HI, just want to start out saying that I've never owned an audi before. I have 2 choices, I can either get a 96 5sp 2.8l a4 quattro with a blown head gasket or a 98 awd 5sp 2.8 a4 quattro that has to have a new transmission. I need to find out which one is cheaper and if they could be done at home? Also would it be better just to get a whole new motor for the 96?

 

why does every one keep saying the B5 doesnt have a immobolizer?! mine is a 98... basically 97 and it has one.

 

There's not a single North American B5 that came with an immobilizer. Everywhere else in the world maybe, but people here are primarily from North America so it's a safe assumption to make.

 

i live in north america which would mean there is atleast a single B5 that came with an immobilizer. im sure im not the only one

 

Hey guys!! Quick update, found a audi a4 2.8 30v avant the other day that was being sold for spares as the owner had a "20mph crash" and didnt have the time to get it repaired! Was going to drive this and sell my 2.6 because it would have been easier!! But on further inspection found the right hand side of the car was twisted 3inches higher and 2inchs facing to the right!! 20mph crash my ***!! So back to the original plan, engine out and in mine. On the plus side, I have everything I need, loom, clocks, key, immob. EVERYTHING!! Which is sooooo much easier. Anyway, engine came out last night and when I have the timing belt kit and water pump, better safe than sorry. Engine comes
Out of mine and ill link everything up!
Anyway enough of me for the moment. In answer to your
Question about the audi's go for the gearbox replacement depending on the rest of the car. Head gasket is
A full on job and replacing gearbox
Is easier, did it on my drive couple weeks back.
And the immob questions answered are AMERICAN audi b5's didn't have immob's and ENGLISH b5's do! Some
Have a separate box under the clocks, and some are built in to the clocks.
Hope this helps and ill keep you updated
Cheers guys!!!

 

i know specifically mine has an immobilizer because i put in the package codes that are located in the spare tire well. i dont drive on the right side so im pretty sure my car is american is anybody listening?! haha

 

Maybe it was a special-order-only option?

 

I think Canadian B5s had immobilizers in them. Maybe it was originally from the Great White North?

 

You mistyped the code then, they're really easy to screw up because there's almost no difference between 1 and L, or O and 0 for example. It's a well-supported fact that NA B5's didn't have an immobilizer, they simply lack the hardware and software. C5's got it in '00, but I guess Audi decided to wait until the B6 since the B5 only had 2 years left at that point. B5.5 Passats on the other hand, did get one, but that started in '02.

Even if it did have one it's so incredibly easy to bypass it that it's a non-issue. I got my ECU out of an '02 Passat and it took all of 5 minutes after I got everything set up, it's foolproof.

Interestingly enough, it's actually pretty easy to retrofit an immobilizer. All you need to do is reprogram the cluster and ECU and install the antenna ring, though this might not apply to DBC cars.

EDIT: I think it's DBC cars that had a separate immo box, so this would only work for DBW.

 

Anyone on here ever swapped a 2.7 bi turbo into a a4 b5? I'm currently in the middle of the swap and need some help wiring