Discussion
So a quick update on the car since its recent trip into Audi. It was booked in for a major service and cambelt, and in addition I asked for the water pump and thermostat to be replaced too
On inspection, the car was also found to have a slight rocker cover leak, so the gaskets have been replaced, along with all auxiliary belts. There was also a vacuum leak found which has now been rectified, and a few other odds and ends, bringing the total bill to £2600. It probably would have been cheaper at an indy, but with Audi's 3+ discount applied I didn't think it was too bad, and it keeps the (almost complete) Audi service history going
So with all the work done, the B5 is back and driving great. There's definitely a noticeable improvement in performance once the turbos come on song, not that I felt it was all that lacking beforehand. And now with the sunshine back I'm really looking forward to a weekend trip somewhere
One other thing, I've been quite critical of many a main dealer in the past (both in the UK and ROI), but Audi Belfast have definitely proven to be just about the best one I've ever dealt with. Excellent customer service, and will definitely be using them for the car's upkeep going forwards
On inspection, the car was also found to have a slight rocker cover leak, so the gaskets have been replaced, along with all auxiliary belts. There was also a vacuum leak found which has now been rectified, and a few other odds and ends, bringing the total bill to £2600. It probably would have been cheaper at an indy, but with Audi's 3+ discount applied I didn't think it was too bad, and it keeps the (almost complete) Audi service history going
So with all the work done, the B5 is back and driving great. There's definitely a noticeable improvement in performance once the turbos come on song, not that I felt it was all that lacking beforehand. And now with the sunshine back I'm really looking forward to a weekend trip somewhere
One other thing, I've been quite critical of many a main dealer in the past (both in the UK and ROI), but Audi Belfast have definitely proven to be just about the best one I've ever dealt with. Excellent customer service, and will definitely be using them for the car's upkeep going forwards
Spent the evening getting the car cleaned up (I'd asked Audi not to wash it), and then took it out for a spin
Also, something I'd never noticed on it before:
Did a little research, and it seems this is the AM/FM antenna on the Avants, and the "beesting" aerial on the roof is only for the nav, which mine doesn't have
Also, something I'd never noticed on it before:
Did a little research, and it seems this is the AM/FM antenna on the Avants, and the "beesting" aerial on the roof is only for the nav, which mine doesn't have
With one thing or another, I've not had a chance to drive the Audi much in the last month or so, but with the good weather yesterday it was time to take it out for a spin across my favourite nearby piece of road (the Wicklow Gap)
Whilst not exactly the sort of route for a relatively heavy estate car, I was keen to see how it ran on the twisties, and I'm more than impressed. No, it won't challenge a hot hatch on these sort of roads, but at the same time it was still a lot of fun, although the size and weight could still be felt of course. I don't mind though, part of the enjoyment is in the idea of an estate car doing very un-estate-like things
Was also joined by a mate in his Zed:
Whilst not exactly the sort of route for a relatively heavy estate car, I was keen to see how it ran on the twisties, and I'm more than impressed. No, it won't challenge a hot hatch on these sort of roads, but at the same time it was still a lot of fun, although the size and weight could still be felt of course. I don't mind though, part of the enjoyment is in the idea of an estate car doing very un-estate-like things
Was also joined by a mate in his Zed:
I definately sold mine too cheap! Though regarding the price of that Imola one, i'm sure any Imola B5 RS4 is 'worth' a good 50% more than another colour.
Would you believe the B5 RS4 is only 70kg heavier than my current V8 Vantage, with its alloy bodywork, alloy chassis and only two seats and 2wd? It was never really the weight of it that bothered me, more that the weight was so far forward. Like you say though, no point comparing it to a modern hot hatch in the twisties, it's just a different animal.
Would you believe the B5 RS4 is only 70kg heavier than my current V8 Vantage, with its alloy bodywork, alloy chassis and only two seats and 2wd? It was never really the weight of it that bothered me, more that the weight was so far forward. Like you say though, no point comparing it to a modern hot hatch in the twisties, it's just a different animal.
JS1500 said:
I definately sold mine too cheap! Though regarding the price of that Imola one, i'm sure any Imola B5 RS4 is 'worth' a good 50% more than another colour.
Would you believe the B5 RS4 is only 70kg heavier than my current V8 Vantage, with its alloy bodywork, alloy chassis and only two seats and 2wd? It was never really the weight of it that bothered me, more that the weight was so far forward. Like you say though, no point comparing it to a modern hot hatch in the twisties, it's just a different animal.
I can certainly appreciate the Imola, just that it wouldn't necessarily be for me. I quite like the subtlety of Avus Silver, as it flies under the radar. Very rare anyone knows what it is over there in Ireland, especially as every other older A4 TDi has "RS4" badges on them Would you believe the B5 RS4 is only 70kg heavier than my current V8 Vantage, with its alloy bodywork, alloy chassis and only two seats and 2wd? It was never really the weight of it that bothered me, more that the weight was so far forward. Like you say though, no point comparing it to a modern hot hatch in the twisties, it's just a different animal.
Lynchy1975 said:
Nice write up. I've had my B5 RS4 for ten years now ! Could never get rid. I've got a R26 as the daily car.
Thanks! I'm the same, and feel this is going to be with me for quite a while. Having a hot hatch too is the key for me though, as the two then cover a lot of basesLeins said:
Cheers! 
There actually seem to be quite a few B5s for sale at the moment, and not sure how quickly they are selling, so I'd say there are deals to be done. But yes, they are a bit dearer on the whole than a few years ago. Still a lot of car for the money though IMO
and really shows up how awkwardly designed bordering on ugly the current generation of audi's areThere actually seem to be quite a few B5s for sale at the moment, and not sure how quickly they are selling, so I'd say there are deals to be done. But yes, they are a bit dearer on the whole than a few years ago. Still a lot of car for the money though IMO
i should have kept mine ...
I agree Dave, but then I kind of feel the same about BMW now too, and to a lesser extent Mercedes. Time moves on I suppose
In saying that, I still don't really view the B5 as a 16 year old car. The fact it's so well screwed together helps in terms of it still feeling modern, but I really believe it to be a classic design too, especially in Avant-form
The other thing is everyone I know who's into their cars asks me when I'm going to modify it with a re-map, a Milltek and some new ARBs. And I know they will probably improve the car. However, I kind of love the fact that it's standard still, so I'm going to hold out for a little while longer
Hmmmm, maybe I need to get an S4 and go to town on it...
In saying that, I still don't really view the B5 as a 16 year old car. The fact it's so well screwed together helps in terms of it still feeling modern, but I really believe it to be a classic design too, especially in Avant-form
The other thing is everyone I know who's into their cars asks me when I'm going to modify it with a re-map, a Milltek and some new ARBs. And I know they will probably improve the car. However, I kind of love the fact that it's standard still, so I'm going to hold out for a little while longer
Hmmmm, maybe I need to get an S4 and go to town on it...
Yeah, it's lovely down there, and the roads are great. Takes about 25 minutes for me to get to the start of the Wicklow Gap early on a weekend morning, then stop into Laragh on way back for brekkie
Last time I was there Jeremy Irons was having a morning coffee with his missus. I know he used to have a C4 S4 Avant and likes his cars, but didn't want to cause a Jason Plato-style incident so only said hello!
Last time I was there Jeremy Irons was having a morning coffee with his missus. I know he used to have a C4 S4 Avant and likes his cars, but didn't want to cause a Jason Plato-style incident so only said hello!
Hope it's not too painful and good luck resisting the modifications when fixing, I know I won't be able to, the YouTube rabbit hole is too deep....
I'm so glad mine hasn't borked on me yet. On 180,000 miles I daily it, all B, C roads or traffic mostly, building sites, farm tracks, fields.... It's had a little tickle from MRC to 420 / 600 and is a comedy rocket with no other mods. I should take the work van but I don't because it's just too good.
A local Porsche specialist did the major service and reported it was rock solid, a bit of a relief after a moment of especially perfect man maths. The 3 inch stack of paperwork from the first newspaper article to the replacement receipts for turbos, suspension, electrics, wheels, mirrors etc...easily as much as the purchase price and all Audi, and the unreasonably attractive purchase price made me do it. The previous owner obviously struggled to let go and treated it well!
The beast needs the aircon regassed and a speaker sorted out in the passenger door, lucky I prefer fresh air and turbo spool, the instrument LCD has also gone but that's only a few hundred quid to sort. I'll treat it to a paint when life calms down in a few years but apart from keeping up the mechanicals, it won't be going anywhere other than MRC for 800hp* in the future and it's going to have to crap itself first.
I'm so glad mine hasn't borked on me yet. On 180,000 miles I daily it, all B, C roads or traffic mostly, building sites, farm tracks, fields.... It's had a little tickle from MRC to 420 / 600 and is a comedy rocket with no other mods. I should take the work van but I don't because it's just too good.
A local Porsche specialist did the major service and reported it was rock solid, a bit of a relief after a moment of especially perfect man maths. The 3 inch stack of paperwork from the first newspaper article to the replacement receipts for turbos, suspension, electrics, wheels, mirrors etc...easily as much as the purchase price and all Audi, and the unreasonably attractive purchase price made me do it. The previous owner obviously struggled to let go and treated it well!
The beast needs the aircon regassed and a speaker sorted out in the passenger door, lucky I prefer fresh air and turbo spool, the instrument LCD has also gone but that's only a few hundred quid to sort. I'll treat it to a paint when life calms down in a few years but apart from keeping up the mechanicals, it won't be going anywhere other than MRC for 800hp* in the future and it's going to have to crap itself first.
- obviously with suitable engine spec and some Bimotos on chunky tires, slightly lower suspension, a proper exhaust, B7 seats maybe, Tanoga.... Oh who am I kidding, it's never going to happen because it's never going to break!
Edited by GoodwoodRS4 on Thursday 11th August 19:07
Thanks folks! Getting picked up on Saturday morning, so should know a bit more after that hopefully. Not sure if I'll be giving it away just yet though, but thanks for the offer
That's great mileage Firebox7, and while I don't use mine too much I can really see the appeal of one as a daily driver
That's great mileage Firebox7, and while I don't use mine too much I can really see the appeal of one as a daily driver
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