I'm U.S. civil service in Europe right now. Probably being transferred back to the U.S. this summer, and I'm gonna need a new car. I've narrowed it down to a 2007 A4, probably Quattro.

I've combed the Audi web site and the Special Edition press release, but still haven't been able to find much specific information about the SE. I am in touch with a U.S. dealer, but I'm getting the usual bum's rush to hurry up and order. I can't yet, because I don't know where exactly I'm going.

-- The SE is the only B7 A4 version that can be factory-ordered now, right? I've got pretty definite requirements (6-speed manual, bi-xenons), and doubt I'll find exactly what I want from dealer stock.

-- How long will it be possible to order the B7 SE before Ingolstadt starts churning out B8's for North America?

-- I've got a pretty good but not exact idea what's included with the SE, and what can be ordered as options. Apparently no cold-weather package, other than the heated leather seats includedwith the SE Quattro. the Audi press release and web site are kind of vague. Any other source for details?

-- Oh... I understand the U.S. model B7's all have red rear turn signal indicators. (WTF? Not amber??) I need amber. Just do. Do I have to order new outboard taillight assemblies, or bring somehome with me -- or would just changing toamber 1156 bulbs work?

--Marek

 

All B7 A4s in US spec have red rear turn signals, yes. It isn't that big of a deal, plus you never see them when they are on!

As for SE ordering. I couldn't comment there but if your only major requirements are a 6-speed and bi-xenons you should be able to find that in dealer stock somewhere near where you'll be living. Color might be difficult if you are picky. If you want more options then it obviously gets harder. It sounds like all you're looking for is a B7 (2.0 or 3.2?), Quattro, Convenience Package, Premium Package and in MT6 form. That isn't too hard.

My guess is that you can't order a 2008 B7 from the factory any longer but I might be mistaken. If you're in Poland you should just take a weekend trip to the Ingolstadt factory and ask them in person. They would be happy to assist and you could even order the car there (and take a tour).

Good luck!

 

I would wait for the B8. Its going to be a better all around car.

 

I agree.

 

hmmmmmmmmmmm b8 i am in love

 

SE can definitely be factory ordered now. I suspect it's the only A4 that can be. I just don't know how long they'll keep doing that.

I've looked into going to Ingolstadt and picking one up there. Can't. Only possible under the European Delivery Program for a U.S.-spec model, and you have to do all the paperwork and pay in person at a U.S. dealer.

And Ingolstadt is a good two-days' drive from here (you haven't seen the roads here in Poland!), as are the shipping drop-off points.

Diplomatic Auto Sales may be a possibility; I haven't looked into that yet. But I'd want to avoid having to pay for ocean shipping home -- though they shouldn't charge me the U.S. destination charge...

I've seen the new B8 at a dealership here in Poland -- like in the U.S., they're being introduced here as 2009 models, and I haven't seen any on the road -- except in Austria a couple weeks ago, on the Autobahn. :-) It's OK, though I personally hate that ostentatious LED headlight design. A bit more angular, maybe a bit more noticeable legroom in the rear. Supposed to have longer wheelbase and better balance. Supposedly even wider wheels than the B7 -- but maybe just in the European version.Apparently the B8's engine is longitudinal. But so is the B7's, right?

But for $4K more?

Plus I literally can't wait for a B8...we're selling one of our cars here before we move this summer, and I've got to get a new car for the States then.

Um, no, it's gotta be amber rear turn signals. I like the other guy to know what I'm going to be doing. If you see an amber flash from a car in front of you, you instantly knowexactly what's going on.

Well, maybe not on the DC Beltway...

Yeah, B7, 2.0, Quattro, 6-sp manual, Convenience Package, Premium Package (if not SE), Sport Suspension, Light Silver Metallic, black interior... other than that, I'm not particular... :-)

--Marek

 

"Probably Quattro?"

DEFINATELY QUATTRO

I wouldnt get one without

 

Well, as others have pointed out --Quattro's are ironically veryrare here in Europe... and that includes Bavaria!

But that's a whole 'nother thread!!

--Marek

 

Sounds like you need to order yourself an SE with convenience package in the color you like! Jump on it man!

 

Believe me, I wish I could order now. The U.S. dealer is certainly pressuring me to.

But if I do, and it ends up that I'm actually asigned elsewhere than the DC area, I'd have to pay to transport the vehicle there out of pocket.

That's why I'm trying to find out whether it's just standard dealer pressure tactics;that is, how long the factory is actually going to be accepting 2008 SE orders.

Hate to return to the amber rear turn flasher question, but if it's just a matter of $1.50 amber bulbs, I'd rather not have to spend the money on entire Europeantaillight assemblies.

Hmmm... I want an Audi, but money keeps coming up as an issue. Could it be that I'm facing a major intercontinental household move?

--Marek