Seems the control arms are something of an achilles heel in the otherwise mighty A4. I know mine is only one of many lately. More disturbing is that mine's a '98, and after only a few hours of normal driving around manhattan, has a broken control arm and a wheel bearing. (Thanks to all who helped make the diagnosis--you were correct!). Clanking, sometimes grinding sound from the driver's front suspension at low/parking speeds=control arm; moaning, groaning sound from the rear, better when curving or turning right=rear wheel bearing. I feel sorry for all those who must brave the NYC roads daily; mine is more at home here on the twisty roads of northern Michigan. I guess Detroit has the *second* worst roads in the country.<p>So how does this speak of long term reliability for the suspension, sport or regular? (mine is the factory sport suspension). Otherwise, I'm very happy with it, but I feel it should last more than one afternoon in Manhattan. I mean, how would these parts do with larger wheels and a lower suspension?? Anyone who's broken theirs found a more durable solution aftermarket?<p>Rich<br>'98 2.8Q sport<br>

<br>Hey NYC isnt that bad as long as you follow recomended speed limits. ok ok im lying, it sucks but hey i have 101,000 miles on my 93 S4, the past 35,000 with the ABT/Bilstein suspension and the past 28,000 with 17" BBS RC. Total suspension/tire damage to my car is as follows.<p>1 blown shock<br>1 cracked rim<br>slight bends in 3 rims (on the inside) which were repaired to perfection from the people at Wheel Collision.<p>Considering i run 2.2 degrees negative camber on the front im suprised i didnt bang up the inside of the rims more.<p>And i do drive the car to Manhattan every day.<p>Once, i had to put the car on a frame machine to pull the knuckle back on the front suspension after hitting a huge pothole that cracked my rim and bent the other. Otherwise everything structurally is fine.