My Audi 80 SE Sport 2.0E 8v

My Audi 80 SE Sport 2.0E 8v

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Max M4X WW

Original Poster:

4,863 posts

189 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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Hello all,

For some reason, I fancied a bit of a winter project. It's a bit of a silly thing to do really during the colder months, but with my Fiesta ( Link) and E39 525i in the garage until spring, I thought it would give me something to improve / drive / look at with the other cars being tucked up.

I'd been looking on the usual eBay, Facebook etc. and stumbled on this car. Something told me it was worth a look, and I'd also spotted it was a "Sport SE" model, so it is specced with 20mm lower suspension, different wheels, the boot spoiler, semi sporty seats and the three oil temp, pressure and voltage gauges in the centre console. I made the 3-hour round trip and did a deal, and I collected it a few days later.

The drive home was a bit nerve-wracking as the car has essentially sat since 2010, with a brief period of usage and 1600 miles covered in 2018. I had to make the 80-mile return journey in the dark and rain, but it was pretty uneventful, with the previously non-working fuel and water temp gauges fixing themself halfway through the drive.

This is my 4th 80, having previously owned a 1.6 Saloon, 1.9 TDi Avant and 1.8 20v Cabriolet, so I know my way around them reasonably well (however, not that well, as they don't seem to need much attention..) Famous last words! The plan is to clean everything up, fix things along the way, remove that god awful towbar (and plaque?!) and make some minor improvements.

Anyway, enough waffle for now. I thought I would post some 'before' pictures for reference as I got it (having not been washed for several months, I don't think!).




















RC1807

12,979 posts

175 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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Gutted my old iPad doesn't show the images, so I'll check back tomorrow using another method.... Good luck, OP!

Trustmeimadoctor

13,507 posts

162 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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Always loved the look of the 80

chrismc1977

854 posts

119 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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Solid & mechanically simple. Testament to why it’s still roadworthy!

Max M4X WW

Original Poster:

4,863 posts

189 months

Sunday 14th November 2021
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Progress was hindered this weekend by rain. On Saturday I managed to give it a good snowfoam, rinsed under the arches, a decent wash and dressed the tyres.

Today I only managed to remove all the manky rubber mats, remove the improvised cubby on the centre console, removed the towbar and make good the bolt holes and finally replaced the worn leather on the gear gaiter.

I didn't get any photos before it rained so will try that this week too.

Hopefully get the interior vacced and wiped down through the week.

RC1807

12,979 posts

175 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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RC1807 said:
Gutted my old iPad doesn't show the images, so I'll check back tomorrow using another method.... Good luck, OP!
Now looked back via another device... and, yes, that tow bar and plaque (WTF?!) have to go! smile

Looks like a great car.

RicksAlfas

13,654 posts

251 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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Loads of gauges and proper sidewalls on the tyres!
Where did it all go so wrong?
cry

p4cks

7,013 posts

206 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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Is that a putting green in the boot?

sean ie3

2,379 posts

143 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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I had a 2.0E 8V auto, did not keep for very long but I appreciated the vorsprung, much like a Saab as In very little chassis feedback but the car feels secure on the road, also a handsome car and nice color + the seats look comfy. Nice project OP.

Max M4X WW

Original Poster:

4,863 posts

189 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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I just grabbed some photos of the car, as whilst it's wet, it still looks pretty good. Removing the tow bar has helped a lot!










p4cks

7,013 posts

206 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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Looks good. Crying out for a period RAC tax disc holder and some period plates (pre-2001 font https://www.fancyplates.com/buy-plates/uk-show-pla...

Max M4X WW

Original Poster:

4,863 posts

189 months

Monday 15th November 2021
quotequote all
p4cks said:
Looks good. Crying out for a period RAC tax disc holder and some period plates (pre-2001 font https://www.fancyplates.com/buy-plates/uk-show-pla...
I have some expired tax discs in the history, so I may grab a holder for one.

Also on the list is some period plates (I know what dealer it came from), but I've not decided if I will put a private plate on it or not yet, so I am holding off until I have had a good look at the mechanical bits.

Mr Peel

504 posts

129 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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Like that. The driving heroes will be along shortly to dismiss it for not being a BMW, but I bet it will be a very enjoyable thing to own.

d_a_n1979

9,667 posts

79 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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I really like that; old skool motoring cool

Max M4X WW

Original Poster:

4,863 posts

189 months

Monday 15th November 2021
quotequote all
Mr Peel said:
Like that. The driving heroes will be along shortly to dismiss it for not being a BMW, but I bet it will be a very enjoyable thing to own.
I already have to maintain an E39 so I'd rather not have another BMW to look after as well!

I'm very aware these are the most un-loved compared to E30/E36/190E but that's why it was shed money!

Jimmy No Hands

5,019 posts

163 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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I bought one of these for £650 a few years ago as a shed to get me to work and back. I believe it was a 1.8, with a manual choke! It never wanted for anything and I would've driven it anywhere in a heart beat. The master cylinder leaked a bit of brake fluid and needed a new seal, which I ordered but it ended up being the wrong size so I left it and just topped it up.

Started first time, every time. Here it is getting used properly!



Edit: As is usually the case I forgot I'd owned a cab, too. This one was a V6, also with no working fuel or temperature gauge. Didn't have it long at all.



Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Monday 15th November 14:28

Max M4X WW

Original Poster:

4,863 posts

189 months

Monday 15th November 2021
quotequote all
Grey one sounds like a reliable beast! My uncle has a 2.6 V6 cabriolet and the engine runs so smooth.

My previous 3:

2010-2011, bought for £100 and sold for £525


2011-2013, bought for £850 and sold for £925


2017 (owned for 3 months over the summer only) Bought and sold for £1500

RC1807

12,979 posts

175 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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local'ish prices for 80s remain strong... I'd have loved an 80 Cab for 1,500!

https://www.luxauto.lu/fr/voiture/audi/80.html


Speedgelb

863 posts

160 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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Always loved Audis of this era. From the period before they went... mainstream...

loskie

5,667 posts

127 months

Monday 15th November 2021
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exactly what he said. These Audis are a favourite of mine.