My 2Tone Allroad - a 2016 Allroad Story

[eljay]

QuickJack is on my list to own. What rating is the one you have? Did you get their adapters for the frame rails? No damage to the rails? Any downsides you've noticed after using them?

Mine is a 5000SLX version and I use the rubber blocks that came with it. They work very well. There is just enough flex in them to prevent the rail from sliding and the rail will never be damaged by these.
I highly recommend it. It has certainly paid for itself in the short time I've had and makes lifting a car a quick process. Initially, I was storing them uoright against a wall, but now Injust leave them on the floor and just slide them out of the way when not in use.

[strmtrpr]

Impeccable work Eljay! Did you find any trouble matching the existing seat harness with the new ones? I've read of many troubles of the electronics not matching up to make retrofitted seats fully operable. Thanks

[eljay]

Impeccable work Eljay! Did you find any trouble matching the existing seat harness with the new ones? I've read of many troubles of the electronics not matching up to make retrofitted seats fully operable. Thanks

Thank you!
The harness was a match. I did have to swap over the passenger side occupancy sensor into the S4 seats as, surprisingly, the S4 did not have it. On the driver seat, it was just a module swap.

[eljay]

I found a passenger side upper bumper cover! Yay! I'm still looking for an intact the driver's side, but slowly starting to think about getting the front end up to my standards.
So, back on the topic of grille selection, I started playing around with it and one idea is to keep the OEM grille, but fill in the plate holder backing and then color-match it to the car (Mythos Black Metallic), so it looks like the bumper cover is running across the front.
Like this:


But when browsing around, I really start to like this RS4-style grille. I know it's cheap aftermarket plastic, but I like it.



And here's a quick paste onto my Allroad:


I don't like an all-black look, so if I get one, it will be the exact version above with black mesh and chrome surround and quattro logo in the bottom.

Long-term, I do hope to color-match the fender flares as well.

[dropshadow]

Unfortunately that grille won’t fit without modification. The B8.5 allroad grille is a unique size and shape and none of the other grilles are a direct fit.

[eljay]

Unfortunately that grille won’t fit without modification. The B8.5 allroad grille is a unique size and shape and none of the other grilles are a direct fit.

Yes, that's true and I am aware that bumper trimming is required.
I know @AUDacIouS4 did it and mentions significant cutting of the bumper: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post13520326
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post13628756
So, yes, not sure that's what I want to do, but since my bumper isn't perfect as is, I'll probably feel less bad about cutting it up after I patched it together. haha

[eljay]

Added something to the garage...

[Dr.B6Banter]

I like the poster

[eljay]

I like the poster

That was the addition. :)

[eljay]

Well, I ordered some new tires for the summer wheels.
I ordered 255/35R19 as that's what I have on the wheels now, but reading now more threads, I see that people run 255/40R19. I placed the order two days ago and it hasn't shipped yet, so maybe I could still switch it today if I can only decide.
255/40 profile will increase the sidewall by 12.5mm (0.5") compared to 255/35 and 4mm over the typical Allroad spec (245/40). The taller sidewall may reduce the "dartiness" of the car on the summer setup.
Hmm... decisions.

[eljay]

In other news, I'm getting ready to install an RS5 rear sway bar, just need to get new links and bolts as they are TTY.

[eljay]

[eljay]

Well, I ordered some new tires for the summer wheels.
I ordered 255/35R19 as that's what I have on the wheels now, but reading now more threads, I see that people run 255/40R19. I placed the order two days ago and it hasn't shipped yet, so maybe I could still switch it today if I can only decide.
255/40 profile will increase the sidewall by 12.5mm (0.5") compared to 255/35 and 4mm over the typical Allroad spec (245/40). The taller sidewall may reduce the "dartiness" of the car on the summer setup.
Hmm... decisions.

OK, talked myself into 255/40R19 and switched my order. Indy 500 tires on the way!! Yay!

[eljay]

New shoes arrived!
20210426_214115.jpg

[eljay]

And the new tires tires are on!
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500. They are 255/40R19 100W. What a difference!!!
I am happy to report that steering is not fighting me anymore. I honestly planned to get an alignment after getting the new tires as the car was pulling to the right. It now tracks straight and the steering does not wander. The ride is also much more quiet, softer, yet has more grip.

The old tires were 5 years old Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ 255/35R19 96Y and almost at the wear bars. No wonder.

The new size fills out the wheel wells better as well. I keep debating how to convert my Allroad into an Avant suspension-wise and after lot of research of HA, coilovers, shocks, springs, I'm leaning to simply installing B8 Avant S-Line springs as that's the max lowering I want.

Here's what it looks like with the new tires. The second pic is with 20x 25L bags of garden soil in the hatch. Maybe I should just keep the soil in the back and have the perfect drop. :D
Attachment 230190Attachment 230191

[Peter.dupuis]

Here’s some of the photos I spotted on Instagram of the rs grille i told you about. Not the best but you can see where he cut the grilles apart. Didn’t get much info about the process besides the basic cut apart, attach, paint...
Image1620613174.834941.jpgIMG_0414.JPG


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[eljay]

That's great. Thanks!
Can't wait to see how yours turns out.

[eljay]

Well, not much of an update as I've been just driving it while working on the BMW Touring for the past few months. However, last week, EPC light came on sporadically over two days, so I scanned it and got P261A code for the After-run (aka secondary, aka auxiliary) Coolant Pump.
Searching around, I noticed that there's a recall for this coolant pump, which, in extreme cases, can lead to fire as the pump stops working, but ECM sends voltage to it after the car shuts down. So, I immediately disconnected the connector to it. The only side effect is that this pump will not run after a hot cycle, so it will not cool the turbo, thus reducing its life if not addressed quickly. Kind of like the owners of early 1.8T cars were installing turbo timers or letting the engine idle before shutting it off to cool off the turbo gradually.
Called Audi and sure enough, there was a recall for my car, and they booked me in 3 days later and just had the recall done today. EPC light gone.
I'll post pictures of where the plug for the pump is if that helps anyone.

[funenuf]

Really like what you have done so far. I am also in the 2tone club:)

[eljay]

Really like what you have done so far. I am also in the 2tone club:)

Thank you!

[Dr.B6Banter]

Well, not much of an update as I've been just driving it while working on the BMW Touring for the past few months. However, last week, EPC light came on sporadically over two days, so I scanned it and got P261A code for the After-run (aka secondary, aka auxiliary) Coolant Pump.
Searching around, I noticed that there's a recall for this coolant pump, which, in extreme cases, can lead to fire as the pump stops working, but ECM sends voltage to it after the car shuts down. So, I immediately disconnected the connector to it. The only side effect is that this pump will not run after a hot cycle, so it will not cool the turbo, thus reducing its life if not addressed quickly. Kind of like the owners of early 1.8T cars were installing turbo timers or letting the engine idle before shutting it off to cool off the turbo gradually.
Called Audi and sure enough, there was a recall for my car, and they booked me in 3 days later and just had the recall done today. EPC light gone.
I'll post pictures of where the plug for the pump is if that helps anyone.

Curious what the current draw of that pump would be since the engine wouldn't be charging the battery.

[eljay]

It's probably no worse than the cooling fan running after the engine is off.

[eljay]

OK, well this isn't the kind of an update I was hoping to be making...

Short story: I need a new front left upright/knuckle/spindle.

Long story:
Shortly after I put the car together and on the road (at the beginning of my ownership), I found a tear in the left side CV boot.
I didn't have time to mess with it at that point, so I paid a local shop to replace it. Cost me $360.
Then last Fall when I washed the car, I discovered right side wheel covered in grease and sure enougj the CV boot let go.
I replaced that one with a friend and it only cost me $40 for the TRW kit.
At that time, I figured I'd check the other side. Well, to my amazement, the clamp on the boot was gone and boot was opened and there wasn't much grease left.
I immediately took it back to the shop to show them. Their guy must've not tightened that clamp properly. I told them I was concerned about the axle at this point. They agreed to disassemble the CV joint and inspect it for wear, clean, grease and put a new boot on it. About two weeks after, the CV joint axle starts clicking. I knew that wasn't good. I took it back to see what they can do.
In the meantime, I managed to source a used axle with obly 45k kms. They agreed to put it in and in the future reimburse me for the cost through services/labor cost. I was not happy, but they were cooperative and shit happens, so all was well.
Well, I got them to do an alignment on my other car for free to settle this arrangement. That car drives straight, but the steering wheel is not straight!! Not happy, but I just didn't want to go back.
Now, back to the Allroad.
Around the same time, it developed a clunk on the front left. Upon inspection, I found both upper control arm boots torn and without grease and damaged threads on the pinch bolt - all obvious signs of the shop messing with when taking the axle in/out three times by this point!
I was pissed to the point I didn't want to go back to even see these guys anymore.
I ordered new control arms, new pinch bolt, nut and set to replace the arms today.

Upon simply turning the nut with my wrench, the pinch bolt snapped with the nut, which was expected given the condition of the threads. I could see antiseize, which meant that I could easily tap the pinch bolt out of the knuckle. I thought the hardest part is behind me given al the horror stories about frozen pinch bolts (I have first hand experience from my B6).
Then I losened the control arms nuts and started to tap them out of the knuckle. I did only light taps with a punch directly on the arms when a piece of the knuckle that pinches the rearward arm broke off!!!!
So, you can imagine the level of anger at that moment and now.
It is onvious that these asshiles heated that aluminum knuckle a lot a then just tightened the pinch bolt with their air gun without proper torque and overtorque the knuckle squeeze point and cause the fatigue at that spot.
So, now I need a new knuckle!
All this because the shidiot didn't tighten a $0.50 clamp properly.

If someone has a good left side knuckle, please let me know. Need one asap.

[19birel]

Wow what a snowball! Sorry to hear about this, it really sucks when a shop makes a small simple mistake that ends up being costly and time consuming.

[eljay]

Speaking about snowball.... On top of that, I broke the boot on the large rearward control l arm when squeezing my ball joint remover in there, so now I need a new arm as well. :(

Just lovely.

[powerwagon22]

Did you ever end up ordering a suspension? It sounded like after all your research you were leaning towards sachs and s-line springs. After reading about 1000 threads I’ve come to the same conclusion. I just wanted to confirm part numbers. I was looking on rock auto and found Lesjofors sport springs (4004279 front and 4204277 rear) and Sachs sport shocks (313364 front and 313366 rear) for a 2012 avant. Are these the correct items?

[eljay]

Did you ever end up ordering a suspension? It sounded like after all your research you were leaning towards sachs and s-line springs. After reading about 1000 threads I’ve come to the same conclusion. I just wanted to confirm part numbers. I was looking on rock auto and found Lesjofors sport springs (4004279 front and 4204277 rear) and Sachs sport shocks (313364 front and 313366 rear) for a 2012 avant. Are these the correct items?

I haven't addressed the suspension yet. But without checking those part numbers, yes, I was looking at springs and shocks with fitment for a B8 Avant. At the moment, I just don't have the time for upgrades. :(

I still need to source a gateway module and button with trim and harness for my side assist retrofit. And then I keep thinking: why hunt for those when they will come with an eventual S4 donor car, right?! LOL ... it will be many more moons before that happens, BTW.

I did install the RS5 rear sway bar I had in my parts stash! The difference is unbelievable!! OK, OK, I kid. There is a little difference I feel in turns when loaded, but honestly a raised wagon is not exactly "tossable", so I didn't push things to find out. Conclusion: feels good to have it to win internet points, but has little practical difference.

[eljay]

Not much of an update...
Just busy, so I've just been driving it and not doing much to it lately.
However, just this past week, the Audi Queen missed getting attention and being on the lift, so she decided to develop an exhaust leak. But it wasn't her fault! Maritime weather and rust claimed the front exhaust sleeve clamp. Thankfully, that was it and it was in stock locally, so $40 later she was out of the recovery room.
As a treat, I got JB4 kit for it! I have yet to install it, but can't wait to get a little more "go" from the TwoPointOhTee.
In preparation, I checked if all is well with the timing chain and it seems that I have a few more miles to go for that service:

Values at 90,600 kms:
Camshaft adjustment intake bank 1: specified value: 28.000º
Camshaft adjustment intake bank 1: actual value: 27.797º
Camshaft adjustment intake bank 1: phase position: -2.02º
Coolant temperature: 88.0ºC
Engine Oil temperature: 79.2ºC

I will add some steps to install the JB4 when I get to it.

[Dr.B6Banter]

Curious how the JB4 tune is on this platform. I already had the Eurodyne tuning suite for my B6 so I added the VIN for the B8 on it but was a little disappointed in the limited customizability compared to the old trusty 1.8t. Stage 2 eurodyne file still goes pretty good for a fat Audi Avant

[eljay]

Look up 19birel's thread on it.
It stacks nicely with software tunes and he got some great results.
I'm just hoping for a nice and driveable Stage 1ish power.

[jbrentd]

Just read your thread and like what you have done to rebuild the allroad and the modification so far. Keep up the good work! I have a two-toned allroad on its way to me...hope to have it delivered early next week.

[eljay]

Just read your thread and like what you have done to rebuild the allroad and the modification so far. Keep up the good work! I have a two-toned allroad on its way to me...hope to have it delivered early next week.

Fantastic find! Love the colour.

[eljay]

I've finally installed the JB4.
It feels nice and gives the Allroad a nice little pep when you want to have a little bit of fun.

Other than that, I haven't added much lately.

HOWEVER, I am having crazy thoughts...
B9 Allroad siren is calling me!

I would only switch if I can sell my Allroad for a sensible price. This also means that I am likely looking at a high mileage B9 to keep within a certain budget.

What do ye fella Avant folks think?

Should I trade my 2016 60k mile Allroad for a 2017-2018 ~100k mile B9 Allroad? Am I crazy?

[Dr.B6Banter]

Interior would be the biggest difference in my mind, and perhaps a slightly more reliable engine platform but higher mileage so take that with a grain of salt. I may be biased but I prefer the look of the B8.5 Allroad over the B9 🤷. A tune of some sort is almost needed on our boats, my B8 avant was painfully slow prior to the eurodyne flash.

[eljay]

Interior would be the biggest difference in my mind, and perhaps a slightly more reliable engine platform but higher mileage so take that with a grain of salt. I may be biased but I prefer the look of the B8.5 Allroad over the B9 . A tune of some sort is almost needed on our boats, my B8 avant was painfully slow prior to the eurodyne flash.

Yes, it would not be a very rational decision. Haha

I actually like the angular, boxy styling of B9 generation.
I'm mostly after the tech for a daily driver, so it would have to be a Technik trim that would make me jump.
Essentially, it's mods I want to do to my Allroad:
- black headliner
- Carplay/AA
- Side Assist

And cool tech that only B9 gets:
- virtual cockpit
- 360 parking camera
- heated steering wheel
- Pre-sense city front and rear
- ventilated sport seats

Plus what B9 would need anyways:
- RS4 rep front bymper and grille
- RS4 hatch spoiler
- Avant S-line springs
- Q5 Brembo brakes

But yes, I'd have to spend more to get a low mileage example.

I'm sure I'll sober up from all the B9 browsing.

[19birel]

I was actually having similar thoughts (although B9 A4 sedan because I'm stubborn about my 6MT) because my B8.5 is acting like a high mileage Audi (it's still really solid, just need's some bigger ticket maintenance like suspension bits, exhaust etc.) but I wouldn't even consider swapping my 118k B8.5 for a 100k B9 let alone a 60k B8.5.

I'd wait until a low mileage B9 is within budget so that you have some time to enjoy only having to do routine maintenance before the big ticket stuff starts piling up. Also the B9 has Quattro Ultra which defaults to fwd and sends power to the rear only when it thinks it needs it to aid fuel economy. Personally, Torsen based full-time Quattro is a big reason for me not wanting to give mine up.

[eljay]

I was actually having similar thoughts (although B9 A4 sedan because I'm stubborn about my 6MT) because my B8.5 is acting like a high mileage Audi (it's still really solid, just need's some bigger ticket maintenance like suspension bits, exhaust etc.) but I wouldn't even consider swapping my 118k B8.5 for a 100k B9 let alone a 60k B8.5.

I'd wait until a low mileage B9 is within budget so that you have some time to enjoy only having to do routine maintenance before the big ticket stuff starts piling up. Also the B9 has Quattro Ultra which defaults to fwd and sends power to the rear only when it thinks it needs it to aid fuel economy. Personally, Torsen based full-time Quattro is a big reason for me not wanting to give mine up.

Yes, that's sound advice!
Getting a higher mileage means that I'd have to go through the whole car again, and I just don't have that time.
I'll save up a few more coins before making the jump. Ideally, I'd get one around 60k, so all the suspension bits can wait a few years, and I can just enjoy it.
Plus, I want a particular spec, so I don't want to get just any B9 Allroad.
Manual transmission would be awesome! But my wife has gotten used to auto (as I feared), so that snappy DSG would be nice, although I remain impressed with my ZF8.

[19birel]

Yes, that's sound advice!
Getting a higher mileage means that I'd have to go through the whole car again, and I just don't have that time.
I'll save up a few more coins before making the jump. Ideally, I'd get one around 60k, so all the suspension bits can wait a few years, and I can just enjoy it.
Plus, I want a particular spec, so I don't want to get just any B9 Allroad.
Manual transmission would be awesome! But my wife has gotten used to auto (as I feared), so that snappy DSG would be nice, although I remain impressed with my ZF8.

Yeah it's definitely worth waiting to get what you want. 60k is a pretty good spot to one at too I think. I got my car at 57k and am only just thinking about suspension stuff now at 118k.

[eljay]

So, I finally did an Allroad thing and mounted my roof box for a trip.

Forgive the BMW logo.

It sits on Yakima Whispbars, which are nicely flush between the rails.
I had to grind down the T-bolts from the box to slide into the Whispbar channels, but it worked out beautifully.
The hatch opens fully without issues, and the box clears the antenna as well.20230904_095449.jpg20230904_095456.jpg

[19birel]

I wish you hadn't posted this because I'm taking a trip soon and am exercising all my self restraint not to buy a roof box for my A4 and this doesn't help

The box looks fantastic on there!