My 2001 A6 2.7t with 6-speed has the most notchy shifting I have ever experienced. Upshifting fast is difficult and downshifting fast is near impossible. While I have read about the "short-shifting" aftermarket shifters, will they also help with this difficult shifting? Any suggestions? Thanks

check linkage alignment.

You could always go get yourself an older 911 like my SC, and that way, the A6 shifting will SEEM speedy and smooth as silk by comparison.

:-)

it did wonders for the notchy shifting. April, do you think the dealer will balk at using this oil?

You're shifting gears all the time (at least on a daily city commute) and any notchiness becomes a huge issue. I had that on my 2000 A4 2.8 Avant and it became a psychological nightmare for us. We gritted our teeth every time we shifted from first to second and back (other gears were not so bad). (Some of the following is repeated from previous posts).

The service tech replaced the synchros and the gears (first and second). After a thousand miles or so we returned it with the same problem. Again, the synchros and first gear were changed. this time he took time to show us "how to shift" in the Audi (we've been driving manuals for over 20 years!!).

He advised that the shift should not be "fast", but to move the lever in the direction of the desired gear and when resistance was felt, to let it "plop" into gear. We have been known to make more than a few really fast gear changes. So we "trained" ourselves to adapt resulting in much smoother shifts...and no more first to second gear racing shifts. I have read magazine reports comparing the BMWs and Audis and the general consensus is that Audi gearshifts are just that much more notchy in fast change situations.

I think you will have to have your gearbox checked out. There is not much adjustment in the linkage that will rectify significant notchiness.


When we test drove a manual 2.7T the gear box was really notchy. That's why we selected the Tip (and ended up with woes galore!!! Just can't win.)

Get bypass valves.

I got APR chip and Forge bypass valves for couple weeks now and the shifting is very smooth with stock and chipped ECU. It's more fun to drive now.

check<ul><li><a href="http://www.stratmosphere.com/forge_valves.htm">http://www.stratmosphere.com/forge_valves.htm</a</li></ul>

Bedos:
Thanks, but I am confused (a usual state for me) how can replacement bypass valves help the shifting problem? Also, who's brand of chipped ECU did you install? How much difference is there? I have been debating the ECU change, but am reluctant since the owner's manual states that such changes will void warranty and this is my leased company car. Thanks again, Lynn

thanks for the advice on the oil replacement.

check out this tech. article http://www.audiworld.com/tech/012301.html to know why.

The Forge valves I got use some kind of metal piston instead of the plastic (blue ) one shown in the article. Very high quality.

You will notice a big difference while shifting. Even if you don't chip your car I highly recommend getting the bypass valves.

I got APR ECU; because I can switch between stock and chipped on the fly. They also remove the 130mph speed limiter from the stock and the chipped.

You can get spare chipped ECU and keep your original ECU. However, late 2001 models uses immobilizer III in the ECU, which means you may need some code from the dealer to get it to work in your car. APR people are very helpful, talk to them to find out what's best for you.

good luck.