My 99 A4 2.8Qtip has had a burning oil smell from day one. Well, dealer said probably Cosmolene burning off...didn't push it. But, 1700 miles later, still there and much more "oil-like" smell. So, turns out it is a cracked Valve Cover. This is a plastic component in the A4 and as the dealer put it..."this is a new one for us." I think it was probably damaged somewhere in production and nobody noticed. I do think it would be hard to detect, unless an extensive test drive was made. So, bottom line, I am not worried, I regularly have checked my oil since day one and it really has not fluctuated much. It will be replaced on Thursday, that is when the next loaner car is available (probably another Stick shift JettaIII :)<p>Kirk<br>

I'm sure most of these questions have been worked to death, so RTP if it's been seen a million times but:<p>I'm going to order an A4 1.8T for my mom and my fiancee. (auto for my mom, and hopefully maual for my fiancee.. both quattro) Actually, my fiancee is not sure she wants one anymore since they canceled the Pearl color. =( I would buy one, but I just finished paying for my 97 Eagle Talon AWD, and don't feel like taking the loss on it by selling it. <p>Anyways, I had a couple of questions:<p>1) Does the sport suspension just consist of new springs/shocks? Just springs? Just shocks? New A arms? If new A arms, are they more hi-tech, like boxed, or forged alum? What are the stock A arms like anyways?<p>2) Is the sport susp too harsh for my mom? I don't think it'd be too harsh for me at all, but I'm worried she will complain that it's too hard. On the other hand, I don't want the non sport if it's so wallowy that it gets out of control in the bumpies.<p>3) Is the $1200 for the Bose system worth it? Both seem to have 8 speakers for 1999, and no mention of the subwoofer anymore. I wonder if I can just add a CD changer and maybe upgrade the amp and speakers for less than that.. head unit is the same, right?<p>4) I noticed in the FAQ that OBD monitoring is built in!!! I paid $200 for OBDtool from carcomp.com (and a laptop of course) to get OBD monitoring in my talon... that's great. Is that in all A4's? Or do you need the $250 trip computer?<p>5) Is there ANY way to *just* get the ski sack? I live in CA and go to Tahoe for skiing, and would love the ski sack, but almost never need the other stuff. Can you retrofit it to a non cold weather package car?<p>BTW, any of you have that cool quife rear diff? I plan on getting that eventually to make it more oversteery w/ power.. =)<p>Later!!<p>Wallace Tam

It's my understanding that the sport suspension gives you different springs, shocks, wheels, and steering wheel.<p>For you mom, I'd recommend the non sport. My wife sometimes comments that my sport suspension is to harsh. I assume that your mom is not a speed demon around corners. I think the nonsport will be more comfortable for the average driver. Plus you save money and you get all-season tires (if she would need them).<p>Tom<br>1.8TQMS Silver/Ecru

#<br>2. I would suggest the non sport for your mom. Most older non enthusiasts prefer the smoother ride. It won't get unruly in the bumps unless your mom drives like a maniac.<p>3. I have listened to both alot. The Bose is nice. Worth $1200? Probably not. Get it if you want a good sounding stereo without the fuss. If you enjoy doing aftermarket sound mods you can get a better system for the same money, but it's not as easy as other cars, you'll probably want an install shop with experience to do it.<p>4. I assume you are talking about the OBD diagnostic tool, since I believe OBD is required on all new vehicles. The trip computer is not a OBD diagnostic tool. It gives you some good info, but you still need the tool to get to the nitty gritty info.<p>5. I think someone on this forum a while back did the ski sack only mod. Can't elaborate further.<p>Have no idea what a quife rear differential is.<p>Hope this helps a little<p>RobS<br>98 Red 1.8T QMS Neuspeed P chip

The sport suspension consists of different springs (lower by 20mm) and firmer shocks. Of course plus other stuffs such as different rims and tires, and steering wheel. If you opt to not get the sport suspension, at least get the sports steering wheel.<p>As to the ride of the sport suspension, I think it is the perfect balance between a supple highway cruiser and a stable sports sedan. The regular suspension just doesn't cut it. It is firmer, but not any harsher. Even my aunt and uncle (retired, BTW) commented on how stable and comfortable the car is on a highway. They drive a Camry. So the sport package is definitely a no-brainer.<p>Wong from North<br>98 A4 1.8TqMS<br>

I currently have a 2.8 QM, non-sport, and although someday, down the road, I would like to upgrade the suspension, it is just fine for now. Even in stock form, I am more comfortable cornering in the A4 than I was in my '95 Eclipse GSX. In fact, there are many situations where I feel the A4 outperforms the GSX, now maybe that is just because I am more willing to push the A4, I got the Eclipse sloppy a few times!

Sorry about that other post..<p>Check out the FAQ on this page about OBD. Apparantly, you can real OBD outputs (air intake temps, coolant temps, blah blah blah) and read trouble codes using the vent system controls!<p>That's awesome. I was just wondering if all A4's had this feature, or maybe it was part of the $250 trip computer option. If I need the trip computer, I'd order it, but otherwise, I don't think instant mpg is worth $250.<p>Any proponents of the trip computer out there?<p>wallace

For me, it'a worth it to get the radio/CD/tape display.<p>You can't read an OBD info on the trip computer. You're probably referring to the hidden stuff in the climate control system. <p>Andy Hedin

Oh, I think the stock gsx/talon awd susp sucks.. waaaay too wallowy. I now have a ground control susp w/ 500/300 spring (stock was 249/151 I believe) and GAB shocks. Much better now. Even car and driver said the stock talon was way underdamped.<p>I don't want that to happen w/ the A4, I just want it right from the facotry, especially since it's for my mom.<p>wallace

1) Already covered, but the control arms are the same, and made of Aluminum.<p>2) If your Mom drives anything like my Mom, get the stock suspension so she will have a slightly softer ride and the all-season tires to boot, which should have better (longer) wear characteristics. The stock suspension is fine for everything up to 9/10th pace, and only really wallows at high speeds. I swapped mine out, but I never really felt unsafe at high speeds, just a bit uneasy. If you Mom is going to keep things under 90 mph, stick to stock in my opinion.<p>3) The Bose is OK, but definitely not worth $1200.<p>4) Not sure about the diagnostics, but I am certain you can't get nearly the info. you get on the carcomp tool. That is for sure.<p>5) Call Clair Parts Express. They would probably be able to not only furnish you a price on the ski sack, but also tell you if it can be retrofitted.<p>Mike<br><ul><li><a href="http://www.mck.com/a4">Northeast A4 Group</a></li></ul>

I don't know how old your Mom is, but I am in my early 50's and would prefer the sport. It is a matter of preference and driving styles. Has nothing to do with the "MOM" thing! How would you 'guys' feel if this was for DAD or BRO or SIS???<p>Give your Mom a spin in both. If you are buying two expensive cars, there is no reason why your dealer won't facilitate this.