going from M3 to A4....what to look for

[dtm330ispwr]

Long story short I am leaving the BMW/DTM seen to buy an audi for many reasons. I seem to spend more time under my current M then driving it. Im looking at buying a B5 A4 1.8t AWD. I'm not looking for speed or HP as I had that in my M. I want something reliable and good in the snow. Why im going with an audi. I may do a chip/exhaust/suspension only. What I ask you guys since i am new to the scene is what year to buy? best year for mods/reliablity? common problems and issues to look for during purchase. i read over the B5 FAQ thread already so I have some knowledge there. i should be picking one up this weekend as i sold the M already. thanks for the help

[dtm330ispwr]

[blmlozz]

I have a 1999.5 and it's the "most mod friendly" I guess you could say, it has the facelift interior and headlights ( most easily identified by the 1 piece headlights) but still has the aeb motor with dbc and a strong bottom end. Throttle most important maintiance or the aeb 1.8t is timming belt and quality oil changes due to engine sludge, other biggies are control arms and clutch (for chiping) but not nearly as important as the previous two)

[prey]

Try to get a 2001.5, 99.5 is good but so is 2001, try to avoid the 2000 year tho. As the previous post stated, make sure the timing belt has been done, and so is the clutch,control arms and turbo otherwise be ready to pay a hefty repair bill, if you are going to put suspension on it, don't worry about getting the sport package.

Anyways good luck and Welcome to the Audi scene.

[dtm330ispwr]

are these cars easy to work on? replacing timing belt....control arms? i did the motor/trans swap on the BMW so im good with a wrench. what us the typical milage for the timing belt replacement.

sounds like a alot of major stuff on these cars! turbo/clutch/control arms. how are the bushings? thats BMW's biggest thing. bushing need to be replaced ALL THE TIME

[prey]

are these cars easy to work on? replacing timing belt....control arms? i did the motor/trans swap on the BMW so im good with a wrench. what us the typical milage for the timing belt replacement.

Yea, if u did swaps it should be easy for you, the timing belt should be replaced at 60k miles, the Audi book tells u to do so at 105k, but a lot of people have broken them at 80k and had valve damage and what not.

These cars are reliable too, if u do preventative maintainence, they wont let you down, I didn't mean to scare you but basically what im trying to tell u is get a well maintained vehicle.(ask the owner for records) Try not to get a modded car, as u don't know has it been beat on or not?

[dtm330ispwr]

Yea, if u did swaps it should be easy for you, the timing belt should be replaced at 60k miles, the Audi book tells u to do so at 105k, but a lot of people have broken them at 80k and had valve damage and what not.

These cars are reliable too, if u do preventative maintainence, they wont let you down, I didn't mean to scare you but basically what im trying to tell u is get a well maintained vehicle.(ask the owner for records) Try not to get a modded car, as u don't know has it been beat on or not?

cool thanks. i found some low milage ones for $10k with 60-70k and will likely take it to a dealer before purchase to do a check up since i dont know the cars too well. seems like all german cars a "preventative" maint cars. if there is oil in a honda/acura it wont let you down. i love german cars so im sticking to them.

[AudiA4_20T]

cool thanks. i found some low milage ones for $10k with 60-70k and will likely take it to a dealer before purchase to do a check up since i dont know the cars too well. seems like all german cars a "preventative" maint cars. if there is oil in a honda/acura it wont let you down. i love german cars so im sticking to them.

your going to have to watch things like tie rods/control arms, boost leaks, and basically the timing belt. Timing belt should be done at 60k-70k

Also, as soon as I got the car, I would seafoam it to get rid of any junk in the engine. These motors are prone to sludge if synthetic oil was not used from day 1, so a nice engine flush will help you in the long run

Good luck

[docurley]

You wont need a clutch for just a remap the stock unit will be fine but it's recomended to upgrade the Diverter Valve if you do.

[blmlozz]

are these cars easy to work on? replacing timing belt....control arms? i did the motor/trans swap on the BMW so im good with a wrench. what us the typical milage for the timing belt replacement.

sounds like a alot of major stuff on these cars! turbo/clutch/control arms. how are the bushings? thats BMW's biggest thing. bushing need to be replaced ALL THE TIME

umm.. easy to work on? Generaly, yes, like with anything it's a PITA the first time.. however the general design of the car is that the engine is as far forward as possible to increase interior room.. but this presents the problem since to do basicaly *anything* as far as maintiance or turbo work the front bumper, and radiator core support must be removed.. this has the advantage of making everything extremely easy to access but you must drain the coolant every time.. I used to replace it with fresh G12 but being $30 a gallon at the dealer.. now I just get a clean bucket and re-use it. The bumper is easy to remove, being held on by just 2 bolts, the core support is also fairly straight-forward..and that generaly follows everything about the car, lots of room, straight-forward and few hidden stuff, just there's lots of it so it's time consuming.

another noteworthy thing is that the intake manifold is easily removed allowing access to all the cra* on the side of the block like the oil cooler and coolant pathways.

bushings aern't really an issue, since they're all in the control arms and you just replace those every 80-100K.. if you up the HP, rear axel bushings and motor mounts ect.. should be upgraded but that's about it.

You wont need a clutch for just a remap the stock unit will be fine but it's recomended to upgrade the Diverter Valve if you do.

if it were a low-mileage car or had a new replacement clutch I'd say yes, but since it's more likely it's going to be using an orginal clutch and have 90-100K.. he'll be needing to look into a replacement or soon after.

[biketsai]

X2, everything is pretty easy, but like all old cars, things seize up. The A4 is a very fun car and im sure the mod bug will bite you soon enough after you get one. Really, any year above 99.5 (facelift, one piece headlights) is good. But 99.5 has the strongest motor.

[bob12312357]

umm.. easy to work on? Generaly, yes, like with anything it's a PITA the first time.. however the general design of the car is that the engine is as far forward as possible to increase interior room.. another noteworthy thing is that the intake manifold is easily removed allowing access to all the cra* on the side of the block like the oil cooler and coolant pathways.
.

Yea, and the foward engine placement means understeer is a bitch. I can't believe u would go from an M3 to an A4 dude. A4's are a ok car and don't excel or suck at much of anything, but I wouldn't buy one from a dealer. Private seller, one owner with full maintence is the way 2 go.

[Squarrl]

Honestly the e36 is a much easier and more reliable car then a b5. What are you keep having to do to yours?

[offroader1006]

BMW/DTM seen

LOL, that is all.

[Jibberific]

I would say that they are very easy to work on, the engine compartment is laid out very simply and logically, and you can do a lot of stuff without taking the front end off, that just makes it easier but it's possible to do work without removing it.

go 99.5, they rule, i have witnesses

[dtm330ispwr]

LOL, that is all.

i saw that. i edited that right away

[dtm330ispwr]

Honestly the e36 is a much easier and more reliable car then a b5. What are you keep having to do to yours?

everything! granted i dont keep up with maint that well because of a new condo. i have replaced the cooling system, all rear bushings and trailing arms. subframe cracked/welded M3 plates in, motor/trans/diff because of my own doing.....list goes on. some of it is my fault the way i drive it. i know they are great cars and i would like to buy into another, but my first experience wasnt the best. so im kinda scared.

[Rhinop21]

98's are the best, for seriol.

[killa]

Why did you change your "M's" front bumper, mirror to reguar 3 series???

[dan4g63]

Honestly the e36 is a much easier and more reliable car then a b5. What are you keep having to do to yours?

+1, I've had 4 E36 M3s and even more B5 A4/S4s and the M3s were more reliable and easier to work on. My gf loves Audis so I keep getting them for her plus for the money they are a great car as long as you know how to work on them. You can get a nice late model (99-01) for around 5k, and for way under that if you're willing to buy something that needs a little work.

You did mention that you drove your 3-series hard hence all the work it needed, the same will apply to an Audi. If you drive it hard and beat on it, it will require more maintenance. To me it sounds like you need to test drive a few 98-99 M3s. A 325 with a S50 is not a M3, sorry. If you do want to get into an Audi please don't pay 10k for a B5 you can find a B6 for that price.

[im sofa king]

+1, I've had 4 E36 M3s and even more B5 A4/S4s and the M3s were more reliable and easier to work on. My gf loves Audis so I keep getting them for her plus for the money they are a great car as long as you know how to work on them. You can get a nice late model (99-01) for around 5k, and for way under that if you're willing to buy something that needs a little work.

You did mention that you drove your 3-series hard hence all the work it needed, the same will apply to an Audi. If you drive it hard and beat on it, it will require more maintenance. To me it sounds like you need to test drive a few 98-99 M3s. A 325 with a S50 is not a M3, sorry. If you do want to get into an Audi please don't pay 10k for a B5 you can find a B6 for that price.

+2 I'm a BMW tech and own a B5 A4. BMW's are so much easier/more logical to work on. I love the E30 and E36 layout. The only reason I think you might like the Audi better is for the snow which no one will argue. But the E36 is way more reliable in my opinion and will last longer than an a4 with the same amount ($$) of maintenance

[fusionx]

I spy 3 series not m3 :P

[B518T]

it says in his sig that he tossed an M3 motor into his 330....

besides that....as long as you get a 1.8T with quattro and turbo you will be happy...everyone here has a B5 between 96-2001 and we all like our cars for different reasons....

gl on your purchse....when you pick one up post pics!

[missionhcky09]

[/QUOTE]


Ok lets start off with the basics, 3 series diffuser + 3 series mirror + 3 series front end + 3 series suspension + s50 m3 motor =/= M3. Second, bmw doesn't charge almost twice the price for the car for a different motor, the suspension is completely redone along with countless other things. Third, maybe if you had an m3, you could "push" it as hard as you do and not have problems. Also, DTM scene? WTF?!?! For an m3, the only thing people are actually using that has anything to do with DTM is exhaust TIPS. Lastly, your exhaust doesn't look like it fits right. [/rant] It would have been fine if you called your car a 325, or a 330 cause you put the s50 in there, but to keep labeling it as an m3 is just ignorant and kind of poser-ish. Scratch that not kind of. Anyways, good luck with your next car!

[dtm330ispwr]

Ok lets start off with the basics, 3 series diffuser + 3 series mirror + 3 series front end + 3 series suspension + s50 m3 motor =/= M3. Second, bmw doesn't charge almost twice the price for the car for a different motor, the suspension is completely redone along with countless other things. Third, maybe if you had an m3, you could "push" it as hard as you do and not have problems. Also, DTM scene? WTF?!?! For an m3, the only thing people are actually using that has anything to do with DTM is exhaust TIPS. Lastly, your exhaust doesn't look like it fits right. [/rant] It would have been fine if you called your car a 325, or a 330 cause you put the s50 in there, but to keep labeling it as an m3 is just ignorant and kind of poser-ish. Scratch that not kind of. Anyways, good luck with your next car![/QUOTE]

it says 330 in the sig. full M3 suspension/subframe/bushings, or powerflex bushings. it will keep with an M on the track and pull on one in the 1/4. buddy ran at 96mph (98' s52 with mods), i ran 103mph both ran a 15.0 (s50 with mods). both didnt have traction.....crappy day at the track. besides cometic and interior i am every bit an M besides the brakes. DTM scene yes.....as in DTMPOWER.net i wasnt talking about the ricer tips. i dont label it as an M. no M badge anywhere on the car. i had a 318 on there for a bit for sleeper. hopefuly all you audi guys are like this. i can play this game all night long. you got your M near by?

[missionhcky09]

haha funny thing, its actually about 20 feet from me... and by the way, no matter how hard you try, you can never make your 3 series feel like an m. you just said "i dont label it as an M." Exhibit A, thread title. Exhibit B, first post. And you were right with that 318 badge, closer to your car than an m3 is...

EDIT:
PS. It's a real one.

[dtm330ispwr]

haha funny thing, its actually about 20 feet from me... and by the way, no matter how hard you try, you can never make your 3 series feel like an m. you just said "i dont label it as an M." Exhibit A, thread title. Exhibit B, first post. And you were right with that 318 badge, closer to your car than an m3 is...

EDIT:
PS. It's a real one.

20ft? you live in the hood? its far from a 318 and put your M against it or your B5

[crono35]

haha funny thing, its actually about 20 feet from me... and by the way, no matter how hard you try, you can never make your 3 series feel like an m. you just said "i dont label it as an M." Exhibit A, thread title. Exhibit B, first post. And you were right with that 318 badge, closer to your car than an m3 is...

EDIT:
PS. It's a real one.

man, people like you are why i'm hesitant to go to any audi meets.

[missionhcky09]

haha o god... so you want to challenge your m3, that has nothing done to it? knowing you its probably a slush box auto... and sorry, my apologies 100 ft...

[missionhcky09]

sorry for the double post, but you completely over looked my half my post. mostly concerning why you called your 325 an m3? maybe you overlooked it...

[boostedup]

Why did you change your "M's" front bumper, mirror to reguar 3 series???

im gonna have to agree with these guys, he blatantly calls his car an M3, that's like me slapping on an s4 front, side skirts and calling my a4 an s4. EVEN if i did a 2.7tt swap, it's still an a4 with and s4 motor.

[crono35]

to OP: don't worry, most audi owners are helpful people. don't let the remainder scare you away.

1.8T's are very easy to work on, once you learn to get the car into the service position (front bumper, radiator, AC condenser off). as long as oil changes were done regularly, they should last a good while.

[Yaktizzle417]

Get a Subaru. Seriously.

[AsianA408]

you guys are asses, he came here looking for help not Fn clowned on. F u guys.....
ive been around here long enough to see this place evolve. and yea, get a b5 S4 or wrx.

[black99.5a4]

i bought my a4 with 167k on the clock a few months back, but only because I knew it was serviced very meticulously in its life. its given me 3 months of service without absolutely 1 problem, never seen the check engine light come on yet.

just make sure if you get a car in the 50-70 range, you talk them into a timing belt/water pump change also, or you could be out another 700-1500 for parts and labor on changing that a few miles after purchase.

[dtm330ispwr]

i can care less what they say. fact is i called the guy out and he has yet to step up. i have the car till wed and if he wants to bring his B5 out i will be more then happy to show what my car can do. he probably came from the vortex forums. i will let him rant. i never call my car an m3 on any of the BMW forums, reason i posted here is because 90% of you guys would have no clue what a 330is was if thats all i posted and i didnt want to explain what it was.

thanks for the help from others. funny you say subaru because i have been looking at wrx's aswell. will update on what i get next week. stage 2 wrx for 10k a couple miles away. may take a look.

[killa]

i can care less what they say. fact is i called the guy out and he has yet to step up. i have the car till wed and if he wants to bring his B5 out i will be more then happy to show what my car can do. he probably came from the vortex forums. i will let him rant. i never call my car an m3 on any of the BMW forums, reason i posted here is because 90% of you guys would have no clue what a 330is was if thats all i posted and i didnt want to explain what it was.

thanks for the help from others. funny you say subaru because i have been looking at wrx's aswell. will update on what i get next week. stage 2 wrx for 10k a couple miles away. may take a look.

Chill out dude, i saw that your car wasn't a M, it may have M suspension and motor but not registered as a M, but I was making a Joke as I knew what you were talking about.

As for your questions, your car is most likely more fun to drive than an Audi, but Audi has quattro and that's what brought me there as well, AWD is .
You can pick up an earlier A4 1.8t for cheap and do all of the basic keeping up for, even go with a larger turbo for more fun.

Hope this helps and good luck

[audiFUEGO]

haha funny thing, its actually about 20 feet from me... and by the way, no matter how hard you try, you can never make your 3 series feel like an m. you just said "i dont label it as an M." Exhibit A, thread title. Exhibit B, first post. And you were right with that 318 badge, closer to your car than an m3 is...

EDIT:
PS. It's a real one.

toolbag

Exhibit A: One Ring.

He only talks that way because he hasn't been here long enough for someone to set him straight.

I think your car is tits bro and I respect what you did to yours more so than if someone had just bought an M. my two cents.

[missionhcky09]

Called me out, one i don't even know where you live and two it was four in the morning...

[xraycer2012]

haha funny thing, its actually about 20 feet from me... and by the way, no matter how hard you try, you can never make your 3 series feel like an m. you just said "i dont label it as an M." Exhibit A, thread title. Exhibit B, first post. And you were right with that 318 badge, closer to your car than an m3 is...

EDIT:
PS. It's a real one.

lol owned