Nah I love the aerial free roof mate it's way sleeker and looks so much more classy... what they should've done was design the roof rails for the antenna, GPS, dab etc...
What have you done to your Audi A4 B7 today?
- Thread starter Dani_B19
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I don't see how the lack of such a little thing can make the car 'way sleeker and look so much more classy'; especially when it does something really useful too. Still that's what makes the world go round; 'beauty in the eye of the beholder' each to his own; polar opposites and all that
Cleaner lines... same as how a subtle modification as a debadge makes for a sleeker look.I don't see how the lack of such a little thing can make the car 'way sleeker and look so much more classy'; especially when it does something really useful too. Still that's what makes the world go round; 'beauty in the eye of the beholder' each to his own; polar opposites and all that
Less clutter to mess with the overall design
As we always like to say, it is "personal choice " and if we didn't all have that individualism life would be pretty boring and plain 
I'd say almost every single B7 Avant I have ever seen has a factory shark fin, in fact I've never seen one without, yet - it would look missing to me without, and definitely less 'sleek'. I'm not for de-badging neither; nor rear wipe/washer delete either; and, with this one I'm probably alone here admittedly, I actually like the headlight amber indicators on earlier B7s; it looks a little bland without them to me and I don't see it looking more modern neither, because the shape style looks nothing like new headlights (which I think look often ugly nowadays anyway) The B7 headlights are a nice design (better than its contemporary A6) as is the whole front. In short I like everything to be as OEM as possible, maybe because I used to have a lot of classic cars once and was particular about originality. But I get why others do things and like things different.
; it looks a little bland without them to me and I don't see it looking more modern neither, because the shape style looks nothing like new headlights (which I think look often ugly nowadays anyway) The B7 headlights are a nice design (better than its contemporary A6) as is the whole front. In short I like everything to be as OEM as possible, maybe because I used to have a lot of classic cars once and was particular about originality. But I get why others do things and like things different.
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Well I'm a debage lover funnily enough I don't mind the audi logo other than it holding dirt between the spaces off it... that sharkfin oem or not is just an eyesore to me, same as the orange indicators... don't get me wrong I do love an oem car that hasn't been touched.. but if it's mine... badges and orange indicators are the first thing to dissappear... but yes mine doesn't have the sharkfin and for me it's a plus... antenna is on the 2 rear side windows so no need for something on the roof.
But that is my taste I also have rear tinted windows... and blacked the car out completely... aka no chrome other than the s-line badges. All it needs is a black leather interior and an upgraded AA rnse looks a like headunit... but that will be it.
But that is my taste I also have rear tinted windows... and blacked the car out completely... aka no chrome other than the s-line badges. All it needs is a black leather interior and an upgraded AA rnse looks a like headunit... but that will be it.
I like the chrome too and not tinted rear windows either; they're dark enough for me just a pity the chrome goes milky; a quick WD40 wipe after valeting can hold off that look for a few days. I had buyer's remorse when I first got my bog standard 2.0TDI 140, with cloth seats, and still occasionally hanker for a swap, which I might still do one day; but I've come to really appreciate the dark grey cloth ones, that are in really good condition and hard wearing. Especially when I schlep down to Spain in hot summer; and in winter too. A swap would have to have the heater option (a cooling option as with newer cars, would be nice too); but that involves changing the aircon fascia unit; and mine's all restored with new buttons. The only thing I don't like about the leather seats is how they seem rucked and ruffled in the rear; the cloth ones are a much smoother, tighter, fit and finish. But If I'd had a choice, when I bought this car, it would have been of course with leather. I didn't know anything about Audi B7 A4s then, and I only paid 1500 quid for it, which has proved to be one of the best bargain and lucky buys, I've ever made with a car; so I wasn't too fussed, looking back.
just a pity the chrome goes milky; a quick WD40 wipe after valeting can hold off that look for a few days. I had buyer's remorse when I first got my bog standard 2.0TDI 140, with cloth seats, and still occasionally hanker for a swap, which I might still do one day; but I've come to really appreciate the dark grey cloth ones, that are in really good condition and hard wearing. Especially when I schlep down to Spain in hot summer; and in winter too. A swap would have to have the heater option (a cooling option as with newer cars, would be nice too); but that involves changing the aircon fascia unit; and mine's all restored with new buttons. The only thing I don't like about the leather seats is how they seem rucked and ruffled in the rear; the cloth ones are a much smoother, tighter, fit and finish. But If I'd had a choice, when I bought this car, it would have been of course with leather. I didn't know anything about Audi B7 A4s then, and I only paid 1500 quid for it, which has proved to be one of the best bargain and lucky buys, I've ever made with a car; so I wasn't too fussed, looking back.
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Mweh the car looks like me... I'm black and usually dressed in all black: my car is phantom black and all blacked out... aka the perfect combo. Suits me very well... I left the roof rails the way they are as they hardly have any occidation on them but was inclined to swap them not to long ago as I bumped into a set of black ones... I almost bought them but nope I like them sticking out.
As said cars would be dull if we all loved them the same way.
As said cars would be dull if we all loved them the same way.
I just spent this afternoon preparing the old bus for Tuesday's day out to Mold in north wales.
I hope it will be a good run up and back, about 470 miles.
Sadly that's more than a tank of petrol, but at least petrol is a bit cheaper, not much, but still probably going to consume around £90-£100 worth.
My fingers are crossed to be honest but all last week's work seems to have been successful.
I hope it will be a good run up and back, about 470 miles.
Sadly that's more than a tank of petrol, but at least petrol is a bit cheaper, not much, but still probably going to consume around £90-£100 worth.
My fingers are crossed to be honest but all last week's work seems to have been successful.
Maybe it varies with location, I've seen very few with the shark fin Ariel.I'd say almost every single B7 Avant I have ever seen has a factory shark fin, in fact I've never seen one without, yet - it would look missing to me without, and definitely less 'sleek'. I'm not for de-badging neither; nor rear wipe/washer delete either; and, with this one I'm probably alone here admittedly, I actually like the headlight amber indicators on earlier B7s
I'm on the fence with them , I think they are ok but don't suit all cars, they looked good on the older BMW M5 saloon.
My old bus doesn't have one and also came debaged from the factory as an option.
B7 headlamps are a great-looking shape , well the front end is so good anyway, deffo made better with the honeycombed grill too.
A huge amount, particularly the more standard models, such as the diesel 140s, were ordered with the phone prep; if not much else, Rob; since there were a lot as exec/company cars, during Gordon Brown's 'Diesel good' era. Mine is typical: cloth seats and phone prep for work. The former Audi salesman I contacted, who sold it new, when researching the history of mine confirmed this was by far the popular/common choice then: 2.0 TDI A4 Avants, black with phone prep (i.e MFSW, Bluetooth, cradle either on dash or in the armrest and shark fin), for Audi UK. The S4/RS4s and a few of the other higher models were more often personal buys, where then that might not be high on the list. The latter have survived better. Many of the bog standards have now in the last few years gone to scrap heaven; particularly those diesels with failed oil pumps - they're often not 'classic' or economic enough to save.
In truth I don't see many of any variation these days; mostly they are Avants when I do and those I've seen all have shark fins - I have seen some saloons without the shark fin though; I don't think it's to do with location so much as perhaps what I'm seeing; mine came from Leeds, it's in Brum with me now and I travel a lot around the country, including Scotland were I work sometimes; so I'm basing my sightings on that.
I agree they don't suit all cars; some are downright ugly; the XF Jags, for example; but this era Audi one is quite small and discrete - to my mind they look more upmarket that the little cheap ariels they still put on basic models, that often have a little ball or red nose on them (every current executive and luxury car will have a shark fin, even some cheaper ones, only very basic models have a little ariel - it wasn't as common then, so it's quite a modern look too). In the end its about function over form. Mine's still used for data amplification and I intend to connect the GPS properly too, otherwise yes they are pointless, if not used; since the 'ariel' as such is on the screens; but that being the troublesome diversity type is now not great either. You can replace the shark fin, with more function to include FM/Dab, but it's not cheap and not worth it for me, currently.
Interestingly, Android Auto is coming out with a new feature soon that will allow integration of the car FM and Dab plus usb/SD etc music, from the AA screen (currently you have to exit AA to use the in-built media). I don't know if this will happen with Carplay too. But I may revisit proper ariel/shark fin solutions, when that happens. I don't like a lot of modern cars but I do appreciate modern ICE tech, discretely retro integrated, it really gives them a modern lease of life to me.
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I see a variety here some with some without that oem shatkfin antenna... but the aftermarket things give me the creeps... and i was well pleased when i deleted it from my car... and no way will i ever put it on again.
Hi. Not been able to log in as I deleted all my passwords by mistake. Had to get hold of admin through email to send me a reset link as the link on the website for the password reset was not sending me one.
Anyway, gave the car interior a well and truly deserved good clean on Friday as I have not cleaned it inside properly for months due to always working on the engine or suspension or the brakes lol.
Feels nice inside again now.
Ordered a cheapo cordless car polisher. I don't have a drive, so I can't get power to a corded one. Also ordered some extra polishing pads to go on my drill. And ordered wet and dry sandpaper so I can get the bad scratches out of the rear bumper where the last owner had clearly just been dragging stuff out of it.
Looking forward to getting the paint looking tidy!
Anyway, gave the car interior a well and truly deserved good clean on Friday as I have not cleaned it inside properly for months due to always working on the engine or suspension or the brakes lol.
Feels nice inside again now.
Ordered a cheapo cordless car polisher. I don't have a drive, so I can't get power to a corded one. Also ordered some extra polishing pads to go on my drill. And ordered wet and dry sandpaper so I can get the bad scratches out of the rear bumper where the last owner had clearly just been dragging stuff out of it.
Looking forward to getting the paint looking tidy!
I've just been on a 500-mile trek to Mold in North Wales. I set off at 7:00 a.m. this morning and was back home by 5:30 p.m., with a couple of pit stops along the way.
The car ran faultlessly, not sure about fuel consumption but it seemed ok.
A bit of a blizzard mid-morning around Telford and 4" in mold but the old Quattro bus handled it with ease.
It just needs a darn good wash tomorrow as it's filthy.
happy days and a new member of the household too.
The car ran faultlessly, not sure about fuel consumption but it seemed ok.
A bit of a blizzard mid-morning around Telford and 4" in mold but the old Quattro bus handled it with ease.
It just needs a darn good wash tomorrow as it's filthy.
happy days and a new member of the household too.
Congratulations in order, Rob? Very satisfying when you get a car sorted and you go for a nice run too; which is what it's all about, after all - I love driving, have done for nigh on 40 years; and for some reason, I really like driving the Audi best of any; And I've had some nice big Jags in my time; really smooth and effortless. I've never understood why reviews said back in the day Audi's were less satisfying and duller, than BMWs; they handle so well; even the FWDs; and the 6 speed box is a joy.
West midlands, thick snow yesterday - 15 mins digging out the old goat to go to work. All those big 4X4s whose owners couldn't reach the roof, with slabs of snow falling onto their windscreens, in front of me
I've just updated yesterday afternoon, the apps for FM and Dab+. I never update the HU normally since, it all works and I don't like messing. But even with the cr*ppy stick on ariel, I now have really decent Dab again; Classic FM and Jazz FM (yeah I'm that kind of old guy) are great now. What's new is a much better 'Service Following' feature, that continually scans and changes signals according to strength - I'm getting 4 to 5 bars now, without drop out. And FM too is much better; that app has introduced some similar features and though not as good as the Dab, it's listenable again. What is more I can listen to them at the same time as having Android Auto, because of the changes I had to make there.
The Motorola MA1 dongle I was using for wireless AA, has finally given up the ghost, after 18 months; they all do apparently, I was lucky getting so long. These kind of USB dongles are useful, and reasonably priced as a cheap upgrade, if you've only got wired Android Auto or Apple Carplay, which is the case on many stock, Chinese and lower priced branded units, such as Pioneer etc. I can achieve the same wireless AA without, by using a companion app on my phone; I'd never bothered before, because it used to be flaky. Now it's rock solid and better than the dongle; and as I say the Dab/FM still can be heard, if I temp exit AA or simply pause/mute any app. I am going to buy AAwireless 2+ when that comes out next year, since it's both AA and Carplay, and I have a hardly used 14Pro Max iPhone, I'd like to cross over to. I like the layout of Carplay better; though Google Assistant is preferable to me than Siri, from when I have used Carplay (wired with another app) from before. But if I can get Siri working from the steering wheel mic button, that will go a long way too. If you do buy a dongle for wireless of any kind (newer HUs have wireless built in, no need) don't buy the Motorola one, even though it's the only Google approved one.
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And what a totally rubbish weather day it has been with high winds and lashing rain and what did I decide to do, yep you guessed it, wash the old bus..lol
Now it was just a good wash to clear away all that nasty road grit etc the old bus acquired on Tuesdays round trip to north Wales, and it was pretty filthy to be honest with a thick layer of dried-on road grit/salt etc.
Black paint work and road treatments just look really tatty.
Okay, I could have left it, but I'd rather get it cleaned sooner rather than later even if the rain prevented me from drying the old bus, at least it is clean now. 
Now it was just a good wash to clear away all that nasty road grit etc the old bus acquired on Tuesdays round trip to north Wales, and it was pretty filthy to be honest with a thick layer of dried-on road grit/salt etc.
Black paint work and road treatments just look really tatty.
Okay, I could have left it, but I'd rather get it cleaned sooner rather than later even if the rain prevented me from drying the old bus, at least it is clean now.
Lol I did the exact same but here in Suffolk it stayed dry for once... car is still clean and dry. It was the same as yours though showing al the road grime on the bodywork and wheels (something that happens quickly when you got satin black wheels).
The old wagon has been sat on the drive since August and without an MOT for the last couple of months. Finally got around to getting it sorted today, passed with flying colours (no advisory’s)
Took it out for a quick blast this evening, almost fell back in love with it until the clutch started slipping again
Took it out for a quick blast this evening, almost fell back in love with it until the clutch started slipping again
you might want to upgrade to a dual plate setup... not sure how much torque your pushing, but a dual plate setup should take double the amount of torque that an oem setup is capable of and it retains the oem clutch pedal feel also.almost fell back in love with it until the clutch started slipping again
The stock clutch should be good for around just north of 200BHP (on the diesels); I'm almost sure when I had to renew mine with the DMF at around 230/40K , it was original; and then it was only taken out by a failed slave cylinder. It was almost down to the rivets though. Obviously it depends somewhat how you drive; but I use them a lot, including on the bite, on a hill, before the lights change, and braking down through the gears coming up to a long stop. I am careful with a smooth and quick change of gears though.
If you are running the standard clutch it should easily hold up to 240 bhp without a need to upgrade the clutch setup... but if you are above and with how you use it... you might want to consider a dual plate setup... they aren't that expensive compared to the oem dmf with sachs clutch setup anyway.
Plus it gives you the option of upping the power massively.
Plus it gives you the option of upping the power massively.
Had a set of new spark plugs arrive this morning, not a massive things but a long over due change was needed.
Also back on the alloy wheel front again, maybe time time for a change ...lol
I've been looking at these for a few days, I rather like the dish pattern etc and the colour, but, will they suit the B7 platform.....not sure yet.
Also back on the alloy wheel front again, maybe time time for a change ...lol
I've been looking at these for a few days, I rather like the dish pattern etc and the colour, but, will they suit the B7 platform.....not sure yet.
I have , well seen a pic on an A6 Avant, I wasnt knocked back by them on an A6 , just looked a bit out of place, all alloys look good without a tyre and not on a car though..lol
jup it's why i'm still running the oem ronal wheels... now ask me if i want a change? yes but there are so many styles i haven't committed to nothing yet... one of my alltime favourite wheels are the 3sdm 0.06 in a staggered setup and the BBS Lemans wheels but they also have to be in a staggered setup... but nope not doing it. Not when the oem s5 rotor wheels look so good on the b7 also... yes done to death and hard to find at a decent price, and apart from that the audi A6 C6 oem ronal wheels in 19 inch are an equally good looking wheel on the b7 but i'm struggling to find a set of both those oem wheels at decent prices... and that is why i'm not fussed with changing them at all.. plus my car is still stock looking bar the blackout look., and it has grown on me.
Nope, they will look a bit naff on the old bus and nothing else jumps out at me at the moment , except.
you guessed it, one of my other Audi favs, 20" S8 D2's
I'm going to track a set down and give them ago, its the only ones that i really like which I haven't had or tried yet.
you guessed it, one of my other Audi favs, 20" S8 D2's
I'm going to track a set down and give them ago, its the only ones that i really like which I haven't had or tried yet.
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A bit of a freebee too.
Genuine Curpa LCR splitter free to a good home, but you need to come and get it.
Genuine Curpa LCR splitter free to a good home, but you need to come and get it.
Yeah nope I had those years ago on my mk3 golf vr6 about a year and replaced them with staggered bbs wheels. Rhey where only 17 inch though as 18 is like having 20 inch wheels on the b7 very low sidewalled tires needed which makes for a super harsh ride especially how low I had the car sitting.
For it's simple s5 rotors pr a6 c6 ronal wheels...
Another wheel I like but is way to hard to find is the oem vw phaeton wheels. They will suit the b7 but as said very very hard to find..
For it's simple s5 rotors pr a6 c6 ronal wheels...
Another wheel I like but is way to hard to find is the oem vw phaeton wheels. They will suit the b7 but as said very very hard to find..
I've had the 18" and 19" versions on the old bus both were great but 19" looked better.
20" have always been on my to-get list, but have to be D2's as they are 8.5j so a much better option, they are a bit hard to find these days ,9j D3's are plenty though.
20" have always been on my to-get list, but have to be D2's as they are 8.5j so a much better option, they are a bit hard to find these days ,9j D3's are plenty though.
A nice set on Flea Bay but a bit overpriced by the time they will be delivered from Germany... 
Fitted the new spark plugs this afternoon, I must say the old ngk iridium plugs were very worn indeed.
I think after 65k miles they have done well.
New plugs in and things are much livelier, nice crispy throttle response now.
Happy days
I think after 65k miles they have done well.
New plugs in and things are much livelier, nice crispy throttle response now.
Happy days
Very tempted to invest in a new set of coil packs too,just to get everything up to date.
Wow Rob,,,, that's a lot of miles on a set of sparkplugs, I change mine after 30,000 miles.
You change your wheels, more than your plugs
lol, I think I may have overlooked the plugs over the last few years, maybe because they have just been running ok.
Plug changing mileages seem to vary considerably to be honest , some say 60k is fine on newer type plugs , anyway all done now.
About to order some new coil packs.
Yep , I’m a bit of a wheel person that’s for sure
While on the snoop for a few bits before the turbo fit I stumbled across these guys, seem to do a good selection of kit for the B7's , just ashame parts will be jumped on for taxes...
i just cleaned the windscreen on the inside... last time i did it was quite a while ago but it seemed clean until i saw the condensation this morning on it... how it managed to hide that dirt so well beats me but now it's as clean as it can be. Next job will be to do the rest of the windows on the inside... than afterwards I might the car a quick wash.
it amazes me too, it just builds up and before you can clean me its really thick.
I always like my windows to be really clean, the side windows, except for the drivers one, always have fingerprint marks on it. Simply because non drivers touch everything until I tell them to keep their filthy hands away from the windows... but usually the damage is done and they left their nasty prints all over the glass...
But that windscreen never gets touched... and when it does it's me because I'm either cleaning it or messing about doing stuff like running cables or removing the phone holder. Anyway it's clean now just need to do the rest.
But that windscreen never gets touched... and when it does it's me because I'm either cleaning it or messing about doing stuff like running cables or removing the phone holder. Anyway it's clean now just need to do the rest.