Well, I took my car into the dealer today to have the new remote antenna installed and had them take a look at my occasionally rough 1st-2nd shift. The service guy (forgot his name) actually went on a drive with me to try and locate the source of the problems. He found it odd that the clutch grabbed so high (though I suspect he's just used to driving Porsches) and thought that the 1-2 shift notchiness was due to slow clutch disk engagement and disengagement (uh...my paraphrasing...I forgot what he said exactly). As in, clutch in, shift into first or second quickly, there was some amount of resistance. But if he pushed in the clutch and slowly put the car in gear, it was smooth as butter. <p>So, I get a call today saying they were going to keep my car for the night and replace my clutch disk. He said it was Audi policy to change the disk ONCE in the first 12k miles if needed, and no more. Beyond 12k miles, any amount of wear on the disk is classified as "normal" wear and tear, and I guess if they have to replace it more than once in 12k miles, they'll probably blame you (though I don't know for sure). Not bad, considering I learned to drive stick on this thing (no, I didn't tell them that) :). So...anyone experiencing these problems might want to take it up with their dealer. <p>Anyway, I know there were many complaints about both these issues, so hopefully, this visit will fix it all. Thanks, Sharon, for letting me drive your car and seeing how it was really supposed to feel :). <p>Warren<br>I guess my rental Cavilier is almost as good as my car...

I will take it into the dealer whenever I get the chance. If their policy is to replace the clutch before 12K, then I'm going to have them take a look. Sometimes, I'm in 1st gear and the car pops out of gear partially, and so I hear the gear grind, and it scares the **** out of me (pardon my french Jason). Where did you take your car?<p>Albert

My 1st->2nd shift problem only happens on the first couple of shifts in the morning, while the transmission is still cold. After warming up, it's fine. I'll have to watch it to see if it worsens...

I was starting to think that only Hondas had nice feeling manuals...I get the same notchiness from 1st to 2nd. Occasionally from 2nd to 3rd as well. My car is almost brand new (3000 km) and I just thought the shifter was like that. Do any of you have a hard time going from 1st to 2nd when the tranny is cold? It's not just notchy, but it feels like the synchro is resisting when I try to shift into 2nd (only happend the last couple of days since it was cold here in Toronto). After the first couple of shifts, it goes back to the notchy normal shift.....<p>Any help appreciated...thanks.<p>-Ash 98.75 Silver 1.8TQMS

nt

I took my car to Anderson-Behel on Steven's Creek in Sunnyvale. Their salesmen are horrible, but I was pleasantly surprised by their service folks the last time I took it in. Don't take the car in on a Friday though, as things are very busy. Took it in yesterday (Tuesday) and it was pretty empty. Empty enough that the actual tech guy had time to take a spin with me in the car. <p>Warren