So much so I had to question if it was re-painted which I don't think it has been. Red paint is flawless and interior leather has no holes or rips. The usual discoloring and wear but otherwise perfect. Plus every single switch works and the original sound system with 6-disc changer sounds better than any other factory system I have every had in a vehicle. I am a sound junkie and already ripped out my Wrangler system and replaced everything from HU back. I'm OK with how the Audi sounds. I mean it is a beater...

The car will be mostly my DD and MTB hauler. Already got the roof rack on. Already added over a thousand miles since owning it and it really is fun as hell to drive.

 

They drive on the right in Germany.

 

Oh lol. Well then I really have no idea why the stubby mirror is on the passenger's side....

 

My next project is to install post-cat O2 sensor spacers. I have the P0432/P0422 CEL and I do not feel like spending upwards of $1,500 to replace both cats. Especially not since the car just passed emissions testing in Feb and I am good until Feb2014! So I just want to eliminate the CEL popping up. They are not clogged. I randomly check and clear the codes and those are the only ones I get.

 

Welcome to AF!

I think Audi gets most of their parts from VW, not the other way around. Audi just puts in more thought when putting the car together.

 

Well, I would imagine that all of their parts are technically from VW. Since VW owns Audi and a miltitude of other manufacturers.

 

I would have thought the other way around? The key trick with opening/closing the windows by turning in the drivers lock didn't hit VW until after 1999/2000 I thought? I could be mistaken...

Either way it is good to be back in a VAG machine.

 

That's most likely true. But don't forget: Audi is more of a luxury line of cars than VW is. So it would make sense that the nicer features would hit them first. That is why people mistake that B5 A4's are new cars. Because they are super modern for their time IMO.