(Part 2) Best products from r/Audi

Welcome! Same generation, but different setup. Let me help you out by linking a few things that can make that A6 look significantly better.

*Here's replacement front fog light grills.
*Here's a replacement front lip grill.
*Here is the headlight kit that I (as a weekend auto detailer) would recommend to clean up those yellow headlights.
*Here is the real-deal wheel cleaner that I would suggest getting to battle that brake dust buildup. Yes, it's steep, but this will make those wheels spotless. And this goes for all german-car users!

I love my C5 to death, and I hope only the best for yours!

You can do what I'm doing. I bought a cheap bluetooth adapter linked below. It plugs into an AUX port and is powered be 12v/cigarette lighter. What I'll be doing is cutting off those plugs and wiring it behind the dash directly into the AUX input wires behind the plug. This way I can still plug things into the AUX for anything but still do the bluetooth device into it. This device auto connects and is for both iPhones and Androids. Music quality is great. I'm no audiophile though and my 2008 Tundra speakers aren't super duper or anything.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NLTW60/ref=ox_ya_os_product_refresh_T1

If you want to go 100% wireless which is great then get the link below too if your phone supports wireless charging. I love car docks because they are a million times safer than putting your phone down in your center console. They keep your eyes on the road while still being able to see the phone. Also it's super useful with the WAZE app and GPS.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHEUEJ6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

To power that device I bought the product below. It's a 12v to 5v convertor to power a USB port with 3amps of power. This will be behind the dash and I'll be wiring it to the other product below to add a USB port to my A-pillar. This way I'll have a very short wire going from my A-Pillar to my car-dock so that there are no wires really visible in the vehicle interior. :)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A71CMDU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-extension-Flush-Motercycle-Xtenzi/dp/B00CNUFGN6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407177113&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+aux+port&dpPl=1

I drive an almost identical '16 S3 with black optics, except its in blue. My wheels are also painted black, but with a polished metal face.

For me, I like to keep the car mostly stock with a few changes. Here's what I recommend:

1. Tune
   
2. Rear lip spoiler. Makes the rear end look really sporty, its relatively cheap and its a fairly easy install.
   
3. Phone mount. This mount fits perfectly to the vents below the MMI screen and it looks like it was installed in the factory. Combine that with a wireless charger like this and you can get a super sleak magnetic phone mount that holds your phone even during hard pulls while also charging it wirelessly. The wireless charger uses the same ball mount that the vent mounted holder uses, so you can attach one to the other very easily. It may sound dumb, but this is easily my favorite mod on my car.
   
   Things I don't recommend:
   
   
4. Changing the wheels. I love the 5-V spoke wheels and they look sick all blacked out on your car. They're good wheels.
   
5. Suspension adjustments. S3's ride stiff, you'll basically ruin the daily drivability of the car if you lower it.
   
6. RS style grill. At first I thought it looked better, but now I think the black horizontal bars of our stock grills actually looks meaner and cooler. On top of that, its a bitch of a mod to do, the whole front bumper has to come off.
   
7. Front splitter. Again, ruins the daily drivability. You'll be worrying about scraping it every time you park or take a speed bump.
   
   I hope this helps.

I have had the 9500ix for 4+ years now and it's been working pretty well. It's saved me from at least 4-5 tickets. As /u/13489194 stated below though, there are newer models out there that work better and are worth a few extra bucks. What I've noticed in the past few years is a very annoying increase in false positives with all the new cars that have side radar blind spot detection.

I mounted mine up on the top of the windshield a few inches below the headliner and to the right of the rearview mirror. It doesn't obstruct my view, and only prevents the passenger sunshade from fully opening a bit.

What you want to do is get a hardwire cable, a tap-a-fuse, and a trim tool and just gently pull on the trim and use the plastic trim tool (aka bone tool) to push the wire in behind the trim, down the A-pillar, and then into the fuse box. Not sure about the S6, but on my A5, it made it easier getting it down the A pillar to remove the "Airbag" plastic cover piece that covers up a Torx screw, and slightly unscrew the cover over the pillar so you can more easily fish it in.

Hardwire that bad boy into a fuse that is only on when the car's ignition is on, such as the Homelink Garage door opening or something. I dunno about the S6, but on my A5 there are fuse panels on both the passenger and driver's side. I put mine on the driver's side so that I can mount the little mute button assembly w/ the included velcro right below the headlight switch assembly. I can easily and quickly mute it as well as see the flashing light while driving.

Some stuff I'd recommend:

Escort Max 360 Detector

Hardwire adapter unit (no need for the bluetooth one as the Max has bluetooth built into it now)

Tape a fuse

Trim tools to fish the wire in

Other common tools you'll need would be a screwdriver, Wire Crimper/Stripper, and a socket to punch down the ground connection in the fuse panel.

Also, you'll want to be running the Waze application when driving as it will notify you of police locations reported by users. That's saved me a lot, especially when they aren't using radar or are using laser.

/u/VeryCleverMoose okay, so this is the aux/30-pin cord that I bought and this is the adapter you need to go with it. There are dozens of things on amazon that are virtually the same, you just have to look through the reviews and questions and usually people say what it fits. Also, you will need a set of radio removal keys, I paid a few extra for ones that don't bend so easily here.
Tutorial:

• 1. Put a nice and thick towel over your center console. Sit in the passenger seat.
     
• 2. Insert a removal key into each slot with the angled part facing outwards until they click. Don't push until you bottom out. This isn't Brazzers.
     
• 3. With all 4 keys in, use a friend's help or use your thumb and pinky to grab a top and bottom key with each hand so the force is spread evenly between all four keys. Once the radio is loose, pull it out a bit and then - I needed a small flatblade screwdriver to help - depress the catch on the back of the radio to free each key.
     
• 4. Gently pull the radio completely forward and let it rest on the towel.
     
• 5. See the big 20 or whatever pin plug on the bottom right of the back of the radio (if you are looking directly at the back of the radio)? Unplug it, and plug it into the orange adapter.
     
• 6. Get a small zip tie and jumble up the 30-pin cord on the aux jack dongle. You don't want to nicely coil it however as this can create radio noise.
     
• 7. Unscrew a suitable screw on any clean metal on the back of the radio- may want to use a magnetic tipped screwdriver so you don't drop it. Put the grounding wire over the hole and screw the screw back in - make sure it's tight as you want a good connection.
     
• 8. Take the weird plug from the 30-pin/aux dongle (which is in our case blue) and slide it onto the adapter plug (green in this case)
     
• 9. Plug that assembled connector into the spot where you originally removed the 20-pin plug, it should click IIRC.
     
• 10. Put the 30-pin/aux dongle in the back of the radio cavity, and feed the aux jack right across the center of the opening. Open your little tray/drawer. There should be a slot that goes into it, and you can slip the aux jack through. Feed what you can through the opening, don't worry about coiling it into the drawer yet.
      
• 11. While keeping the aux cord taught and flat in the opening, slide the radio back into the hole. The aux cord should be down in the recessed channel in the center and the radio should slide right in over top of it.
      
• 12. You're done. Just be careful coiling up the cord so you don't jam the drawer up, and you will have to slam it a little bit so that it stays shut. Press the CD button when you want to use the aux jack as the input. It works perfectly, and only a tiny bit of static/noise from the engine when using the aux jack, and only if you're playing something dead quiet.
      

Here are a couple videos that'll help with the use of products.

clay bar

everything clay bar, compound, and polish

As for the products I use/like I personally like the Meguiar's Ultimate compound and polish. However there are a ton of other options that do as well/or better. For clay I use a range of products, but for your use I would say Chemical Guys clay bar kit would probably do what you need.

Just an FYI you don't need to invest in a dual action polisher to compound and polish, it can be done by hand and save more than a couple dollars...but it'll take a while. I'd say start with clay and see where you're at afterwords. If you still have a bunch of paint transfer then go from there. Another thing I've heard will remove paint transfer (i've never tried it personally) is a carnauba wax, so if you have some around you can give that a go first.

If you do need paint work (it probably won't be as severe as a key) but this video will probably help if you want to try and tackle it yourself.

The EGR system is just a bunch of hoses. Look at the diagram on this page and check those hoses for brittleness, leaks, or cracks. Also check the check valves. Over time they can look like they are almost melting? It's hard to explain, but if you know what they are you'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. There's also an "L" shaped plastic hose that comes out of the crankcase. Check it. It has a tendency to explode. Not a big deal if it does, you just lost HP and MPG til it's fixed. Oh and you leak oil.

Look at this preventative maintenance guide that a guy on the Audi forums posted. Read through each of them to learn about the car and check for them while inspecting.

If you are into DIY stuff, check the [Audi DIY] (http://www.audidiy.com/b6a4.html) site. If you can't find it, google it. There's probably a writeup somewhere.

LPTs:

• If you drive with a heavy foot you'll get around 18 MPG. Drive nicely and you can get 25 or so.
  
  
• Never put anything less than 91 octane fuel in it. If you absolutely must, go into the store and buy octane booster.
  
  
• Always use synthetic oil, and make sure you buy the larger filter. WIX makes a decent one for a good price. Also make sure you use the right type of oil. I used Royal Purple for a year until I got some pretty bad sludge. Yeah it's not on the list. Oils on the list have addatives that mitigate engine sludging.
  
  
• Buy yourself some lithium grease and use it on your door hinges and sunroof each time you change your oil. The doors get squeaky and the sunroof can get choppy.
  
  
• The turbo on the 1.8t is too small. It takes longer to cool down so if you drive like a maniac and turn it off it's going to cook your oil into sludge. Drive nicely once you're close to your destination and give the car 30 seconds to cool down. Or buy a turbo timer.
  
  
• Buy a seat cover. If the seat isn't ripped yet it will be.
  
  This car will cost you more money than you want in repairs and maintenance. If you like to DIY it's not too bad. I saved 700 dollars doing my own timing belt+water pump+ tensioners. I still spent 500 between tools and parts but the DIY made it cheaper.
  
  That's all I can remember from my first post. If I remember anything else I'll add it in a new comment.

Get a socket and wrench set What I got

Get torx bits What I got

I got the Haynes Audi A4 book but everyone suggests the Bentley manual, I don't know which is better, I just know that the Haynes helps a bit and is ~100USD less expensive

Jack and Jack stands

35mm or 36mm socket for the oil filter. WIG

That ought to get you through a good chunk of work. Cost me ~200USD for that. Although I did get other things for the car like;

Triple square bits What I got

1/2in breaker bar

Sockets for the 1/2in breaker bar

Security bit set What I got ,Used it to replace a few sensors

Yeah, that's it. The extras ran me ~90usd more

Check out /r/AutoDetailing and specifically their wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/autodetailing/wiki/recommended

I've never had a car worth spending time to detail and keep clean, so I too am a novice. Washed, clayed, waxed my car two weeks ago. Took me ~5 hours to do it all with a friend while we also BS'ed around but it was fun and exhausting at the same time lol.

I bought the Meguiars complete car care https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012ZEZ8A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

two 5-gallon buckets from Home Depot http://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Home-Depot-5-gal-Homer-Bucket-05GLHD2/100087613

and 2 grit guards https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JINPJD8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think that's a great beginners set. Anyone who has other recommendations can chime in

Awesome.. thanks for that info, much appreciated. I may try the grille swap myself using this guide.. I have done stuff like this on my old accord and altima but heard its trickier on these cars.

But thanks for the guide, I am going to look it over when I get out of work.

They sell these handles you can put over the plastidip can to give it a more even coating and helps the back and forth motion as well as your finger from pressing on the spray tip.

https://www.amazon.com/Can-Gun1-2012-Premium-Aerosol-Spray/dp/B002EQEE82/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1466530359&sr=8-6&keywords=plastidip

Works really well and can use it for other spray bottles too.

Def keep me updated with pics and thanks again!

Hi MSTRPC,

Hope all is well. I wanted to update you on my car audio odyssey.

First off, I tried plugging my MP3 player directly into the Coolstream Duo, after pairing the two via Bluetooth. I tried playing a track on the MP3 player, but I couldn't get it to play over the stereo, so this seems like a losing proposition.

I then went into a car audio store, and they offered two solutions. Solution A involves some auxiliary device that replaces the 30-pin connector and runs to the back of the audio head. It'd run me $300-$400 to set this up, and it seems to do basically what my jerry-rigged system was attempting to do. In other words, it seems incredibly overpriced.

Solution B involves a new stereo. The one recommended to me was a Kenwood DDX773BH (https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DDX773BH-Touchscreen-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01BMPDJS6). It seems to have really nice features. I can purchase it from Amazon w/ a two-year warranty for ~$300, and I've only checked w/ one retailer, and they're willing to install it for ~$200. I'm going to post in one of the sub-Reddit's for car audio to check some other options, but I thought that I'd see what your thoughts are.

Ross tech makes a great cable with software (Windows) included, but they go from $$$ to $$$$$. You can buy a cheap OBDII bluetooth interface like this one (works pretty well) and an app like Torque pro or Carista (expensive monthly subscription required for anything beyond actually OBD2 protocol codes), but it's not as full featured as Ross Tech's.

You can also look on something like AudiZine for someone near you, or take it to any Audi specialty shop.

What are you trying to do with it?

Pressure wash with This pressure washer
Foam cannon from Amazon [Foam cannon](http://www.MATCC.com/ Adjustable Foam Wash Gun 1L Bottle Car Wash Gun Snow Foam Lance With 1/4" Quick Connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CE78VO8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VrJmzb8PWHAQH)
Then I used regular 2 bucket car wash with grit guard from Amazon, speed shine (2 towels), spray wax, vacuum, interior cleaner, leather conditioner, plastic conditioner, and spray window cleaner.

All the products I use are griots garage... Really good quality stuff.

[Speed shine](http://www.Griot.com/'s Garage 11146SP Speed Shine - 35 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5CVMLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KuJmzbF11YMYS)
[Interior cleaning ](http://www.Griot.com/'s Garage 10956 Interior Cleaner - 22 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4PB8IY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lvJmzbYGA8QRT)
[Spray wax](http://www.Griot.com/'s Garage 10962 Spray-On Wax - 22 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4PB8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WvJmzb2DC8ZAZ)
[Wash soap](http://www.Griot.com/'s Garage 10866 Brilliant Finish Car Wash - 64 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PA2LMVY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IwJmzbPEEQTMQ)

Just keep going down the griot's line up... High quality all around. Cheers

Don't want to spend too much but will this one be any good? Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter, Scanner and App with Dealer Level Technology https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YVHGTBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iABNDbYM2D9NB according to their website my A3 8V 2017+ face-lift is supported. ODB Eleven Standard is 3x more expensive

Easy. I've got this.

Thx for the info guys, I was actually thinking of this: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00YVHGTBM?psc=1

Anyone tried it?

I got one of these Grom Audio units for my 2007.5 A4. It plugs in to the external CD changer port of the stock head unit. I didn't have an external CD changer, so no big deal for me. I'd you do have one you'll have to decide if it's worth losing it, or if you want to go with something else.

As for the unit itself, it mimics a CD and doesn't provide track or artist info on the display, but it does work with the steering wheel controls.

Installation is very easy. Order yourself a set of these stereo keys and you can have the unit installed in 15 minutes. No tools required.

escort max 360