CincyQuattro

I was looking through my info and links and can't seem to find the model guide where it goes year by year outlining the changes. Just interested to see what changed in 2003/4 before they stopped C5 production. I seem to remember something about going from genuine leather to synthetic for door insets and such, and a couple other cost cutting measures, but can't recall if these were part of the 02 revamp or later.

jcman

I can tell you as a owner of an 01 and 04 there are plenty changes between them, I've noticed the leather quality is better on the 01 and is full leather vs the 04 with partial inserts. The 04 exterior front is different also with the hood, grill, headlight size, washer cover recessed, rear tail light with amber bar, two rear fogs vs one. Not to get carried away here with a list of details (and there is more) but I think most of the changes began in 02 with the 3.0 base engine change.

CincyQuattro

That was my impression as well. I was asking what happened after the 02 facelift/mid-cycle update, during 03 and 04 model years.

monkeytronic

What model in particular?

With the 4.2 in mind, which was very well equipped right from the get-go, changes more or less amounted to the Bose audio system which was factory standard for '02 becoming optional for '03 as part of the premium options package and the optional warm weather package for '02 was split up into two separate warm weather and cold weather options packages for '03 and the aforementioned Bose audio system became a standalone option for '04.

jcman

Well, I could elaborate more on my 04 and it's package offers for that year, 03 not sure. I did noticed that the Europe models looked more like a C6 for 04, Audi probably looks at the demand in all markets vs. production to determine when the changes begin.

CincyQuattro

I guess the 4.2 specifically since that will likely be my next choice. Sounds like it was mostly rejiggering the options packages and what was standard between years (aside from the obvious changes year to year in wheel and color choices).

Boston Driver

The 4.2 lost a tiny bit of content in 2003, including the tip buttons on the steering wheel, passenger side memory seat, and the pre-wiring for the CD changer in the trunk. Other than that, I do not think there were any other changes to the 4.2 after 2002.

PPGOAL

My '03 outfitted like the '04 above. Inside of seats is leather -- outside panels are faux. Did come with the Bose system as an option, as well as winter package (recessed headlight washers). I have read the turbo oil lines in the 2.7T were increased in diameter in '03. The '03/04 have the exhaust cut-outs in the rear fascia. Earlier years had the solid fascia and down-turned pipes but I cannot tell you when it changed.

Boston Driver

FYI - The recessed headlight washers (along with the facelifted grille and bumper) and the exposed exhaust tips were changes made for the 2002 model year. The larger oil lines for the 2.7T were a mid-2001 change. Bose was available in earlier years as well.