Help with ‘new to me” C7.5 A7

[davidVT]

Hi

New member to AZ here, and i have been reading every thread in the C7 section I can find. Thank you very much already for what I have learned.

For 25 years I had a E28 BMW full Dinan M5, one of only 11,000 imported into USA. Beast of a car - straight 6 @ 270 hp with the mods on the small body (5 series then were smaller/lighter than current 3 series!) Sold it 2 years ago and itching to get back to something more fun. It’s time to hand my current car (Subaru Outback 2.5 limited) to my teenage (new) driver son and get....a new-to-me A7. Have wanted one for several years

Trying to identify my “unicorn” working my way through trim levels, options, etc. I posted some of the below in another section several days ago, and while it got many views, did not generate any answers or opinions. This section seems more active, so I thought i would try here. In the intervening days, several threads have solved about half of my questions, but a few remain. If you have knowledge or an opinion, would love to hear from you as I this will be my first Audi.

I think my unicorn is a 2018 A7 Prestige, metallic black with either black or nougat interior. Driver Asst and comfort seats are must haves. cold weather pkg (it is Vermont!) and dart walnut inlays are high wants, but not deal breakers.

Questions from there.

A) 2017 vs 2018 A7. At the Prestige level, I don’t see many changes between the model years, but I am having difficulty finding full official order guides for those years (have portions). Any thoughts on 2017 vs 2018? $$ likely 10-15K lower being a year older with likely higher mileage. Are the differences worth it?

B). I see references to a mid model run facelift (C7 to C7.5). On thread said this happened in 2016 with the A6. Was it the same year on the A7?

C)night vision assistance. I see some threads on retrofitting this, and others saying it is not worth is as it shuts down at 77F, and a lot of nights are hotter than this (not in Vermont!, but generally). What do you folks think of this option?

D). I would like the blackout option, but it only seems to come with the S-line option (not the comp option, but just the S-line).Most of this I like, but I am not sure of the Sline sport suspension. I am not a super aggressive driver, and don’t intend to be. Worried that the Sport suspension may be too rough, especially with the 20” rims (a few threads in non-AZ forums warned of this). thoughts?

E) exterior colors? I think the unicorn is likely metallic black, but the other colors that may be interesting are the brilliant black, Tornado grey metallic or moonlight blue metallic. While I have found an online color catalog for 2017, cannot find the same for 2018 (and neither could Audi USA!).

Long list, but if you are hunting unicorns, you need a keen sight on your rifle, especially as I will be shooting all the way from VT and therefore will likely have to go to the car, check it, and bring home.

Thanks in advance


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[tnjed]

A. No functional difference between the two model years. The trade-off in dollars/miles is the only consideration.

B. 2016 is beginning year for C7.5 for US-based Audi’s.

C. Don’t have it, but many have said it is nice - but not essential (especially at the price).

D. The sports suspension is far from rough. If you run it in Comfort mode, it is very cushy to the point of floaty.

E. I have the Tornado Grey, and it is rare - I’d say the same for Moonlight Blue as well. Mythos Black is everywhere on RS/S7s here in Seattle. Brilliant Black is very common on older A7s (pre-facelift).

Happy hunting!


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[D3LT4N]

As is already said - absolutely no difference between '17 & '18. If I'm not mistaken, the only difference between a '16 and '17/'18 is the addition of apple carplay and android auto (which can be activated via software on a '16) - other than that, exactly same vehicle.

I just got my unicorn 3 weeks ago in the form of a '16 moonlight blue prestige with nougat brown interior, all the bells and whistles (cold weather package for the great white NORTH ofcourse!) except night vision which is cool but won't be missed. Dare I say that mine only came with 45k km (~28k miles) so I'm more than satisfied saving over $10k compared to buying a more recent model year.

If you can find a lower mileage '17 that would be the best way to go IMO, probably spend the additional cash on Audi after-care + mods. My two pennies worth and best of luck with the hunt!

[davidVT]

@tnjed - thanks for the answers and thoughts. I think the night vision might go on the nice to have list for my unicorn, but not a deal breaker. Many threads have noted these options, and especially those stand alone ones like night vision or blackout, don’t add much to the resale price vs what they cost original purchase price

Much more importantly, thanks for the comments on the S-line sports suspension. The combo of the larger 20” wheels and sport suspension was negatively reviewed (as too rough) in a few places. Sounds like not as much to worry about

The paint colors are confusing. I have the 17 ebrochure and the 18 order guide. The names of the paint seem to change slightly, and some colors have were apparently discontinued (eg oolong grey). Hard to tell as I am comparing ebrochure to order guide

@D3LT4N. - moonlight blue/nougat sounds like an amazing combo. Which inlays does it have? Can you post or (or send) some pics?

Awesome on a ‘16 @ 45k km. Agree on the earlier year, which is why I am considering 17 as well as 18. Thinking as we are approaching the MY21 soon, hopefully can score a lower mileage one coming off of lease. Thanks


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[CTjalsma]

Gotta comment here on the sport suspension and 20" combo. I have a 2016 Prestige TDI with S-line. Came with the 20" wheels and Pirelli summer tires. When I picked that car up and drove it home I almost cried the ride (and tire noise, oh my god!) was so terrible. Don't know what the comment is about Comfort mode, but there isn't one on my car, I think that's only on the air suspension (S7). Roads around here are pretty bad (Seattle area) but suspect Vermont may not be that great either. It didn't help the dealer had 44 lbs of air in all the tires, going to 35 helped a little, not enough. So I bought a set of 19" S7 wheels with the Conti DWS06 tires and that has made the car livable. But I came from a 2010 A6 Avant, and still think the ride/handling compromise on that car was far better than the A7. My fun car is a Honda S2000, so don't need the A7 for that, but honestly, the Honda with Michelin PS S4 summer tires, is a better ride/handling compromise than my A7 as it currently stands.

[davidVT]

Gotta comment here on the sport suspension and 20" combo. I have a 2016 Prestige TDI with S-line. Came with the 20" wheels and Pirelli summer tires. When I picked that car up and drove it home I almost cried the ride (and tire noise, oh my god!) was so terrible. Don't know what the comment is about Comfort mode, but there isn't one on my car, I think that's only on the air suspension (S7). Roads around here are pretty bad (Seattle area) but suspect Vermont may not be that great either. It didn't help the dealer had 44 lbs of air in all the tires, going to 35 helped a little, not enough. So I bought a set of 19" S7 wheels with the Conti DWS06 tires and that has made the car livable. But I came from a 2010 A6 Avant, and still think the ride/handling compromise on that car was far better than the A7. My fun car is a Honda S2000, so don't need the A7 for that, but honestly, the Honda with Michelin PS S4 summer tires, is a better ride/handling compromise than my A7 as it currently stands.

Thanks for your input. As noted, getting mixed signals on this, and have no idea if a 16 TDI would be that different from a 17/18 TFSI, but I would not think so as they are both C7.5


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[D3LT4N]

@davidVT The colour combo is brilliant I must say. Inlay is the Dark Brown Walnut Wood - match made in heaven for me no doubt.

Here are a few photos for you, the moonlight blue looks gorgeous in the sun. IMG_20200628_140240.jpegIMG_20200628_140224.jpegIMG_20200628_140149.jpegIMG_20200628_140303.jpeg

[mwdelta]

I have the 20" sport package on my C7. AFAIK the suspension is not adjustable on A7s, so Drive Select would not have an effect.

I upgraded from a Honda Accord, and I feel that my Audi has a similar ride. With the tires aired to the proper setting, it's firm but not bad. That said, perhaps those coming from another luxury vehicle without a sporting bias would notice a bigger ride difference.

The nice thing is that if you hate your 20s, undoubtedly you could find someone on here to do a swap for some 19s.

[davidVT]

@davidVT The colour combo is brilliant I must say. Inlay is the Dark Brown Walnut Wood - match made in heaven for me no doubt.

Here are a few photos for you, the moonlight blue looks gorgeous in the sun. IMG_20200628_140240.jpegIMG_20200628_140224.jpegIMG_20200628_140149.jpegIMG_20200628_140303.jpeg

This is very pretty. I think this color combo may have just moved to the top of the wishlist. A quick hunt thru Autotrader showed a few blue/nougat combos available, but not with all of my wish list options, and it is far, far too soon to compromise.

Thanks so much


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[davidVT]

I have the 20" sport package on my C7. AFAIK the suspension is not adjustable on A7s, so Drive Select would not have an effect.

I upgraded from a Honda Accord, and I feel that my Audi has a similar ride. With the tires aired to the proper setting, it's firm but not bad. That said, perhaps those coming from another luxury vehicle without a sporting bias would notice a bigger ride difference.

The nice thing is that if you hate your 20s, undoubtedly you could find someone on here to do a swap for some 19s.

Your comments and @CTjalsma seem to jive. (His being the ride select is a S/RS option due to the air suspension). I was thinking about the same idea you suggested - black optics package with the backup of moving back to the 19” rims (and then possibly power coating them to keep the black look).

Many thanks


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[bahula03]

On the sport suspension, the best thing to do is find a local car and go for a test drive. I have an A6 with the sport package and 20" wheels, and driving in the same area as CTjalsma it can definitely be a bit much. The reality is though that there aren't really cars that would be undisturbed or particularly comfy on those roads because they're just bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ The other side of that compromise in the aesthetics and composure of the car on better roads is worth it for me.

Just for clarity of information, the night vision camera doesn't shut off at 77°, it just stops providing pedestrian detection. It does become pretty much blind with moderate or worse rain though. My advice, if you want it, on retrofitting things: unless you're looking for a project or want to retrofit something that wasn't offered on US cars, don't. Things are so interconnected on these cars and parts tend to be pricey, it's a lot easier to wait for the right car to come up for sale.

Good luck in your search!

[davidVT]

Thanks. Even trying to find an A7 sline, without all of the goodies I want, can be challenging. We are only 650k in the entire State! It is rumored there are more cows than people here We measure our social distancing with 1 cow between people :).

I can be patient.


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[davidVT]

Hi all. Still need to verify the sports suspension question, but I finally got accurate option info for a 2017 A7. I am beginning to suspect that the 2018 A7 order guide I found, dated April 2017, may be a preliminary version

It does not show the night vision nor the B&O stereo as options for that year on the A7 prestige. Seems odd it would be there 17 and 19 but not 18.

Can anyone confirm, or refute? I will call audi USA CS tomorrow


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[gk1]

Just for clarity of information, the night vision camera doesn't shut off at 77°, it just stops providing pedestrian detection. It does become pretty much blind with moderate or worse rain though. My advice, if you want it, on retrofitting things: unless you're looking for a project or want to retrofit something that wasn't offered on US cars, don't. Things are so interconnected on these cars and parts tend to be pricey, it's a lot easier to wait for the right car to come up for sale.

Good luck in your search!

For OP, just to add onto this. The night vision is IMO way more of a gimmick than it is worth and definitely not worth the cost to repair should it break.
As pointed out the pedestrian detection warning shuts off at too low of a temperature making it mostly useful for winter joggers that might run out in front of your car...lol
And to "see" cows you'd also have to look down at the DIS which can take your eyes off the road where you are more likely to see the cow with your headlights. AFAIK the C7 night vision versions did not have "large animal detection" so no cow warnings.
I personally would not pay anything extra for the option I actually had the night vision negotiated off of my new car purchase price 6 years ago since I did not want night vision but the car they had on the lot had it.
FWIW the camera alone is a $3500 part! The germanium lens repair kit for just in front of the camera is $1000!

[AutomaTom]

Hi all. Still need to verify the sports suspension question, but I finally got accurate option info for a 2017 A7. I am beginning to suspect that the 2018 A7 order guide I found, dated April 2017, may be a preliminary version

It does not show the night vision nor the B&O stereo as options for that year on the A7 prestige. Seems odd it would be there 17 and 19 but not 18.

Can anyone confirm, or refute? I will call audi USA CS tomorrow


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Chiming in for whatever my $.02 are worth regarding the Sports Suspension. I also have a C7.5 A6 S Line with the 20'' wheels. To my knowledge, all modern Audis have Audi's Drive Select Select system. In the MMI (their multimedia interface) you can select between Comfort, Dynamic or Individual (custom) settings. Comfort definitely feels different compared to Dynamic; I've had passengers mention it as well. Comfort lightens the steering and suspension a bit; Dynamic is definitely stiffer. Obviously having the Sports Suspension is going to be overall stiffer than a standard option with the respective Drive Select modes, but I personally find Dynamic with Sports Suspension fine even for daily use. On top of tho drive mode you can also switch the transmission to Sports mode while in auto for more aggressive adjustment.

My suggestion would be to go to a dealer, find an A7 S Line and test drive with both Drive Select options enabled (Comfort vs. Dynamic) regardless if it's not your unicorn spec. Just to feel it out. Cheers!

[davidVT]

@gk1 and @AutomaTom. Thanks much for the .02 on both areas. The 2 local dealers when I started looking did not have any sline Hopefully they do when I get back to town.


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[bahula03]

For the people saying this- no US C7 or C7.5 A6 or A7 cars were equipped with air suspension or adaptive dampers. Not as part of a trim level, not as part of a package, not as a standalone option. You can go into Individual in Drive Select and see that there isn't a suspension setting there (there are settings for the engine/transmission, steering, and seatbelt tensioner), or look at a brochure, or go look at your car and the steel springs in the wheel wells haha

[davidVT]

Still researching the A7 “Sline sports suspension”. The new brochure I found states in describing this option as a “sports suspension calibration”. Does anyone know if it is just an adjustment, or different parts substituted?


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[AutomaTom]

For the people saying this- no US C7 or C7.5 A6 or A7 cars were equipped with air suspension or adaptive dampers. Not as part of a trim level, not as part of a package, not as a standalone option. You can go into Individual in Drive Select and see that there isn't a suspension setting there (there are settings for the engine/transmission, steering, and seatbelt tensioner), or look at a brochure, or go look at your car and the steel springs in the wheel wells haha

TIL and stand corrected! Seems like placebo effect when Comfort is engaged based on the steering torque and throttle response; it definitely "feels" floaty'er. Guess the ride itself remains unchanged. Still don't find the sports suspension overly stiff, but it's to each their own. I still echo bahula recommending a test drive regardless.

[davidVT]

Thanks. Still digging, as I like to know exactly what I a, buying, but I agree what I really need is to put my butt into an A7 with and without, one after the other, and compare. Now where would I find bad roads in VT (kidding, that pretty much describes 90% of the roads here. :)


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[Vinng86]

Still researching the A7 “Sline sports suspension”. The new brochure I found states in describing this option as a “sports suspension calibration”. Does anyone know if it is just an adjustment, or different parts substituted?


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They're different parts. The sway bars are slightly stiffer, springs sit about half an inch to an inch lower, etc. I don't have a full list of what's different however

[davidVT]

They're different parts. The sway bars are slightly stiffer, springs sit about half an inch to an inch lower, etc. I don't have a full list of what's different however

Thanks


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