seanf

I figured I'll bump this thread instead of starting a new one, I really want a B6 A4 is there any real differences between 02-05 besides the 6spd in 04-05?? I test drove an 05 3.0 tiptronic and it wasnt for me, I want a manual trans theres a few 02-03 5spds around with similar mileage to the 05 I looked at, also theres a few 3.0 6spd m/t. does the 3.0 have any downsides??

mksu19

Thanks seanf!

Audi A4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

a4audi4fun

I have a 2005 A4 3.0 6MT and a 2008 A4 Avant 2.0T 6MT.

First I'd try and get a 6MT rather than a 5MT - general consensus is the 5MT revs too high when cruising. You will find the 3.0 feels/drives far heavier than the 1.8T. The 3.0 is a very smooth engine and pulls easily from 1500RPM. With the 1.8T you will need to be aware of what rev range you are in as the boost doesn't become effective until after 3000 RPM.

The 3.0 will use more fuel than the 1.8T unless you are always in boost mode in which case I'd suspect it would be thirstier than the 3.0.

You'll probably find the 3.0 has more options than the 1.8T as it was typically marketed as a more luxurious model.

Timing belt replacement on the 3.0 is far more expensive than for the 1.8T but then you don't have to worry about any turbo related maintenance so there's a a slight tradeoff there.

Recommend you do a test drive of each - you'll know soon enough which feels better for you.

Good luck...

seanf

so I ended up picking up an 02 1.8t quattro 5spd, 143k kms, silver ext black int, it is lowered on some type of springs and came with snow tires and the 17 factory alloys for summer altho the summer wheels need new tires, any suggestions on tire and what kind of options are there for springs for this car?? I want to know whats on there.

Also after the dealer changed the tbelt and water pump there seems to be a large air bubble in the cooling system I only get good heat when I give it gas, when is the best time to pull the bleeder plug out on the upper coolant line under the engine cover to get all the air out? engine on or off and I know it should be hot

mksu19

If it was my car, I would take it back to the dealer and have them bleed the air pocket out. If that's not an option, I would park the car with the front end on an uphill (Driveway or ramped up) run the car for a bit with coolant reservoir cap off until it gets warm and keep topping up the level should drop a lot when the thermostat opens.

Also with the car off (and after it had cooled down a bit), locate where the two hoses going through the firewall to the heater core are. One should have "O" marking on it. Loosen the clamp on that hose and pull it back slightly until the hole in the pipe is revealed. Disconnect the sensor at the bottom of the coolant reservoir. Remove the screws holding the reservoir and raise it six inches or so. Re-fill with coolant until a steady stream of coolant comes out of the heater core pipe. Might take a couple of tries to get all the air out though so be forewarned!

seanf

ok I'll have to give it a shot, the dealer said he has had problems getting the air out of his wifes car and she just drove it for a bit, its maybe had about 20kms put on it since the belt was changed so I'll drive it a bit and see if I can work it out

mksu19

By doing so, you risk the chance of overheating your vehicle which might eventually lead to some head gasket issues. These cars have an aluminum block that are not overheat friendly. Seems like the dealer is weaseling his way out of his responsibilities! Just my $0.02!

EDIT: Did the car have the T-belt/H20 pump replaced BEFORE you bought the car or did they install it as a package AFTER you bought it from them?

seanf

they did the belt pump before i bought the car, it was a small little euro dealer i bought the car from here in wpg, after driving around a bit it is now all good except my CEL came on on the way home tonight so i'll have to scan it tomorrow

cheeba

Burping VAG vehicles is often a pain! I actually built a tool that I use to pressurize the system, and force air bubbles out. As Mona said, you can park it and try to run it until it burps, but it make take a while (sometimes like 1/2 hour).

As for springs, I wouldn't install aftermarket spring with your OE dampers. They're just not designed to work together - the ride will not be ideal, and you'll blow the dampers eventually (sometimes right away). Look into a cup kit, or if you want the best performance, get a decent set of coilovers.

mksu19

A nice set of cheap coilover kits may be found HERE. Just click on the links to find the appropriate model for your car. I have ordered mine and is currently counting the days till it gets here and installed! Cheaper than buying a set of springs and shocks/struts package combined!!!