Ordered an S5 from International Autos in Milwaukee on Oct 4th. I hadn't talked to them since then but thought I'd check in today - only now do they tell me that it is not even in production and won't be here until April. The usual non specific crap about production delays. They are not even sure when in April.

I was told 90 days lead time during the usual sales pitch but of course knew that was unrealistic, and the sales contract did say end of Feb to give them some room, but it seems from watching this site that 6-7 months is way out there in terms of lead time.

Anyone else in anywhere near the same position? Does this sound like the dealer's fault or is this lead time becoming common? I didn't ask for, nor did I receive, any breaks on the price so I am wondering if I should ask for a grand or two off given that I can legally cancel if they don't have it in by March 15th. They should sacrifice something along with me as they should at least manage expectations better.

but did you pressure them for details on the delay...i.e. to confirm or deny what we have all been reading? I ask because I put my deposit down 11/29/07 and haven't even been given my allocation yet, for I am supposedly 2nd in line for January's allocations (if that ever comes). I have spoke with my dealer and he advised me of a production halt, but after hearing your situation I am really starting to get frustrated. I kept in constant correspondence with my dealer (starting in Sept.) explaining my desire to take delivery in April. He assured me over and over again that placing a deposit in January would be sufficient...again the 90 day lead time. He finally called at the end of January and told me it might be a good idea to come in. Putting all of this together I am beginning to wonder if they have knew something all along. I love this car don't get me wrong, but I am seriously considering pulling my deposit. I may be over reacting, but I am sure I am not alone. In any case I apologize in advance for what I'm sure looks like ranting.

I didn't pressure him any about the specifics of the delay as the guy I am dealing with is really the BMW rep at that place - I was talking to him about a 335i before I shifted to Audi and I just put the order through him to help him out. In any case the cause of the delay is not important as knowing it won't speed it up at this point, it's the mismanagement of the whole expectations game that pisses me off.

He said he'd be in touch in early January to try to firm up on delivery time (as they'd presumably be back from vacation in Germany). What if they turn around and say May? I am really losing confidence in Audi over this.

Bottom line - anyone who signs a sales contract - if they say 90 days delivery or whatever, then get them to put their ass on the line by asking for $250 off for every week it is delayed. And if they say no to this then you'll know they are lying to get your business - take it elsewhere.

dealer every month. At the beginning of December, he actually gave the vin# of my S5. He said it was built and in transit. Original delivery date was the week of Christmas, then the week of New Year's. Now it's 1/14. He hasn't budge on this date since early December. Even as of yesterday, promised del. date is 1/14.

and the dealer says it should be here, prepped and inspected, by the week of Jan 7th. I think mine may have gotten sped up by the fact that my sales guy was able to snag one that was already in the system and only a few weeks away from production.

At this point you might want to try another dealer or at least a more experienced Audi sales person and see if they can find one closer to production and alter it to your specs. I can give you the contact info for my guy here in CA if you want. He is the Fleet director at my local dealer and used to work at Audi Corporate as a national fleet director so he knows all the tricks. I was actually referred to him by Audi corporate sales when I had an issue with my previous dealer. He told me he will deliver anywhere in the country, but even if you don't order through him I'm sure he could shed some light on the situation. Shoot me an email if you would like his info so you could give him a call.

Actually, before you get your panties in a bunch, TYPICAL time between order to delivery is 90 days. However no one foresaw the demand and delay coming. Be patient, you could be on the waiting list for an R8! People are traveling for immediate satisfaction on this car. Considering people are selling used ones for MSRP or higher I don't think your dealer will mind having an ordered car to sell. I would suggest asking for Audi Care thrown in and a free detail.

Dealer said if I ordered it would be 8 Months, MSRP plus TTL and Gas Guzzler.

Yeah I've calmed down a bit in the last few days after the initial disappointment! I'll definately ask for Audi Care or at least some token to offset the two month delay which looks to be the dealers fault given that others here are taking delivery in January for the same order date.

There's so much snow here in Wisconsin at the minute such that every car on the road looks like crap, so the one offset is that by April I won't need winter tires this year and it has less chance of being soiled with salt in its first month on the road.

Also, the delay gives me the option to test drive a few other cars (including the S5 which I'd not actually driven) to ensure that I'm making the right choice.