The white gauge faces are specific for A4 model with VDO gauges ONLY, cannot use part if there are STOP needles in each gauge. Tech procedure in EUROPEAN CAR magazine (10/98??) really helped. Changes gauge face from black to white, retains factory fonts on numbers and letters. retains red AUDI illumination. Fastens to gauges with double sided tape and pointer attachment.

After viewing the tech procedure in EC magazine, I placed a call and confirmed that I had an applicable car. [Note: This reprint is available on AudiWorld by clicking here.] The A4 used in the photo shoot was NR's family car, but did not have the on board trip computer, as my vehicle does. NR stated that it should fit right in, with no alterations. After receiving the part quite quickly (and costly too, these aint cheap!!) I opened and found 6 very detailed gauges and a metal 'pointer removal tool' that looked like a shoehorn. Fair instructions too. I looked at all of the individual parts and was not certain that the on board trip computer was going to fit through the supplied space, as the colored 'idiot lights' were manufactured into the gauge face for the Tach side. I called NR again, but was reassured that it should fit right in. Obviously, NR was not familiar with the position of the Trip Computer....I had to carefully trim the plastic away for the 'idiot lights' to be removed. After that everything lined up well, nearly as well as the originals. The removal was pretty straightforward, the tech process in EC mag really, really helped, plus I'm pretty good with my hands inside the dash, so it wasn't too difficult to get the gauge pack out of the car (careful, warranty holders, don't do anything stupid here!!) The plastic comes away with a little dexterity - don't scratch this clear plastic on the inside, hard to polish when its put back together!! The original gauges are exposed with the plastic off, but they are difficult to remove with the supplied tool. I taped the faces, to ensure that the tool would not scratch them. The tool removes the pointers, but usually breaks one or two of the little, teeny, tiny nubs. nothing a spot of plastic glue cant help. once the pointers are off, the black, original faces can be easily peeled off, there is little surface area contact, so a small knife works well, the new pieces went on and lined up well. Here's the fun part....don't let that pointer glue dry just yet!! the pointers can be pressed back onto/into the gauge panel, which is, by now, lookin' really trick and sporty. If you are very careful, and have made sure not to touch the pointer crank pins (small) the pointers can be put back to nearly exact locations. I had some trouble here, but A4.org and others came through for me. the gauge pack can be reassembled, once the pointers are in place, but the accuracy of a few gauges were off. This requires removal of everything, breaking more nubs, gluing more nubs and reassembling, only to get it closer, but not perfect. The best way is to lightly press the pointers onto the faces, just so they are connected and wont slip. plug in the gauge pack with the faces open (no plastic cover) start the car, and either adjust the gauges by hand to the familiar spot, this should be easy for the temp, voltage, oil temp and clock, but tough for the Tach and speedo. The climate control also doubles as a digital display for the gauges (hint, hint), by hitting the correct codes, I could tell digitally, where the gauges should be reading. I pressed them on fully, when satisfied, turned the car off, unplugged the partial gauge pack, clipped the plastic cover on, plugged in all the connections behind the gauge pack, bolted in the gauge pack and smiled real wide!! By doing this, every gauge is accurate and performs well at all revs and all speeds (I've buried both tach and speedo - thanks TAP!!) Most comments are positive, including my local AUDI shop, that wants to install them prior to new sales.

A few problems:

1. trip computer fitment (explained above)

2. Brights indicator (blue light) shines through white plastic, halo effect. This could be remedied by placing a few coats of white colored tape on the back side of the two middle gauges. preventing so much light intensity from escaping.

3. tough for those with astigmatism(?)

I am very satisfied with the gauges, they impart a sleek, euro look, they get a lot of comments from other enthusiasts and they make the driving experience a bit more euphoric. They are quite expensive and should not be installed by a first timer, unless they have some assistance from a knowledgeable individual or a speed shop.

Hope this helps. Join a club!! 

By: Chuck Hung Email: chung30@hotmail.com    (Aug-02)

Make & model of car the product was used on: 1998 A4 2.8Q Avant

I was very worry about this modification at first because someone said it messed up their gauges afterward in the forum. But, I really like the white face looks, so I ordered it from Nrauto.com anyway. It was not too difficult to remove the instrument panel. Most the needles could be removed without damage being made. I did break the caps on the Tach's and Speedo's needles, fixed it with super glue. Take notice of all needles position before removal and just put the needles back on the same location. I take me maybe an hour the most (I was very careful not to break anything).  It looks great on my car now. All gauge works fine. The price was a bite expensive.