What is this new feature on the 2001 models? When I ordered my car I didn't see this as an option. I am assuming it is a new safety feature, but can only guess what it does. Thanks again for all the answers...

 

Here is a link posted last week for ESP, I think Andy H. put it out so thank him.<ul><li><a href="http://www.vwvortex.com/news/02_00/02_11_00/index.html">ESP</a></li></ul>

 

<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/larryvsig2.jpg">

 

<p>Salah A41.8TQMS

 

...but it will help. Read that article through.

As far as retro-fitting it... think it would cost a lot of $$$ to do this. Lots of sensors to install.<p><a href="mailto:andy_hedin@hotmail.com"><img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/A_Hedin_Sig3.gif" BORDER=0></a>

 

I think it's standard on the 2001's

 

I drove a ESP Equipped Focus, and in an emergency move like turning the car right, then left really fast, say to swerve around something on the doing 80 MPH (The recommended speed on the demo track) The car tracked beautifully around the box left on the track, during the swerve I lost about 35 MPH from the ESP keeping the car where I wanted it to go. The Focus felt secure doing this move, I think my A4 could have done this move but not nearly as graceful. However if there was more debris in the road requiring further swerving I don't know how the A4 would have reacted, where the Focus felt as it would have been fine with it.
The Non ESP Focus spun out when I tried the same move at 60 MPH, Also the Track was wet.

One interesting note with ESP is that if you slam on the brakes the system loses some of its control, because you upset the balance of the car, the best thing to do is never touch the brake until you are done with avoiding objects in the road and let the ESP brake the car and slow it down.

As for Retro Fitting according to the person that I know that works for Bosch Automotive (he is the one that got me test drive of the ESP car), it is very expensive and if you really want it sell your A4 and get one that has it on it. He is also trying to locate me a Navplus screen to put in my A4, he already got me the Reverse sensing system (Have yet to install it) and the Nav system hardware (I still need the armrest controls though)and that also need to be installed. I've just been to busy to do it, and when I do have any free time I go out with my friends, (BTW the New Millennium Force Rollercostar @ Cedar Point has a greater rush (for the 2 min your on it) than anything short of driving you A4 off a cliff will provide)

 

As Larry stated, it's a $550 option; invoice is $484

 

<p>Ed from Troy

early 98 2.8QTip
'01 1.8TQMS