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cheers
It would be great if Audi/Miata could merge, but ... Ford has there nose stuck into Mazda and may be watering down the brand even as we speak.
Zoom-zoom. There should be an equivalent in Audi-speak.
Take care.
Joe W.
I wish they hadn't run out of cash and marketing ideas before they designed the higher ranges for that line.
Oh well. Audi's there to pick up the individualistic drivers who can afford to move up a bracket, and I suppose Volkswagen and even Saab pick up some of the slack too.
Maybe we should do a survey in the Mazda threads. Sort of a "if you decided to move up beyond Mazda's current range which make would you most likely consider ?". I wonder how high Audi would score unprompted ? Pretty high I guess. Both my wife and I before we met and of course after were Mazda folks and she agrees after driving all the comparables that the A6 is somehow different and more fun that the Lexus and MB and BMW and Acura that we also drove amongst others.
In reverse and since this is an Audi thread what about some hints on the other side. If you could no longer afford Audi cars ( or before you could ) where would you look at going in the mid level ranges ? To be fair we should perhaps exclude VW as a choice. How many of you - honestly - would have thought of Mazda or how many of you owned one before ?
The most luxurious was the Merc, close second, Audi then BMW. The most "isolated" feel (which I initially thought was a solid feeling) was the Merc -- frankly the Audi and BMW were more solid -- but conversly less isolated (less wind, road, engine, body noises in the Merc). Audi and BMW handled more like "sporty cars." The Merc had an "air suspension" that was tight enough but the car didn't seem to want to be pushed in the turns -- perception was "understeer."
Transmissions -- all "adaptive" 5spd Autos -- Audi and BMW manumatics that invited manual shifting. Merc could be, but didn't seem to be laid out for manumatic shifting -- but all three transmission left to their own devices were great. Again, the Merc was the smoothest (most isolated feeling, again).
The 540 and the A6 had "sport packages." The BMW felt stiffer in the ride with no apparent advantage over the Audi (on the same "twists.") The BMW right off the line was solid, the Audi had a fraction of a second hesitation from rest -- but then pulled aggressively. We can stop talking about the Merc here, for the most part.
For the difference, I could see no advantage to the BMW for the price premium -- although perhaps the BMW would be a couple of tenths of a second QUICKER. I am totally without clue which car would be faster (probably the Merc based on the way it "felt."). I took all the cars to triple digit speeds on a relatively deserted part of an Interstate highway. They all were competent -- the Merc was the quietest, followed by the Audi.
Under hard acceleration, the Audi made the "most fun" sounds, the BMW second -- and then the isolated Merc. It started to snow -- lightly on this test drive day -- and the Audi was virtually unphased except that its ESP light came on (as did the Mercs). The BMW felt like it had vertigo -- it would make me want to take public transportation on any days with weather based on this experience -- it certainly has its Traction and Pitch and Yaw assists, but it is just not competent (in this circumstance).
The back seat in the Merc was large, the Audi ample and the BMW inadequate for an almost $60,000 car (it seemed barely bigger than an A4's back seat which I also have little use for).
The fit and finish -- the Audi and the Merc were exquisite. The salesperson at the Merc dealer kept showing me welds and braces and counter braces and cross members and all kinds of stuff that makes me convinced that the Merc is very well built. But the Audi gave nothing away in its interior -- it was beautiful. The BMW was black on black on black -- it looked plasticy and not as well put together as either of the other two.
The Merc had the best Navigation system the, best radio/stereo went to the BMW with a button on the transmission tunnel that had a musical note on it that caused incredible bass. The Audi Bose system was great -- but didn't have the "guts" of the BMW system. The Merc was OK too in this regard. I could live with any of them, but would prefer the BMW's.
The seats (front) were Recaro like sport seats in the Audi and Barco Lounger type in the Merc, the BMW had sprot seats too but they were the least comfortable of the three. The back seats in the Audi were faux-buckets and I thought they are the best back seat ever in any car (of course the Merc had more room, but the second class seats were -- well, second class.
The wheels and tires were similar -- which is to say large and low profile. The Audi had 40 series/profile tire -- the lowest of the bunch. But it still rode better than the BMW. Makes me think the suspension is more compliant or that the body on the Audi is stiffer.
In a straight line, on dry pavement, accelerating hard with the radio playing a tune with a good bass track -- the BMW brought a quick smile. Quicker than with the other two. But once the speed had passed 35mph, the thrill was pretty much over. The Audi also brought a smile, a split second slower but it lasted to higher speeds and continued through handling, braking, slick road competencies, etc., well beyond the smile-times of the other two fine cars. Each car is in a class of its own -- the BMW is closer in "class" if not in price to the Merc -- both are RWD and solid cars. The Audi is less money than the other two, close in virtually every aspect -- but with ESP, Quattro, Sport Suspension and that "Q" factor -- is cut from different cloth. For my money a cloth I prefer.
This is in no way meant to dis the BMW or the Merc. The Audi has the edge until the next generation of BMW's which should include AWD versions across the board. And for the price, the Merc frankly has to stand in a class separate from the other two.
John Fedak, Canada
This noise you noticed could be the ESP/ABS system working in concert to keep the car from oversteering or correct its understeering. Also if she "over accelerated" the A6 in slick conditions, the ESP will kick in to limit wheel spin (kind of like a super traction control system).
You can tell if it has ESP -- there will be a button on the dashboard that says "ESP."
Bob
I have a question or two that perhaps somebody might be able to help me with.
I am strongly considering getting out of my Lincoln Navigator lease (I have a 2000 that is 1 year into a 3 year lease - yes, I know - its going to hurt!) and getting back into a real car.
I am comparing A6 2.7T, Volvo S80 and BMW 530.
I did have a Mercedes on my list but the dealer was so repugnantly superior (in demeanor only I might add - his knowledge of his own brand was stunningly poor) that Merc is now out of the picture.
So, my question is, what are peoples experiences with Audi dealerships (I'm in South Florida but anywhere would be a good guideline)?
Do they actually "deal" or are they more like "suppliers" (as the BMW 'dealers' seem to be around here!) I make the distinction because I need to negotiate the best price I can to try to offset the bath I am likely to take getting out of the Nav'. (sigh!).
Also - I am assuming that the magic lease length is 39 months. Am I correct? The sales chap was certainly trying to direct me that way but then for all I know he might be getting an extra commission for those deals (suspicious of me I know).
Any advice etc would be very great fully received.
Sincerely,
Russ.
I'm in the South Fl area and know exactly what you mean about dealers who have an attitude. In all fairness, I think it partially depends on the salesperson. If you are not happy, don't be afraid to speak with the sales manager and tell him you'd like to deal with another salesperson.
While i've looked at the BMW 325CI and Merc
CLK 320, I have decided on the A6. One thing I have noticed is how well I am treated at all of these dealerships as opposed to one year ago. The slowdown in the economy has allready started to effect car sales. Last March, I had to wait for a salesperson to have time to talk with me. Now, I'm usually the only one in the showroom. Needless to say, the ball is in your court and depending on the model, you can do some nice negotiating.
As far as Audi, I'd recommend you go to
Champion Audi on the corner of Copans and I-95,
very friendly, low pressure atmosphere.
Hope this helps...
Adam
It sounds like many A6 owners have had "issues" with their cars within the first year or so. Is that consistent with what people have heard on this board? Is it really worth paying a little more for the Audi (I'm considering a Acura 3.2 because its value priced) and then having to worry about defects?
The deal I currently am working on is $42,687 for a Silver 2.7T with Preferred, Premium, Cold Weather, Bose, and Sun Shades. It is basically 5% over invoice. I'd prefer to pay 4%, but what is $400 more on a $42k car? Any thoughts on whether I should haggle more?
Lastly, anybody on the board have experience with Princeton Audi or Audi of Bernardsville in NJ?
Thanks for your help!
I recently ordered for lease a 2001 A6 4.2. I spent two hours negotiating with the dealer. Fortunately, I got a courteous individual who enjoyed the process and didn't try any tricks.
I did do a tremendous amount of research on the car, options, and leasing figures (just ask carman). After all was said and done, I received, what I considered a reasonable deal of $2600 over invoice (~ 5.5% off MSRP).
I have noticed some people getting a 2.7T between $1500 & $2500 over invoice (usually closer to $2000). For me, an extra $200 - $500 was, essentially, meaningless for a $53k car (an extra $5-$7/ month wasn't worth brow beating the dealer). Of course, I won't be able to lock in financing (read: residual & money factor) until May when the car arrives. This could be tricky as the "best" figures the dealer quoted me for Feb aren't great (Residual:56% & Equiv APR:7.35%). I told them that if either of these figures is worse in May, I may walk away from the deal - of course, I'd take better figures!
Good luck!
PS: My dealer is in Boston
The Acura 3.2TL was my fall back car. I drove it a couple times and spent a good deal of time looking at it and reading about it. I had a '92 Legend for a little over 5 years. Acura's and Audi's are very different in many ways. Suffice it to say that the A6 is a lot more car than the TL. Design philosophy and the dealer network are not the same.
I'd be happy to tell you more if you'd like to e-mail me. It's tmsci@worldnet.att.net.
A6. In order to bring the price down, compromises had to be made, interior fit and finish are far from first rate. I'm only 5' 10", yet I find the
driving position awkward. Front seats
do not go down low enough and leave me feeling as if i'm driving a SUV.
I'm in the process of purchasing the A6, at least the TL holds it's value..
Adam
I bought my car from Cherry Hill Imports. I Was very skeptical of this dealership at first, but they worked very hard to win my business. The plus was that they hired a salesperson from Audi Europe who really knows the A6 (and Audi for that matter). The advice and help he gave me won my business. I think I must have visited 12 Audi dealerships in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before I bought my car. That being said, I recommend Cherry Hill Imports, Princeton Audi or Audi of Huntingdon Valley.
Oh, paid 1800 over invoice on the following car:
A6 2.7T
Ming Blue/Melange
Cold Weather Package
Prefered Package
Luxury Package
Bose
Good luck!
Bill
Bill, I too am dealing with Len. Knows his stuff, very professional, and apparantly very popular. He had three other customer waiting to see him on Sat. While I was there, if you include me, he sold three cars. An A4, a TT, and me the A6. Not bad.
I'll let everyone know what I decide. Should be soon.
david
Great Engine and a great to drive. Better drive, features, look and value than E430. BMW 540 nice car, but no deals and too cramped!!! Lexus caries too much Toyota plastics, which is not up to the German standards!! Although, Lexus will most likely be more trouble free than the others.
Thanks,
Walt
BTW, I leased my Audi for 39 months. Don't ask me why. When I asked, they told me there was a big drop in the payments between a 36 month and 39 month. Doesn't really matter. The maintenance and warranty is for 4 years. If you need a basis, I pay low $600 range, w/o sales tax, with preferred package, premium package, xenons, bose.
Best of luck to you.
Good Luck.
However the ride is also harsher on rough roads with the 17 " package; and the car is closer to ice, rocks, speed bumps which could also be bad for your front bumper; and the sidewalls of the 17 " are thinner which could be bad after hitting a pot hole at speed.
The choice might also be between PST and PSK ...same suspension but different tires. 17 " costs more and on the track ( good roads ) more responsive yet lower sidewalls, etc.
Finally, consider Dunlop sp 5000 not sp sport 9000 zr 17 " if in the snow.
Had to order it in mid February for March build. Expect it to arrive in late May/early June. Not bad, considering I had to wait 20 weeks in three years ago when I ordered my A4 2.8Q.
This car is nothing but problems. I love it so I may ride out the storm..plus what else is there to buy? Next problem it goes though.
Anyone else having problems like this?
Wheels-I would definitely go with the 17" tires and I practice what I preach. Last October, I purchased a used 2000 2.7T that had the stock 16" sport wheels and Dunlop 9000 tires. I live in Cincinnati and quickly discovered that the 9000's are NOT a very good snow tire. After much research, I came to two possibilities for tires. One set of all weathers or two sets (one for each season). The Dunlop 5000's (mentioned in post 876) won out easily for all weathers. I NEVER read one bad post or review on them. Two sets seem a little excessive for me. The thought of a "sticky" summer tire I admit is appealing but since I don't plan on racing; the cost of one tire, not having to worry about changing between seasons and the performance reviews of the 5000's, convinced me that was the route to take. If you don't need to drive in snow, 9000's would be a fine tire. Now to the wheel size. While doing my homework for tires, it was inevitable to see remarks about size differences. The 2.7T is just as much a performance car as a luxury sedan. A car with a 250+HP twin turbos engine does NOT deserve to be fitted with 16" tires IMHO. In fact, I think Audi should make the 17" standard OEM for the 2.7T. So, I purchased a set of 17"; SSR Competition wheels and Dunlop 5000 tires from Tirerack (very good service). I couldn't be happier. The wider tire easily fits in the wheel well with no rubbing and gives the car a very different feel. I don't notice it as much on the highway with straight tracking but when driving around tight corners with varying speed...big difference. I HIGHLY recommend that you go to a 17" wheel. Some will tell you that ride smoothness is degraded but I can say from experience (having had both sizes), that the ride is compromised very little. In fact, I went all the way up to 245/45-17 (most 17" wheel set ups use a 235) and still feel the ride is pretty smooth. The choice of all weather or two sets for seasons is up to you. It depends on your climate, how much money your willing to spend, etc.
Suspension-While I think the 17" wheel choice is a no brainier, the choice of suspension isn't quite as obvious. To stick with the same philosophy as above, it's a performance car and I feel that the PSK (sport suspension) is the right way to go. Unfortunately, I'm not practicing what I preach here. Mine came with the PSP sport package (16" sport wheels and seats). The later 2000 models had the PSK option, which also had the suspension. Bummer, but like I said, I bought used and that's what it came equipped with. I'm considering changing out the suspension but am concerned with a non-OEM setup that would drop the car too low. I want the stiffer/tighter feel but I don't like the idea of my Audi scrapping speed bumps or snow drifts. The sport package option Audi offers is very nice in that it isn't too low but has a nice tight feel to it. If you want the maximum smooth sedan feel, don't get the sport suspension. If you want better performance, get it. As I mentioned, I think this car deserves a sport suspension.
Didn't mean to be so long winded but just wanted to try to offer some constructive info to help you.
Good luck,
Rick 2000 2.7T Ebony Pearl
Sport(PSP)/Convenience/Cold Weather Pkgs
SSR Competition wheeks
This suspension came in a box with the four rings on it. They called it the S8 kit. My assumption is that there is a similar kit that would be called the quattro sport kit for the 2.7T A6 (not the S6 kit which I assume would only be available for the 4.2 A6). Hoppen motorsports @ http://www.hoppenmotorsport.com/ I have a factory sport package on my 2001 A6 4.2 and I am very pleased with it -- wish there would be an S6 sedan here in USA -- maybe next time.
If you can "swing it" financially go for it -- conversely, for about $3,000 you may get out of your current A6 and get a new one with the 17" wheels and the sport suspension (on a lease).
Thanks for the info. I went to the website but unfortunately they have no offerings for an A6 sport suspension. I sent them an e-mail asking if they will have availability in the near future. I like the fact that it only dropped your car .8 inches (20 mm). As I mentioned in the other post, I don't like the idea of dropping the car too much but that sounds like a reasonable tolerance. "Getting out of my current A6" isn't an option. For starters, I bought outright (didn't lease) and got a very nice deal on it ($36K). It's in perfect condition other than 24K in mileage. I don't think I could part with her now! Hopefully I can come up with a reasonable option for the suspension (not too much $, comes with a good recommendation for the ride stiffness/comfort and doesn't drop the car too much).
Again, thanks for the info.
Rick 2000 2.7T Ebony Pearl
Sport(PSP)/Convenience/Cold Weather Pkgs
SSR Competition wheeks
Rick 2000 2.7T Ebony Pearl
Sport(PSP)/Convenience/Cold Weather Pkgs
SSR Competition wheels
Call Bill Fliehman @ Northland Audi -- he recommended NON-Audi springs for my 1995 Audi S6 from a "local" company. Lowered the car a bit (perhaps the afforementioned 20mm) and tightened up the handling -- did not change either the struts or the sway bars, however (this was under $800). Bill is available @ 513-851-5900.
I'll bet that Hoppen can get you the whole kit, tho -- he and his son seem to know "everything" about Audi's. Strange that there was no mention of it on his web-site. Sorry.
Anyway, for the above mod's price, you will love your sportier 2.7T -- also of some note, Hoppen offers several chip upgrades for the 2.7T -- from mild to wild. We did a "mild" one on my wife's 2000 TT (which we then traded in on a 2001 TT with the 225HP engine, so go figure).
Drive it like you live!
I have had many Audi's and would consider them reliable -- but everything mechanical breaks. And on a German Car -- any German Car -- the repair costs out of warranty are Breathtaking!
Even some of the maintenance costs (once you get above 50,000 miles) will get your attention.
My advice -- get the extended Audi Warranty (if it is available) -- service the car regularly (I would service it every 5,000 miles -- you know oil, filter, etc. I would also have all the fluids changed before 50,000 miles and again before 100,000 miles if you plan to keep the car until the wheels turn square -- as my old aunt used to say).
If the extended Audi Warranty is NOT available, read the fine print on the non-Audi warranty and be guided accordingly. You should get 150,000 miles out of the entire package without a major tear down/rebuild if you take care of the little details regularly and frequently. Of course, this is probably a platitude.
Enjoy.
Thanks for your numerous and detailed responses to my post #867.
I am picking up my new 2.7 I next week!! It just came off the boat. I saw it at the dealer on Friday and it was virgin (inside sealed in plastic wrap!!) It has the PST option (Sport Pkg. I/ 17" wheels.) It seems for my driving needs and abilities the 17" is the way to go. The only thing is I hear is that the stock tires are LAME! I might upgrade to Dunlop or Pirelli later on.
Also getting PFX, PPL, Bose, and Cold Weather Pkg. Had hoped for the 3Y5 sunshades but those have to be special ordered, didn't want to wait for 3 months!!!!
By the way: Tornado Red/Melange!!
Keep you posted!
I agree that Audi has some strange feature mis-steps, like having to turn the headlights on/off. My other car is a Mazda 626 ES-V6 and I remember being surprised every month or two by some convenient thing it would do, like turn the lights off for me. My A6 4.2 has great features, but it doesn't surprise me with its thoughtfulness.
I will say that you just had a bad dealer. It's, admittedly, harder to find a bad Lexus dealer.
However, the 4.2 does have more power on the torque curve, tremendous comfort, unbeatable luxury and most importantly, Quattro. With the recent heavy rains here in San Jose, I've been surprised at just how much Quattro helps for such conditions, even though my other car has an excellent traction control system. For this reason, as long as I can afford it and nothing better comes out, I will only buy Audi's from now on.
Lexus makes great cars. Quattro moves the Audi's into another league. Never thought I'd say it, but it's true.
Enjoy your new car!
The Lexus is by all accounts a fine car, indeed, it is possibly a more reliable car, but it is neither a more capable (performance) or safer car than the A6 4.2 quattro.
I am personally disappointed in the dealer's treatment of you. Shame on this dealer, for I suspect you could have been "turned" with better treatment from the dealer.
Ironically, on the issue of "luxury" -- I often see postings here and elsewhere saying the A6 leans too much on being a luxury car.
Auto-on headlights among several other "traditional" luxury options would be on my list, too: rain sensing wipers would be on my list and tire pressure (on dash) readout and/or tire pressure regulator would, however, top the list. I look at this and think most of my "wants" lean more towards safety and performance rather than poshness, though. Hmmm. Just goes to say luxury is very personal.
Net net: Lexus does not = quattro. Not even close.
Enjoy your Lexus, maybe next time quattro will get you!
Regarding the rain sensor option, my friend who has the Jaguar said it is not worth it. Imagine you have the auto-sensor on and you forget to turn it off when you send it into the car wash...before you know it, another trip to the Jaguar service center. I am sure there are people who will rememebr to turn it off everytime before the carwash. But for those who are a bit absent-minded, they prefer to have the sensor off.
And if I may, although I love my 4.2 very much, I have to admit that the S-type styling (exterior only) beats Audi hands-on. Its styling will remain fresh 20 years from now (whether the rest of the car can keep up with that is another story).
It seems to me from the posts that none of us here have the Nav.System. Is the Audi Nav. really that bad?
Alfred 4.2 Melange/Melange
Other NAV systems look better, by far, but the Audi Nav is the most practical.
Improvements? Better accuracy, include business listings, use a DVD instead of CD's based on region, an IR port so that you can transfer addresses to/from a PalmPilot or something, move the controls so that my passenger doesn't think I'm trying to touch her butt.
I have every option on my 2001 A6 4.2 except CD changer and Pearl White Paint. The NAV system is excellent, I like it very much, it is not perfect. My friend has a BMW 7 series with the screen in the center of the dashboard. It looks really cool. The directions it provides are virtually if not literally identical to the Audi's. It has a moving map -- it looks very high tech. I do not think it is more accurate and it too uses a CD instead of a DVD. It costs more than double the Audi system -- it too is not worth the price.
I would get my nav system again (it is part of the guidance package -- the park assist is really a nice feature). The "stand alone" price of the nav is about $1250 -- It is probably worth $750.00. But, since I have used it many times I would not hesitate to pay the full $1250 again. I just think it is pricey (probably because it is relatively a "new" feature in autombiles).
I would lobby for the full screen option and DVD (like the Accura or Lexus has, so I am told). But I would probably not pay for the full screen if it is priced like the BMW or Merc -- $1250 for the system we have in the Audi (with a DVD map) would be -- currently -- just right.
The nav is great in the cities I drive in, especially when I have to go to 1234 Crabtree Street and I have never heard of it nor has anyone else -- I just dial it in and let the Audi Lady tell me what to do.
The integrated factory phone is the best car phone I have ever had -- too. And, with the pending laws regarding in car phone use, I am set (for another 27 months anyway, when my lease runs out). And, don't be fooled by the Analog vs Digital argument -- my analog Audi factory phone has yet to have a "digital or any other kind of drop out."
The integration with the steering wheel/dashboard/stereo/NAV system is incredible. Playing a CD or cassette? It pauses while you yak on the phone. It's so awesome to dial a number without moving your eyes far from the road (it's right between the tach and speedometer). It also isn't affected by the ignition position once you've started a call.
If you have backseat passengers who want to make a private call, just turn the armrest up and it's easy for them to make a phone call too, not just the driver or front-seat passengers. Awesome!
Now, about the NAV. A color map in the center of the dashboard would be distracting. What I like about the current NAV system is that it's NOT unnecessarily colorful. Squinting to see street names on a map while driving wouldn't add much to the experience. It would just look cool to my friends. Audi will be releasing Nav PLUS, with a secondary color screen in either 2002 or 2003. Would I buy it? Heck, yes. Would I use the color screen if I were in the car alone. No, I'd keep my eyes on the road.
Isn't it cool to go get yourself lost, then tell the car to get you home? I love being able to save addresses and locations on the NAV, but would like to know how many you can save. Any clue?
The Nav features I am starting to learn and love include: Fast Route, Short Route and Re-route (the latter for traffic problems) -- a few turns of the dial and a click and ta da -- THE ROUTE IS BEING CALCULATED!
If you need to find fast food, family food or fine dining, The "Audi Lady" knows where the restaurants are too. Need to find the Colubmus Ohio airport -- no problemo, just dial in Columbus and pick special destinations, Airports, Port Columbus -- and there it is -- THE ROUTE IS BEING CALCULATED! Sublime.
What a great technology -- part toy, to be sure, but mostly a safety and convenience technology.
I don't know how many destinations can be stored in memory. Sorry.
And yes it is great to be in the middle of nowwhere and push the button to "get you home" -- and the Audi Lady says THE ROUTE -- you know the rest.
When considering any of the Audi models at least pause for a moment to check out the Guidance Package or Nav option. You may find that Nav goes from nice to have to must have.
Also, I occasionally part with my A6 2.7T and rent a car if I need to take a long, one day, high mileage business trip. This saves me miles on my 20k miles/year lease and actually costs my company less than reimbursing me 34.5 cents/mile. On a recent trip I rented a new Saab 9-5 SE; not a bad substitute for my 2.7T but definitely a step down. For the heck of it, I tried out the On Star navigation system. It worked pretty nicely, with a live woman (or man - sorry!) giving you step by step directions and staying on the line with you as long as you like.
Again, curious about the "dialing in" on the Audi nav system.
Eric
First push the Nav button on the console -- this starts the Nav system (if it is the first time, you will receive a WARNING -- do not attempt to set this while driving, etc. etc. -- push the Nav button a second time to get the system "activated.")
Once activated you have several options, too numerous to detail here -- one of the options is called SELECTION. Generally there will be a solid red arrow pointing to the word SELECTION, the next step is to press down on the round dial in the middle of the cluster of buttons on the console. At the top of the screen you will see ABCDEFG. . . . XYX 0123456789 and several arrows (one of them is a "bent arrow" like the one that is often on the enter key on a computer keyboard).
All that you need to do is turn the dial until the letter of the alphabet that corresponds to the City you wish to select is highlighted in reverse red video. Then press down on the dial. Instantly all cities in the database beginning with that letter are displayed. The procedure is repeated until you see your city on the verticle stack of names on the display in the center of the dashboard. Dial P, press enter, Dial I, press enter, Dial T, press enter, Dial T, press enter, Dial "bent arrow" press enter, twist the dial until Pittsburgh, PA is highlighted, press enter, then you may select the street, street address or intersection (if you know it). Conversely if all you know is the name of the city and the restaurant Mortons of Chicago, you would select Pittsburgh, PA, enter, twist the dial to "special destinations" press enter, scroll through yet another list that says Airports, Police, Audi Dealers, Churches, Schools, Fairground, Parks, Restaurants, press enter, twist press M, twist press O, twist press R, twist through the list until you see Mortons of Chicago, enter. Press select and the Audi Lady will say THE ROUTE IS BEING CALCULATED and you will be guided either the Fastest or the Shortest (at your selection) route from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, and when you drive by Mortons the Audi Lady will declare YOU HAVE REACHED YOUR DESTINATION -- too bad polite applause or a cheer doesn't follow.
When you are driving along with the CD playing, the Audi Lady will from time to time turn the volume down on the CD, give you an instruction FOLLOW THE ROAD or TURN LEFT ONE HALF MILE or other instructions, then slowly turn the CD back to the level you were had selected previously.
It is so cool, way cool in fact!
That's all there is to it -- it took 5 minutes to figure it out and everytime I use it I become more proficient at its many features (bored with miles?, switch to metric, no problem). Want to learn (a little) French?, change from English to French -- etc.
Highly enjoyable and valuable technology -- but I still think the system we have on US Audis should be under $1,000. But I love it.