[urq] Getting hands dirty ] Help with NLA parts - 857 422 385

Tue Mar 24 13:12:15 PDT 2009

Steve
I would only own the copyright on my words not the bits lifted from the 
websites of the car makers. I have no objection to my bits going on the KB 
and as the intention of what the car makers wrote was to bring their message 
to the masses I don't suppose they could really object.......
I don't know how to put it in the KB but feel free to do so (or send me 
instructions and I'll do it)
All the best

Keith

'87 WR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "urq" <urq at pacbell.net>
To: "'SpotatAshleys'" <spotatashleys at hotmail.com>; <urq at audifans.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 1:33 AM
Subject: RE: [urq] Getting hands dirty ] Help with NLA parts - 857 422 385

> Well done ... thanks for passing it along!  If you wrote it you should own
> the copyright ... any thought of putting it on the Audifans KB?
>
> Steve B
> San Jose, CA (USA)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: urq-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:urq-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf
> Of SpotatAshleys
> Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 1:36 PM
> To: j.koenig; ingo.rautenberg at gmail.com; Mike Del Tergo;
> urq-bounces at audifans.com; urq at audifans.com; lvaladas at sympatico.ca;
> larichard at plguide.com
> Subject: Re: [urq] Getting hands dirty ] Help with NLA parts - 857 422 385
>
> A while ago I researched and put together the following article for the
> quattro Owners Club newsletter here in the UK. Since I wrote it nothing 
> has
> changed except that more parts are NLA.
> I love my quattro and won't part with it but I do wonder if I would ever
> have bought and restored it if I had known what I know now. As it is I use
> it every day, just in case the day comes when I can't. At least that way I
> won't be thinking "all those days whe I could have used it and I didn't".
> Anyway read on and....well....weep (as they say):
>
> [ Over the years I have been a little critical of the woeful support from
> Audi gmbh for the quattro in terms of replacement parts supply. Once again
> with the advent of a new coupe model, the A5, references have been made to
> it being a spiritual successor to the original quattro. Unfortunately this
> has a somewhat hollow ring for ur-quattro owners when one realises that
> however much Audi praises the original quattro as being a defining and
> iconic design it continually fails to support the owners of such models in
> the most tangible way possible, supply of replacement parts. One could
> perhaps understand this attitude for what some may regard as more mundane 
> or
>
> less ground-breaking models, but for the model upon which the current
> prosperity of the firm was founded, it is staggering.
>
>
>
> I therefore decided to find out what other European prestige motor
> manufacturers with sporting heritage provided for their past customers and
> what importance they place on the physical maintainence of their heritage.
> Originally I was going to write to each company and ask their views but 
> when
>
> I sought out their addresses on the internet I found that they were 
> actually
>
> quite keen to publicise their positions. I have simply lifted the 
> following
> text from their respective web pages. I'm sure they won't mind.
>
>
>
> BMW
>
>
>
>
>
> "Only a fully operational and visually flawless classic can be an 
> impressive
>
> witness of its time. By securing ample stocks of spare parts along with 
> the
> continued production and remanufacturing of components, we ensure that BMW
> classics can be perfectly preserved and restored.
>
>
>
> All the components are listed in parts catalogues, while user-friendly
> repair guidelines assist with their assembly. This ensures that the
> worldwide stock of almost 200,000 classic cars and 70,000 motorcycles
> continues to be safeguarded. The systematic integration into BMW's
> international logistics network, moreover, guarantees fast availability of
> parts worldwide.
>
>
>
> The more than 200,000 cars and 70,000 motorcycles that make up the 
> worldwide
>
> inventory of BMW classics forms the basis of the service and parts supply
> offered by BMW Mobile Tradition. As a rule, BMW Mobile Tradition pledges 
> to
> provide parts for BMW models 15 years after the end of production. This
> enables owners of historic BMW models to maintain their vehicles to a high
> standard. All parts, along with the relevant repair instructions, are 
> listed
>
> on a user-friendly CD-ROM as well as in printed catalogues.
> The regularly updated parts catalogue for historic vehicles on CD-ROM can 
> be
>
> obtained through your dealer by quoting order number 72 00 0 301 255.
>
> You can also consult the historic parts catalogue online by downloading it
> here.
>
>
> The Historical Archive processes information on the history of the 
> company,
> its brands and its products, including the entire range of models, their
> technical specifications, design sketches and repair manuals. This
> information is made available to the public. Since its establishment, the
> Historical Archive has evolved into a modern service centre.
>
>
>
> The Archive is jointly responsible for the Historical Collection, which
> contains
>
>
>
> - 400 cars,
>
> - 170 motorcycles,
>
> - a wide range of aircraft, motorcycle and car exhibits,
>
> - the latest Formula One engines and
>
> - various historical documents such as sales literature, advertising
> brochures, posters, press reports    etc."
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Mercedes  Benz
>
>
>
> "Qualified experts for classics and classics-to-be
>
> The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center looks after all vehicles from the 
> Daimler,
> Benz, Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz brands, production of which was
> discontinued more than 20 years ago. Among others, these include 
> automotive
> milestones like the famous Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing from the 198 
> series
>
> and the legendary supercharged cars from the pre-war era, but also
> classics-to-be. The latter are Mercedes-Benz cars which are about to 
> become
> genuine classics.
>
>  Workshop
>
> High quality standards in all repairs and restoration projects
>
>
>
> There are many good reasons for deciding in favor of genuine Mercedes-Benz
> spare parts. Essentially the following facts are the decisive factor for
> owners of Mercedes-Benz classic cars to go for genuine Mercedes-Benz spare
> parts:
>
>
>
> Genuine Mercedes-Benz spare parts are manufactured according to precisely
> defined standards. In this way, a classic Mercedes car remains authentic
> even after a restoration.
>
> Originality and value retention
>
> The high-precision workmanship and the perfect dimensional accuracy of
> genuine spare parts are the guarantors of the longevity and reliability of
> every Mercedes-Benz classic car.
>
> Manufacturing quality
>
> The use of genuine Mercedes-Benz spare parts ensures the safety of your
> Mercedes-Benz classic car.
>
>
>
> 150 suppliers producing original quality
>
> When spare parts are reproduced, precisely defined processes are applied 
> to
> check which manufacturers fulfill the required guidelines. The strict
> selection criteria - fulfilled by some 150 suppliers today - ensure
> reproduction in original quality and the originality of the spare part 
> right
>
> from the start.
>
>
>
> Even the manufacturers of the production parts in the past are put to the
> acid test if production was discontinued quite some time ago. They, too,
> have to fulfill the exacting demands made on the production of genuine
> Mercedes-Benz spare parts. Production of genuine parts for a Mercedes-Benz
> classic car does not begin before the supplier's certification, the 
> passing
> of all in-house inspections and function tests by the first sample parts
> without a hitch and the successful completion of the first assembly tests.
>
>
>
> Technical literature
>
> From owners' manuals through to workshop manuals
>
> Every owner of a Mercedes-Benz classic is well advised to have the 
> relevant
> reference books to hand. The Spare Parts Department of the Mercedes-Benz
> Classic Center has an extensive range of technical literature in German 
> and
> English in stock partially also available on CD-Rom. This range includes
> spare parts lists and workshop manuals as well as technical data manuals 
> and
>
> owners' manuals which you can order from every Mercedes-Benz partner or 
> the
> Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. All the available titles are shown in the 
> list
>
> below for downloading.
>
> Overview of our range of technical literature
>
>
>
> Check online, if your requested part is available "
>
>
>
>
>
> Porsche
>
> "356. For millions of people around the world, that's nothing more than a
> number. For us at Porsche Classic - and for every Porsche enthusiast - 
> it's
> the start of motoring legend. The internal code for the first ever 
> Porsche:
> the Type 356.
>
> Most of the original 356 models were developed at the Porsche Werk I in
> Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen - still the home of Porsche today.
>
> This red-brick building represents a major milestone in the development of
> the Porsche marque. While much has grown up around it in the intervening
> years, the links with the past remain.
>
> Today, Werk I is the ideal setting for the Customer Centre Classic. As the
> name suggests, this centralised resource is geared towards you, the
> customer. Within ist walls is everything you need to maintaim your classic
> Porsche. Options range from repair, servicing, car care and restoration to
> genuine Porsche parts. The Customer Centre Classic caters for all Porsche
> models which ceased production more than 15 years ago. Key among these are
> the various 356, 914, 911 and 959 models as well as all road going cars 
> with
>
> water-cooled four- or eight-cylinder engines.
>
> For many of these cars, the journey to Werk I is a return to where it all
> began. Where better to care for your classic Porsche. The Customer Centre
> Classic in Werk I, Zuffenhausen, is staffed exclusively by Porsche
> specialists.
>
> While their individual job descriptions are many and varied, they are, 
> above
>
> all, enthusiasts. A passion for the marque is combined with knowledge of
> each model, skilled craftsmanship and an expert eye for detail.
>
> As a Porsche Classic customer, you can rest assured that your car is in 
> the
> right hands. As well as serving owners worldwide, we perform all 
> restoration
>
> and maintenance work on Porsche Museum cars.
>
> The wealth of experience available to you has been acquired over many
> decades. Today, it's applied with exceptional results in the repair,
> servicing, care and restoration of classic Porsche models.
>
> Every part within every assembly is key to the originality of the car. To
> maintain that integrity, we place particular importance on the quality of
> new spare parts. Wherever possible, these are obtained from the original
> manufacturers. If that's no longer feasible, we find alternative sources
> that manufacture parts which are as close as possible to the original
> specifications in terms of design, performance and safety. Our current 
> parts
>
> catalogue has approximately 29,000 items.
>
> Whatever the project, we always combine the best of past and present.
>
>
>
> Using the search function for technical literature, you can find almost
> every type of technical literature in our database of over 800 entries.
> "Porsche - the legend. Participate in the fascination for Porsche! Here 
> you
> will find literature from A to Z"
>
>
>
> For independent workshops and private users, Porsche AG offers a special
> catalogue for Porsche original parts. The catalogue comprises all models
> including the respective Tequipment and literature catalogues and is
> published twice a year in the form of a CD-ROM with corresponding PDF 
> files
> for viewing the parts.
>
> Please use the following link to download the new Porsche Original Parts 
> PDF
>
> catalogue.
>
> The CD-ROM can be ordered via the part number given below.
>
> ..         Adobe PDF format
>
> ..         Available at your Porsche Centre
>
> ..         Part number: 000 043 400 05
>
>
>
> Nothing simpler than to exchange. Apart from you, nobody knows your 
> Porsche
> better than the person who designed it. We have designed every item to be
> optimally compatible to make sure you enjoy the Porsche feeling. And to 
> make
>
> sure that you carry on enjoying the feeling for as long as possible, our
> specialists check your Porsche over thoroughly at every inspection. It 
> goes
> without saying that if anything on your Porsche needs replacing we use 
> only
> genuine Porsche parts. In the case of certain products, moreover, you can
> choose between new parts or genuine Exchange Parts restored and tested by
> Porsche.
>
> Alphabetically arranged, it gives you an overview of the parts that are 
> now
> available again for your Porsche at your Porsche Centre.
>
> These not only cost less, they also help protect the environment and
> resources as use of these parts requires less energy and raw materials 
> than
> new products. Of course, these Exchange Parts are genuine Porsche parts -
> and come with a 2 year guarantee. Talk to a service representative about
> exchange parts the next time you visit your Porsche Center"
>
>
>
>
>
> AUDI
>
>
>
> "Audi engineers set a milestone in drive technology 25 years ago with
> quattro permanent four-wheel drive. As the pioneer of four-wheel-drive
> technology, Audi set a benchmark as early as 1980 with the presentation of
> the quattro coupe. The numerous successes that ensued on rally courses and
> circuits around the world testify to the efficiency of this superior drive
> concept. The Audi customer can rely on the additional driving pleasure,
> mobility and safety in all driving situations that quattro offers.
>
>
>
> Audi engineers set a milestone in drive technology 25 years ago
> The principle is simple: in the same way that four brakes ensure better
> deceleration, four driven wheels enable better acceleration and higher
> cornering stability. Audi quattro four-wheel drive is the systematic
> application of this basic physical principle. Power distribution for
> improved and safer driving.
>
> But that's not all: depending on the driving situation and road surface,
> quattro technology also distributes drive power continuously between the
> front and rear axles. Especially on slippery surfaces, this means better
> traction, even in conditions in which vehicles with two driven wheels are 
> no
>
> longer able to grip. Welcome to the 25 years of quattro."
>
>
>
> I did try, but could find nothing on the Audi website referring to the 
> parts
>
> supply for out of production models or even current models. If it exists
> then, please Audi, by all means point me in the right direction so that we
> may publish it here, but note that I did not have to look very hard on the
> other 3 websites.
>
> The other three in the "big four" clearly recognise that the physical
> maintainence of their heritage helps keep the marque in public view and
> encourages past owners to become new owners. It also ensures that people 
> can
>
> see, hear, touch, and drive their ancient ground breaking models rather 
> than
>
> them becoming mythical beasts only referred to in adverts for almost
> unrelated modern offerings. Audi, think again. The quattro is an 
> endangered
> species - what are you going to do to save it?
>
> Odd isn't it that "Audi" comes from the latin to "listen". Mmm..
>
>
>
> Keith Lloyd
>
>
>
> As a foot note I would add that I did not set out to denigrate Audi or
> vilify them, I simply sought to compare like with like in order to get at
> the truth. The anecdotal evidence we all had was that certainly in the 
> case
> of BMW and Mercedes Benz you could get any part for more or less any model
> built since the last (big) war. I wanted to test this and compare with our
> situation as quattro owners. I know that some independent suppliers such 
> as
> Peter Reeve (quattro Corner) do a fantastic job at sourcing parts but 
> where
> is the commitment and support from the manufacturer?
>
> If any of you think the above comparison is unfair or alternatively, 
> simply
> reflects the truth, please write to the newsletter and pass on your views
> and experiences of parts supply especially if you are also owners of late
> model BMW, Porsche or Mercedes-Benz motor vehicles. The idea is to get you
> talking and hopefully decide what we can or should do to keep the quattro 
> on
>
> the road. ]
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "j.koenig" <koenigj at comcast.net>
> To: <ingo.rautenberg at gmail.com>; "Mike Del Tergo" <mdeltergo at hotmail.com>;
> <urq-bounces at audifans.com>; <urq at audifans.com>; <lvaladas at sympatico.ca>;
> <larichard at plguide.com>
> Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 3:03 AM
> Subject: Re: [urq] Getting hands dirty ] Help with NLA parts - 857 422 385
>
>
> Not many "car guys" left at the top side of VAG anymore...
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ingo Rautenberg" <ingo.rautenberg at gmail.com>
>
>
> Yup. BMW and Merciless Benz both have virtually any part you want 
> available.
>
> I know more
> than a few classic car lovers that wanted to get older audis but have
> decided not to
> because of the parts situation. It really is sad (not so much from a
> business standpoint,
> but more so of a product support and customer loyalty standpoint).
>
> And thereby a crucial part of the marque's reputation imo.
>
>
> Ingo Rautenberg
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Del Tergo <mdeltergo at hotmail.com>
>
> My year  old purchase of an 80's BMW has really brought the woefully Audi
> parts situation
> to the fore.  I can get virtually every nut and screw in a few days from 
> the
>
> dealer or on
> line.
>
> Found the filters below @ onlinebmwparts.com  (a dealer!)
>
> 32-41-1-123-323 - $17
> 32-41-1-120-715 - $9
>
> The fact the Audi can't even keep track of cross referenced NLA parts that
> are still out
> there is typical.  No way a old Audi purchase takes front row to an old 
> BMW
> purchase any
> more in my mind.
>
>
>
>> --- On Thu, 3/19/09, Lino M. Valadas <lvaladas at sympatico.ca> wrote:
>> It's an Ur-Quattro!? Price is irrelevant.? ;-)
>>
>> 32-41-1-123-323 - $47.15? Canadian dollars
>> 32-41-1-120-715 - $$20.40 Canadian dollars
>>
>> At the BMW parts counter.
>>
>> Lino
>
>
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