landsmarra

...since I bought my early '89 200TQ sedan and unfortunately it's cost me nothing but time, money and boucoup aggravation since I've had it! If it wasn't a clean car with 67,xxx miles on it, it would have gone a long time ago!

I have driven the car less than 500 miles since I've owned it as it's been with various shops...often for months at a time (it was at an Audi dealership for 8 mos). The straw that almost broke the camel's back was when I finally got it back from the last shop it was in, that same day I could no longer get the car into 1st or 2nd gear. Fortunately it was only a linkage bushing/rod and a few other minor parts. What's been done so far in no particular order (if anyone reads down this far):

-rebuilt fuel distributor and hard fuel lines
-replaced most vacuum and water lines
-new MM hose
-new o2 sensor
-new wires/cap/rotor/plugs
-new belts including timing
-new water pump
-new tranny mounts
-new radiator
-new fuel pump/check valve
-new injectors/viton seals
-new throttle switch
-new bomb
-new water temp sensor
-new battery
-new "vacuum cleaner" injector cooler air director and plastic accordion hose
-4 new stainless steel brake lines
-rebuilt AC compressor and receiver/drier and put R134 in system
-replaced cruise control ECU
-replaced instrument cluster w/used (twice)
-two new sideview mirrors (motors were shot in the others)
-new OEM headliner (expensive, ugh)
-new fuel filter
-new front CV axles
-repaired rear pass. side door lock
-replaced various bulbs
-changed to synthetic fluids (engine and tranny)
-reprogrammed ECM/WG spring from Ben Swann (1.8)
-installed repainted valve and timing belt covers
-replaced valve cover gasket with upgraded

What's left to do:

-replace steering rack (leaking pentosin messed up the tranny bushing I had to replace)
-replace slightly-weeping high-pressure PS hose (from pump to rack)
-diagnose the cause of a brake pad replacement indicator icon on the on-board diagnostic system (pads are fine and shorting out the sensors did not cause the indicator to go out, harness maybe?)
-find someone to install my intercooler with bypass valve for a non-princely sum
-try to find some grey interior trim pieces that need replacing
-maybe do a fuel injection service

The car now runs, boosts and shifts great. No more hot start, cold start or hesitation issues. Boost gauge runs right up to 1.8 in 2nd/3rd.

I really, really thank all the folks here who offered advice (and cheap parts) while I've suffered with this car. Hopefully I'll be seeing light at the end of the tunnel soon.

Steve
New York

200Q20v

I had a friend who was pretty good with maintenance and being an Audi lover stuck with the car for around 10 years. He was pretty understanding of it all, but if it's any consolation to you.... the 91 and newer cars have much fewer problems... at least I hope they do and it's not because they're just newer.

He now has a 95 S6 as a garage queen and a non audi as a daily driver.

AudiSport4000

Thats alot of frustration, it sounds like, but good job on staying with it, they are excellent cars.

Hopefully somebody can help you with the rest of the problems