So I just bought my first Audi... It's a 2008 A4 2.0T Quattro and I love it. I have never owned one so I'm lost at times with this car. I am trying to replace the front plate filler on the grill but can't seem to find any help. Somebody told me that I would have to take the whole bumper off. Is this true? I'm happy to be a new member here and any help is much appreciated!

 

To change out the grill you'll need to remove the front wheels, lower front under tray, then remove the inner fender liners, then remove the bumper facia. The grill is installed on the inside of the bumper facia and it must come off to do so. There is one large plug that's down on the driver's side, sort of between the middle and left hand radiators - this plug connects the running lights and the parking assist sensors - disconnect it. Push it together then push down on the clip that releases the two pieces and pull them apart. If there's even a little pressure on the clip, it won't let go, hence the reason to push them together before you start trying to pull them apart.

When removing the torx head screws (#25 - I think) from the car, carefully arrange them out on a table top or the likes in the same position that they come out of the car. There are (I believe) three different fasteners. Some have shoulders, some do not, some have larger diameter heads and they all have a specific spot that they live in. Arranging them will keep them where they need to go. If you'll pay close attention to the differences, you'll see that the shouldered bolts go through a body panel or skid pad, the non-shouldered screws go through things like the inner fender liners, etc. and you'll be able to put them back where they belong.

If you have access to a lift, that will make life much nicer, if not, use JACK STANDS, not the suicide jack that some of us have with our R8's. (not included with your car at purchase).

You'll want some sort of blanket or protection under the bumper facia when removing it. If you do this stuff by yourself, it WILL hit the ground (don't ask me how I know this). A buddy to help hold is invaluable.

When putting the bumper facia back on, start out in the middle front; get it set in place and stick a couple of the top bolts back in and then work on getting it located on the car. The outer, lower corners of the bumper are a beast - you'll have to pull back and out to make the lip go around the lower inner fender mounts. Swearing loudly at it while tugging on it seems to help persuade it back into place.