I'm looking at a 97 A4 2.8Qm Europa/Onyx-Ecru leather with 68k and have a few questions. Thought I would ask here 'cause I don't want the salesman to think I'm that interested in the car, and I already checked the FAQ..

1.Did BOSE system in 97 have BOSE logo on speakers? Car I drove did not have logo on speakers and radio did not work (needs security code) so I could not look for "BOSE" in display on power-up. Is there any outwardly visible way to tell if it's BOSE or not?

2.This car was significantly soft on windy-twisty back roads. Saw a few sport suspensions (shocks/springs) for sale in classifieds for +/- $300. Are shocks/springs interchangeable between years and between 1.8Q/2.8Q?

3.Anyone know if it's possible to add a trip computer to a '97 just by switching the instrument cluster and control stalk, or doesn't the wiring support all the inputs the T.C. needs?

4.When should the timing belt be changed on a '97 2.8? The car has 68k and I hope it has already been changed. And just to repeat I don't own the car yet so I can't RTFM.

Much Thanks in advance,
J.T.L.
'90 CQ 209k anyone interested?, 74 SBtl, 72 510

1.Did BOSE system in 97 have BOSE logo on speakers? Car I drove did
not have logo on speakers and radio did not work (needs security code)
so I could not look for "BOSE" in display on power-up. Is there any
outwardly visible way to tell if it's BOSE or not?

The Bose system will have speakers in the rear door. Non-Bose does not. Also, look for the amp in the trunk under the rear deck.

2.This car was significantly soft on windy-twisty back roads. Saw a few
sport suspensions (shocks/springs) for sale in classifieds for +/- $300. Are
shocks/springs interchangeable between years and between 1.8Q/2.8Q?

Interchangable between years but I'm not sure you should use a set from a 1.8Q because of the weight differences.

3.Anyone know if it's possible to add a trip computer to a '97 just by
switching the instrument cluster and control stalk, or doesn't the wiring
support all the inputs the T.C. needs?

Don't know for sure, but it's probably pretty expensive to do and not worth it for the amount of fuctionality you get from the TC. Just my opinion.

4.When should the timing belt be changed on a '97 2.8? The car has 68k
and I hope it has already been changed. And just to repeat I don't own the
car yet so I can't RTFM.

I don't have my manual right now, but I think it's 60K. Make sure you include it in you negotiations that they should replace it and give you proof the work is done.

I personally would look for a used '98 rather than '97 to get the 30v engine instead of the 12v.
Good luck!
Dave

The trip computer is a factory installed option with extra wiring from the dash to the engine bay (presumably). I asked my dealer if they could install it and he said "no".

Anything is possible, so you could do it yourself, but I think it would be more of a PITA than it's worth. I don't miss not having it. This car is about driving, not watching fuel mileage.

My $0.02