Just curious guys,<p>After chatting with my brother Ali B. (forum unofficial member), we both were wondering why the A4 will go such a major change for 99.5 when the 2000 model is right around the corner. According to the letter from AoA bulletin (that really long and complex letter from last week explaining the details of all the A4 changes in early 99 year production), it is the 99.5 that will get the major changes early 1999. <p>Why not just wait and release an early 2000 model instead of 99.5? Somehow it would make more sense than a midyear change. Besides, by law, any model made after the Jan 2, 1999 can be called a 2000 model.<p>Any thoughts?<p>The "one and only" Alex B.

I hope not.

why not wait for the 2001 model for even more changes......<p>Kind of like picking the right time to buy a computer......wait 3 months and this model will be half the price<p>Doug M.

if so, it takes the cake. I thought my email addr at work was busy with the building and mail station in it.<p>Doug M.

I think that was mostly some peoples' speculation on this forum. The rumor (confirmed or not, I don't know) is that Europe would get a new model in 2000. That doesn't mean that the USA will get it then. That could be 2001, 2001.5, or whatever. The original A4 came to the US significantly later that European countries. Actually, the 99.5 changes, if they come to pass, are good evidence that there ISN'T a new model for the US right around the corner. Of course, if you ARE in Europe, who knows what will happen when.<p>But, once the "new model" is released, why not wait half a year until some of the bugs are worked out and a few new features are added? Then why not wait another 6 months until the new model year, and another 6 months, and on and on? Like others have said, you have to put down your money sometime.

Looks like the 99.5 will have major changes to make the current body style to last until 01 or 02. My point was that why not just release an early 2000 model instead of the 99.5 to go with the new changes to the current bodystyle.<p>Alex

I was thinking about waiting for the 00 or 01 model, but I love the look and feel of the current car. Also, I think the last of the current version would have all of the "bugs" worked out. I'm scared about the possible future of a4 styling, so I think A4 version 99.5x might be the right one for me.

Talked to my dealer this week about the upcoming changes for the A4. He confirmed that there were changes but not nearly as many as I've seen detailed here. According to him the changes were:<p>-Foglights moved to lower front bumper<br>-Interior upholstery / trim changes<br>-A6/A3 outer door handles<br>-A6 dual climate control<p>As of yesterday it is no longer possible to order an A4 over here. Didn't get a date when I could order the new one.<p>-h (From Europe)<br>

:)