2001.5 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro 5-speed

Last of the B5 generation | Sport package | Factory-optioned RS4 17″ wheels

Sold

Rick Kidd ©2024 for Wolf and Mare

Audi was on the ropes in the early 1990s due to a scandalous rumor about its 5000 sedan and a German economy in freefall after reunification. The brand was in such dire straits in America it nearly pulled out of the market completely.

For a whole host of reasons, we are glad that never happened. To what can we credit the turnaround? That’s easy: the B5 series Audi A4. The A4 debuted in 1994 and brought with it an entirely new nomenclature and modernized design for Audi vehicles—one that carries on to this day. 

Audi billed the Audi A4 as an “exclusive mid-sized sedan with high technical sophistication and modern efficiency,” or Vorsprung durch Technik personified. The A4 delivered on a bucket list of customer wants: fuel economy, performance, quality, reliability, and style. One year after debut it was selling like hotcakes with 120,000 units sold in Germany alone.

This 2001.5 Audi A4 on offer by Wolf and Mare represents the model generation’s swan song. In the latter half of 2001, the B6 generation would replace the successful yet aging B5. Not to be ungrateful, Audi sent its savior off in style with special options packages to celebrate. This car ticks every one of those exclusive boxes.

Purchased new at Princeton Audi in Princeton, NJ the car remained with the original owner until selling the car on in 2013. A scant 4,500 miles a year on average were added by the second owner before selling it at auction. Acquired by a dealer in September 2023, it was subsequently purchased by the seller a month later and underwent an extensive refurbishment. 

This Audi A4 is finished in Light Silver Metallic over Black Nappa leather upholstery and is powered by Audi’s venerable 2.8 Liter V6, a true 90-degree 6-cylinder engine mated to a rarely optioned 5-speed manual transmission. Being a later “facelift” A4, this car has the more desirable 30 valve engine which replaced the previous 12 valve version carried over from the Audi 80 and 90. While the tuneable turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder VAG engine was available for this model, the V6 was prized for its smoothness and reliability.

Performance is brisk if not blistering and the car is very capable of keeping up with modern traffic. The drive-by-wire accelerator responds immediately, almost simulating a cable operated throttle. The engine runs well, without hesitation or noises from the drivetrain under acceleration. Shifts are smooth with no clutch judder or slipping. Power is delivered to all four wheels courtesy of Audi’s Quattro system. After all, is an Audi really an Audi without all-wheel-drive?

This car was rescued by Wolf and Mare’s founder and treated to a refurbishment that included repainting the front and rear bumpers, hood, and wheels to address various chips and wear from use. In general, the car was clearly pampered by its owners and is exceptionally clean given its 23 years of regular use. Various small scratches and areas of paint touch-up remain on panels still bearing original paint, but they do not detract from the car’s overall impressive condition.

The B5 Audi underpinnings were cutting-edge in 1994, with a multi-link suspension front and rear providing terrific steering feel and an overall taught handling experience that helps balance out the weight of the engine hanging over the front axle. The front subframe was replaced in early 2024 to address corrosion likely due to New Jersey winters, and a 4-wheel alignment was subsequently performed.

Surface corrosion is visible on the exhaust system and other suspension components. Braking is handled by 4-wheel discs and the car has a hard pedal with good stopping power. A complete list of recent mechanical repairs is available for the new owner.

This A4 is fitted with ultra-rare replica RS4 17” wheels, a factory option and an additional cost on top of the Sport Package fitted to this car from new. Wrapped with Pirelli tires from the factory, new Pirelli Cinturato P7 225/45-R all-season tires were fitted in January of this year to replace dry-rotted bargain rubber.

Audi interiors of this generation are highly regarded, easily going toe-to-toe and winning against luxury interiors from BMW and Mercedes. While some evidence of wear exists, this A4’s interior, including the carpet, has been completely removed and detailed from top to bottom. The driver’s seat base was repaired to address a split seam that is all too common on older Audis, but the remaining seats retain their original leather. All features operate as they should including stereo, lighting, climate control, windows, door locks, power seat controls, and the power moonroof with sliding sunshade.

Behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel the gauge cluster shows 140,000 miles and is fully operational with no dead pixels in the center multifunction display—a common issue.

The included CarFax report documents an extensive service history performed primarily at the selling dealership including a timing belt replacement in 2022. Accompanying the car are a small stack of records, two “switchblade” keys, the original owner’s manual, case, tools and jack. The car possesses a clean Virginia title and is registered in the seller’s name.

The same month this car was purchased by the seller, Hagerty released an article showing increasing interest for the “forgotten sports sedans of the 90s and 2000s”. The insurance and valuation powerhouse suggests that younger enthusiasts are looking for a more analog experience with modern performance and reliability.

We expect the market will catch on in the coming years, making this Audi A4 an excellent usable classic with the bonus of potential appreciation in the future—our favorite combination.

If you’re interested in acquiring this vehicle, contact us!

Details

VIN: WAUDH68D21A132707 

Color: Light Silver Metallic

Interior Color: Black Nappa Leather

Mileage: 140,000 miles

Engine: 2.8 Liter 30-valve V6

Transmission: 5-speed Manual

HP/Torque: 190 HP / 207 lb-ft

Options:
• Sport package
• Cold weather package
• Factory upgrade RS4-style 17″ wheels
• Quattro all-wheel-drive
• Audi Symphony stereo
• 6-disc CD changer
• Xenon headlamps
• Stellar service history
• Timing belt in 2022
• Bumpers/hood/wheels refreshed in 2023

Sold for $7,250

Via Bring A Trailer No Reserve Auction