2013 Allroad – delivery, build thread with pictures

[Beef Supreme]

Great job so far! I like the gray paneling on it. It would be pretty cool to see the rest of that fenderwell gap gone, but I know you don't like aftermarket springs.

[aaron1085]

maybe a trivial question, but I guess...what are some main differences between your allroad and a B8 avant? The older Allroad's definately looked like off road trucks, but the new ones seem more and more like an avant

[holmes4]

The major structural difference is that the new allroad uses some suspension bits from the A5 and has a track about an inch or so wider, plus has 1.5" of added ride height. Most everything else is trim and included features, such as the panoramic sunroof. Perhaps more to the point is that the allroad is the only Audi wagon currently offered in North America.

[miyagi]

I like it! I'm not a fan of the gray fenders, but I guess that's a functional thing; I'd love to have those matching the body color.

x2

[dreti]

Hey Zee,

Quick question... just tried to order the spacers from my local dealer. They asked if I wanted Ball or Tapered bolts. I have no idea which I need!
If you know, could you pass on the info.

Cheers mate!

/D

[Blake P]

Hey Zee,

Quick question... just tried to order the spacers from my local dealer. They asked if I wanted Ball or Tapered bolts. I have no idea which I need!
If you know, could you pass on the info.

Cheers mate!

/D

Assuming you're talking about using the stock wheels with the spacers, you will need R13 ball seat bolts.

[dreti]

Thanks Blake!

[der wagen]

Zee, what vagcom tricks did you do? My Allroad is chilled at the port right now just waiting for delivery....can't wait!

Thanks!

Jason

[zee007]

Zee, what vagcom tricks did you do? My Allroad is chilled at the port right now just waiting for delivery....can't wait!

Thanks!

Jason

Hey Jason - I did multiple things such as: turn off lights on chime, needle sweep, rear lights on all the time, front DRLs stay on when indicating, activated Drive Select via MMI, etc. Most of the B8 mods carried over to the Allroad...

Cheers
Zee

[Pimentel]

Sweet car.

A picture of my friends 2013 allroad. The day he got it. It came with black fenders.

[zee007]

Just to keep my progress updated, things have been pretty quiet on the mod front. I've put over 9000 miles on the Allroad thus far, and its been great. I'm enjoying the car, and am pleased with it for the most part. Clearly, if the RS4 does make it over here, this will be gone - but until then, I'll continue toying with it.

Yesterday, I had my Eurocode Alu Kreuz installed that I got through the latest group buy. For me, I was hopeful that the steering would increase in sensitivity. I feel like since audi dropped the mechanical steering, there is too much "vagueness". The install took my mechanic all of 30 mins, and he commented on how solid and well made the piece was. I knew I would not be expecting a dramatic change what with the s-line suspension, and uprated sway bars I have, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The steering now has "crispness". That's the best way I can describe it. I read on another thread, some one said "point and shoot" in the steering. It's kind of like that. It's not a huge transformation by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly a valuable addition for those who want handling that is sorted - and I'm one of those. My weakest link rot now are the 18's. I have plans for a set of 19x10, but that won't be till the spring. Overall, would recommend the EC AK and am pleased with the investment.

Next up is a ECU flash on Thursday. After waiting for a while, I'm ready to pull the trigger. I will be going stage 2, and will post an update.

[A4 Centaur]

Zee you will love the Stage II. 9000 miles already? Holy cow!

[Hyperionguy]

Hi Zee,

Who's ECU tune are you going to use? I'm ready to flash my '13, but APR isn't ready yet. I'd hate to break my 11 year APR flashing trend, but....

Thanks!

[Erwheezy]

I think he's going revo. Hope the flash goes well Zee and let me know if they can get it done

[zee007]

I think he's going revo. Hope the flash goes well Zee and let me know if they can get it done

Correct! I'm going with a Revo tune - I have found a good Euro shop close by, and they have solid experience with Revo. I will be going Stage 2 - booked in for Thursday morning.

I'll keep you all posted...

[der wagen]

Hey Jason - I did multiple things such as: turn off lights on chime, needle sweep, rear lights on all the time, front DRLs stay on when indicating, activated Drive Select via MMI, etc. Most of the B8 mods carried over to the Allroad...

Cheers
Zee

Thanks for the info Zee! Appreciate the help.

[Kay87]

Great car I think the new allroad looks better than the new a4 and s4. More aggressive grille.

[der wagen]

Zee, I have one more question for ya...

How do you access the hidden MMI menu? I'm trying to perform the ambient lighting mod using audienthusiasts.com directions and my MMI does not have both the "car" and "setup" buttons. I only have the "car" button?

Thanks again!

Jason

[jabicho]

There´s another post opened with 2012 model codings, look in there

[zee007]

Well, it's been a while since I last updated this thread.

Firstly, I've managed to put 12000 miles on the car trouble free. I seem to be one of the very few without a steering issue. The car has been a trooper - through the snow, many 500 mile round trips and the daily grind to work and back. I'm still waiting for APR to release their tune, in the meantime, I figured a couple of exterior "enhancements" were in order.

I knew I wanted a new set of Summer wheels, and after much deliberation, I landed on these:



Rotiform SNA
19x10
ET35

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
275/35/19

Here they are installed with my other small addition - Audi Quattro rings:









I think I'm going to add 4 or 5mm spacers at the back, but otherwise, happy with what I have.

[euroguy666]

There's cars are redic. Good luck with it

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Mops@Nemesis]

Looks great, Zee! An extra 5mm in the rear will work well. Are the plastics holding up well? Don't forget to get with me when you guys head North:)

[zee007]

Just a quick update - car is under surgery for a couple of days. New coilovers and APR stage 2 flash. I also received a 2013 s4 grill to compare and test. Will obviously post updates.

Mops - car and plastics are holding up well this far. We may be down your way in a couple of weeks, will shoot you a text.

[keenz0]

wow, zee you really have been doing a lot to the car. looks amazing. i actually have the same wheels in 20 x 10 as i wait for the custom forged wheels from rotiform that i have on order. Cant wait to hear about the stage two upgrade. i've been waiting on this for awhile now to see how it was going to come out. I have an all white one and have been waiting on tons of things to come together to get my car tuned and tightened up the way i want. i have the air lift strut and bags ready to go, accuair management system and have been praying to come across and rs4 front clip. i just missed out on one online. it sold right before i contacted the guys over in the UK.

Again nice work. I live up in south NJ and have been loving my first audi. been a car guy for years and always wanted and audi and finally pulled the trigger. ive had just about every car in every class but this one just puts a smile on my face each am when i walk out to get in. agree with getting in and out of the car. just had knee surgery so it's a bitch. i have my seat so far back so i can get in and out. I would love to do some of the coding you did as well but just seem out of the loop on how to do such things. most guys around here throw rims on a car and think they are fanatics...

[zee007]

Thanks keenz0.

Update on activity:

APR Flash - well, another day speant at another installer, and unfortunatley, my ECU is not ready to be flashed yet. I know APR are working on it, but (like the REVO atempt), they pulled the ECU, atempted it, and a flash still isn't available. Frustrating, but - it is what it is.

B8.5 S4 Grill - Another no go. I bought a lightly used grill a couple of weeks back, and having taken the existing grill out, the A4/S4 grills do not work on the Allroad. The dimensions, although close, do not line up. So, there will be a S4 grill up for sale in the classifieds for cheap shortly for anyone with a B8.5 A4 who may be interested.

Coilovers - We did successfully install the coilovers, but frankly, they sit too low for my liking. So, I'm back to my original S-line set-up, and am likely to stick with that (with my uprated sway bars and AZ). Coilovers will be going in the classifieds too for anyone with a B8 or B8.5 Avant.

So, not much luck overall, but I'm trying.

Next in line - RS4 avant replica roof spoiler. I have one coming from Germany to test. I will continue to post updates.

And in for EC's pulley - waiting for the GB...

[Erwheezy]

Damn that sucks Zee. If you want to try coilovers I suggest maybe going st or kw at least you can add a spacer if the car sits too low for your liking.

[zee007]

Something interesting I uncovered last night (which I never knew about - and thought I would share).

During the atempted APR flash, The installer disconneceted my battery. When everything was hooked back up, and I drove home, I checked all my VAGCOM changes and they were all good. However, I noticed I had lost the auto wind up and down functionality from my drivers side window. After searching the net, I found several procedures to re-activate this for B7's but nothing for B8's. I pulled out VAGCOM, and there was nothing in there.

I ended up looking in the manual, and (this is what I never knew) is that the auto up/down functionality can be lost if the battery is disconnected, and can be re-activated by rolling the window up, holidng the button for 3 seconds (or something), let go, and immediately hold up again momentarily and - voila - auto window functioning again.

Just figured I share so peeps don;t end up panicing like I did for 4 days...

[keenz0]

zee.

bummer to hear about the flash to the ecu not working. i seen and hear this one is great! http://giacusa.com just need to find a dealer around me to get this thing done. sitting in my garage are new wheels and tires, a full accuair set up, and new grill with no damn holes from the dealership screwing about 8 holes in the front. i'll post pics as this thing, if ever gets done.

[keenz0]

i've got some people looking over in Germany for an rs4 front clip and grill as well.

[crand002]

Major bummer. Sorry to hear on all counts.

[zee007]

Let me know how you get on with your German contacts Keenz

No worries crand. Your AR is looking fantastic.

Picked up a dipstick and an r8 oil cap from ecs (great guys) and gave the car a detail today.

Ordered the Eurocode pulley and their IC pipe kit yesterday. Can't wait...

[zee007]

Small Update - popped in some Red Top (R8) Coilpacks yesterday. Small bang for the buck. I guess I may feel more refinement and a little more "pep", but frankly, it's probably all mind games. None the less, for what they cost, figured I'd pop them in.

Still waiting on the EC pulley and IC hoses. Thats next on the list.

[nurdynerd]

IC hoses. Thats next on the list.

Looks good! I which they made the IC pipes in color. The best ones I've seen are glossy black, I'm sure there's a reason for it.

[zee007]

Well, I got a nice surprise from Germany today. My replica RS4 avant rear spoiler arrived. Superbly packaged, therefore no damage. It's made from fiberglass as expected, but I am extremely pleased with fit and finish. It certainly requires a couple of hours worth of work to make it perfect for both fit and paint, but from initial observations, it's a very well made replica. Couple of shots below just loosely taped on, more will follow.

[keenz0]

looking good!!!! still trying to figure out how to post pictures on this forum. i just got a brand new stock grill with no tag plates etc. super clean and plastidipped it black. really changes the front end. waiting on the european hook up of an rs4 front clip but they aren't easy to come across since they are still so new. just got a vagcom ordered to do the euro code and will begin bagging the car this weekend....

what a great addiction this Audi has become...

[Stubek]

still trying to figure out how to post pictures on this forum.

PM sent regarding this.

[zee007]

Eurocode Rotamass Pulley and Intercooler Hose kit

Last night, having recieved the package from Eurocode, I went ahead and had the Pulley and Hoses installed. My initial impressions opening the boxe was that, as usual, the quality of the EC products was outstanding. I really do appreciate the time and effort EC seem to be investing in their products. I will tell you, as others have mentioned - the difference in the size and weight between the old pulley and EC pulley is unbelieable. I new it would be lighter, but the difference is crazy.

The install of the hoses was very straight forward, and on the ramp, probably took all of 20 minutes. I got these more because they were on sale at a reasonable price point, and frankly, I like EC goodies - I was not expecting any noticable gains perse.

The Rotamass pulley took a little longer to install - maybe 40 mins - with two things being the biggest challange. Firstly, access to the pulley is tight. We ended up unscrewing the Fan control unit to get the sockets up there comfortably. We also noticed that for my car at least, top dead center was very faintly marked. My mechanic (Audi Master Tech who does all my work) called out that it was definately different to previous year B8's.

The second issue - and one that I would encourage you all to check out as you receive your packagaes - was that I was supplied the incorrect belt for my 2013. I got 6PK1535 and I actualy need 6PK1045 (which, coincidently, is also not the belt on the instructions). I called EC as we already had the old pulley off, and as usual, their response was fantastic. They told me nip down to a local store (Napa/Autozone), buy the correct belt, and they would refund me straight away. Can't beat that for service. So, one word of advice - go check your belts before you start the work!

So with the new belt on, hoses tight and everything back together, I've put about 100 miles on the car. I will say that if you are looking for a night and day difference, this isn't going to be it. However, I do notice a little more responsiveness from the throttle pedal, very early in the rev range. The car just has a little more "pep" about it. The pedal almost fels lighter if that makes sense.

Anyway, the bottom line - worthwhile investment? Both the items were to me - but then I appreciate EC's build quality, business ethics and passion, and for every small incremental gain I'm collecting, I feel it's money well speant.

I don't have a catalog of pictures (there are photos of the pipes and Pulley all over the forum) but for the sake of it, here's one whilst the car was under surgery.

[zee007]

Small update on progress.

- The RS4 roof spoiler is currently at the body shop being prepped and painted. Hope to have that fitted in the next week or so. The test fitting went well, with some very minor adjustments required, but the feedback from the shop was that it was an excellent replica and very well made.
- I have a set of S4 mirror cover on order - hope to have those in June
- Working with the body shop on grill options. As you know, I tried the S4 frill with no luck, so looking at what I can do to almost "dull" the current Allroad grill. Hope to have some news on that over the next week or two also.
- Considering the APR downpipe only at this stage rather than a full system. More to come as I work with a fellow AZ member on that.
- One new addition - a baby Girl! Born 2 weeks ago, this is my second daughter, and we are delighted! House full of women! Second Recaro baby seat installed!

Finally, adding some links to posts of interest since I aquired the car in June/July last year to help those searching. Will add these to the first post also.

- OEM 2012 S-line Avant suspension, Stasis S4/S5 rear Sway bar, OEM S4 front Sway bar, Eurocode HFC/Inlet Pipe/HFIC pipe, AFE pro dry S filter (July 2012): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7799850
- Sport Interior photos (Aug 12): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7843125
- 2k miles review (Aug 2012): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7870811
- Eurocode Alu Kreuz review (Dec 12): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8270327
- Rotiform SNA 19x10 wheels (Feb 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8457882
- B8.5 S4 Grill, APR flash atempts and 15k update (Apr 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8595159
- R8 Coilpacks (Apr 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8657990
- RS4 Replica Roof Spoiler (Apr 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8675142
- Eurocode Rotamass Pulley and Intercooler Hose Kit (May 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8699988

[crand002]

Small update on progress.

- The RS4 roof spoiler is currently at the body shop being prepped and painted. Hope to have that fitted in the next week or so. The test fitting went well, with some very minor adjustments required, but the feedback from the shop was that it was an excellent replica and very well made.
- I have a set of S4 mirror cover on order - hope to have those in June
- Working with the body shop on grill options. As you know, I tried the S4 frill with no luck, so looking at what I can do to almost "dull" the current Allroad grill. Hope to have some news on that over the next week or two also.
- Considering the APR downpipe only at this stage rather than a full system. More to come as I work with a fellow AZ member on that.
- One new addition - a baby Girl! Born 2 weeks ago, this is my second daughter, and we are delighted! House full of women! Second Recaro baby seat installed!

Finally, adding some links to posts of interest since I aquired the car in June/July last year to help those searching. Will add these to the first post also.

- OEM 2012 S-line Avant suspension, Stasis S4/S5 rear Sway bar, OEM S4 front Sway bar, Eurocode HFC/Inlet Pipe/HFIC pipe, AFE pro dry S filter (July 2012): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7799850
- Sport Interior photos (Aug 12): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7843125
- 2k miles review (Aug 2012): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7870811
- Eurocode Alu Kreuz review (Dec 12): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8270327
- Rotiform SNA 19x10 wheels (Feb 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8457882
- B8.5 S4 Grill, APR flash atempts and 15k update (Apr 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8595159
- R8 Coilpacks (Apr 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8657990
- RS4 Replica Roof Spoiler (Apr 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8675142
- Eurocode Rotamass Pulley and Intercooler Hose Kit (May 13): http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8699988

Great update! Congrats to you with your new baby.

[shonseb]

Congrats on your new baby!