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Audi A6

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Comments

  • andys3andys3 Member Posts: 20
    It's been a while since I have visited this board; I bought a 2.7T last year and have just been enjoying the heck out of it. I had forgotten about what a valuable resource Audiworld can be. Thanks very much for your advice. If I remember, isn't April a salesperson for Audi in CA?
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Yes, April used to be an Audi salesperson in Ca. Quit that some time ago, and appears to be involved in several different activities. Seems to a have a pipe to AoA and may have some function in promoting Audi's. Irrespective of her responsibilities, she is very candid and usually right.
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Yes, this is just the way A6 steering is. A6 steering does feel overboosted compared to most other steering. If I remember, your Mom has an '02. Believe it or not, the '02 relay dials in less boost than A6 steering before '02 receives. My '01 2.7T is very light, and I found it disconcerting at first. While I would still prefer firmer steering, I've grown used to it, and it only bothers me a little at higher speeds on highways.

    I think there are three different plug-in relays that have been used throughout the current generation A6's run. If you have the most current, which is also the least boosted, you can make the steering heavier by pulling the relay altogether. I haven't experienced it, but this evidently makes the steering MUCH heavier, though not like a total absence of power steering.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    I can't believe my Mom's '02 A6 has the least boosted of all the steering in the A6. Hmmmmm...pulling the steering relay huh? Yeah, like she'd let me try that one:) The dealer wouldn't do something like that for her would they?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • marleybarrmarleybarr Member Posts: 334
    I was reading the '02 Audi brochure and it was mentioned that Audi is using "Direct Gas Injection Technology" in the Lemans race cars and soon to be incorporated in production vehicles. Nobody at the dealer knows what this is. Any ideas?
    I also noticed that the S4 is not mentioned in the '02 Audi lineup and that the A6 4.2 now has 16" 235/50 all-season tires as standard equipment.
  • noshonosho Member Posts: 119
    From what I've read, the engine is similar to diesel but still uses a spark plug. The fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber shortly before full compression. The idea is to inject less fuel than necessary for full chamber combustion when the engine isn't working hard - idle, cruising. There is plenty of power available while having improved gas mileage.

    Most of the fuel burns cleanly except at the fringes where lean burning occurs and the pollutant NO is generated. A separate NO catalytic converter/chamber is present to meet pollution requirements.

    Needless to say, the LeManns car burns slightly rich for full chamber combustion (but less so than if it were using standard fuel injector technology, thus better fuel economy) and has no catalytic converters.

    Hope this helps....

    P.S. - a TDI model is available in Europe. Don't know if it meets USA ULEV standards....
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    I don't think you're going to find a dealer who would agree to yank the Servotronic relay. However, this is a common modification by some of the posters at AudiWorld. It's a plug-in unit, and some have pulled it, and then replaced it. In fact, some people have even installed a toggle switch so you can deactivate it, and then turn it back on for parking, etc. The URL below describes this, though I think it's for pre-2002 cars. I'm not sure if the relay for '02's and later is in the same place. However, this has also been discussed on AudiWorld.-


    http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec35.shtml

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    I'll have to consult with my Dad before doing a modification like this to the car. It seems fairly easy to do, and with a little free time (who has that anymore) I could probably pull it off. I am worried about the dealer finding it and thinking it is maybe a switch for the instrument cluster (so no miles accumulate on the car). I'll let you know! Thank you again for all your help! My Mom and I are actually planning a quick trip to New Hampshire on June 6th & returning June 8th (Cousin's HS graduation). I wanted to take my Saab (So I could eat up the miles on it quicker so I can start driving my Prelude), but she insists on taking the Audi. Oh well, there are worse compromises in life to be made:)

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    I would not personally wish to do the mod described in the tech article. Audi dealers and AoA tend to be very nervous about such modifications, and may attempt to void a portion of the warranty if there were a problem. Pulling and subsequently replacing the relay doesn't present that problem.

    Have a great trip! I think you'll find that the A6 loves to eat up miles, irrespective of the lighter steering. When I had an '02 3.0 loaner, I didn't get a chance to take it on the highway, but people who've driven with both pre and post '02 steering say the '02 steering is much firmer on the highway than previously. Audi's are great highway cars too. My wife has always chided me for driving too fast. Since becoming an A4 1.8T driver, she gets annoyed with drivers who are doing under 75mph is the passing lane!
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    I love the sound the engine makes (almost like a jet engine) after you turn the key off, it almost spools down for a split second.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • marleybarrmarleybarr Member Posts: 334
    Thanks for the info(nosho) about this new technology, I will inform the dealer. Now all we need is this "gas technology" and CVT and Quattro!!
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    I pulled the relay in my 2001 allroad about 6 months ago, and the steering is much improved. A little heavy when parking, to be sure, but MUCH better feel at speed. It took me about a day to get used to it, and I've had no inclination to put it back in. My wife (who drives an A4 ususally) didn't even notice the difference; in fact I've never even told her about it. I've had the car in for service at least three times since taking it out, and they've never said anything about it. The A6's may be a little different, in terms of "before and after feel" but if I'm not mistaken the relay part number is the same, at least on the 2001's.
  • jscatenajscatena Member Posts: 61
    After the first week of driving, here are my thoughts:
    Likes: Awesome car. VERY powerful. Very difficult to hold it down to some reasonable "break-in" speeds and rpms. Great handling. The A6 4.2 (my other choice) with the sports package was a little too stiff for me. This suspension is awesome. No dips, dives or rolls. Reasonable road noise (especially considering those BIG tires), people turn and look and ask, what kind of station wagon (grrrr)is that? but once the see it up close it's "WOW what an awesome car!"
    Dislikes - I didn't get the Telematics package so the cell phone situation is a little hard to solve. Hate to add another antenna and refuse to "bolt" anything to the dash. Scuff plates inside doors should by metal, not plastic as they will get heel scuffs from in and out. And with the silver mirrors and roof rails, would have all tied in nicely.
  • mpyles1mpyles1 Member Posts: 91
    Just picked up my new 4.2 from the dealer this morning. When I test drove a car about two months ago (same set-up as the one I just received . . . 4.2 / sport package / premium package), I noticed its steering was distinctly heavier than my current car (a 2000 Jaguar S-Type). However, the car I picked up today is definitely more boosted than the Jaguar. At parking lot speeds, there is virtually no resistance in the wheel, and even at around 60 mph the steering is quite light. I had a friend who drives a 4WD Lexus RX300 drive the car, and he agreed the steering was very heavily assisted.

    I understood the 2002's had less steering assist than earlier A6's. Has anyone heard about boost level changing within this model run? I plan to take this question up with the dealer next week, but I'd first like to check on this forum to see what info I can pull together. Thanks.
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Glad you got your car, Mike. Sorry the steering is a disappointment. Did the car you test drove have the same tires and wheels as the one you got? If so, it's pretty strange that the steering would be that different. As Joel referenced above, pre-'02 cars had the 605 relay specifying Servotronic boost levels. I can't remember the designation for the relay in the '02's. You could do a search on AudiWorld to find out. Could it be that an '02 some how got made with a 605 relay? Could someone have pulled the relay from the demo? These are about the only explanations I can think of.

    Having an '01 2.7T and having driven an '02 3.0, I can attest that the steering is firmer. But that sure still doesn't mean firm. I had my old Lexus for about a month after I got the 2.7T, and when I drove it after about 2 weeks with the Audi, even the LEXUS steering felt heavy by comparison! So a little firmer, still is pretty light.

    I also know that my perceptions can differ a lot on different days. Maybe it won't feel as light after spending a little time with it.

    Anyway Mike, I hope you really enjoy it.
  • mpyles1mpyles1 Member Posts: 91
    Thanks, Timcar. The first car I test drove had the Dunlop tires, and mine has the Continentals (both 255/40/17). Otherwise the suspension/wheel setup is the same. I doubt if the relay had been pulled, since the car I test drove had not been prepped. (It was on the dealer's pre-delivery storage lot . . . exterior and interior protective wraps still in place, shipping papers on the dash, etc.).

    I've checked Audiworld and found numerous references to the 605 relay and how to pull it. However, there has been no mention of whether the heavier steering advertised for the 2002 derives from using a different relay or no relay.

    I'm not really disappointed in the steering, since I haven't been able to run the car on a road that will reveal the subtleties of road feel yet. I have been on a few streets that cause the car to benefit from heavily-assisted steering's ability to resist the pulling of wide tires in wavy pavement.

    My real concern is that Audi's assembly disciplines might be somewhat erratic. I mentioned in an earlier message that my car was delivered with burled walnut trim instead of the sycamore trim specified in the sales brochures. The dealer checked his ordering database and confirmed that Audi was still specifying the sycamore trim. So my guess is that, since my car was assembled near the end of the model run, they switched trim to something they still had in supply rather than ordering another batch of trim from suppliers. (The dealer disagrees. He thinks they simply made an assembly error.)

    Either way, I can live with non-standard trim. However, if something similar happened with steering components, I get more worried. If Audi randomly switches components during assembly, what implications might that have for future repair and maintenance?
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Morning, Mike. The '02's heavier steering IS evidently a function of a different Servotronic relay. Think it's relay #628.


    http://www.audiworld.com/search/


    BTW, Richard Solomon, who provides the info. in the above AW post, seems to have more specific detailed info. about the A6 than anyone I've come across and is very helpful.


    While understand your concern about the build for you 4.2, and don't think I'd worry too much about it because of the substitution of walnut for sycamore. Elsewhere in the world, people can order Audi's with all kinds of mix and match details. It easy to see someone assembling one thinking walnut was intended rather than sycamore.


    Yes, the extra boost does reduce the feeling of tramlining and also any possible sense of torque steer. I did notice that '02 3.0 I drove had just the slightest suggest of FWD feel, which is entirely absent in my '01.


    I think as you spend a bit more time with this car, you will become increasingly awed. It's hard to remain sedate during break-in.

  • felixozfelixoz Member Posts: 4
    Picking up a fully kitted-out '99 A6 Quattro this Tuesday, after much research and some useful comments from you guys a couple of months ago. As expected, drove beautifully. Test drove it on a wet Houston day - pushed it around corners and stuck to road like glue. Takes some time to get up and go, but once going, really moves. Just like everyone says!

    It's got an interesting note when accelerating hard - sounds like a light, whining, buzzy turbo or light, small freewheeling gear on top of normal engine sound. Audi mechanic gave it the okay. Apparently it's normal. Anyone got comments? Anything else I should look out for? Everyone talks about the transmission and electrics, so I was sure to purchase a full extended warranty. Think I'll take it to Audi for a full check-up before the first long drive!

    Also, anyone know of any good Audi clubs in Houston? I'll join Audiworld and get into their forum as well. Now, for that supercharger.....
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Glad you're so pleased with your wonderful car. Yes, quattro IS great in slippery conditions. And as I'm sure you know, 0 X 0=0. That is to say that any car's handling is only as good as its tires. (Or is it tyres in NZ?) In really slippery conditions, quattro will help get you moving, but you can slide almost as easily. Reminded myself of that this winter when I lost the rear end in the snow because the tire pressures weren't properly adjusted. The A6 is sensitive to that, and I suggest you check them about once a week.
  • mpyles1mpyles1 Member Posts: 91
    Thanks for the #628 relay info, Timcar.

    I put a few dozen more miles on the car this afternoon on a few twisty roads. The steering may be light, but this car has astonishing handling for a sedan. My biggest hesitation in deciding on the Audi was the high curb weight (4024 lbs.) and the front-heavy distribution. But for the life of me, I cannot detect any significant handling glitches arising from either. In fact, the car feels lighter than my 3770-lb. Jaguar.

    One thing is driving me crazy, though. I'm going to keep the revs below 3500 for the first 600 miles, but the car just seems itching to scamper. It's going to take me at least a week to hit the 600 mile mark. I'm trying to watch the speed, too, a bit . . . but while watching the tach, I didn't notice I had gone north of 80 mph at one point. The tach was still under 2500!
  • dtwleungnycdtwleungnyc Member Posts: 188
    I am having a hard time driving in a sedate manner also. Just picked up my A6 Avant on Saturday and put close to 150 miles on it already. At one point, was trying to pass a slow moving mini-van hogging the left lane doing 50mph. Before I realize it, I was doing 110!! Was very worry I would harm the engine, but on the other hand, was grinning from ear to ear!
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Never had one, or needed it, in the four years I had a Lexus. Got stopped twice in a few months of having the 2.7T. Both officers were kind enough to give me a break, but this car seems to attract attention. My problem isn't highways as much as the many nearby municipalities with small governments but large spaces were this is a major source of revenue.

    The car can fly, and that can be a problem. Twice today on a twisty two-lane conservatively zoned at 45; I got stuck behind cars doing 35. The passing zones are short, and since the road is curvy, it's necessary to get around the cars quickly. I don't know about where you live, but it seems around here that many people react to someone passing by speeding up. Can't figure that out, since I always slow and pull to the right. Anyway, each time I caught the kickdown button, and by the time I pull back into the lane, I'm pushing 80, and need to seriously brake, or risk getting zapped by a possible speed trap with instant-on that is now the norm. The odd thing is that the 80 feels like maybe 50. Much of the time when I can, I use the cruise while traveling local roads where I know speed traps are often set up. Radar detectors are invaluable, but if you're the only car and the officer has instant-on, it's not going to do you much good if you're doing 20+ over.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    After months of decision quandry between various makes and models. Then going with an A6 and thinking through the $$$ between 3.0 quattro vs. CVT, finally ordering a quattro but can't get company to find right color and interior/option mix for the past couple of weeks; I now have a pottential windfall that is going to allow me to revise my choice.

    Is the 2.7T really worth the extra $$$'s? There doesn't appear to be any other suspension, tire, options, etc. changes with the upgrade in engine.

    By the way, I've had a Valentine One on my '98 Lexus GS since the week after I got it back in '98 and it is the absolute best detector I have ever owned; and I've use various models before getting it for years. Escorts, Passports, BEL, etc., none demonstrated the features or warnings that I get consistently from V1. I can't tell you the $$$'s it has saved me and my lead foot!
  • mpyles1mpyles1 Member Posts: 91
    I have used a Valentine One for the past 5 years, first in a Corvette, then a Jaguar. It has never failed to alert me of radar, although I've still been caught a few times with instant-on. (I commute 52 miles a day round trip through small Connecticut/New York towns that, it seems, maintain very large police forces with ticket revenue.)

    In fact, I picked my new car up Saturday morning and drove it straight to the audio shop to have the detector hard wired into the Audi. (I found a dealer who keeps Valentine's in stock, although he purchases them through direct mail order like everyone else.) The shop also now sells a lidar blocker which, to my surprise, is legal. It mounts within the front grille and supposedly scatters the incoming laser beam. Has anyone had any experience with these?

    As for a radar detector, it's just like Mastercard . . . "don't leave home without it."
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    When re-reading my post, I obviously left the impression that I was still travelling radar detectorless. I ordered one right after my second stop. Everything I've ever read has suggested the Valentine One is not only the best radar detector, but significantly so. Still, I got a Solo by Passport. Had one when they were still Cincinnati Microwave. While it isn't even in the same league as the Valentine, I find its ease of use, small size and being able to dispense with a power cord or hard wiring to be more desirable for my intent. 95% of my driving is through the same suburban/rural area. This is the only type of area in which I've ever been stopped. Since I'm familiar with it, I know where the door openers, etc. are. All I want to know is if there is a signal somewhere it shouldn't be. For this the Solo works well.

    I've read tests of lidar jammers, and evidently, some DO work, though most don't. I think I recall that some of the transparent shields you can put over the license plates actually help a bit in tests. It seems that's the aiming point the officers use. I think C&D has done one or more tests. You might want to try a search of their website.

    Is the 2.7T worth the extra money? That's a good question. Before the advent of the 3.0, that was easier to answer. It also used to be that the 2.7T included equipment as standard that was optional with the base engine. This made the price difference substantially less when comparing similarly equipped cars. It's pretty much impossible to find an A6 stripper anyway, and I wouldn't want the car without the options.

    I've driven the 3.0, and the base engine still doesn't compare with the 2.7T or a 4.2. Certainly, the 2.7T is worth the difference to me. I think the only way one can really tell is to drive the cars back to back, at least a couple of times. If the 2.7T or 4.2 doesn't make you feel something special, I'd get the 3.0
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Hope all is well.
  • mpyles1mpyles1 Member Posts: 91
    I thought I'd try out my trip computer today, but it seems to be in a time warp. When the car is moving, it's mpg readings look similar to those of my last car. However, I seem to get very good mileage at stop lights. I sat through red lights while getting anywhere from 12.8 mpg to 55.0 mpg. These readouts bore no correlation that I could detect to the last calculations made while moving.

    Now all the other readings are suspect. Has anyone else had this problem? Does something already need replacing on Day 3?
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    The "real" time MPG calculation on the trip computer is primarily for entertainment value. It bounces all over, vaguely suggesting what's actually happening. Unless you discover other anomalies, I wouldn't be concerned.
  • marleybarrmarleybarr Member Posts: 334
    I've driven the 3.0 and it still doesn't have the low end torque of the 2.7T. I bought the 2.7T in '00 and there is no comparison between the 2.8. The 2.7T has vastly better braking/acceleration. The 3.0 is much better than the 2.8 in all areas, but if you can afford the 3,000-5,000 dif in price, the 2.7T is still more machine. I checked on edmunds and a fully equipped 2.7T in the "TMV" range of 43,500. I did not check "TMV" on a similar equipped 3.0,but I was just at the Audi dealer the other day, the sticker was about 40,000.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    All:

    My 2001 A6 4.2 ("sport") has crossed 25,000 miles. Here is my report:

    I had so many brake problems -- which I shared with this erudite forum -- I thought for a time I was just going to dirve it that way until the '03's or '04's come along (I leased for 30 months and am now down to 10 or 11 months to go). Now, I am happy to report that -- and if I'm lyin' I'm dyin' -- the brake issues are 99.999% gone! The last set of REAR rotors and my third set of tires (Falken Azenis 255 x 40 x 17, Z rarted), an all wheel alignment and a Partridge in pear tree, have virtually solved any remaining problems in this regard that I have had with this car.

    And, I have noticed at 25K miles, the engine seems as if someone sneaked into my garage and added a supercharger! The acceleration -- heck maybe it's the weather -- has really improved noticably. This happened first at around 5 or 6K miles (which is Audi normal break in) but I hadn't really noticed it until the past few weeks.

    Otherwise, no real service problems -- the sunroof needed lubricating after the winter to stop a minor squeal when it opened. This car has been solid in all aspects (except the afforementioned brake rotor issues which were annoying more than anything).

    My wife has ordered her 2003 TT (Dark green pearl 225HP with all the options) and I have been "itching" for the current generation (2003) allroad with a 6spd manual. Now, however, with "only" 10 months to go, the 4.2 seems like the best Audi I have ever had. And, considering that I was so annoyed with the brakes on this car, that is really a major turnaround for me to say that.

    Anyway, my experience with the company, the car and my outstanding dealership (both sales and service) means that I can say "goodbye old friend, I hardly knew ya!" But, on the other hand, if I decide to keep it, 10 months is almost a whole year -- a year that will be filled with the joy of driving this car.

    Sorry this wasn't as left brained as usual -- but WOW this car has GRUNT!
  • noshonosho Member Posts: 119
    Realistically, only the person buying can answer this question. Compare low-end grunt between the two and see which one you prefer. The 2.7T can be obtained with a sport suspension/tire option (~$1400). Find one to test drive and see if this is to your liking. Then make your choice....
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    Based on your personal preferences for acceleration -- well, the A6 2.7T is the quickest Audi in the land (USA) if equipped with the 6spd manual. Even without this transmission the 2.7T is an awesome car for the money -- test it against a 530 BMW -- which will (lease) cost more per month -- and not have quattro!

    Conversely, I had the pleasure of a loaner A6 3.0 and found it a very nice car -- but I like the availability (from the factory) of a sport package, which is currently not available on the 3.0.

    More's the pity.

    This one was easy.
  • dfwhalldfwhall Member Posts: 11
    Just purchased (5/4/02) 3.o CVT. So far, so good. Had excellent deal on both 3.0 and 2.7T. The 3.0 seemed "livelier" in the handling department and seemed to have a firmer brake pedal and feel. Using the tranny in the "tip" mode really gets the motor spinning. Stayed with a new W8 Passat the other day up to 110 without really trying hard. On a trip from Dallas to Wichita, saw 33mpg at 75 to 80 mph with the air on. Once you get used to the different action of the CVT tranny, this thing is great! One trim piece replaced under warranty so far. Dealer has been great. One caution: Anyone looking at 2002 models, seems Audi does not supply "valet" key anymore. Must be purchased from parts department. My dealer paud for this after I spoke up.Without this key, impossible to secure trunk or glove box when valet parking!
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    Thanks for the update. Very interesting.
  • dfwhalldfwhall Member Posts: 11
    Can anyone help with the name or phone number of a supplier for "clear film" that is applied to the front of a car to prevent chips. I have an Audi bra for my '02 A6. At speeds above 70 mph, the center of the nose portion "flutters" and "flaps", causing scratches to the hood. Kind of deletes the purpose of the bra. I have tryed tightening the straps for the nose portion but it still works loose and starts to flap. I travel alot on the highways and do not want the nose of this great car all chipped up in a short time. Does anybody have any suggestions???
  • tubeytubey Member Posts: 39
    I had Stongard installed on my car in January of 2001. Cost about $392. Got it installed by the manufacturer in Bellevue, WA (425-646-0670). They have a kit custom to the current A6; I also had them put a piece across the leading 7" of the roof. That was a tad bit extra.

    The odd stone still gets by the barriers, but not nearly to the degree that would have happened without it. And I don't even notice it anymore.

    Call 'em and they will direct you to a franchised installer, hopefully in your area. Check out their website www.stongard.com for a description of the product.
  • max27tmax27t Member Posts: 35
    dfw, I'm glad you mentioned about getting a valet key from the parts department. About 6 weeks ago I picked up my 2.7t and I ordered extra remotes. I asked the salesman if valet keys were available and he said no -just the remotes and the emergency key. After I read your message I called the parts department at my dealer and was told valet keys were available for 02s for about $50. I then called my salesman back and informed him. I don't think he was trying to mislead me, but he had been misinformed at one point and never thought to ask again. I told him so he would have the right answer for the next person who asked.

    I'll be getting a valet key soon, but I wish Audi made it a little more obvious that they are available for an extra fee. I'm not sure what I'll do with the emergency key, but I've used the valet key semi-regularly on other cars and I don't think the emergency key is meant to be twisted many times.
  • feastfeast Member Posts: 1
    My 02 2.7T seems to have lost some power and Torque from when I bought it in March. I brought it to the dealer and they test drove it and tested it and they said the engine was fine. The answer that they provided was as the weather in the Northeast gets warmer, the turbos do not provide as much boost as they do in the cooler periods. Has anyone noticed a decrease in performance that is substantial? Does anyone contribute this to the weather?
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    No, not in my turbo (TT @ 225HP) I haven't noticed any decrease in apparent power as it warms here in southern Ohio. On the surface, if you say it fast enough though, it almost seems logical however. I would just think that the differences would not be perceptable to the average person's bum.

    But, on the off chance that it could happen is this car equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. Every turbo I have ever owned has been a manual transmission and I have never noticed this behavior.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    My Saab is equipped with a Turbocharger and an Automatic transmission. I don't notice the difference when the weather here in NY gets warmer. I mash the gas and the car takes off in either cold or warm.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • marleybarrmarleybarr Member Posts: 334
    On my '00 2.7T w/"tip" I notice a decrease in power(torque) w/ air on until about 65mph. Maybe as the weather has warmed up you have turned the air on and this could be the dif. After 65mph I don't notice much "lag" w/air on.
  • timcartimcar Member Posts: 363
    My '01 2.7T IS affected by warmer air. Your dealer's explanation is correct. The temperature of "charge" air, the air that the turbo's compress, does affect power. You've also just had the gas reformulated, and most cars don't perform as well on summer gas. Also as Max says, the air is running more. I find a notable difference in acceleration with it turned off. Try doing a couple of acceleration runs. One with the Econ button active, and one without. In fact, I've noticed that under heavy load, my air conditioner switches off, 90+mph, etc.

    As long as your diverter valves are in good shape, and there aren't any leaks in the turbo plumbing, what you are experiencing is probably normal.
  • kirby2010kirby2010 Member Posts: 136
    Just back from a car trip through Germany. A great time. We had a VW Passat diesel - averaged 34.8 mpg. Fuel is expensive. Diesel was .84 Euros/liter and premium topped out at 1.11 Euros/liter. Based on the exchange rate last week that was about $2.85/gallon for diesel and $3.75/gallon for premium. There's regular and mid-grade as well.

    Based on my informal survey the most common power for the A6 and A8 appears to be the 2.5 diesel. Little wonder after looking at fuel prices. I did see the occasional 2.7T and 4.2, though. (Also spotted other economy conscious models like the BMW 518, the Audi A4 1.4T, and the MB A140). There are lots of fast models of all German makes there, too. Not uncommon to have a car (or two or three bumper to bumper) passing by well in excess of 100 mph. Normal speed - average in the right lane - was about 140 kph (~88 mph).

    I wish American drivers would respect the left lane as a passing lane. Drivers who do pass are quick to return to the travel lane (unlike the US interstate system where some clown in a mini-van with a trailer settles in the left lane at 64 mph).
  • jimcoll1jimcoll1 Member Posts: 2
    Greetings, I'm a new member and this is my first post. I am a 3-time Acura owner and currently drive a 1999 TL. I've been fairly happy with it but also agree with the Acura comments I've read on this board. It's essentially a luxurious, performance-oriented Accord. It is a great value and seems to do well in the depreciation area.

    I any case, I'm ready to change cars and have been pining for an A6 for a year. I'm ready to buy an A6 Quattro with the preferred package and possibly a few other options. I could use some advice on a few issues:

    1. What price (margin over invoice) should I hope for at this time of year? There seem to be quite a few A6's on the lots and the end of the model year approaches. I hoped with hard bargaining I might get to $1000 over invoice.

    2. Can anyone compare the standard sound system with the Bose? I've read the comments on the Bose and agree it is a bit muddy but have not been able to hear the standard system. I'm a great music fan and hope for at least a mid-fi level of sound quality.

    3. Any comments on whether the Convenience and Premium packages are worth the money? Also, any comments on paint and leather colors? Wine glass wheels? I'm having a tough time deciding. I realize these are largely personal preferences but any observations or opinions would be of interest.

    4. Lastly, any other comments on areas I haven't mentioned would be appreciated.

    I've really enjoyed looking over the posts from the last year. You are a devoted lot. Thanks in advance for your help.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    $1000 over invoice is definitely doable. My Mom has Ming Blue/Black leather and it is gorgeous. Even if Audi made a puke green interior, it would be nice. I prefer the sportiness and tidyness of the black interior, others prefer the elegant look of beige or the softness of light grey. Either way you can't go wrong.

    The wine glass wheels are the wheels that used to come on the old 2.8 (I'm sure you've seen these). The standard wheels on the 3.0 are the 5 spokes that come standard on the 2.7T. Stick with the stock wheels.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • dtwleungnycdtwleungnyc Member Posts: 188
    I just took delivery of an A6 Avant last weekend. I had the preferred luxury package, convience and premium package with the front and rear heated seat. I didn't order the Bose premium sound system because I didn't feel it was worth the approx $700 cost. But that's a personal preference thing. $1000 over invoice for a sedan should be doable, especially if you are picking one from the dealer's inventory instead of factory order or dealer swap.
  • mpyles1mpyles1 Member Posts: 91
    The premium package is worth it for the bi-xenon headlights alone (high and low beams). I've never had them until my new A6, but they really do light up the night. (Just gotta be quick to dim them with oncoming traffic, though.)

    I just LOVE this car so far (only 420 miles on it, though). . . fast, quiet, taut, comfortable.

    Only three downsides . . . the Bose audio system sounds as muddy as every other Bose system I've heard; cupholders will not hold a 20-oz bottle of soda (which I habitually consume on a long drive to work); and parts are wickedly expensive: oil filters $52.95 each; OnStar/Telematics package $695; telematics phone $625, mounting bracket $250, labor to install $112.65 . . . for a grand total of $1,682.65 for a phone!#!?
  • dtwleungnycdtwleungnyc Member Posts: 188
    The xenon headlights is a must. You wouldn't believe how much better you see the road at night. Don't know about the sedan version, but the wagon comes with a auto level rear suspension so that I won't blind the on-coming traffic if I have a heavy load in the back.
  • campscamps Member Posts: 12
    I have a 1998 Audi A6 and I have recently noticed a bucking motion when I take my foot off the accelerator to slow down. I had it serviced but to no avail. The problem is still there and I am wondering if any one has ever experienced this bucking motion before. If so could some one please advise what can be done to stop this uncomfortable bucking. Thanks

    Camps
  • noshonosho Member Posts: 119
    Convenience Package - I'm of the opinion that
    auto-dimming mirrors are a must, which in turn
    makes the convenience package a must.

    Premium Package - The parktronic is nice.
    If you find yourself often in tight parking
    situations then its worth it. The low beams
    on my 2000 are weak so the HID lamps would be
    nice. I don't care for nor use the multifunction
    steering wheel - the button position/layout seems
    wrong/awkward to me. I REALLY wish cruise control
    was on the steering wheel.

    Bose - I recall someone shopping for an A6 posting
    that the stock sound system actually sounded better
    than the Bose. I have the Bose and can't say I'm
    impressed, but that's what the car came with so
    that's what I have.
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