I used to own a 2.8 A4 quattro, loved it to death. I was hit by a uninsured driver and my car was totaled. I didn't have full coverage so I was at a loss. I now have saved up some money and am looking to get a 99-01 A4. I always liked the 2.8 and would love another one. However the 1.8t is becoming more appealing to me, seems more tunable and a little more sporty. I refuse to drive a automatic and black interior is a must. I'm open to either engine but I hear the 1.8 was recalled due to a sludge issue. I knew of this issue before but I'm curious if it's a serious enough issue to steer me away from the turbo. I would prefer the turbo, but don't want to buy a car that has a known factory engine problem. Has anyone had a failure due the sludge? What should I check for when looking at a possible purchase? Any input is greatly appreciated

 

I'm eager to hear replies. I'm also looking at a new (to me) a4 and also refuse to drive anything automatic. I like the 1.8t's, and heard that if something goes wrong with your engine because of sludge then you will be covered by Audi for a new engine because of the recall.

 

i have 2 1.8ts one 5 speed and one automatic. I love both of them. i have not had any problem with sludge because i do regular oil changes every 3k miles with full synethic mobile 1 0w-40. with the recall, there is a long list of oil and grades that you should be using and if you have a problem while using those oils then audi will do what they do. i would look into craigslist for 1.8ts and good luck

 

Will do, I'm looking around and craigslist has a few , yet everything is automatic. I'm bit trying to spend more then 5,000. I'm torn between the A4 or a 01 325i. I guess I'll just keep looking and what ever seems the nicest gets picked. So does it matter how many owners the car has had or what not when it comes to the recall?

 

i have a 99 v6 5 speed quattro for sale PM me 117k miles

 

i too was torn between audi and bmw when deciding on my new car.

heres the thing, the bmw wasn't all wheel drive and the cost of a 325i compared to 325xi(awd) was ridiculous. and then to find a manual on top of that? nearly impossible.

plus i prefer a turbo over non-turbo. also with BMW you have different engine codes to worry about. idk what the whole math/science is too it but if you're in to tuning/modding you have to be careful not to get the one that is specifically made to be super "efficient" and nature friendly.

there are 2 or 3 different codes and one is meant to be more environmentally friendly, 1 is just a normal style, and i think there's a euro one as well that is specd higher hp/torque.

the plus side to the different engine/engine codes is you can tell the difference just by looking at them and can prolly Google the information to buy the correct one.

 

i had a 01 325i and if u think Audi has problems u should see BMW , i was so lucky to get rid of the thing , so unless i`m buying an e39 M5 i will not go back to BMW ever

 

Is the nw in your name for northwest? I'm on my phone so I can't look at your location.

 

Yes to the Northwest, I am in portland.

 

very little changed between the E36/46 chassis. other then stylings of the exterior and interior. Engines are more or less the same. I had a 93 and a 95 325i and had very little trouble with either one of them. I curently drive a Volvo and I hate it. Its a nightmare of issues and I cant wait to get rid of the POS and get back into another A4. But like I said, If I im open to either car and whatever comes my way first I will end up buying. But I am leaning towards another A4.