Traded
 

my 2000 4.2 non sport for an 02 model. One of the dealerships I contacted, called and said he had an A6 4.2 with the sport package that I could come out and try. By the time I got there (3 days later) they had 4 on the ground although only 1 was available to drive. This one did not have the sport seats but had the rest of the sport package. The difference in the way it drove was night and day from mine. After taking a few turns at speeds approaching triple digits with no tire squeel, I was sold with the suspension, but still wanted to try the seats. We returned to the dealership and I sat in one with the sport seats. I decided I would rather have this set up than keep my 2000 model. Dealer said he was not due to receive any more and it would take 4 months for delivery if I ordered. I kept going back to one that was Crystal Blue Metallic with the Plantinum leather and took delivery of it that afternoon. Monday I have to return to the dealership with the original 16" wheels and tires off of the 2000 model and retrieve my 18" Ronal LZ's and Pirelli tires.

I was seriously considering a 540i, but after experiencing what this sport package will do and how it handles, plus what quattro does in rain and snow compared to what the BMW will not do in bad weather, it really was a no brainer. This sport package works wonders with this vehicle. I now know why most people recommend it. The most obvious difference is in the steering. My 2000 had a very light feel in the steering, and this 02 does not nor does it float in the turns or curves. I don't know how they can improve on this, but I'm sure they will in a year or so.

Congrats! Enjoy.

Sport Package is a good thing
 

When I drove the '00 A6 4.2 w/ sport package, I knew I had to have that suspension. I prefer it greatly over the non-sport suspension in the 4.2. I imagine they've made additional improvements in the '02 (aside from the obvious enhancements like the exposed dual exhaust).

What did you get for your '00 4.2 in trade (if you don't mind me asking).

Did the same thing last month with a new 01. What a difference!

It is very unusual for an A6 to have all the sport suspension and not the seats. Am I wrong?

Please: if you can test your relay 605 in a 2001/2000 4.2...
 

To see if that changes the older car's steering feel to that of the new car, you would be doing many of us a great favor. We'd then go buy the new relay.

Do you know anyone locally with a 2000 or 2001 4.2?

I've never heard of it.

Re: It is very unusual for an A6 to have all the sport suspension and not the seats. Am I wrong?
 

You ar not wrong. I asked the sales person about it and he could not explain it either. We could not find the window sticker nor did we look for the build code. In the brochure, it is only an option in the S6. So don't know what happened.

Finman, you going to pull the relay in the S6? Maybe we could test it in our '01's to see about it.
 

That is, if you "pre-qualify" it as being different/better.

I would like to see the window sticker of the car that had sport suspension and not the seats. I'd bet that it had some premium package and wheel package and not the full sport package. If not, that car may truly be a one-off from the factory!

I'm sure it was the optional 5-spoke wheels ($1k) without the sport package...
 

both 17" wheels are available as separate options without the sport package...with the 5-spoke wheels also being part of the sport package.
Unless it was a special order...and a strange one at that...it couldn't have had the 5 spokers, plus the sport suspension, without the seats.

If I ever get it...I will check it out

Re: I'm sure it was the optional 5-spoke wheels ($1k) without the sport package...
 

Tend to agree with you, but it sure drove differently than my 00 without the sport pkg. The difference was enough to get me out of the 00 into the 02.

Does the sticker specifically state the car has the sport package?
 

Because most dealers here in NoCal seem to order the 17" sport wheels and tires on many of their vehicles, even thought the vehicle doesn't have the sport package. Without the seats I would be very suspicious that that was what you were actually looking at.