This looks like a pretty easy swap, but from looking at it, I have one question. That bar that runs across in front of one of the bolts seems to be in the way even if I were to use an extension. Before I go at it, am I going to need to remove that bar first or would the socket be able to attach to the bolt ok? If I do, nothing will move or fall on my face right?? Lol. Thanks. Here's a pic.

 

Nah you're ok. That bar doesn't hold anything up, its just bracing between the motor mount and snub cage. Carry on!

 

Ok, I put in the new thermostat today and a new coolant reservoir. I got the new thermostat rated at 180 deg. F. The stock one is set at 195 right? I let the car warm up and I drove around for a little bit to make sure there were no leaks and was curious to find out where the needle would sit now. I noticed that the needle only went down maybe barely a hair less than where it used to sit at. Shouldn't 15 deg. make a bigger difference than that?

 

If you measured coolant temp with a thermocouple you'd probably see a difference. Factory gauges are usually a rough estimate more than a precise reading, so a relatively small difference in operating temp is unlikely to register on the stock temp gauge.

 

Oh ok. Thanks. It's just that every car I've had, the needle always sat a little below the half way mark. This car sits a sliver above the half way mark. Is that what everyone else's A4 does?

 

Here's a pic.

 

Looks ok to me. My needle sits dead center on the white line, but my wife's B6 sits right where yours does.

I would be more concerned where the needle on your gas guage is right now.

 

BEEEEP. Goddammit car why are you beeping at me I know the tank's almost empty.

Happens damn near ever week.