FWIW file,
look under your battery and check for corrosion or rust as I had found some. Dutifully reported this to service advisor and requested if it were to be covered per warranty. This is a 98.5 model 20 months w/ 33k miles. After waiting and getting nowhere fast I had to call AoA to get the regional represenative to review and approve.
I don't think the rep actually looked at the car as it appeared to be authorized by phone. Anyway, went to dealer's sub who does paint work. Basically they painted with chipguard the corrosion and sprayed color over it. The workmanship was fair and no way would I've paid for it If I was footing the bill. I believe they shot the chipguard only to cover up the pitted sheet metal and not as claimed to futher resist future problems. Anyway the service tech who I spoke to thinks the problem was due to clogging of a drain in this area causing the "rust".Thank goodness for the 10 year corrosion warranty!!!!!! My advice is to inspect this area with your oil changes as if it were so easily clogged this problem will repeat itself.
Oh it's nice to have the car back as driving the loaner Escort made me appreciate the driving experience of AUDI.
imants.98.5Qspt-tip