Audi A4 B6 S-line (Red)

[madone_si]

<3 <3

thanks. Car is booked in for yearly service. I stopped using main dealership 2 years ago and now use a local VW, Audi specialist who is really honest and listens to my asks.

Brake flush and refill fluids
Oil change
Oil filter change
Gearbox fluid change
Rear axle fluid change
Check water and power steering fluids - depends on conditions will flush and change.

wondering if I should replace my stereo with Audi RNS-E unit or not, but adding one I can add the reserve camera to it, which I think is a nice add-on. I already have a Bluetooth and iPhone charge installed into dashboard.

few picture of car outside my home





one of my fav views... clean engine - 84001 miles only.


yep its clean on underside as well as on top. Looks like little spider is hiding out in lower spot light grill!

[pablolizarraga]

Great thread! Keep the pictures coming. Oh, and thanks for the DIY on the headlight reflector removal. Will try it this weekend.


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[madone_si]

Car in for service, owner is awesome guy.

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[egovreau]

Car in for service, owner is awesome guy.

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I saw your car last week...at that very shop. A beautiful machine.

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[oaybar007]

I'm really enjoying keeping up with your car. You sort of made me rethink the sale of my car earlier this year. Also in going through paperwork for the sale I came across an email I had exchanged with Audi of America a while back trying to chase down the rarity of my 2004 brilliant red ultra sport.

EDIT- I found the email itself so here's what I understand.

Build Options on Mine- that was the basis of the reps search at AOA.
2004 A4 1.8t 6spd Quattro
Build date, August, 2003.
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
Ultrasport Package

5,297 MY 2004 A4 1.8T Sedan 4-DR 6-SPD Quattro Models Sold in the US.
389 MY 2004 A4 1.8T Sedan 4-DR 6-SPD Quattro Models with Brilliant Red Exteriors Sold in the US.
296 MY 2004 A4 1.8T Sedan 4-DR 6-SPD Quattro Models with Brilliant Red Exteriors and Ebony (Black) In

This confused me as Ultra sports only had black interior and assumed all were ultra sports. So they double checked and confirmed the later number, 296 for total number of ultra sports in brilliant red for 2004.
So based on those numbers, only 5.5% of builds for 2004 match mine. That's reasonably rare I guess. Still a bit confused on total USP vs Non USP cars. That's what I was really after. Anyways...

In your case, I bet you are less matching builds in 2005. EXTREMELY RARE!
Please keep motivating me to continue upkeep on my car! Cheers!

If anyone with knowledge on total A4 production vs Ultrasports as a whole, regardless of color has info, that would be interesting to see. That's something I plan to reach out to Audi on soon.

[madone_si]

I'm really enjoying keeping up with your car. You sort of made me rethink the sale of my car earlier this year. Also in going through paperwork for the sale I came across an email I had exchanged with Audi of America a while back trying to chase down the rarity of my 2004 brilliant red ultra sport.

EDIT- I found the email itself so here's what I understand.

Build Options on Mine- that was the basis of the reps search at AOA.
2004 A4 1.8t 6spd Quattro
Build date, August, 2003.
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
Ultrasport Package

5,297 MY 2004 A4 1.8T Sedan 4-DR 6-SPD Quattro Models Sold in the US.
389 MY 2004 A4 1.8T Sedan 4-DR 6-SPD Quattro Models with Brilliant Red Exteriors Sold in the US.
296 MY 2004 A4 1.8T Sedan 4-DR 6-SPD Quattro Models with Brilliant Red Exteriors and Ebony (Black) In

This confused me as Ultra sports only had black interior and assumed all were ultra sports. So they double checked and confirmed the later number, 296 for total number of ultra sports in brilliant red for 2004.
So based on those numbers, only 5.5% of builds for 2004 match mine. That's reasonably rare I guess. Still a bit confused on total USP vs Non USP cars. That's what I was really after. Anyways...

In your case, I bet you are less matching builds in 2005. EXTREMELY RARE!
Please keep motivating me to continue upkeep on my car! Cheers!

If anyone with knowledge on total A4 production vs Ultrasports as a whole, regardless of color has info, that would be interesting to see. That's something I plan to reach out to Audi on soon.

Trust me I've thought about selling mine loads of times and getting newer model but I then drive mine and see another b6 on the road and just love the look of them.

Yeah 2005 USP Manual Avants are super rare now, low numbers for sure.

Looks like my power steering rack is leaking :( this is going to be expensive fix, but again this car has to be fixed correctly, so on the source for OEM steering rack and pump (worth doing them both together).

Other than power steering rack issue, its great to drive.

Just had all new tires put on OEM wheels too - Continental Sports A/S - All season ultra high perf tires, happy with them so far - lucky to get 1,000 miles usage on this year!! Just brought another mk1 Rabbit cabriolet to play around. life is good....

[oaybar007]

I am of the same view, the design is just one of the most elegant for me. I agree, rack and pump in one fell swoop is not a bad idea. If you haven't solid tie rod ends are a good move while at it.

I have so many parts waiting to go on my car currently. It's not cheap but I'm the same way- if I am going to own it, maintenance is done right. There's a reason the cars have lasted this long. Not luck.

I came to Audi after getting into VW with my old MK2 GTI that was prepped for autocross. Kept the tiny motor but the car was so light the entire strategy was fast cornering. Then I bought a MK4 GTI 1.8t for daily use. Loved the car but needed more room. Wanted that same 1.8t motor and found the ultra sport. I wish fit and finish were a bit better lasting but my car has never seen the inside of a garage so replacing plastic bits is a lifestyle now.

I recall you had installed the right side engine cover, do you remember how you attached it?

[evo_ski]

I have a b7 s4/rs4 steering rack in my car. Quicker steering ratio and it is stiffer because our cars lack servotronic. I love it. I just bought another one for my secondary car since it is leaking as well.

[oaybar007]

I have a b7 s4/rs4 steering rack in my car. Quicker steering ratio and it is stiffer because our cars lack servotronic. I love it. I just bought another one for my secondary car since it is leaking as well.

Oh wow that sounds great! Do you have to plug up the servo on that rack or any modifications needed? Where did you buy your from?!

[evo_ski]

Nope. The fluid lines connect as normal. Them you simply dont have an electric connection to the rack.

The best way I can describe it is that it feels like the power steering assist is reduced by like 50%. This makes it feel much more mechanical and feels more like a performance car. It seems to give better road feedback.

I think if you wanted you would be able to retrofit servotronic but I love it being stiffer. I drove my parents s2000 for about an hour before and it feels similar to that.

I purchased both of mine from part outs. One came from a shop and had a lifetime warranty on it. One was $250 and the most recent one was $150. I tossed some brand new inner and outer tie rods on and was ready to go.

[oaybar007]

Two thumbs up! Sounds like a great upgrade. I'll have to keep that on my radar.

[evo_ski]

Everyone that has driven my car with that steering rack in it said that they loved the feel of it.

[tankdeer]

Is very stiff

[evo_ski]

Is very stiff

After about a week it feels perfectly normal. I don't really even notice the stiffer steering at low speeds.

[tankdeer]

After about a week it feels perfectly normal. I don't really even notice the stiffer steering at low speeds.

Yeah, I can imagine. I don't think my 15 minute drive was enough to make a complete impression. It's a noticeable difference over stock, that's for sure.

[madone_si]

I am of the same view, the design is just one of the most elegant for me. I agree, rack and pump in one fell swoop is not a bad idea. If you haven't solid tie rod ends are a good move while at it.

I have so many parts waiting to go on my car currently. It's not cheap but I'm the same way- if I am going to own it, maintenance is done right. There's a reason the cars have lasted this long. Not luck.

I came to Audi after getting into VW with my old MK2 GTI that was prepped for autocross. Kept the tiny motor but the car was so light the entire strategy was fast cornering. Then I bought a MK4 GTI 1.8t for daily use. Loved the car but needed more room. Wanted that same 1.8t motor and found the ultra sport. I wish fit and finish were a bit better lasting but my car has never seen the inside of a garage so replacing plastic bits is a lifestyle now.

I recall you had installed the right side engine cover, do you remember how you attached it?

yes you have to buy the longer bolt end screws and rubbers, which one goes at the front and the other on side (water bottle). if you look at the beginning of my thread the details of Parts are shown and explains how to install even if the photos are not showing in the thread due to stupid PhotoBucket...

I have a b7 s4/rs4 steering rack in my car. Quicker steering ratio and it is stiffer because our cars lack servotronic. I love it. I just bought another one for my secondary car since it is leaking as well.

Yeah I thought about this option after looking and doing research, but I want to keep this car OEM, I have another Audi and VW for my racing aspects. Before you all ask on details of those cars I cannot share due to both cars are in rebuild stages and hope to show them at SEMA shows in near future. I can give you little clue on Audi..... Group B car...

Everyone that has driven my car with that steering rack in it said that they loved the feel of it.

Good to hear we can use parts from later models to make the car more old skool feeling... I guess Audi got feedback from B5 and B6 owners to make it feel more non-power steering!

[madone_si]

Currently looking for good place to repaint the OEM wheels back to the Hyper Silver color. If anyone know of good places in the Seattle, Bellevue, Renton area for good painters of wheels (I will be asking them to show me previous work) please let me know.

[oaybar007]

Thanks for the info. I'll check out that earlier post for the parts.

Wish I could help on wheel refinishing. I'm on the wrong coast! I am running OZ wheels but plan to have the tires on my originals dismounted and refinish them myself for now. About ten years ago I damaged one of my USP wheels and actually refinished the entire thing myself with the Wurth Wheel Refinishing kit. It looks great and held up. It was a lot of work though. I love the OZ look on my car, very race car-ish, but get nostalgic on the USP wheels. Are you buying fresh center caps or going to have those repainted as well?

[madone_si]

Thanks for the info. I'll check out that earlier post for the parts.

Wish I could help on wheel refinishing. I'm on the wrong coast! I am running OZ wheels but plan to have the tires on my originals dismounted and refinish them myself for now. About ten years ago I damaged one of my USP wheels and actually refinished the entire thing myself with the Wurth Wheel Refinishing kit. It looks great and held up. It was a lot of work though. I love the OZ look on my car, very race car-ish, but get nostalgic on the USP wheels. Are you buying fresh center caps or going to have those repainted as well?

I have 2 spare sets - new center caps, as I knew 10 years ago that these would be hard to buy later or be expensive.

if you need photos of install i can always take some for you...

[fR3ZNO]

After about a week it feels perfectly normal. I don't really even notice the stiffer steering at low speeds.

Interesting note about the B7 rack. When I had my B5 2.8, I unknowingly put a 1.8T rack in it. At the time wasn't aware there was a difference. But it had a similar effect since the power assist for a 1.8T is less than a 2.8 due to the difference in front end weight. The ratios were the same, but the steering had more weight to it, which was nice.

[WeAre138]

Hi, just bought a B6 Avant (same colour as yours) and just wanted to say what a great thread almost half way through it and some great info and pictures you’ve put on to make life easier! I bet any job takes you twice as long with time spent taking the pictures and for that I say you are a gent.
All the best from Sheffield UK

[madone_si]

thanks WeAre138 - another brit on the forum :) welcome (even if I am little slow and late to reply!!!!!!!)

Well its 2019 I should really get on with fixing the Audi with new steering rack and the general cleaning and service for year. I will take it to a few local events this year and then back into storage. (I will update soon with my usual OCD updates of photos and information)

Mileage add to Audi for 2018 - 402 miles, primary due to other cars I've bought and working on.

and I think I am going to put air ride back in... I miss it hahaha

[madone_si]

Well car has been professionally paint correction done and clean. A/C serviced and power steering done. I have one job left to do (replace my drivers electric window buttons due to fading icons only) and the Audi is officially going on BaT for sale. This is going so I can get the new RS6 Audi coming in 2020.

Custom air ride system will be posted up next month for sale as complete setup.
I have wheels for sale too (photo of wheels at end)













Wheels being sold separately from Audi

[Charles.waite]

Damn that looks good. Best of luck on BaT. Also screw you for ordering an RS6, you bastard!

[Spike00513]

This is going so I can get the new RS6 Audi coming in 2020.

[V70R]

This will fetch some good money; since it’s fairly stock I’ll say it goes higher than the black ‘05 USP Avant that sold for $15K. Best of luck on the BaT auction

[madone_si]

Well car has been professionally paint correction done and clean. A/C serviced and power steering done. I have one job left to do (replace my drivers electric window buttons due to fading icons only) and the Audi is officially going on BaT for sale. This is going so I can get the new RS6 Audi coming in 2020.

Custom air ride system will be posted up next month for sale as complete setup.
I have wheels for sale too (photo of wheels at end)













Wheels being sold separately from Audi

Damn that looks good. Best of luck on BaT. Also screw you for ordering an RS6, you bastard!

Thanks. Get your order in on RS6 too?

:)

This will fetch some good money; since it’s fairly stock I’ll say it goes higher than the black ‘05 USP Avant that sold for $15K. Best of luck on the BaT auction

I hope so and thanks.

[madone_si]

Audi sold privately.

[b6_nikola]

Audi sold privately.

how much did it go for if you dont mind me asking? i recently bought a 2005 brilliant red usp avant


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[kin3tiks]

You sold it?? Nooooooo. Since I bought my 2005 USP I have followed this thread to death. Almost everything is done, minus the air ride, and I did have to end up drilling my Ambers out, they shattered. I am assuming they were glued somehow. I just hit 81k miles, ugh I love to drive it but I count the miles. I tend to take our ferry system for long drives :D

What a fun ride Madone_Si. Whats our next car? R8? (The RS6 can be the daily driver)

Edit: Audi in Bellevue is horrendous, I cannot count how many times I told them exactly what the problem was and they still overcharged me 1000s to confirm it... who did you end up trusting?

[Charles.waite]

Thanks. Get your order in on RS6.

Hah, I wish. If I didn’t have two kids and the ridiculous second (and a half) mortgage that daycare costs in this city (going to be nearly $3600/mo this January when my youngest starts), I’d honestly be interested. The wife would NEVER go for it sadly. Though she did just get a almost new Q7 prestige so I’m holding all the bargaining chips currently when it comes to cars. Not that that amounts to much, but it makes me feel better for driving the (relative) beater B7 Titanium Avant.

I just wish they’d offer it in manual...

[kin3tiks]

going to be nearly $3600/mo this January when my youngest starts

My Stomach sank a little reading this, my daughter just hit 18 months. Since it is impossible to live in this state without a dual-income... oof. Let's see - I have a sailboat addiction, a drone/FPV addiction, my Audi addiction, aviation addiction, Oh and I am starting a fly fishing addiction (who knew a "cheap" fly fishing rod was 300 USD... no wire, no reel.. a rod). So priorities tell me, I am going to have to get rid of my daughter, dang.

[Charles.waite]

Dude it’s insane here in Seattle. And yea living near the city on a single income would require me a to make a great deal more. Than and my wife doesn’t really want to be a stay at home mom either.

But yea speaking of hobbies, thank god kids require so much damn time or else I would be pissed that, at least at this stage, I don’t have the money for my hobbies either, haha. I’ve had a boatload of engine rebuild parts and a spare engine chilling in my basement for over a year now and haven’t even touched them. I knew kids were a timesuck but never believed it would be this bad with 2.

[oaybar007]

End of an era here. Thanks for sharing the journey of your car!

[madone_si]

how much did it go for if you dont mind me asking? i recently bought a 2005 brilliant red usp avant

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1 million dollars!!! haha over 20k is all I can say.

You sold it?? Nooooooo. Since I bought my 2005 USP I have followed this thread to death. Almost everything is done, minus the air ride, and I did have to end up drilling my Ambers out, they shattered. I am assuming they were glued somehow. I just hit 81k miles, ugh I love to drive it but I count the miles. I tend to take our ferry system for long drives :D

What a fun ride Madone_Si. Whats our next car? R8? (The RS6 can be the daily driver)

Edit: Audi in Bellevue is horrendous, I cannot count how many times I told them exactly what the problem was and they still overcharged me 1000s to confirm it... who did you end up trusting?

Yeah sold it, it was just sitting around doing nothing and the offer was too good to turn down and let the next person enjoy it. I am glad the thread is helping others as it did me!

I actually have a special racer car being built for me in europe which is to help raise money for disabled childrens (non-profit) that is where my focus is going for next 18-24 months. Yeah RS6 will be my daily for sure.

If you read this thread it calls out the company I had to my last two services and anything else that broke I fixed :)

Hah, I wish. If I didn’t have two kids and the ridiculous second (and a half) mortgage that daycare costs in this city (going to be nearly $3600/mo this January when my youngest starts), I’d honestly be interested. The wife would NEVER go for it sadly. Though she did just get a almost new Q7 prestige so I’m holding all the bargaining chips currently when it comes to cars. Not that that amounts to much, but it makes me feel better for driving the (relative) beater B7 Titanium Avant.

I just wish they’d offer it in manual...

yeah I hear you on that situation, I was there 10 years ago and yes manual seems to be a lost feature these days (sad smile)

My Stomach sank a little reading this, my daughter just hit 18 months. Since it is impossible to live in this state without a dual-income... oof. Let's see - I have a sailboat addiction, a drone/FPV addiction, my Audi addiction, aviation addiction, Oh and I am starting a fly fishing addiction (who knew a "cheap" fly fishing rod was 300 USD... no wire, no reel.. a rod). So priorities tell me, I am going to have to get rid of my daughter, dang.

lol sadly life goes up and down on toys focus, family focus, toy focus.... well at least when I get RS6 I will be happy to offer passenger trips to allow the parents to get there kicks of joy, in-between the family life. Maybe I start a service called: RS6 roller coast buzz trip from home to work?

Dude it’s insane here in Seattle. And yea living near the city on a single income would require me a to make a great deal more. Than and my wife doesn’t really want to be a stay at home mom either.

But yea speaking of hobbies, thank god kids require so much damn time or else I would be pissed that, at least at this stage, I don’t have the money for my hobbies either, haha. I’ve had a boatload of engine rebuild parts and a spare engine chilling in my basement for over a year now and haven’t even touched them. I knew kids were a timesuck but never believed it would be this bad with 2.

yeah it sure is and seems to be the more you earn the more new policies are coming in to take it away. Do we need to pull a Audi club weekend to come help you?

End of an era here. Thanks for sharing the journey of your car!

Yeah it was a good run and I have to say I still go outside the home looking for it now and again, but onto other toys.

[itsmatt33]

20k+ ?! what the actual fuck.

[frenchyofcp]

20k+ ?! what the actual fuck.

YEAH WHAAAAATTTTTT

[madone_si]

20k+ ?! what the actual fuck.

YEAH WHAAAAATTTTTT

I cannot say what it sold for as new owner does not what is published. He may end up on this forum in the future, but it was above $$ I am not saying what.

[madone_si]

Well I finish this thread with my fav photo of Audi in winter time.