Took our 2.7T in for its first service visit on 4/30 at 7:00am. I had a short (typed, double spaced) list of items for them to look at, including the headliner rattle above the visor, a slight wind whistle from the sunroof with the roof closed and the shade open, re-program locks to automatically activate at 10mph, etc., etc. I also brought Mobil 1 0W-30 oil for the oil change. I had made the appointment 2 weeks in advance, so there was a loaner waiting for me (2001 A4 1.8T Q - 422 miles). The car was also to be detailed. I called around noon to see if it would be done that evening, and the advisor hedged a bit, so we agreed to check in later. He called later in the day to say they needed the car until about 8pm to finish the detail, so I said I'd be in first thing the next morning. When I arrived, the car was being washed. I waited about 1/2 hour until it was complete, then as I was ready to leave, I asked about the locks. They had forgotten that, but took care of it quickly.
So, am I happy with the service? Overall, yes. Not as "polished" as I might expect, given the investment, but pretty good. A couple of points: 1) regarding synthetic oil - the advisor said that the factory fill is NOT synthetic, and questioned the need for synthetic, specifically the extra cost. 2) They said they had seen no replacement radios for over 6 months, so I don't expect I'll get a new one (Bose)anytime soon. 3) They refused to program the remote to do anything special. Said it was Audi's policy.
As for the car itself - as many others have said, it's a blast to drive anytime, anywhere. We couldn't be happier with it. 2 gripes/wishes - I wish it handled as well as the A4 loaner I drove does. Specifically, the A6's squat under acceleration and the nose dive under braking are surprising in a car of German heritage. (no PST or PSK on our car). 2) The highway gas mileage could be better. We show about 20mpg overall, with about 23mpg on the highway. A small price to pay for the driving enjoyment, though. 3) The Tip could be more responsive in Tip mode.

Thanks to all on this board for information, encouragement, and thoughtful discussion. Until next time....
Dave
Pearl White/Melange 2001 2.7T Tip.

 

Dropping off on the day of service and getting it back the same day is, in my experience, an accomplishment...I always assume 48 hours for routine servicing. Detailing always gets done last and is the most likely to cause delays. Getting a brand new A4 as a loaner is awesome. Having previously owned an A4 1.8TQ-M, I agree with your assessment....two completely different rides highlighting the limits of the softly sprung non-PSK A6.

I just completed a 10K service and had the locks and remote reprogrammed with no problem...remote now open/closes windows. Given the horror stories one hears about Audi service, you did well.

Frino
00 A6 2.7T/6sp
Pearl White/Onyx

 

have done that. There is even a TSB on that subject. There has been some controversy on the subject of the programming change to permit the windows to be opened or closed remotely. The TSB says one free reprogram is permitted. My dealer did it without question.

 

At my first visit to Princeton Audi in NJ they too would not program my windows and sunroof to close with the remote. They have fixed the memory on the driver's seat, replaced the distorted windshield, fixed the storage bin door that did not close right, but have been unable to correct a fast cold start idel. Except for the fast idel no real problems.

 

Upgrade to 17" wheels & high performance tires will make dramatic difference in squat/dive/handling

 

As much as can be done on a 4000lb car with the engine in front of the front wheels.

I can't agree with the squat comments, AWD cars essentially cannot squat and I don't feel mine does. I do not have the sport suspension either.

 

This sounds like a pretty typical service visit. They fix most of the items and forget one or two (or it doesn't manifest itself at the dealership). I'm always in-and-out in one day. At Langan Audi in Albany NY I get an A4 loaner 0-2 years old - mixed 1.8T and 2.8s. I know Steve says that all-wheel drive cars don't squat - my A6 would lift its nose from a stop under hard gas. My wife's new A4 Avant with the sport package felt much tighter - it is also a smaller car. I've found adding the Eibach sport springs flattened out my A6 a lot - I'm much flatter through curves or when braking or accelerating hard. The ride is a little busier and I've got to be extra careful of steep driveways to avoid scraping but I'm very happy with the improvement. My wife's A4 Avant 1.8T with a stick is actually a blast to drive. I also found the BMW 328 to be a lot more exciting to drive than the 528. If they had had the sport suspension option when I bought my 2.7T I would have purchased it - failing that, springs with 17" wheels are an excellent modification.

Peter

 

The car definitely lifts its nose under acceleration. How could it avoid this, with the weight shifting rearward? Ever seen a drag race? The front end lift is a result of the forward pull of the drivetrain against the inertia of the body. Anyway, I don't want to be argumentative, but our 2.7T pitches both forward AND backward much more than our Legend. It's an interesting comparison, actually, because the Legend's suspension, while not perfect by any means, actually allows MUCH less body movement overall than the A6. That was my first impression on my first test drive, and it still is today, 1 year later (the salesperson was INCREDULOUS when I mentioned this, thinking I was not right in the head, it seemed. That may be true ;-), but the A6 "dives", without a doubt). The Legend's wheelbase is longer (114.6" vs 108.6") , and that pays off in fore/aft stability. It also manifests in a little more reluctance to chage direction.The tradeoff is a plusher, much quieter ride in the A6, and somehow, the Audi feels better in the corners, though it leans a teeny bit more. The "dive" under braking is more of a concern for me. Ever seen a BMW stop hard? They ALL "hunker down" on their suspensions, with very little nose dive. The Legend hardly dives at all. That's what I'd like to see in the A6 suspension. In the end, I may yet consider the larger wheels/tires and the stiffer springs, but for now, the car is a dream. It doesn't handle like the A4, but the smooth ride is worth the looser handling, for us. BTW -when we started shopping for our car, I called all around looking for cars with PSK, and NOBODY had any. If I would have been willing to wait 2-3 months more, I could have gotten that car, but decided to take the color we wanted without the suspension I (not my wife) wanted. It was the right decision for us. Finally, I'll bet that the "facelifted" A6 coming this fall will address this issue directly with firmer suspension settings. We'll see.

Dave

 

Even PSK has a bit of squat and very noticeable dive - more than a '92 Sentra

 

Diving upon hard braking is very noticeable but I rather have the nice comfort of the standard suspension than the stiffer alternatives. I would say that 90% of the time you are just cruising along or having a couple of quick sprints.