Advice pls. Looking to do some low-cost aesthetics mod

[francis_a]

Hi!

I just picked up an 04 Avant this past weekend. It's silver so it's pretty plain {even my son says that comparing it to my 05 B6 sedan in Dolphin Gray }

But everything's well especially mileage as it only has 15k so pretty new still.

First mod coming is to swap for HID lows.

I was thinking of just doing some minor suspension upgrades just for looks. Bought 2 B6s in the past 2 months (to replace my Jeeps) so funds are not doing really well for mods.

After some research, was hoping to:
1. USP/Sport springs/shocks {anyone got a set for sale?}
2. Wheel spacers (10mm Fr and 15mm Rr)

My Avant has the 17" factory alloys which are ok. But they're tucked inside more than I wanted. Be nice to have them flush with the fenders.

Do you think it will make the Silver Avant look better? I'm sure the ride and handling will be better so I'm sold on that already.

Has anyone done this mod?

Pics of the Avant - dealer's pic, haven't taken my own pic just yet.





If this works out ok, I might do the same for my B6 sedan.

Thanks

[GTO]

spacers will change the look, and there would maybe be a slight difference in cornering, but obviously changing out the suspension will be the only way to truely get better handling. Maybe invest in some coils as apposed to spacers. Aside from the labor, you should be able to pick some up in the $200 range Or look for 02 sport springs, for whatever reason, even though they have the same part number they sit lower. You shouldn't need shocks, but its only going to help to change those too.

[sliverwagon]

I think you should just get a suspension kit opposed to the USP suspension, maybe add some s4 door blades
de-badge the rear, paint the grill surround black, paint the insides of your headlight housing. take out the orange corner markers in the head lights
maybe buy some USP wheels


those are just suggestions, in the end it is all up to you

[michgo]

Awh, so cute. I have the same color too. Clear corner mod / Debadge / Springs and Shocks (Or coilovers if you wanna save for it.) / USP lower bumper.

Clear corner is easy, so is debadge. Costs less than $10 to do both.
USP front lower will drastically change the look of your front end in a more sporty way. Thats another DIY.
Doesnt look like you got a Sport edition but some springs and shocks will bring the car a little lower and make it look MUCH better. Or if you are patient enough save up some cash and go straight to coilovers (smarter choice in my opinion).

Great start, cant wait to see some changes!

[cerfus]

Exterior:Clear corner, springs, door blades, debadge, S4 grills (I think they should fit)

Interior:Suede over your wood panels(I just did looks great) DIY, DIY Suede headliner

[white fish]

tints

[phsingl]

its interesting how different people view the same car. I guess the question should be what is it you want to achieve? Some people want looks, others want performance (of course many of us would like both).
Whilst the standard avant in 3.0 or 1.8 flavor is not a racehorse, my view is that coils + RS4 rear sway is the best +/- $1200 you can spend on our cars to start with. Others will disagree because they spend all their time on the freeway or at the mall - and that's ok (i am NOT hating).
At the end of the day it really depends on what you want to achieve. For me its having the owner of the 335i look on in horror whilst a 'mere 1.8 wagon' humbles him from 50 - 120 (see my other threads, my car is no way near the BAT league). For others its the clean shaved look of a fully debaged car on bags - neither is better or worse - all about what lights your candle...

Obviously the OP has stated cosmetic changes which is means he has settled on his view so again, I'm not hating, but the choices are interesting to me.

[francis_a]

All,

Thanks for the input. Very valuable, really. True, to begin with, I will go with looks. The DG B6 sedan doesn't need much of change in looks but the Silver Avant just needs a little to spice it up a bit to make others make than second look. I do get looks now and questions about the Avant but of course more is better

For certain I will be after performance next. Those V-Maxx coils on the A4 B6 forum is starting to sound sweet at ~ $600. Chipping is also in the plans (Revo Stage 1) is also in the plans. Actually planning on trying to software. Course, 18s or 19s RS4s are in line.

But they'll come (hopefully) in their own sweet time.

When I had my Jeep, I had it lifted 3", replaced with offroad wheels/tires, then dropped it 1.5" from stock, let her wear 18s with 275s. Suspension with Edelbrock then ProComp shocks also stiffer Addco sways. Replaced the cams with hotter cams, did intake mods, replaced intake manifold and replaced TB. Did all these myself as well as full audio system upgrade. Had free-flowing exhaust installed too. To top it off, got a Superchips programmer.

So I got plans it's just a question of when. I'd love to be able to do the same, and more with the B6s as I've read it's got great potentials.

This forum has been tons of help on my research as to what can be done with the B6 1.8. And no doubt, the Avant just looks reaaaaaalllllly sexy when dressed up.

Thanks again