S5 Gauge Cluster Differences...possible retrofit?

[chanceparker]

I just noticed that the B8 S5 gauges have trim rings that the B8 S4 doesn't have. The S5 look is much more akin to the B8.5 trim piece that is not easily retrofitted to a B8. However, I also notice that these S5 trim pieces seem to be attached to the gauges themselves rather than to the trim piece.

Any idea if these pieces can be found separate from an S5 cluster and retrofitted to a B8 S4?

B8 S4


B8 S5


B8 S5 Cluster

[Rez90]

all rook same

[blackfunk]

Isn't the lower one the from the B8.5?

[kap09]

Nope - B8.5 S4 has trim on the sides but it doesn't wrap the entire speedo/tach like the S5 trim does.

[chanceparker]

all rook same

Really...really?

Isn't the lower one the from the B8.5?

It is not. I originally thought so too. My brother-in-law is shopping for a B8 S5 and when I started looking at several of the cars he's looking at, I noticed this difference. B8 S5 gauges are not identical to B8 S4s. Just search Ebay for some and look at the pics. Those B8.5-like trim rings are there every time.

For example, here's a pic from a 2009 S5 on Ebay. The trim rings around the primary gauges are there.

[Dr GP]

You may also need to change the instrument panel trim as well. I believe that the S5, S4 and B8.5 S4 all have different clusters and trim.

[chaos2984]

you might be able to put just the trim rings on your S4 cluster. I would see how much the part is or find someone with an S5 that you can try to see if you can just get the trim without the cluster.

[gtg196w]

Just stumbled on this trying to see if anyone else has tried what I'm going to do. In case anyone is interested, I can tell you the large majority of options when it comes to changing your instrument look/trim. I've spent way more time than I care to admit on this.
Some relevant info:

A. There are 3 different styles. 1. B8 A4/S4 instrument and surround trim. 2. B8.5 A4/S4 instrument and surround trim 3. B/B8.5 Instrument and surround trim

B. The difference between a B8 A5/S5 instrument cluster and a B8.5 A5/S5 instrument cluster is just the dials themselves. I think the B8.5 A5 speedometer doesn't go as high as the B8, for instance.
C. The difference between a B8 A4/S4 instrument cluster and B8.5 A4/S4 instrument cluster is BOTH the dials AND the front layer structure of the cluster itself.
D. The difference between a B8 A4/S4 instrument trim and B8.5 A4/S4 instrument trim is that 1.) B8 is 2 piece and B8.5 is 1 piece AND 2.) The mounting brackets for the trim have opposite tab orientation (horizontal vs vertical)

SO.....

If you have a B8 A4/S4 and want a A5/S5 instrument look, you need:
A. An A5 instrument cluster (not sure if there is a mileage requirement. IE new cluster has to be lower than car actual Miles... ?)
B. Instrument cluster trim x2 pieces
C. Component Protection removal
D. Reprogramming including miles matching (my audi tech buddy says keys need to be reprogrammed too. I'm not convinced but he says he's done instrument cluster replacements before and you need it.)

If you have a B8 A4/S4 and want a B8.5 A4/S4 instrument look, you need:
A. B8.5 A4/S4 mounting bracket
B. B8.5 A4/S4 instrument trim
C. B8.5 A4/S4 instrument cluster (this is somewhat optional but recommended. If you don't get this, you need to very carefully remove all the pieces of plastic that protrude from the lens without damaging the cluster screw hole structures). If you get a new cluster, you need CP and programming, like above.

I've done the B8 A4 to B8.5 A4 look with the piano black trim, and it looks pretty cool.
I'm actually about to try this A5 cluster retrofit to my B8 A4. Will report back if successful. Fingers crossed.

Also. Yes they all rook same. It's not racist cuz I'm asian. JLin over Kobe all day. kekeke JK obviously before someone freaks out.

[TheNiloJunior]

Just stumbled on this trying to see if anyone else has tried what I'm going to do. In case anyone is interested, I can tell you the large majority of options when it comes to changing your instrument look/trim. I've spent way more time than I care to admit on this.
Some relevant info:

A. There are 3 different styles. 1. B8 A4/S4 instrument and surround trim. 2. B8.5 A4/S4 instrument and surround trim 3. B/B8.5 Instrument and surround trim

B. The difference between a B8 A5/S5 instrument cluster and a B8.5 A5/S5 instrument cluster is just the dials themselves. I think the B8.5 A5 speedometer doesn't go as high as the B8, for instance.
C. The difference between a B8 A4/S4 instrument cluster and B8.5 A4/S4 instrument cluster is BOTH the dials AND the front layer structure of the cluster itself.
D. The difference between a B8 A4/S4 instrument trim and B8.5 A4/S4 instrument trim is that 1.) B8 is 2 piece and B8.5 is 1 piece AND 2.) The mounting brackets for the trim have opposite tab orientation (horizontal vs vertical)

SO.....

If you have a B8 A4/S4 and want a A5/S5 instrument look, you need:
A. An A5 instrument cluster (not sure if there is a mileage requirement. IE new cluster has to be lower than car actual Miles... ?)
B. Instrument cluster trim x2 pieces
C. Component Protection removal
D. Reprogramming including miles matching (my audi tech buddy says keys need to be reprogrammed too. I'm not convinced but he says he's done instrument cluster replacements before and you need it.)

If you have a B8 A4/S4 and want a B8.5 A4/S4 instrument look, you need:
A. B8.5 A4/S4 mounting bracket
B. B8.5 A4/S4 instrument trim
C. B8.5 A4/S4 instrument cluster (this is somewhat optional but recommended. If you don't get this, you need to very carefully remove all the pieces of plastic that protrude from the lens without damaging the cluster screw hole structures). If you get a new cluster, you need CP and programming, like above.

I've done the B8 A4 to B8.5 A4 look with the piano black trim, and it looks pretty cool.
I'm actually about to try this A5 cluster retrofit to my B8 A4. Will report back if successful. Fingers crossed.

Also. Yes they all rook same. It's not racist cuz I'm asian. JLin over Kobe all day. kekeke JK obviously before someone freaks out.

The small things that bother me with the pre-facelift S4 interior are the steering wheel, dash trim, and DSG shift knob. Cool to see you got around the dash trim replacement.

Did you end up replacing the instrument cluster in yours? Also, any pics?

[gtg196w]

The small things that bother me with the pre-facelift S4 interior are the steering wheel, dash trim, and DSG shift knob.

That's hilarious. Guess which interior parts I've replaced? check out the pictures.

I'll take the opportunity to show off my interior mods a little... Stuff I did to the interior: B8.5 F.B. half air steering wheel, air leather B8.5 shifter, B8 concert to B8.5 MMI retrofit, B8.5 climate control, B8.5 piano black instrument cluster trim, stainless steel mesh beltline trim, carbon fiber center console trim, pedals, leather arm rests. In progress: B&O retrofit and A5 cluster/piano black surround trim. Future: S line seats. And then I'll be done with the interior.

So for the instrument, I did not do it right. A lot of mechanical modifications required. I kept the cluster and modified some of the trim mounting tabs. I do not recommend doing it this way. Super time consuming, and the fit is like 95% solid. Just not quite 100%. It looks perfect so if you're looking for a cost effective way, pick up the trim on ebay and the mounting bracket. I think if you are very careful you can make the cluster work with the updated trim. To make the install easy/do it right, you really should get the new cluster too. It's just a really expensive route.
BEFORE:

AFTER:

[osspasha]

That's hilarious. Guess which interior parts I've replaced? check out the pictures.

I'll take the opportunity to show off my interior mods a little... Stuff I did to the interior: B8.5 F.B. half air steering wheel, air leather B8.5 shifter, B8 concert to B8.5 MMI retrofit, B8.5 climate control, B8.5 piano black instrument cluster trim, stainless steel mesh beltline trim, carbon fiber center console trim, pedals, leather arm rests. In progress: B&O retrofit and A5 cluster/piano black surround trim. Future: S line seats. And then I'll be done with the interior.

So for the instrument, I did not do it right. A lot of mechanical modifications required. I kept the cluster and modified some of the trim mounting tabs. I do not recommend doing it this way. Super time consuming, and the fit is like 95% solid. Just not quite 100%. It looks perfect so if you're looking for a cost effective way, pick up the trim on ebay and the mounting bracket. I think if you are very careful you can make the cluster work with the updated trim. To make the install easy/do it right, you really should get the new cluster too. It's just a really expensive route.
BEFORE:

AFTER:

you do realize that the before picture is manual and the after is automatic lool

[gtg196w]

you do realize that the before picture is manual and the after is automatic lool

Oh didn't I mention? Manual to tiptronic. you impressed? JK haha yea I hated the interior before too much to take a picture. I also had single zone climate. But basically looked the same as that. Quite a change in appearance though.

[The Infiltrator]

I'm interested in swapping out the needles to white now the more I look at this thread, so if anyone knows where I can get them PM me. I've already gone this far so why not right? I also did the auto dim and compass mirror retrofit plus a ton of other things which is in my build thread.

When I Bought It:


After Retrofit:

[TheNiloJunior]

That's hilarious. Guess which interior parts I've replaced? check out the pictures.

I'll take the opportunity to show off my interior mods a little... Stuff I did to the interior: B8.5 F.B. half air steering wheel, air leather B8.5 shifter, B8 concert to B8.5 MMI retrofit, B8.5 climate control, B8.5 piano black instrument cluster trim, stainless steel mesh beltline trim, carbon fiber center console trim, pedals, leather arm rests. In progress: B&O retrofit and A5 cluster/piano black surround trim. Future: S line seats. And then I'll be done with the interior.

So for the instrument, I did not do it right. A lot of mechanical modifications required. I kept the cluster and modified some of the trim mounting tabs. I do not recommend doing it this way. Super time consuming, and the fit is like 95% solid. Just not quite 100%. It looks perfect so if you're looking for a cost effective way, pick up the trim on ebay and the mounting bracket. I think if you are very careful you can make the cluster work with the updated trim. To make the install easy/do it right, you really should get the new cluster too. It's just a really expensive route.

[B][SIZE=4][COLOR="#FF0000"]I'm interested in swapping out the needles to white now the more I look at this thread, so if anyone knows where I can get them PM me. I've already gone this far so why not right? I also did the auto dim and compass mirror retrofit plus a ton of other things which is in my build thread.

Wow, looking good! All I've done is add the aluminum pedals. Am ordering a new start button+shifter next. Steering wheel sometime down the road as I'll want to save a few more pennies for it!

[gtg196w]

BOOM bitches. Coolest 2009 A4 interior ever. IMHO, of course. :D

[avantagg]

BOOM bitches. Coolest 2009 A4 interior ever. IMHO, of course. :D

This is fantastic. I need to know more! Accidentally bought A5 piano trim pieces for my A4 and you've just convinced me I need to do this swap. Can you share part numbers for the A5 cluster? There seem to be a few and I would need one with similar options for the 2012 A4 premium plus (color display, cruise control etc). Any more info you can share would be great!

[doug97gxe]

Isn't the lower one the from the B8.5?

i know this is an old thread but that looks like a B8 A5 cluster .. they go to 180 .. the B8.5 S5 goes to 160

[kt883]

There's a DIY available to just swap the outer case and use A5 trim on the A4 and then you wont need component protection or programming mileage

[Thurston]

i just wish I could change the illumination color to something other than dull white.

[avantagg]

There's a DIY available to just swap the outer case and use A5 trim on the A4 and then you wont need component protection or programming mileage

Yea I actually put this together using inspiration from davidB8 and another member. It's a relatively easy swap!

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...etrofit-for-A4

[doug97gxe]

Yea I actually put this together using inspiration from davidB8 and another member. It's a relatively easy swap!

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...etrofit-for-A4

wow i didn't notice the 5's had that much of a different cluster .. thanks for the pics

[TheNiloJunior]

Used avantaggs' DIY linked below and went with the A5 trim on the stock S4 Gauges.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...etrofit-for-A4

[avantagg]

^^^ Well done! Looks great.