The storageforum Audi S4 Thread

[Handruin]

In your example that's thieves who really wanted the wheels and probably profiled him and came prepared. That's not someone driving up and down the street looking for an opportunity to score a set of wheels. Frankly, I don't think anyone is going to be that dedicated just to steal a set of 18" Enkei's or factory 18" Audi wheels. They not exactly a $6k set of HRE's.

Exactly, which is even more to the point of why bothering with those complicated wheel locks when you're talking about the Enkeis or factory wheels? If you had $6K HREs, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, why not use a basic type like the first set you linked to? Their simplicity might give you less headache down the road because of their material strength and no moving parts that could break.

 

[Stereodude]

I finally found a local, well regarded tint shop that offer Llumar films (tint). This was surprisingly not a simple task. It took some clever use of Google. Anyhow, this shop even advertizes the Blue AIR 80 I'm after on their website. I'm still undecided on tinting the front windshield, but the plan otherwise is Blue AIR 80 all around with something a little heavier on the moonroof like Charcoal CTX 40 (or 30) depending on how clear the moonroof glass is from the factory. It has slightly better heat rejection than the 43% of the Blue AIR 80 but is less transmissive. My goal is to be able to leave the moonroof's sun shade open all the time without heating up the car or dumping in blinding amounts of light.

 

[ddrueding]

I finally found a local, well regarded tint shop that offer Llumar films (tint). This was surprisingly not a simple task. It took some clever use of Google. Anyhow, this shop even advertizes the Blue AIR 80 I'm after on their website. I'm still undecided on tinting the front windshield, but the plan otherwise is Blue AIR 80 all around with something a little heavier on the moonroof like Charcoal CTX 40 (or 30) depending on how clear the moonroof glass is from the factory. It has slightly better heat rejection than the 43% of the Blue AIR 80 but is less transmissive. My goal is to be able to leave the moonroof's sun shade open all the time without heating up the car or dumping in blinding amounts of light.

This I am very interested in. At the moment I have a very light factory tint on the two sun/moonroof and clear glass everywhere else. CA is pretty restrictive on tints, but I do want to do something before the summer really heats up.

 

[Stereodude]

This I am very interested in. At the moment I have a very light factory tint on the two sun/moonroof and clear glass everywhere else. CA is pretty restrictive on tints, but I do want to do something before the summer really heats up.

I'm not sure if the shop I found will tint a sunroof. I haven't contacted them to confirm yet. For whatever reason sunroof tinting has near urban legend status. The story is that they will crack if you tint them. They're tempered glass like all the other windows in their car (excluding the windshield) so that would be impossible to start. There are virtually no accounts online of them shattering. If the parallel to the ground orientation of the glass was a problem causing the glass to heat up more was really a problem, rear windows on cars, especially on something like a Corvette where the angle is very shallow, would have the same problem.

 

[ddrueding]

Interesting. I wonder if it is partially due to the mechanicals being partially visible and attached directly to the glass? At the very least this might make it difficult enough for some shops to think up reasons to try and get out of it.

 

[Handruin]

You're a machine. Do you ever stop researching things? :-D I haven't had time to even look into why Blue AIR 80 is desirable. I also never felt the urge to tint a moon roof. I understand you want to leave it open, but for me, if it's too bright, I either put a hat on or close the shade. A hat is like $10. ;-) I'll consider the money being spent on the VAG-Com as a compromise so I can program the windows and maybe moon roof to open with the key fob. Granted it's not the same thing, but it's just my view on things.

 

[Stereodude]

You're a machine. Do you ever stop researching things? :-D

Only when I'm satisfied that I have thoroughly researched something.

I haven't had time to even look into why Blue AIR 80 is desirable.

78% transmissive / but it blocks 43% of total solar energy. That's on par with about 15% transmissive tint (for the cheap non-ceramic stuff).

I also never felt the urge to tint a moon roof. I understand you want to leave it open, but for me, if it's too bright, I either put a hat on or close the shade. A hat is like $10. ;-)

If you've got a moonroof you've already paid for it so why not make an adjustment to it so you can use it all the time? And, I don't do hats.

I'll consider the money being spent on the VAG-Com as a compromise so I can program the windows and maybe moon roof to open with the key fob. Granted it's not the same thing, but it's just my view on things.

Have you ordered your VCDS yet? There don't seem to be any deals to be had for them. EuropaParts has free shipping, but that's about the best "deal" I found.

 

[Stereodude]

So I got a more accurate scale today. I weighed two of the 18x8.5 ET38 Forgestar wheels and came up with 19.5 lbs (each).

 

[Handruin]

Only when I'm satisfied that I have thoroughly researched something.

78% transmissive / but it blocks 43% of total solar energy. That's on par with about 15% transmissive tint (for the cheap non-ceramic stuff).

If you've got a moonroof you've already paid for it so why not make an adjustment to it so you can use it all the time? And, I don't do hats.

Have you ordered your VCDS yet? There don't seem to be any deals to be had for them. EuropaParts has free shipping, but that's about the best "deal" I found.

The moonroof came with the car, so I'm not overly concerned with how much use I get from it with respect to paying for it. I know I'm paying for it, but it wasn't an explicit option I chose. I use mine seldom on my current car, but I do enjoy it from time to time. The reasons that I don't use it aren't related to the amount of sunlight that come through it.

I have not ordered the VCDS yet. The VCDS isn't a huge priority for me, it's just one of those niceties to have. My first priority is figuring out the wheels I want. Once I can figure out the wheels, I'll move on to the next items.

 

[Stereodude]

The moonroof came with the car, so I'm not overly concerned with how much use I get from it with respect to paying for it. I know I'm paying for it, but it wasn't an explicit option I chose. I use mine seldom on my current car, but I do enjoy it from time to time. The reasons that I don't use it aren't related to the amount of sunlight that come through it.

A sunroof is something I would pay extra for if it was optional. I did on my Maxima. It just happens to be that it's standard in the S4. I feel I didn't utilize it all that much on the Maxima. Not this time!

 

[Handruin]

So I got a more accurate scale today. I weighed two of the 18x8.5 ET38 Forgestar wheels and came up with 19.5 lbs (each).

That's heavier than I would have thought for an 18x8.5 Forgestar. Is that the combination of the 1520 higher load rating and ET 38 offset?

 

[ddrueding]

I found a shop in town that is a certified installer. What are you estimating a full round of Blue Air 80 to cost? I assume you plan on doing all 9 panes of glass?

 

[Stereodude]

That's heavier than I would have thought for an 18x8.5 Forgestar. Is that the combination of the 1520 higher load rating and ET 38 offset?

Should be the offset. Forgestar's JWL certification data says 18x8.5 ET48 is 18.5lbs.

 

[Stereodude]

I found a shop in town that is a certified installer. What are you estimating a full round of Blue Air 80 to cost? I assume you plan on doing all 9 panes of glass?

I'm not 100% sure on how many panes of glass I will do. I'm not decided on the windshield yet, but probably have on all the other windows & sunroof. In terms of cost... I haven't gotten a quote yet, but based on what I've read online it'll probably be in the $500-750 range.

 

[mubs]

SD, got any links that will help me read up on Blue AIR 80? Thanks. Google seems to throw up mostly vendors

 

[Stereodude]

SD, got any links that will help me read up on Blue AIR 80? Thanks. Google seems to throw up mostly vendors

There's this PDF with the product specs. This press release has some good info. There's some additional information on this page.

 

[Stereodude]

While watching this video it sort of hit me how dated the B8 front end looks.

[video=youtube;Nr3YrHMuLgw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3YrHMuLgw[/video]

 

[ddrueding]

At least it isn't that BMW..that front end is awful.

 

[Handruin]

That hood line on the BMW is redonkulous. Who thought that would be a good place to put a line?

The front end does look slightly dated on the B8 but I feel that's the change people aren't accepting of the B8.5. When I saw the B8.5 in person, I felt like it was more modern than the previous version. That's something I appreciated.

When this guy over at AW posted his gray B8.5, that really hit home how much I like the changes (and how much I hate the front license plate holder).

 

[Stereodude]

That hood line on the BMW is redonkulous. Who thought that would be a good place to put a line?

Got me. I couldn't believe they put a line there myself.

When this guy over at AW posted his gray B8.5, that really hit home how much I like the changes (and how much I hate the front license plate holder).

It looks good. I was sold on the plate free front end after first seeing it in the pictures from the Detroit unveiling.

 

[ddrueding]

I can't get away with not having a front plate; it is required by law in CA and city parking enforcement is starting to issue tickets for it. IIRC, Michigan doesn't require one.

 

[Stereodude]

IIRC, Michigan doesn't require one.

More than that, I'm not even sure if you can get a second plate for the front.

 

[ddrueding]

When I bought my car, they made me sign an additional document indicating that I had read and understood the requirements for a front license plate in CA, then asked me if I wanted the front license plate holder installed or no. Nice of them to ask, but I want to choose when my car is breaking the law, not have it break the law all the time.

 

[ddrueding]

My wheels are "at the finisher" and should be ready "next week". Only a week after initial ETA; not that bad.

 

[Handruin]

When I bought my car, they made me sign an additional document indicating that I had read and understood the requirements for a front license plate in CA, then asked me if I wanted the front license plate holder installed or no. Nice of them to ask, but I want to choose when my car is breaking the law, not have it break the law all the time.

I'm getting the front plate holder, but I'd like to swap mine out. If I get pulled over, I'll white lie and say the dealer ordered it with the wrong one, but I'll keep the plate in the car with me.

 

[Stereodude]

My wheels are "at the finisher" and should be ready "next week". Only a week after initial ETA; not that bad.

For your sake I hope they look better than mine. I finally got UPS labels for mine yesterday and dropped them off to UPS this morning on the way to work.

 

[ddrueding]

As do I. I got a standard finish, so the odds are better. Considering your predicament, I would be considering the more expensive wheels.

 

[ddrueding]

Still negotiating on the windshield and sunroofs, but doing all the doors and everything behind them in Blue AIR 80 would be $650 from a very reputable shop with a lifetime warranty.

 

[Stereodude]

I haven't gotten a quote yet. Tint is nearly as high on my to do list.

 

[Stereodude]

I did order 5 cases of Pennzoil Ultra 5W-40 Euro from Amazon while it was $46.74 per case (free shipping). I might get it in a month or two, but that's still sooner than I will need it.

 

[ddrueding]

Quite so. Even if you don't get the service plan, I'm certain the 5k service is free.

 

[Stereodude]

I'm certain the 5k service is free.

Yes, it is.

 

[Stereodude]

My H8 Hoen Endurance fog light bulbs arrived yesterday. Still waiting for Tire Rack to take a look at a 2013 S4.

Also waiting for my dealer to get their first S4. They said the first one would come this week. As of today it hadn't arrived yet. Apparently Audi gives the dealers an arrival week that's typically met, but there's no pattern in terms of deliveries (like the truck always comes on Wed.). There's also not more detailed tracking information available. I guess that means most likely the car will arrive tomorrow, but who knows.

All of this means I won't know what day my S4 might arrive or be ready for pickup in 4 weeks.

 

[Handruin]

My H8 Hoen Endurance fog light bulbs arrived yesterday. Still waiting for Tire Rack to take a look at a 2013 S4.

Also waiting for my dealer to get their first S4. They said the first one would come this week. As of today it hadn't arrived yet. Apparently Audi gives the dealers an arrival week that's typically met, but there's no pattern in terms of deliveries (like the truck always comes on Wed.). There's also not more detailed tracking information available. I guess that means most likely the car will arrive tomorrow, but who knows.

All of this means I won't know what day my S4 might arrive or be ready for pickup in 4 weeks.

Are you waiting for the dealer to get their first S4 so you can go test drive it, or just to see one in person? I still have roughly 6 weeks to go for mine. As much as I want it to get here, I don't want the summer to fly by. It doesn't help that I browse forums all the time.

I finally scheduled a replacement for my front window on my TL. I have a large crack in it from when my fiance sprayed the car with cold water while it was sitting out in the sun. It had that nice layer of green pollen all over it so she was trying to be nice and wash it off. I was surprised that was enough to crack it. Now there is a 14-16" crack on the passenger side. Once I get it replaced, I'll be bringing it around to different places to see how much they'll give me for the car to help me plan what I do next. I'm planning to clean and detail the car this weekend just to make it look as nice as possible. Hopefully it'll help.

 

[timwhit]

I've sold a couple cars to Carmax. It's certainly easy.

 

[Stereodude]

Are you waiting for the dealer to get their first S4 so you can go test drive it, or just to see one in person?

Both, though I guess I'm more interested in checking it out in person.

It doesn't help that I browse forums all the time.

I hear you on that part. I thought about quitting them cold turkey, but I don't think I have the willpower for that.

 

[Handruin]

I've sold a couple cars to Carmax. It's certainly easy.

I am considering them as an option. They aren't plentiful near me. There is one within 25 miles of where I live, but their location is a pain. I've seen lot of one-off car lots in my area. I was thinking of also trying a couple of them to get an idea of price. I'm also considering trying the local Acura dealer to see what they might offer.

 

[timwhit]

I am considering them as an option. They aren't plentiful near me. There is one within 25 miles of where I live, but their location is a pain. I've seen lot of one-off car lots in my area. I was thinking of also trying a couple of them to get an idea of price. I'm also considering trying the local Acura dealer to see what they might offer.

From what I've read and experienced Carmax will pay more from used cars that most other dealerships. Things could have changed in the last couple years though.

 

[Striker]

I've sole Carmax a couple used cars and I felt that they gave me a fair price for both. It was more than I was able to get elsewhere anyway.

 

[ddrueding]

Still negotiating on the windshield and sunroofs, but doing all the doors and everything behind them in Blue AIR 80 would be $650 from a very reputable shop with a lifetime warranty.

The shop I found confirmed that they will do the sunroofs and the windshield with a lifetime warranty. The whole car for $750.