Hey guys,
I used to be an old B5'er but I just picked up an 08 Manual A4 (18k miles). I wanted a Quattro like my old B5, but its so hard to find manuals now days, and I fell in love with this one. Anyway, I was interested in adding a few things to it and would love some input. No particular order here is my list (as of now)

pics of car: ImageShack Album - 32 images

1. Tint
2. Rims
3. Roof Rack
4. iPod interface
5. led strip lights (like the B8's)
6. Radar detector
7. Chip

Any input on these would be appreciated. For instance good / bad brands, Items you have.

What do you guys think of these potential rims?

BigWheels.Net: custom wheels,chrome wheels,alloy wheels,car wheels,truck wheels,aftermarket wheels,large rims,wheel and tire packages,polished wheels

BigWheels.Net: custom wheels,chrome wheels,alloy wheels,car wheels,truck wheels,aftermarket wheels,large rims,wheel and tire packages,polished wheels

 

One more thing, is there a way to check the VIN number to see if this is an S-line package or not? It was advertised as one, but I read that all the 08's have the s-line badge.

 

for wheels, OZ is probably the best quality out of the more affordable brands. BBE and HRE and extremely nice but cost alot (forged).

 

Congrats on the new car! I think either of those wheels would look good. To see if you're a true S-Line, take a look at your shocks. If their a dull red/brown, you're in luck.

 

I like that color combo for wheels but unless the red matches perfect it will be ugly.

As far as a Chip goes I would go with APR or REVO whoever is closest to you. Both are great. I would go ahead and get a test pipe and go straight to stage 2 as you will probably do it later. Read my sticky for tons of info on what you should be doing. I would stay away from GIAC as they do not clear the check engine light associated with a test pipe or high flow cat.

 

The shocks weren't reddish / brown, so I guess I'm out of luck on the S-line. o well.

As for my next question, I apologize in advance for being such a complete noob, but what exactly is a test pipe? I read your sticky and I understand the basics. I'm assuming a test pipe as part of the muffler?

Also I would like to get rid of the chrome trim and go to black. I searched the forums and saw there are basically 2 options, wrap it in vinyl, or plastidip it. I live in Las Vegas so the heat and sun are pretty harsh (today its pretty cool, only 105) Will this effect my decision? will the heat and sun make the vinyl crack / fade? When I'm at my house its parked in the shade, but at work its usually in the sun.

Thanks guys

 

a test pipe is simply a piece of pipe that bolts up to the exhaust piping where the removed catalytic converter used to be. from the turbo there's the downpipe, then the cat, then the catback and muffers. the test pipe goes where the cat used to be.

 

Plasti-dip is great. No sanding required and it will peel off if you want to remove it later on. Like majic.

 

While all 2008's has the S-Line exterior spoilers, trunk lip and badge on the front grill, there was still an actual S-Line package that included different suspension, wheels/tires, 3 spoke steering wheel, badges on the rear door, etc. Your car does not have any of those.

 

Thanks for all the replies.

First, I agree that for the rims, the red has to match up, otherwise they would look really bad. I'm pretty worried it would be a darker red, so I will probably go with a gunmetal color or a flat black.

Second, How well does the plastipip hold up? I've seen items sprayed with it, and they look really nice, but I've never seen it under wear. What I'm trying to ask is how likely will it be to chip / peel off on its own?

Third, Thanks for the info on the test pipe, that makes way more sense now. I know the stage 2 chip will clear the CEL. But here in Nevada we have to smog test every year. By installing the test pipe / getting rid of the catalytic converter, will I fail the smog tests?