Anyone else have problems sometimes downshifting into 1st gear on the 5-speed transmission? It seems about half the time I have to try and force the gear shift into 1st. I know it's not due to excessive revs, as I've had it happen at a complete stop. Thanks, in advance, for any help.

My problem was similar,the change up to second was very stiff, very embarrassing at traffic lights!
The dealer said that the problem was caused by the wrong type of gear oil as found in a certain production run. They changed the oil and over time it does seem to have eased.

Peter
A3 quattro