February '08 Featured AZ'er: Derleicaman's 2003 A4 1.8T sedan

 

Q: How has your ownership been with this vehicle overall?
A: So far, so good. I’ve even managed to avoid a dreaded coilpack failure so far.

Q: Think you'll be getting another one anytime soon?
A: No, still enjoying the hell out of it. Not looking to move on any time soon.

 

Q: Is this your first Audi? If not, what other models and years have you owned?
A: 1980 Audi 5000, 1985 4000 Quattro.

 

Q: How long have you been into Audis and in the European tuning scene?
A: Early days with the ’85 quattro, four door. I put on Euro halogen lights, a Votex kit, bigger wheels and tires and an Oettinger head on the engine. People didn’t do that sort of thing with Audis back then.
My first car mods were to my 1973 BMW 2002 – Scheel seats and a Nardi steering wheel.

Q: What about cars in general, how long have you been an enthusiast?
A: I think it all started with my BMW 2002. Back in 1973, people had no idea what a BMW was. They kept asking if BMW stood for British Motor Works! I had a classic round tail light car with a 4-speed and a sunroof. Who could have asked for more? I loved that car, I wish I still had it!

 

Q: Where do you think that passion and enthusiasm comes from, can it be traced back to anyone or anything?
A: I think my dad, being born in Germany, imparted to me a great respect for German engineering. That, and the BMW 2002 my parents bought me at age 16.

Q: What do you most love about your car?
A: I really love the interior, after all that’s where you spend the most time with a car. I like the look I’ve achieved with the exterior – always getting compliments on it!

Q: What's your biggest peeve in regards to the car, the one thing you dislike the most?
A: None so far, what’s not to like?

Q: Can you explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go, more show, perhaps a combo of both?
A: OEM+. I like the more subtle style of modding with OEM parts. You also can’t beat the fit and finish of OEM. The great thing about VW/Audi vehicles is the huge parts bin you can draw on for mods. My mods have been for both show and go.

Q: Do you prefer to do the work yourself, or do you have a shop or specific person perform the work?
A: I have done all the work myself with the exception of exterior paint.

Q: Which mod or aspect of the car are you the most proud of or happy with?
A: The S4 Recaros with Memory, the TT MKII MFSW and the RNS-E.

Q: When you're not on Audizine, or out playing with the Audi, what do like to you do for fun?
A: Reading, friends and family, photography. I also edit Viewfinder, the quarterly journal of the Leica Historical Society of America.

Q: Any word of advice for your fellow enthusiasts, a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart on the masses?
A: Make use of the resources on here and the other enthusiast web sites. DIY’s, part numbers, etc., it’s all a mouse click away. The internet makes modding so much more accessible than back in the 70’s and 80’s. Then there’s all the helpful people on AZ and the other sites willing and able to answer questions. Remember, search is your friend!

Q: Do you have anyone you'd like to thank, any shout-outs?

A: Obviously, my understanding family. John, Mike and Mike Jr. at Europa Motors for helping out and providing their lift when needed. Diagnosticator for his help in figuring out some of the more obscure wiring in our cars. Nsxjr and teddybgame for their help with the RNS-E. Avantiex for the inspiration of what one can do with a B6, and all the good folks on AZ.