SmokinS4™

I had a business trip to Germany. I was traveling with collegues and since I was a car-nut, they wanted me to drive. OK.

So I rented a vehicle that would be able to take 3 adults and their luggage from the airport in Frankfurt to our hotel in Meinz. Through Avis, I got a 2005 Audi Avant A6 3.0 TDI with NAV. RS4 18s with 235/40/18 tires.

Although I asked for a stick, I got an auto...but it turns out to be the DSG =)

Oh, and the tranny has a sport mode....I can't bother with the paddle shifters, but slap it into "S" and it seems to hold the RPMs where you would want them anyway.

After driving this DEISEL, I can't figure out why Americans are so reluctant to drive deseils. The pickup is great 0-60 in 7,3sec in an A6. The shifts are pretty good too.
AND Diesel is way cheaper than gas here....I wonder why diesel is 20% more expensive in the states. they even carry something called "ultra or premium" diesel.....since the company is paying=)

I also have had my first experience with a new nav and MMI controller. At first it was really weird....but after a test run to where I need to be monday morning, it's not too bad. The Euro Nav is pretty damned good....it's just weird getting used to the MMI controls.

I am pretty impressed with Audi's latest technologies.....but I miss the e-brake. It's electronic....yes, a button - weird.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1611.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1628.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1629.jpg">

The OEM Euro NAV was great
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1619.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1620.jpg">

Although with all the construction in preparation for the 2006 World Soccer Cup, there was contruction all over the Autobahn....and the NAV rerouted me twice (for traffic), and routed me right into an onramp which was blocked by a WALL of dirt =(

Anyway...the NAV worked well, except for the 1st day I was 25min late to the office...and I was the instructor !! Damn, I hate being late.


When I got back from teaching my class, I decided to see what was under the bonnet:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1624.jpg">

And I took off the plastic peices....even messier than the B5 S4
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1625.jpg">

And being a turbo, of course it had Intercooling....I didn't even realize it, but apparently it has two (like the B5 S4)
Driver's side
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1626.jpg">
passenger's side
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1627.jpg">

And look at the big cans on this OEM beast
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1629.jpg">


So, while I was in class, one of my students indicated that if I wanted to stretch my legs, I should head on the A66 towards Cologne. He also indicated that I should take it easy, on the way back, since there's allot of radar posts (more on that later).

On Friday, I was determined to see what this torqy diesel bitch can do. Class ended early, as they always do for friday corporate classes =)...so I went out on the A66 towards Cologne.

There was allot of traffic for noon, I a patiently waited for my moment. I was behind a MB Wagan that seemed to want to speed too.

PATIENTLY, we waited...and finally we got our chance (about 20minutes later)...and we started rolling. 140km/hr, 150, 160, 170, 180, I guess the benz-wagon is in a rush too.....I didn't dare pass since he probably had more power anyway. So, we continued....190, 200, 210.....240km/hr. Damn! 149mph, not bad for a "rental".

Time flash....two weeks later. I get two pieces of mail from Germany. (my heart sinks into my stomach, knowing what it is: tickets)

I open them up, they are from Avis, indicating that I was caught doing some infraction at this time and place. Both letters were identical and vague. The letter indicated that as part of the rental agreement, my credit card (corporate AMEX - oh sh&amp;t) will be charge for the admin fees of 11euros (each instance).

I happened to be in training (back at home corporate offices) and I mentioned it to my instructor, who happened to be German.

He said that it was just a fee because the Germany RMV sends the photo-radar tickets via postage-due. So Avis passes the admin fee to it's customers. AND the Germany DMV doesn't bother chasing for tickets/fines to people from outside the EU. AND Germany has a weak fee system, so it wouldn't even be that much anyway.


That was back in Feb, and haven't heard anything since. Lesson learned? Bring the ValentineOne next time =)

Oh, and on the way throught the airport in Frankfurt, I took a couple more photos.

The company sponsored race car
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1634.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1636.jpg">

and one of these:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107589/img_1638.jpg">

Mark P

My first experience with EZPass was helping a friend move into college. I drove along with my car and was given her parents' EZPass to use. Apparently it didn't work, because a few days after getting home I got something like 4 photo tickets, and then 4 more a day later. They were all for about $0.35 tolls (NJ), but each had a $25 fee tacked on. Her parents got them all reversed, but it surely wasn't fun receiving them

KOpork

We have no automatics. The problem now is the government is changing the emissions laws so at the end of 2006 no TDIs will be sent to the USA. I have had so many customers interested in a TDI Passat, but latest we heard was maybe 2008 if the government doesn't give us to many problems and VW is coming out with new diesel technology as well. The new TDIs in the Jetta can use bio-diesel as well which is cool.

SmokinS4™

And if VW/Audi can't sell in Cali, they won't sell anywhere.

BIG mistake IMHO, the emissions are way better that they used to be...and if we just cleaned up the US spec-diesel, they'd:

1) use 30% less fuel - that' like removing 1 in 3 cars off the road.
2) be as clean than gas
3) allow more bio-fueling options.
4) reduce our reliance on oil from the middle-east.

I think that diesel-hybrids should be what the car companies should be putting their efforts into.

Just imagine, if the company dumped as much money into R&amp;D for diesel and hybrid technologies, and gave it to US companies.....we'd be in better shape and not have sacrificed any US soldiers....not to mention Bush wouldn't look as much like a tool as he does after the war against 'terrer'

Dr. Jekyll

only thing was, my car had already been reported stolen :-/ Kinda added insult to injury.

ModifiedA4

from what i know about the tickets, the rental car company bills your CC.

SmokinS4™

They only bill the administrative costs (for mailing me the notification). Theoretically, I should have gotten something in the mail directly from the German RMV.

I have also checked my AMEX bill (just this moment) and the only CC charges were for the actual rental charges plus the 11Euro (times 2) charges.

Maybe it'll show up, maybe it won't. I can't pay anything if I don't get a bill. =)

VerrÜckt

with your picture, your measured speed, and the legal speed. At this point, you need to sign the form and send it back which basically admits guilt.

You aren't issued the actual fine until the first confirmation letter is sent back. The rental company likely hasn't received the fine yet.

I live up in Cologne so let me know if you're back in the area and want to meet up with another AW'er.

Mark P

California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York or Vermont

SAC-CA-GTI

And it's actually NY that is holding it up, not CA. VW can even sell the V10 TDI in CA now!