I'm planning on ordering a y2k silver 2.8Q with onyx interior. But, I really, really hate wood trim. I love the aluminum trim on the 1.8T and S4. Could I order that car from the factory with aluminum instead of wood? BMW lets you do this on the 328. Has anyone done this? If not, what would be the cost of having the aluminum retrofitted? Its a personal thing, but I really can't stand having a wood on the inside of a car. the A4 seems too "high-tech" for wood. BTW, I don't want to get the 1.8T because I prefer the turbine-smoothness of the 6 and am planning on keeping the car for a long time (> 10 years) so don't want to chip and sacrifice reliability. I'd also like the car with a sports package, but with the 5-spoke wheels. Small things, but to me, they would "complete" the car.

You have every right to order the car the way <i>YOU</i> want it! Hence the fact that you are factory ordering! They should bend over backwards to accomodate your requests. I would understand them giving you a hard time if the car was already built, but you are special ordering this vehicle! Stand firm and you will be rewarded.
Let us know how you make out.

In the US, even if you order your A4 (as I did), you can not make changes like switching the wood trim for aluminum trim...it's just not going to happen. However, your dealer might be sympathetic and offer to make the switch, but expect to pay $$$ for this service.

As far as getting the 5-spoke alloys, that is something that people have been able to arrange with their dealer for little or no cost.

Andy Hedin
'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Garrett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, APR/Borla Exhaust, Eurolights, more...

I too like the aluminum trim and 5 spoke rims...but as Andy says, it just wont happen.

My dealer won't even exchange the rims but others have been successful. Your dealer however might have an set of 5 spokes from a demo.

You would think a near luxury car line such as Audi would give you more options.

We North American customers should have as many choices as our fellow European friends. Audi should make the aluminum trim, carbon fiber trim and wood trim as a selective options for both 1.8T and 2.8. Even BMW 3-Series has a choice of aluminum-ish trim and wood trim where Mercedes C-Class has wood trim and carbon fiber trim on sports models.
They also should give us leather sports seat as an option on 1.8T other than cloth sports seats. We can only get leathertte if we want some leather-like materials only on standard seats.
Hope Audi can learn something from its direct competitors
Tom
97 A4 1.8TQMS
99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0
00 NEW BEETLE GLS 2.0 (ON ORDER)
98.5 A4 1.8TQAS WETTED

I'm the opposite of you, I like the upscale look of wood. So save the money you would spend on buying aluminum trim and just trade it with me. But I have no idea how hard it would be to remove either wood or aluminum trim, but it can't be too hard. I get my car in a week or two. But email, if your interested. By the way what kinda wood do you have?

Just picked up my 99.5 2.8QMS.. Got the sport package.. AND managed to talk them into giving me the 5 spoke rims.. I wanted 16inch wheels, the sport suspension, but I also think the 5 spoke rims look better.. and even more importantly, they have all season rubber.. so I won't be in trouble when it snows here in the northeast!!

I must say though, the dealer was not eager to switch to 5 spoke rims.. I had to really push the issue, and it didn't hurt that I was working with the General Manager directly.

What I would do in your position is this.... Drive the car, negotiate price, be ready to put down and deposit.. Just about to sign the paper.. and say.."Oh, by the way.. I'd like to have the 5 spoke rims switched on the car".....

And be ready to walk out if they don't.. They are very unlikely to allow you to walk out, when the deal is so close.

.

.. car delivers next Friday. I am not thrilled with the look of the sport wheels. I would trade someone for the 5 spokers if so inclined.

I have some good news for you. It is possible to get the 2.8 with the aluminum look of the 1.8. The only thing is that it has to be a totally new order. So it would probably take about 4 months to get your car email me if you have questions about specifics.

Wes
S4 (Silver/Onyx)