Sorry for the spelling, but it is late...I am thinking of buying a new 98 with Pearlescent White paint and have heard that it is being discountinued. Also, a friend who knows alot about paint<br>warned me away from this color. He said it would be difficult if not impossible to match if the car was in an accident or needed a panel painted.<p>Help<p>gramps (have given up on an M roadster...no handling in the snow....and the slk 230...to many $$$...would rather get a S4)

Pearlescent is being discontinued by Audi because the paint reacts differently to the different types of materials on the car, with the recycled plastics (such as bumpers)being the biggest problem. This slows down the production line, as Audi's quality control does not want mismatching parts on the car. So, more than likely, your car will match as closely as possible from the factory, since Audi was very careful to match parts. However, in the event of an accident, you better be very careful who you take the car to for repair. I think a good repair facility could match the paint well. If you don't mind the risk, pearlescent is an absolutly beautiful color.<p>Charles<p>PS: I've heard that Audi is working with the pearlescent paint in an effort to get it to match better, and they intend to reintroduce it later.

Pearl is only being discontinued on the A4. It is still offered on the A6 and A8. The reasons posted: difficulty in matching, longer production, ... are exactly what my dealer quoted. I went for it, and I love the color. It's like having several colors, as it changes depending on the light. BUT - I do now need a bumper repaired, so I'll find out soon what the problems are. I was quoted $300 for the repair, to remove the rear bumper, repair the scratches, and paint the entire bumper using the 3-step process (at an Audi body shop). The bigger issue is time - 3 days in total to let each step dry before the next step. I still think it's worth it, just my opinion.

I too have a pearlescent A4...nothing but compliments by everyone who sees it. It's true it does look different in different lighting. After only 3 weeks of ownership I was rearended by some old lady...anyway, they had to remove the bumper, strip it, and repaint it (3 stage paint process)...I think it looks great...I don't see any mismatch and it's been almost 4 months since then. No need to worry....you wont regret getting the Pearl color...besides...it's harder to see swirl marks on it after washing/waxing =)<p>Jason<br>98.5 1.8T pearlescent

I had it on my old '90 Coupe Quattro, and thought it looked sensational. However, will agree with difficulty about getting a color match - esp. on a car that has been in the elements for a couple of years. When I clobbered Bambi's illegitimate grandchild, a well-respected shop matched the hood, bumper & fenders nearly perfectly to rest of the car; but I have seen other repaints that looksed atrocious.<p>Also, over time the clear coat deteriorated and the pearl started cracking. This might happen with any clear-coat metallic, however.<p>Was considering the pearl for present Avant, but had Coupe parked next to new pearl A4, and the tint on the A4 was more toward a beige than the white on the Coupe. Didn't like it near as much, so saved some bucks and went with silver.

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<br>Not kidding. At least four times in the past three months, women have stopped to comment about how pretty my A4 looks, especially when it is reflecting the street lights at night. Not really a problem either.

I've had my A4 since Feb. 97 and the paint still looks as fresh as the day I picked it up from the dealer. Besides, it's hard to see the dust on the pearl paint. Go for it; you'll be happy you did.