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My mistake -- I misread the Audi website and you're correct -- it's a new optional 17" wheel (for the 4.2 only, as you said).
-- John
So, this appears to be a win-win for me.
Thanks to all you guys that have provided me w/ comments, suggestions and information.
What was wrong with your car in the first place that brought all this on?
The Multitronic is a continuously-variable transmission, similar to that found in the Honda Civic HX. Here's a site that can tell you more about Multitronic:
http://www.schwab-kolb.com/audipr30.htm
Hope this helps.
- Mike
Thanks for the input. Now I know a lot more than I did before. However, I am still looking for input from a Sport Package owner to give some ideas on the long term pros and cons regarding this option.
When your new turbos are installed, PLEASE treat them with "kid gloves" and drive very easily for the first few hundred miles. Turbos spin at up to 100,000 rpm, and the bearings need a good while to break in properly.
And, Doug, if you haven't already checked the archives here, you should be able to find more info on the PSK suspension. I'd also suggest trying AudiWorld at:
http://www.audiworld.com/
You can find numerous posts on the PSK suspension by using their search function. I also know that a lot of posters on that board have it and should be happy to share their experiences. Good luck!
As to is the multitronic good? Answer seems to be yes. It gives better gas mileage and acceleration than the standard. Better acceleration than the stick! Still, in day-to-day conditions, it will have the same "problem" as a normal automatic, which is it always tries to reduce the engine revs, thus causing your car to seem slow while the tranny shifts to get them back up.
Personally, I'm down on the multitronic for two reasons.
1. I am fairly certain it will be a mechanical nightmare.
2. It's only available on the 2.8. Who wants a 2.8?
Certainly if you put the Tip in 4th and left it there you would hurt your mileage...
Oh, I forgot to mention, where to shift is one of the things the tranny learns automatically. I go pretty gentle on my car, so it shifts early it's possible that other 2.7T drivers who leadfoot it more often have higher shift points.
I found the telephone connector in the wheel well including the antena lead wire . I temporarily wired in my analog phone but I get no signal when I hook the pre wired antena lead up to the cell phone. Does any one know where the antena is or why no signal? The phone works fine if I attach a window mount.
TIA
If so, how have you and the dealer agreed on pricing, insofar as synthetic oil is more expensive?
Have you provided the oil and gotten some sort of service credit? Or has the dealer provided the oil and asked you to pay the cost difference?
When you get a chance, please come back and post the details about your car, e.g. engine, tranny, colors, options, etc.
- Mike
http://www.pes-tuning.com/index2.htm
Don't have a 2.7T yet, so haven't had personal experience, but those who have used PES, seem to be very pleased. Of course, there are other issues, like your warranty. But those who have chipped their 2.7T's have thought through these and decided on a way to deal with them, or that the tradeoffs are worth the extra power.
Good luck, and let us know what you find out.
8/7/00 & compare it to stock 2.7T. If its for real I'll definitely be going for the upgrade. I'll let you know how it turns out.
I suspect I'm a tad older than most of you so I don't long for that Turbo kick. Besides I have a red 63 E type Jaguar in the stall next to the A6 if my hormones get active (no put down to you 2.7T owners intended) .
Have fun with your new car!
J.BARIE
Driveline windup is a result of slack in a full-time AWD system. The more slack, the more common windup is. At every connection between the center diff and wheels, there is a little slack. Now, the slack can allow the driveline to come to a rest where the engine is trying to hold the axles back (trailing the axles) or where it is leading the axles (driving them). When you transition between the two, there is a certain amount of twist that can come from the center diff before any movement is made at the wheels.
So, what happens is you are under braking, for some reason, the front axle is leading the drivetrain, and the rear axle is trailing it. Now, the rear is trailing, because some engine power (drag) is pulling it back. When you apply engine, the rear axle starts getting head of the drivetrain rather rapidly. So, the center diff sends the power rearward quickly because the rear part of the drivetrain wants it. Just as you get momentum built up, you reach the end of the slack, and WHAM!
It happens to me most commonly when I go from coasting to moderately heavy braking and quickly back to the gas. By far the most common case for me is when going over a speed bump. Coast, brake, bump, gas, WHUMP!
You learn to make it not happen, although it really isn't your fault anyway.
Audi does a good job of minimizing this as much as they can. This is one reason that I think that eventually part-time auto-engaging systems will be considered the best AWD available.
If I've got this all wrong, someone please tell me.
Perhaps you could ask your dealer about this next time you are in. Frankly, it probably isn't the problem you are having, but you never know.
JBARIE
I am not sure how true this is, but one dealer stated that Audi was limiting the allotment of 2001 2.7T to dealerships. Any truth to that and why would Audi limit the number. I would think that they would try to sell as many as they can. Apparently this their 2nd or 3rd best selling car in their line-up.
A vwvortex.com article about 4Motion said that with it and with A6 and A4, slight vibration is felt through the steering wheel at low speeds.
My concern is a smooth ride. The new Subaru I am driving vibrates the entire cabin violently. It might be a bad engine mount. I think it
is poor design and a cheaply made car (the car is crude beyond belief). I think the AWD might be part of it, however, because power is be transfered under the entire car. I thought about this and I thought RWD can be as smooth as glass.
I loved the 4000. If that was FWD, Audi FWD is underated. I've driven the 4Motion Passat and
I didn't notice any vibration.
After buying the "ride so smooth because it is based on a car" bs of Fuji Heavy Industries, I
feel very confused about the true nature and possible drawbacks of AWD cars.
Depending on config, your Subaru is probably part-time AWD anyway, and so the dyanmics of it will be entirely different from a full-time Audi.
I've found Subarus to ride very well, I would try another car, of if you already own it, get it repaired.
Hello26, I've only been able to test drive the 2.7T so far, but that particular 2.7T was even smoother than the particular Lexus ES300 I've been leasing. My wife is leasing a Subaru Legacy, and despite being on it's 3rd engine in less than 50k, it's reasonably smooth for a boxer engine. Certainly, there's no vibration problem in the cabin. It sounds to me as if your car has either a broken engine mount, or something seriously wrong with the drivetrain.
Keep in mind that if you're doing a special order from the factory, it's unlikely that your wait time will be affected by who you order through. The only thing to watch out for is ordering from a dealer who has used up all of their allocation for the next-too-many months; if they're in effect "sold out" due to too many pending orders, that'll hurt you.
I ordered my A6 through carOrder in January at $592 over invoice. That's when they were actually subsidizing portions of many deals, mine included. As far as I'm concerned, if they can give you a significant enough price advantage, there's no reason to not go with them. They're courteous, they do what they say they'll do, and they seem reasonably concerned about customer satisfaction. Similarly, though, if they don't provide you with a significant price advantage, I see no reason to deal with them. They add a layer to the transaction that, without a price advantage, is of no value to you the buyer.
A note of caution: For the past week or so, 2001 Audi pricing has been missing from carOrder's web site. Before that, it was full of errors (Premium Luxury Package ERRONEOUSLY shown as "no charge", then M.S.R.P. over-stated by $1000). It would be a good idea to verify the "$1278 over invoice" before proceeding.
Any input on the guidance system. The dealer did not have a car with it in the lot and the brochure does not explain it well. It seems that compared to the Acura/Lexus/MB, it doesn't have a nice display on the center console. It's located between the speedometer and rpm and only shows arrows and distance. Anyone tried it and how expensive is it per year and how accurate is it? Apparently the Acura has the best system and MB the most confusing.
Also the dealer asked me about an extended warranty(does not include free maintenance) for around 1300 to increase it to 6yr./72000. I think Audi has fixed the reliability problem and from what I read the turbos do last a very long time without major problems. Any input is greatly appreciated. thanks.
Concerning extended warranties - You don't have to buy them from the dealer. These are insurance policies, and the dealer markup is 200% to 300%. And if you decide you want one, you don't have to buy them at the same time you purchase the car. It can be advantageous to wait a little. I'ed suggest taking a look at the link below for a little more info:
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/warranty.htm
Regarding extended warranties, I agree with Timothy. Usually, the only people who come out ahead are those who sell the policies. In your case, they're trying to sell you 1 additional year or 22,000 additional miles for $1300. That sounds pretty steep. I'd pass.
A few other suggestions, before you order:
1. Listen to both audio systems (standard "Symphony" and Bose) first, with a few of your favorite CDs. Be sure that you adjust them both to be either "flat" OR for the most pleasing sound you can get out of them, in order to be comparing apples to apples. Only then can you decide which is for you. To assume that you'll be happier with the Bose because it's the extra cost system would be a BIG mistake. Many people (myself included) prefer the sound of the standard system over that of the Bose. (Head units are the same; only the speakers and amplifiers are different.)
2. Xenon headlights are fabulous. They're worth every penny. If you have any doubt, take 2 A6s (one with xenons, one without) to a dark street and see the difference for yourself. (The improvement is even more pronounced in poor visibility such as rain.) F.Y.I., xenons are included in the Premium Package which also includes steering wheel stereo & phone controls and auto-dimming inside & outside mirrors. The phone controls are useless unless you get the Audi phone (very expensive, analog only), but the other stuff is great.
3. If you're going with a 2.7T, you'll need to decide whether or not to get the Sport Package. A lot of folks have some pretty strong opinions on both sides, so just be sure which way you want to go before ordering. Again, if you're not sure, the folks at AudiWorld.com can help.
4. Speaking of packages, The Guidance Package includes both the navigation system and "Parktronic" rear parking assistance. You can't get one without the other.
Hope some of this helps. Have you chosen your colors yet?
- Mike
I decided to go with the Bose and Navigation System package. I read some opinions about it in the Audi World Forum, but they are not very helpful. It seemed that people liked the discreet location of the display and seemed to be accurate, but the disks cost 180. OUCH! I only decided to get this because of the Acoustic Parking. The sales rep. stated that it was a package and can't be ordered separately for 2001 model. I think that AP is very helpful especially if you kids or pets around. It can help you avoid some serious collisions and not to mention a few dents.
Thanks for the advice Mike and Tim.
Audi is at a low in terms of being able to supply parts and service appointments. It should improve; for example, a service center is to be built near us I am told. Sales have risen and the cars are everywhere, but the ability to build and ship parts and install them is terrible.
So, when you take that car in to be checked, don't be surprised if they say it will be 3 weeks until they can even LOOK at it. At least with a warrantee, you get a loaner. Make sure they give you a nice one, it may be with you for awhile.
Limp Mode:
Our A4 tranny (automatic, non-tip from 1997) went into limp mode. All the gear lights lit up, and it would NOT go into reverse (remember this when you park!). It also would not go into fifth.
Our dealer said it would be four weeks until they could even look at it. Fortunately (ironically), it had just gone out of warrantee, so we took it to an independent shop. This shop knew their stuff... they were the only shop (including Audi) that knew of a failure mode where water or oil can get into a connector on the tranny, causing the computer to go into transmission limp mode. That was the problem, fortunately, fixed at no cost! Whew!
We drove our A4 in limp mode for a few days before we could get it into the shop, however. No problem. Just had to park where I didn't need to back up.
We decided to wait a year or two to buy another Audi, until these design problems and service backlog are improved.
Summary: water ingress into connector. Get new jumper harness to prevent recurrance.
As far as I understand this only affects the computers ability to modify the shift points and behavior. The fallback behavior is completely safe (and completely annoying) and you can drive the car as long as you can put up with it. That wouldn't be long for me. If the dealer won't look at it as an emergency thing, lie and pretend it is a huge safety deal. If that doesn't work, call AoA.
I am calling AoA to demand they break the service logjam here in the South Bay. A crock, it is supposed to be December 6th before I can get my fuel system fixed under recall. Diablo Audi in Concord has said they will have the parts in a couple days and should fit me in a couple days after they get them. It's work the 120 mile round trip for that problem.
AoA basically has to go through a process accusing the dealers here in the South Bay of doing a poor job of keeping their commitments. They have no other option, as apparently the two dealers down here have already franchised the whole South Bay Area. Yuck.
As to the fuel problem, it truly is VDO's fault. Big deal, it is still a huge inconvenience. Have people had them repaired yet? Most dealers say they don't have the parts yet, but that isn't unusual for Audi. Only being a week late would be unusual. Andersen-Behel claims to be installing them already.
sounds like another audi 5000 fiasco!!!!!
But, they squeezed me in and had the problem all sorted out within a couple of hours. Even washed the car and vacuumed it out. Of course, they must have washed it with Dawn or something because it doesn't feel now like I have any wax protection left. But, I digress.
I think the dealers try, but in our area(Seattle/Tacoma) there are only three dealers, all of them multiline stores with several brands sharing the service departments. I don't know about your area, Steve, but there are no exclusive Audi stores around here. Which makes me wonder what's going to happen when VW starts marketing their high-end line. I can't believe they're going to sell those and Audis out of the same stores. But that's another issue entirely.
So far, I have not received a fuel gauge recall notice, so I'm curious about just which vehicles are subject to the replacement. And, like you, my gauge seems to be working fine. My car was built in 2/99, but it looks like the affected sending units go back into '98 as well. You wonder, since VDO probably supplies BMW, MB, and VW as well, are all of them experiencing the same problem?
I did notice on the Audiworld forum that someone had theirs replaced, and it only took about three hours. But I don't know in what part of the country they reside.
My dealer (which shall remain nameless for now) recently even sent me my first "our records indicate it's time for an oil change" notice -- even though my car is just over 60 days old and has only 2000 miles on it (when I called the service department and inquired since Audi recommends an 8000 mile change interval, they hemmed and hawed and indicated the mailing was a "mistake").
I like the Acura (esp. w/the pricing) but it is a different beast: not so sporty looking, handling, performance but still very nice. Only thing I don't like is the CHEAP (and I mean Saturn cheap) manual lumbar support. That is a must for me. The Infinite is an over-priced maxima, as far as I'm concerned. The Volvo I have to add a bunch to equal the A6 and then it's price is the same for less performance.
Any advice/info on pricing =/- for 2.8 vs. 2.7T appreciated. Also, the parts and support from Audi kinda scares me from what people write here. When is VW coming out with a high end line? I didn't hear that. Time frame? Models based on what? Pricing?
Also heard about a new Volvo S60 coming out (no concrete dates confirmed, from what I can find). Any info/ideas on that one as well?
I live in the Atlanta area so we are limited w/dealerships.