Hello all! I come to you from the land of B5ers with warm wishes and a request for information As my sig will tell you, I'm currently rolling in a 98 A4 2.8 that I've had for almost four years now. With that in mind, I'm relatively familiar with the workings of the four ringed delights we all love to love and work on.

I'm currently about to roll 205k miles on the B5 and bit by bit, problems are creeping up that are becoming increasingly hard to keep up with, and as the B7 styling is one of my more favorite platforms, I'm looking to buy one soon. Not planning to dump the B5 though; I've put too much of my soul into that car to simply hand it off to someone else or a junkyard. I plan to keep it for a side project to make a nice show car out of, but while its getting various upgrades for that purpose, I need something else to get around in. Plus, I'm craving for boost and thus the 2.0t motor is what I want.

So the info I seek, after scouring the forums for other relevant information and coming up a little shorthanded, is this: I'm wondering if anyone can give me specifics to the B7s as they are between their years. What kind of things should I look for if I find a 2006, and what should I look for if I find a 2008? Presumably, the cam follower, pcv, and other "common" issues I found discussed in the forums will be something to look for in any of the B7 years, but what, say, might have been a major recall item on the 2005.5 that would have been automatically fixed on a 2008 and thus wouldn't be something I'd have to worry about if I found an 08 instead of an 06?

As it is right now, I'm currently eyeballing a 2005.5 that has 117k miles; no other specifics are listed on it as far as what maintenance, clean title, etc are associated with it, but if there's more to worry about with that particular year and mileage than if the timing belt, waterpump, tstat etc as well as aforementioned known problems with the B7s, what would I want to watch out for with that one? Should I avoid the early B7s all together and only settle for an 08? What about minor factory changes between the years? For example, in the B5s, the early B5s were 8 and 12 valve engines for the 1.8t and 2.8 respectively; then they changed to the 20 and 30 valve motor in 98, and then came the facelift in 99.5, but through all those revisions, it was still a B5; is there any differences like that between the B7s that would make me want to consider one particular year over another?

I think thats all for now, thanks for listening and for any and all input I look forward to seeing your responses so I can make a more educated decision on what years to avoid and which would be more preferable

P.S. If your comment is going to involve an opinion against the 2.0t motor or against the B7 platform or staying with Audi in general, please say nothing at all. I'm set on a B7 2.0t for my next car, I know that they're costly and maintenance ****** (I know this all too well having rolled in a B5 for four years) but even that can't make me change my mind on staying with the brand. I just want to know about the differences between the B7 years so that I can get one that isn't going to give me an above average headache

Thanks again!

 

Good day all. I just wanted to post an update to this topic for the future reference of anyone who might stumble onto this thread looking for the same information I am. I just got off the phone with a local, fellow enthusiast who is well versed in the B7s. He was able to provide some of the insight I am seeking so I decided to share with all.

Regarding differences between the years, cosmetically, very little changes from the 2005.5-2008. The only real differences at all is just trim options, such as S-Line, Titanium package, etc. The S-Line, other than what I understand as having a sportier suspension, cosmetic wise, differs only by a more aggressive looking front bumper. I'm still a bit unclear on specific differences with the titanium package, but as far as I've gathered, the difference there is in things like the beltline trim in the cabin.

As far as differences in the motors go, the only thing that really changed after 2006 is that the cam follower problem was acknowledged and the 07-08 design of the cam follower assembly was made to more easily access the part to change it. It was apparently also claimed that the follower itself was completely redesigned for the 08s so that the issue was resolved, but there has been much speculation on that fact and it remains recommended to replace the follower as part of routine maintenance every 30-40 thousand miles, no matter which of the years you have.

So there we have it. Its not much information in the ways of what I was looking for, but its definitely a start and if any of you have more to add, I'd love to hear it To anyone in the future that looks at this thread for the same reasons I started it: I hope this helps a little

Cheers!

 

I've had my 2005.5 b7 2.0t mt6 for 3 years now. The only major service item I've needed thus far is the timing belt service. Other than that I replaced the cam follower easily enough myself and updated my diverter valve.

Not sure if this applies to all 2005.5's, but I had my coil packs, PCV valve and fuel pressure sender replaced under recall. So if you did end up going with an '05.5, I'd try to get the VIN first and have your dealer check it for recalls.

Just had a couple minor electrical issues with the car but were cheaply and easily rectified.

As I don't have an APR dealer nearby, I was forced to go with GIAC tuning, but have been very happy with it.

Hope this helps, and nice to hear another Audi lover willing to stick with it no matter what. IMO no other brand compares to the styling, feel, and class of these vehicles.

Cheers

 

A lot of info, thanks! Just got my a4 and will call the dealer to check of the previous owner took it for the recalls..
Love this machine!

 

Good choice. I bought my A4 2.0t new in '07 and have had lots of fun with it. The only problems I have had (so far) were PCV (24tmls) and 2 coil packs (Audi has a recall on those). Other than that it has been an excellent car. Very well built, and (IMO) better looking than the B8 which is too big for may taste. Get an Sline or the 2008 Sline body kit and you are set. There is lots of info on this site (and the net) that will tell you problems these cars can have. Take care of it and it will take car of you!

Have fun!

 

By a 2008 and your virtually worry free from headaches that 05 and 06 have...