Hi to all of you. I live in the Dominican Republic and just bought a 1997 Audi A3 1.8T. Its black, manual and leather seats. The car is in great shape and has really surpised me on how well it feels. My country imports both American and Euro versions of different types of cars. Only 2 A3 exist in my country, but lots of 1.8T VW golfs just arrived. I used to have a Ford Mustang Cobra with LOTS of mods, ran the 1/4 mile at 12.30@118 MPH. Really big difference in power but the quality and feel of the german car is unbelieveable. I needed a more reliable daily comute. Well, Im just getting to know the car and Im in really need of some assistance.

1: Is there a mailing list of the A3 or A4 where I can get good info?

2: Is there a specific problem with that year production that I should be aware of or any problem that tends to be among the A3??

3: Ive heard of a couple of VW Passats having troubles with their turbos and was later mentioned by an Audi mechanic that their wastegates were prone to malfunction and damaged the turbos. Anyone hear of this?

4: MODS!!! I know that many of you installed chips, the 190hp, but Im really scared in having to ship my computer to TAP, APR, etc and then be recieving it to later have some pinging problems which would really be a mess since I live over seas and cannot be shipping stuff back and forth. What do you guys advice? Anyone installed aftermarket wastegates and blow off valves??

5: How much boost does the car bring from factory, my boost gauge reads 7 psi.

6: Gear nob, dont like the feel of mine, anyone have some links to purchase some nice interior detailing??

Well, thanks to all of you in advanced, really look forward to sharing some info, specially in modifications to the engine since I have a 1/4 mile strip "Autodromo Las Americas" nearby and will be getting some numbers. ANyone ever coming to the DOminican Republic, send me some mail and well setup where to stay and where NOT to stay :-)

Hi,

RE 1:
This site Audiworld and VWvortex are the best I've found. There may be more, but I'm not sure.

RE 2:
Not sure.

RE 3:

First I've heard of it. But thanks for mentioning it. It may be something for us A3 1.8T drivers to look out for. Do you have any more info on this problem?

My engine makes a chatter sound when lifting off the throttle (e.g. when changing gear), and I think it must be the turbo/wastegate. I've not had the problem fully investigated yet.

RE Point 4:

My car isn't chipped. But I've thought about it. I think your right to be cautious about sending your ECU overseas. I wouldn't do it. If it didn't work, or if it caused damage to your engine, it would be really difficult to pursue to matter, and get the car fixed.
My advice: if you don't have someone that tunes them in your own country, don't do it. Better being safe than sorry.

Re 5:
I think it is about 7psi. Not 100% sure.

Re 6:
No. If you find any let me know.

Regards,

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver

Good luck with the A3T. I have had mine for 3 weeks now and am having plenty of fun driving it.

I haven't considered upgrading the chip as the Turbo has plenty of power anyway and I am using it mainly for commuting.

Derek Lorimer
A3T 99.6 Laser Red