lomomike: Buick Rendezvous, and

bmw 3 series e46 aka coja 3 series

The first BMW picture is not of the rear end of the E46, rather the BMW E90 that was produced from 2004 to 2011.
The Front end pic is the E46-
Make Youngboss and co no catch you for this kain mistake ... ;-)

nissparts: Is that a Craftsman tool box?

Thats a Stanley 123-Piece Socket and Wrench Set. (not a complete tool box as it doesn't have pliers, and wrenches etc. but close enough)

I had always been having random misfire codes on VCDS scanning with no particular cylinder order (t could be cylinder 1 today, and 3 tomorrow) right from the first day I got my Audi-there was no obvious ill-effect on her running-she still purred smoothly even under load with a very occasional stutter.

I had earlier gotten OEM spec plugs during my initial restoration but that didn't change much. I thus decided to change out my coil packs....I was fortunate enough to have someone coming back from abroad to get me the 6 coil packs (Aftermarkets) at about N4k each-total was about 26k for all with free transport...



In order to access Bank 1 of my V6, The air filter housing had to give way... Then I had to pry out the ignition coils with pliers-not as easy as it seems... some were quite stubbornly stuck.


I immediately noticed something after I had removed all the coil packs and inspected the Bank 1 wiring loom- there was a connector at the very end of the loom which was left dangling (which I found out it was the connector for the camshaft adjuster unit)- the plastic housing was quite cracked and the contact leads greasy)


To remove the Bank 2 ignition coils, the coolant expansion tank needed to be unscrewed and shifted out of the way. Here you see both Banks with the ignition coils removed



Aftermarket Ignition coils...


I replaced all the coils, and fixed back the camshaft adjuster unit connector as firmly as I could after cleaning thoroughly with contact cleaner (it would not snap on due to the cracked housing). Also cleaned out all the 6 Ignition coil connectors.


And everything is back in place...


Total duration of job= Approximately 45mins

VCDS scan result; No more misfire codes, cleared off the camshaft codes, and will rescan next week when i'm less busy- i was very time choked.

Next scheduled work... Climate control unit (AC Controller) change... (My AC compressor cycles on/off at random rendering the AC almost totally ineffective). Compressor was confirmed OK by a qualified HVAC technician, Gas charge was also OK.

Before I met the qualified chap though, I had been referred to the "best" AC technician in town who had all sorts of exotic cars with AC issues in his workshop. He told me (after driving my car around and observing the problem) that my compressor was bad, and that he would change it to a Magnetic clutch "manual" compressor (mine has the variable displacement type compressor) and in effect rewire my whole HVAC system... He never did bother to check output pressures etc... Someday I am going to create a thread on the issues we have with seemingly "expert" incompetent mechs in Nigeria-not totally their fault though--- but thats for another day!!

captalex: Since Siena has decided to relocate back to Nigeri to work on the audi brands,

.

Probably a typo... :-)

oblo: @ tdie Pllease what's ur email?

Thanks.

PM me again

oblo: Please does anyone know where I can get the above subject done?

The car is @ abeokuta and I need to get it diagnosed before I know what to do.

Its a 1999 vw passat that came in with a dead battery and alternator. I have since changed both but the car does not idle and really rev fine thereby making it impossible to drive. Had it scaNned. My self via VCDS lite courtesy our very own Siena who has been really helpfull but I cnt seem to get it done as it comes up with " excessive common errors detected and cant continue' . ( Really wish Siena was in Naija)!!!!

I need the registerd version of VCDS to get to the root of all this! Abi who sabi anyone wen sabi anyone wen get am for egba or lagos

HELPPPPPPPPPPPPP!

I currently drive a 2001 vw jetta 1.8t and used the same VCDS lite to diagnose and was able to get things done... But the passat,,,,,,!?

Hi Oblo. Was expecting your email....
Anyways, the first point of elimination would be changing some settings on your PC (I did have some problems with communication when i just got my vcds). How well versed are you with tweaking pc settings? Shoot me an email.

Decided to do a little DIY today... my Audi had its air cabin pollen filter removed before I acquired her, and also my Air filter was quite dirty (i noticed during the last servicing).
So out with my tools, and a brand new cabin pollen filter and Air filter.

Total Duration of job: 20 mins approx.


Cabin filter (with activated charcoal) and Air Filter (both aftermarket)


Cabin Air filter housing cover removed; exposing the intake flaps


Cabin air filter-right way up


All in-situ

AIR INTAKE FILTER CHANGE


Engine air cleaner unit disconnected from Air intake and removed (filter replacement can be done with the Air cleaner unit in place, but since the retaining screws had been removed I decided to do the job with the unit on the ground-will replace all screws this week)


New Filter Vs Old Filter


New filter put into Air cleaner unit.

Everything was fixed back and all air leaks were eliminated by securely fixing the hoses. Now she purrs like a satisfied cat...

Nothing beats the feeling you get working on your car yourself successfully...

Shagati: At long last!
Fantastic paint job you got there.

Many kudos
We are right behind you

Ps: Are those the final wheels?

Will probably try a Plastidip gunmetal coating when my pockets have recovered... :-)

izyoku: But T-die has got an explanation for all of us on this thread who he has made fall in love with his Audi. T-die had to help me chose between a 2008 BMW 328i I6 and a very sharp Audi A4 2007 2.0T. And people guess what he asked me to take the bimmer please oga explain why here o cos am tripping for this your Audi badly

I'd avoid any turbo engines except I have the recommended synthetic Oil grade required (they can be very choosy) and also have a very good mechanic to work on them. My personal opinion though...

Shagati: Last weekend, I was about to exit a tolled car park, I had the plastic parking disc in my right hand and somehow, I managed to drop it in the tight space between the driver's seat and the centre console.
I thrust my fingers in to retrieve the disc but the space was so tight that the more I fiddled, the more stuck it got.
I eventually managed to get it out after much rummaging and tooting of horns by other angry users behind me

As I drove off, I noticed that the airbag light had come on....it wasn't there 3 minutes ago. Apparently, I had dislodged something while I was fishing.

Probably the connector for the seat or curtain airbags (If your car has them).
Its quite a common fault with the older Audis (like mine :-( ), but is a relatively easy fix. If possible carry out a scan to detect the particular airbag you have to deal with.
Should be a relatively simple fix.... except if you've torn the wiring right off (unlikely).

Should we expect new mods to you beemer...? Still awaiting what she'll look like with the new headlights ...

And here is mine... Basically the same specs as that of Ikoksi, but built 2 years before his...

Model: A4 Quattro Sport.
Model year: 2002.
Mileage: about 140,000 miles.
Engine: 3.0 V6 2 x DOHC 30V.
Power: 220hp.
Torque: 300Nm.
Fuel: Petrol
Transmission: 5-speed Tiptronic.
Drive configuration: AWD.

Ownership so far has been Ok bar some few electrical gremlins. I cant complain though, after all I rescued the car literally from the grave,and after our dear rewires had wrecked havoc on it.
Driving experience-absolutely wonderful; I'm hooked on 4wd sedans now... even if (and i don't think so)I ever leave the Audi marque, I'd go Merc 4matic or BMW x; You need to see my baby perform in the mud...!!

No future plans for her at the moment..., except drive her hard... :-)

Aesthetically better, functionally the same...
But the speed.... its horrible... I had to keep rechecking other sites (including YouTube) to be sure that my internet connection hadn't gone off.
To wait for 5-10 mins only to get the normal "token" message (in case of transfers), and then wait another 10 mins before you actually do get to fill in the details... and then another 5 mins.... Ughhh...
With the old interface, everything could be done in under 2 minutes...

SUMMARY; GT Bank please go back to the old interface until you can get the new one right...

Emperoh:

I will do the W203 any day any time!!

If you love the W203 that much, why don't you go for it. In my experience, and also according to most car enthusiasts that I know, you will never be satisfied with anything outside the car you really love. Even if you do get the latest Beema!or even merc, you will always pine for your W203 once you see it pass you by.

As regards maintenance, I don't think there'd be much difference in running the W203 vs the E46 (depending on engine capacity) Just make sure the W203 you get is not a rust bucket as many 203s are wont to...

This life na once o... ;-)

Emperoh:

Uncle Kuntash!!!
Good to read from you again!!!! Been a while. E be like u sabi this BMW wella. Make we yarn nah? Drop me your contacts thru the email on my signature. I go halla you for phone!

Meanwhile, auto sales intelligence no be mechanical knowledge oo. I love them German cars but there was a reason i left a more appealing Audi A4 for Benz and BMW. So it means i am looking for practicability and cost effective German car [size=5pt]which german car cheap to keep self?[/size]

Anyway, i will try out that BMW and see how it goes. Won't bid more than $5000.
In the mean time, drop me ya digits make i halla you

We, the Audi owners feel flattered. Lol. Can see you finally decided to go Bavarian. All the best in your quest...

yungboss:
t-die, do not go there

....Hmmmm....
Audi A4 B6 3.0 V6. = 217 Brake Horsepower
BMW E90. 328 3.OL I6 = 228. Brake Horsepower

However 0 - 100km/:hour acceleration times are similar @ 6.90 seconds (source = www.carinf.com/en/5a6109526.html)
All na grammar joor...
Let's bring it on.... ;-). Work hard, play hard

Modification; Ok, the source I just quoted had stats for the E36 328i... Will look around for stats for the E90 vs the A4. B6. I'm openminded though, and not blindly supporting the Audi- she's heavier with all that quattro drivetrain... :-(

izyoku: Let me share a few pix of my 3'er with you guys...life is short, enjoy it while it last...we only live once.....let's go #teambimmer

Izy Oku.... You be my Oga @ the top!!! Abeg do and bring her to Uyo... Let's do a BMW 328i vs. Audi A4 3.0 V6 Quattro Drag race on the silky smooth 4 Lane road @ night. :-D
Anyways congrats on your new whip, she sure looks wicked....

More...

And finally... Thar she blows....!!



LEDs = Check...

And oops... of course I had to change the thermostat...

Now the engine fans are working when they should, and otherwise remain off...

So finally, 4 months and many adventures later, and with my pocket full of holes , I present....

Never mind the CEL and other warning lights, Will have them sorted out this evening with VCDS

Sneak preview (interior)

...Loading....

One last change, and she's all good to go... My coolant temp sensor-which is in the most difficult-to-get-to position i have ever encountered (between the back of the engine and the bulkhead) and a new thermostat (which will be arriving soon)



And then off to the body shop...






...And no, I'm am not retaining the old alloy rims- the new rims are undergoing a makeover and will be fitted once they're done

And the color shall be.....

Loading....

OmoAkerele: @Ikenna351; here are a few photographs of my beloved 505s in the Sahara, it took us 4 weeks from London/Cologne to Akure (Ondo state).

The top pic is Christmas eve 2007 in Djanet Algeria
The bottom pic is me driving the GTI station wagon while my brother is following in the V6

Choi... Seriously drooling all over the pics...
Wouldn't mind doing a road trip to Ghana like Shagati, Maybe over Christmas if I can find other interested NLers... Ikenna are you interested??

Final phase of Mechanical work- Dei Gratia

Suspension work


Suspension work II


Checking for fit of the wheels.


Had a bit of a shock this afternoon when the Tire section of the workshop told me that the wheels I suffered to get from the UK wouldn't fit... Nearly had a stroke.
Luckily it turns out that the wheels have an offset of ET29 which would fit in... (Remote assistance from Siena, and some googling and searching Audi forums on my part)
Paint job starts hopefully by next wednesday....

Nice one Shagati.
Were there any 4 wheeled vehicles in your trip?
Would be nice to do such a trip with a combination of cars and bikes (with me safely in a car )
Would love to take part (next time) if cars are allowed...

Siena: T-die, glad the goods have finally arrived. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the car turns out.

When is she going in for paint? And have you decided on a colour scheme yet?

Thanks Bro, without you this project would have been DOA.
Paint job would be commenced hopefully within the next 10 days-if I can get all the mechanicals finally sorted out.
Colour scheme would depend on the level of expertise of the Car body shops here in Uyo as painting is not the speciality of the workshop where my car is currently.
I'm still kinda stuck between Imola yellow (at the risk of looking like a taxi ) and Cream white. 2 days ago I saw a Hyundai Elantra with a really nice shade of Creamy gray (my description)-would have to look up the colour options available for the Hyundai Elantra for the exact color name/code.

Team Black on white


Team Imola yellow


Team Creamy Gray

About time too...
After a long and frustrating wait, coupled with appalling customer service from the Nigerian end of the freight forwarders, my items have finally arrived Uyo.
I'm so behind schedule, but that should be remedied in a bit.
I will be writing a strongly worded letter to the freight forwarders in Lagos-though such things almost never work in Nigeria.







Final phase commences!! Yay...

It's an Audi A8 he got... Hehehehe
Took you all for a ride.....

Choi...
What was the scantool on the passenger seat for?
Hyper-wicked ride... though I don't know about really enjoying this car in Lagos-except maybe on VI (which is too small).
Abuja should have been more like a place to enjoy the car.

Bossforeva: U are Correct man but am still doubting whether i'll find an AMG,Lorinser,Zender,Brabus or any other modified bumbers nd side skirts for W201...
Wat i have been seeing in onitsha is the normal bumbers mercedes gave to their Pre-facelift and Facelift W201 models.

I'd leave out cosmetics for now and focus on getting her running as well as possible.

The Bumpers and Side skirts you're mentioning are really very expensive items and you might end up having to source from ebay or dedicated w201 enthusiast forums...and even at that the only relatively cheaper ones (fiberglass replicas) might be within you budget.

Take it step by step and you wont be overwhelmed.

Bossforeva: ...opposite Omagba phase II Entrance...

Living in Onitsha is an added advantage for you since the famous "Mgbuka Obosi" Car Parts Market is about 10 mins by Car/Bus from Upper Iweka.
You have access to one of the largest used/new car part markets in Nigeria and you'd be able to find almost everything you need-from engine parts to body trim items and even complete car shells and engines.

My advice is that as you have time, don't let your mechanic take you for a ride-go to Mgbuka market yourself and locate the Mercedes section, ask for a reputable W201 Parts dealer and you're good to go.

It might seem a bit daunting, but I assure you, it can be done and it'll be worth your time, as well as save you some money in the long run if you do get to know the dealer for your W201 Parts/accessories yourself.
Luckily also, the Merc section (if I remember rightly) is even on the outskirts of the market, so not much walking about to do.