While out running errands Sunday, I noticed a bizarre noise whenever I launched my Avant in first gear. It sounded -- I dunno -- almost like a synthesizer-produced harmonic hum. The rest of the gears sounded normal (in other words, they were quiet.)

Thereafter, the noise seems to have ceased. The clutch throw seems OK, so what the heck was that noise? I've got 28,500 miles on the wagon and compared to most on this board, I'm a fairly calm driver (compared to my most drivers, though, I like to throw it around a bit.)

This has been mentioned a few times on this forum, but I don't think that a definate solution is known.

I had the problem for a few thousand miles on my 1.8T, but it has since gone away. Other folks have seen it come and go as well.

Most dealers can't get it to reproduce, let alone diagnose it. I've heard one owner had their dealer pin the blame on a belt tensioner, but it didn't seem decisive.

Most recently, I heard it was a side effect of some part breaking in, but with over 28k miles on your car, I'd doubt it in this case.

I don't know if this helps - you might want to check the archives for more info.

~mark
'99 1.8TQM

A common A4 problem is a significant squeaking noise from the clutch in very hot weather. This is most noticeable when you're at rest. Audi dealers have a bulletin on this and the standard fix is to replace the clutch master cylinder. In your case, however, it sounds like a noise that occurs continuously when you're in 1st gear, rather than when you use the clutch. That sounds like something else. Good luck.