Any experience with Hofele body kits?

[C4RL_S4]

Ok, I'm not seeking to start a debate over B6 vs B7 styling.

I have a 2005.5 S4 Cabriolet. As is typical of Audi, the styling is based off of the B6 design (2 seperate grills). In mid-2006, they finally got around to updating the S4 cabriolet to the new body style (B7).

While I certainly don't dislike the B6 cabrio styling, I do like the aggressive look of the B7.

I don't know how similar the frame is between the B6 & B7 cabriolet - is it possible to simple "bolt on" the B7 front end? I know, I know, this seems like a long shot, but I know the B6 & B7s are pretty similar in a lot of aspects.

Alternatively, Hofele Design appears to make a B6 to B7 conversion kit. Two actually (http://hofeleamerica.com/new/en/prod...arosserie.html)

Pricing isn't horrific - probably $2500 when all is said and done.

Does anyone have any knowledge and/or expereince with Hofele? Thoughts? Opinions?

[eneq]

But the Hofele is you linked is for the A4.

/Q

[S4J]

But the Hofele is you linked is for the A4.

/Q

Still fits his car.

OP, you can put the B7 front end on but you'd have to do the WHOLE thing...fenders (which will be a close but not absolutely perfect match to the door creases), the hood, headlights, grills, fogs and grills, and some underpinnings...you're talking a group of money, but you'd be unique.

[pinkslip]

If you're just looking to get the grille from the B7, the body kit looks like your best bet. I'm personally not a fan of the Cab styling in general, but I think the body kit looks pretty nice. Doing a true B7 conversion sounds like a pain in the ass if it actually requires everything listed above. Body kits, on the other hand, are completely reversible and far less intrusive. I don't have any experience with this brand, but if I were to pick, I'd go with the "Evo" style option (not that you asked ;) )

[whartung]

it would be unique the same way a car is unique when it is wrecked... it would be uniquely wrecked.

no point.

waste of money in my opinion.

you drive an S4. be happy with it the way it is.

[eneq]

Still fits his car.

Ok didnt know that, good news since I run with a 2006 S4 Cab as well and have been looking for a more agressive frontend.

/Q

[pjmspeedy]

Hi Guy's - First post.... but I've been looking on this site for a while now as I like how you guy's do things different compared to how we do things on this side of the pond!

Anyway check out the link below as they have put a Hofele front end on a B6 cab with a A8 grill. It also has the B7 rear light clusters.

http://audi-sport.net/vb/showthread....ghlight=nology

Anyone interested in some European parts ? Drop me a PM and I'll get you a price.

[Quattro]

Hofele makes good body kits, I havent heard many problems with fitment issues. I have seen the conversion and it is personal choice if you want to go that route.

Looking at the pictures found: lltek site it does not look that bad at all.

I havent seen many cabriolets fixed up!

[C4RL_S4]

But the Hofele is you linked is for the A4.

/Q

Since you mention that you also have the B6-Style S4 Cabriolet (2005 - mid2006) - welcome to the slightly confusing world of trying to figure out what works with this car.

I may be wrong, but I think our S4 was the last car Audi switched to the newer front end (big unified grille).

Mechanically, it's more current than its appearance would suggest. (I guess that's why this forum is for the B6/B7 cars).

you drive an S4. be happy with it the way it is.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the car, I just like newer front end a little bit more. If the only way to update it was to replace the bumper, all the fenders, etc, I'd say no way. The Hofele kit is $1600. Add in the labor to install and paint and I'm looking at $2500 (give or take a few $$). Certainly in this economy spending $2500 is not something I'd do lightly but, as spring progresses it might be an upgrade I'd perform in the future ...


Thanks to everyone who reponded. I'll keep you all updated if I decide to do it ...