front end differences?
 

i'm finally getting around to fixing the front end on my a4. it t-boned another car and needs all new metal on the front. i'm having a hard time finding parts for the 1999.5-01 but i can find plenty for the earlier cars. i know a complete front clip off an earlier car would work, but i want to keep my 1 piece headlights. so here is my question, can i use an earlier hood and fenders but keep my headlights? also can i use an earlier hood with the later fenders and my headlights? is the only difference on the fenders the side marker light? and what is the difference on the hoods?

anyone know?

I'm not too sure about the hood but from what I know they should be the same.

As for fenders, the differences are the side markers (like you mentioned) and the Audi emblems on the sides. Also there is a slight modification (cutting) that is necessary to fit the one piece headlights if you're using the older fenders.

kriptonik got it correct, and the only difference in hoods is the placement of the windshield sprayers which is easy to mod with a piece of tubing.

so what do i have to cut to get the headlights to fit?
does the trim swap over? i think the older ones have a narrower piece of trim