How to spot options when shopping?

[Darel]

OK, in the absence of a good VIN decoder that gives an options list, can someone tell me, out of the pictures on an internet ad, how to spot the following options:

1. B&O - I believe the silver ring around the speakers? Why, on the picture of the center console, do some cars say "Audi Multimedia" and others say something different (can't recall what it was just now)

2. Adaptive cruise - this is either the cone sensor in the lower grille, or if you're lucky enough to get a picture, the distance slider on the cruise stalk, right?

3. Audi Drive Select - I am guessing that if the car has it, there's a suite of about 4 or 5 buttons above the HVAC controls, but if it does NOT have it, it just has the ESP Off button, right? If I'm missing those several buttons there, no Drive Select? Or do some cars only access it through the screen?

4. Sport differential - since you don't get underbody pics in most internet ads to look for the motor, can you even tell if the car has it or not? What does this option do without having Drive Select, if equipped, anyway?

5. Automatic wipers - do they all have it or is the base option plain old intermittent?

6. What do you get with a Prestige that you couldn't get with a well-equipped base S5? It just seems like the Prestige is more likely to have all the same options, but a base could just as likely have them if it was purchased that way.

What are some other good options to watch for? These cars seem pretty well equipped even as a base model, so in the course of the last month or two of me shopping around it seems like there's not much to compare against. Other than what I mention above, is there any other options that would add value to a B8?

Thanks,
Darel

[ffearless]

OK, in the absence of a good VIN decoder that gives an options list, can someone tell me, out of the pictures on an internet ad, how to spot the following options:

1. B&O - I believe the silver ring around the speakers? Why, on the picture of the center console, do some cars say "Audi Multimedia" and others say something different (can't recall what it was just now)

2. Adaptive cruise - this is either the cone sensor in the lower grille, or if you're lucky enough to get a picture, the distance slider on the cruise stalk, right?

3. Audi Drive Select - I am guessing that if the car has it, there's a suite of about 4 or 5 buttons above the HVAC controls, but if it does NOT have it, it just has the ESP Off button, right? If I'm missing those several buttons there, no Drive Select? Or do some cars only access it through the screen?

4. Sport differential - since you don't get underbody pics in most internet ads to look for the motor, can you even tell if the car has it or not? What does this option do without having Drive Select, if equipped, anyway?

5. Automatic wipers - do they all have it or is the base option plain old intermittent?

6. What do you get with a Prestige that you couldn't get with a well-equipped base S5? It just seems like the Prestige is more likely to have all the same options, but a base could just as likely have them if it was purchased that way.

What are some other good options to watch for? These cars seem pretty well equipped even as a base model, so in the course of the last month or two of me shopping around it seems like there's not much to compare against. Other than what I mention above, is there any other options that would add value to a B8?

Thanks,
Darel

We don't know which model you are looking for. When I searched for my RS5, I looked for the radar cone in the right lower grill(adaptive cruise which also gets you the navigation and b&o mmi stereo), black trim on the exhaust, which gets you the sport exhaust. In the dash I looked for the rear window shade button. I looked for leather seats. I did not want alcantera. Like you said, the slider on the cruise is a giveaway for adaptive also. Then color, trim color and wheel styles are the other options. Good luck!

[Darel]

Sorry, looking at S5s. Specifically 2009-2011 year range. Thanks!

[11S5V8]

I would honestly just decode the VIN using your smart phone https://www.audiworld.com/forums/vindecoder.php

[Darel]

That doesn't tell you anything about options. In fact I've been unable to find one that does so far.

[Ape Factory]

This one tells you everything. Gives you the original window sticker. I'm going to have to make a separate thread that's easily searchable. Probably the fifth time I've posted the link in the past few months.

http://www.wikilender.com/ultimate-w...-decoder-tool/

[Darel]

Yeah, that one would be great. You've posted it for me before, in my "VIN Decoder" thread, but it doesn't work. I keep checking back to see if they fixed it but they haven't in at least the few weeks since I've been trying to use it.

And the Audi World one just gives a list of standard options that is the same for every VIN you enter. Try it - grab 3 or 4 VINS off of Cars.com or whatever, and you will get precisely the same list of information on every page for every single car.

[Neil F]

OK, in the absence of a good VIN decoder that gives an options list, can someone tell me, out of the pictures on an internet ad, how to spot the following options:

1. B&O - I believe the silver ring around the speakers? Why, on the picture of the center console, do some cars say "Audi Multimedia" and others say something different (can't recall what it was just now)

2. Adaptive cruise - this is either the cone sensor in the lower grille, or if you're lucky enough to get a picture, the distance slider on the cruise stalk, right?

3. Audi Drive Select - I am guessing that if the car has it, there's a suite of about 4 or 5 buttons above the HVAC controls, but if it does NOT have it, it just has the ESP Off button, right? If I'm missing those several buttons there, no Drive Select? Or do some cars only access it through the screen?

4. Sport differential - since you don't get underbody pics in most internet ads to look for the motor, can you even tell if the car has it or not? What does this option do without having Drive Select, if equipped, anyway?

5. Automatic wipers - do they all have it or is the base option plain old intermittent?

6. What do you get with a Prestige that you couldn't get with a well-equipped base S5? It just seems like the Prestige is more likely to have all the same options, but a base could just as likely have them if it was purchased that way.

What are some other good options to watch for? These cars seem pretty well equipped even as a base model, so in the course of the last month or two of me shopping around it seems like there's not much to compare against. Other than what I mention above, is there any other options that would add value to a B8?

Thanks,
Darel

Yea I went through much of this (and so have others to identify options as most ads (dealers, used lots) do not really know or list) I had to use pictures posted to identify as much as possible. Fortunately I found exactly what I was looking for, a fully loaded Prestige. While there would have been a (potentially big) difference in the original sticker price between a used Premium Plus or Prestige, there usually is not if any difference in price when buying used.

Google and download the original Audi sales brochure for what options were available. Keep in mind the controls/options B8 up to 2012 vs B8.5 2013 are slightly different. I have a 2014




1. B&O - I believe the silver ring around the speakers? Why, on the picture of the center console, do some cars say "Audi Multimedia" and others say something different (can't recall what it was just now)

YES ON THE DASH RINGS. DO NOT KNOW ABOUT MULTIMEDIA

2. Adaptive cruise - this is either the cone sensor in the lower grille, or if you're lucky enough to get a picture, the distance slider on the cruise stalk, right?

YES ON THE CONE AND THE DISTANCE SLIDER (DO NOT KNOW IF THE NON ADAPTIVE CARS HAVE A SLIDER ON THE STALK OR NOT)

3. Audi Drive Select - I am guessing that if the car has it, there's a suite of about 4 or 5 buttons above the HVAC controls, but if it does NOT have it, it just has the ESP Off button, right? If I'm missing those several buttons there, no Drive Select? Or do some cars only access it through the screen?

YES ON THE DRIVE SELECT BUTTON (OPTION THAT WAS A MUST TO FIND FOR ME). NOTE THE BUTTONS LOOK DIFFERENT 2012-2013. 2012 BUTTONS HAVE TWO SMALL SWITCHES INTEGRATED WITH THE MAIN BUTTON TO TOGGLE SELECTION. 2013 IT IS JUST THE DRIVE SELECT BUTTION AND ADJUSTMENT THROUGH THE MMI.

4. Sport differential - since you don't get underbody pics in most internet ads to look for the motor, can you even tell if the car has it or not? What does this option do without having Drive Select, if equipped, anyway?

IF I RECALL CORRECT FROM THE BROCHURES, SPORT DIFF COMES WITH DRIVE SELECT AND YOU COULD OPTION A CAR WITH WITHOUT DRIVE SELECT TO HAVE THE SPORT DIFF

5. Automatic wipers - do they all have it or is the base option plain old intermittent?

I DO NOT KNOW BUT BELIEVE ALL HAVE AUTOMATIC

6. What do you get with a Prestige that you couldn't get with a well-equipped base S5? It just seems like the Prestige is more likely to have all the same options, but a base could just as likely have them if it was purchased that way.

GET THE BROCHURES


- Another option via pictures is the side detection. There are wedge shaped lights on the side view mirrors facing the inside of the car. (I do not remember if it was separate from park assist. Not N American S5's do not have front part assist so don't for a front sensors in the bumper)

[Darel]

Great info, thanks! Right before you posted that about the brochures, I found AutobyTel that has the same thing, different configurators for each model year. I printed a few copies of each that way for each car I look at, I can have a sheet, and make notes right on it.

Found a pic with the stereo lettering. One of them says "Audi Mulitmedia" on the faceplate, and the other one says "Audi CD Changer". Does the "Multimedia" indicate the DVD player option or something? Not that I watch movies while I'm driving.

[justcallmeblade]

My #1 miss from buying premium versus prestige is the option for vented seats.

[Darel]

Never seen anything about vented seats for '09-'11 MY.

[snocat17]

OK, in the absence of a good VIN decoder that gives an options list, can someone tell me, out of the pictures on an internet ad, how to spot the following options:

1. B&O - I believe the silver ring around the speakers? Why, on the picture of the center console, do some cars say "Audi Multimedia" and others say something different (can't recall what it was just now)

2. Adaptive cruise - this is either the cone sensor in the lower grille, or if you're lucky enough to get a picture, the distance slider on the cruise stalk, right?

3. Audi Drive Select - I am guessing that if the car has it, there's a suite of about 4 or 5 buttons above the HVAC controls, but if it does NOT have it, it just has the ESP Off button, right? If I'm missing those several buttons there, no Drive Select? Or do some cars only access it through the screen?

4. Sport differential - since you don't get underbody pics in most internet ads to look for the motor, can you even tell if the car has it or not? What does this option do without having Drive Select, if equipped, anyway?

5. Automatic wipers - do they all have it or is the base option plain old intermittent?

6. What do you get with a Prestige that you couldn't get with a well-equipped base S5? It just seems like the Prestige is more likely to have all the same options, but a base could just as likely have them if it was purchased that way.

What are some other good options to watch for? These cars seem pretty well equipped even as a base model, so in the course of the last month or two of me shopping around it seems like there's not much to compare against. Other than what I mention above, is there any other options that would add value to a B8?

Here are my answers:
1. Yes, silver ring. Also come standard with Prestige, I believe.
2. Yes, front right fog has cone and slider on top of cruise stalk. I think this is only an option with Prestige.
3. Yes, look for the button "Drive Select" on the dash. Might also come standard with Prestige, I can't remember.
4. Hardest to tell, but I believe it comes with Drive Select. As noted before, it can be optioned separate without Prestige package.
5. I think it depends on the year, but I think all 2015 and higher S5's have it standard. I think it is included in Driver Assistance package.
6. Essentially it includes options from a few packages (Technology Package, Driver Assistance Package, Nav) at lower cost than adding to Premium Plus.

My suggestion on other things to watch for: Tires and Brakes. Make sure they are in very good condition and all same tread and style. A few dealers are known to only replace worn tires and that is not good for a mechanical AWD. The brakes pads wear fast, and if go too long without being replaced, you'll need new rotors also. Full ceramic brakes pads and new rotos run $1800-$2500 depending on shop.

If audio is important to you, make sure it is bluetooth compatible. That was a big change from MMI 2G to MMI 3G.

My #1 miss from buying premium versus prestige is the option for vented seats.

I really wanted vented seats when I got mine, but now think they aren't as comfortable as sport seats. Plus, I can't really tell the difference in venting unless it's REALLY hot and humid.

[S5Toks]

It is incredible how convoluted and difficult the option and trim identification is.
I have the window sticker for my car and I can't even tell what trim level it is.

I had used a vin decoder while shopping, but I agree with your finding that the tool returns a generic list of options.

I had the most success but getting in touch with Audi and providing the VIN.

Good luck.

[Darel]

You guys are great, thanks. I actually started a whole other thread about the Bluetooth and infotainment - so what is the difference between 2g and 3g, and what's the cutoff? The response I got on the other thread is that for the model years I am looking at, '09-'11, BT audio is not an option, only phone. Which is OK - just want to know stuff like that going into it.

I'm a pretty decent shadetree mechanic - while I don't feel like buying new rotors, if I ever paid $2000 for a brake job I'd take myself out back and hang myself.

Thanks again!

[Ape Factory]

Are you positive you've typed the correct VIN in? Could it be the VIN listed in the ad is incorrect? I used it extensively when I was shopping for my RS5 and it worked like a charm.

[Darel]

I have tried over a dozen VINs. You get a PDF error when you try and run it on the Audi search field. It works on other cars...for instance, I'm cross-shopping S5s against Cayman Ss. I can grab a VIN for a Cayman S off the web and it will come up fine. There's just some kind of error in the Audi page. I tried running an Audi VIN on the VW field and it didn't take it. I also spent a few hours within the site trying to modify the URL that the page throws when you do a VIN search and couldn't get it to work. Are you sure you ran it on Audis? Or other manufacturers? And was it recently? When I made the post for the VIN Decoder there was more responses than just me saying it wasn't working for them either.

[Ape Factory]

Yep, it's down. I sent them a message. You're cursed apparently. :)

[Darel]

Yeah, I get that a lot. :)

[kjeeper10]

Doesn’t Prestige have adjustable suspension, dynamic Steering (FULL ADS) ?

[Neil F]

Doesn’t Prestige have adjustable suspension, dynamic Steering (FULL ADS) ?

Those are functions of the DRIVE SELECT which is optional.

[S5Toks]

Doesn’t Prestige have adjustable suspension, dynamic Steering (FULL ADS) ?

I have dynamic steering and no adjustable suspension, I also have drive select

[kjeeper10]

I have dynamic steering and no adjustable suspension, I also have drive select

Sure? Dynamic steering and the steering (setting within ADS) are different.
I have drive select but only controls steering (tightness), engine/throttle, sport diff and engine sound (Soundakor)
People call what i have ADS light without dynamic steering and shocks.

Before i bought the car i thought ADS was ADS. Explains why during the test drive the settings felt no different other than better throttle response lol

[S5Toks]

Sure? Dynamic steering and the steering (setting within ADS) are different.
I have drive select but only controls steering (tightness), engine/throttle, sport diff and engine sound (Soundakor)
People call what i have ADS light without dynamic steering and shocks.

Before i bought the car i thought ADS was ADS. Explains why during the test drive the settings felt no different other than better throttle response lol

Then I guess I have ADS light.
Related- I saw that you turned soundaktor off, I was just going to pull the fuse.

[kjeeper10]

Then I guess I have ADS light.
Related- I saw that you turned soundaktor off, I was just going to pull the fuse.

I used Carista for this too.