First, when turning the car off while the radio is on, the channel will automatically change when I start up the car again 8+ hours later. (ex. 89.5 fm then changed to 89.7 fm) wtf mates???

Second, there is a flutter/clapping sound that begins when I cold start the engine. It sounds for approx. 5 seconds and then dies off almost immediately. My buddy thought it might be a turbo valve that lets cold air escape...is this even somewhat accurate?

Lastly, I just recently got this 2000 2.7T 6spd with 104,000 miles (the car I am discussing) and wondering about the transmission fluid and whatnot. The previous owner drove on the highway all the time...we're talkin' 40,000 miles in 1.5 years.

Any advice/input on these questions would be much appreciated as you can tell I have much 'audi familiarization' to go through!

no idea about the radio changing ... my heat was changing for about a week but then stopped??

yes the flutter is normal and also the low humming sound is normal too ... just standard starting proceedures on cold engine... be sure to let the car warm up until the sounds stop or maybe even a bit longer if it is very cold

audis use special fluids... i believe they are mineral based fluids ... buy them from your local shop or dealer ... if you are going to a shop to have the work done take it to a shop that knows audis ... they will know to put the audi type coolant and trans fluid in ... also full synthetic oil

Good deal, thanks for the advice. Everything is really questionable right now since I am trying to discern all of the Audi characterstics.

i suggest yyou read the sticky post at the top of the a6 forum on the standard 2.7 maint. etc etc

enjoy the audi

One other thing too.....you said it has 104k on it. If the timing belt has not been done yet, do it tomorrow. You'd be well overdue.

The sticky at the top is a good place to start. :)

Search for info about changing transmission fluid and such. The upshot: even though Audi says they're lifetime fluids, they do like to be changed. With an MT6, a lot of people get much smoother shifting. Just be aware that you might have to hunt around a little bit to get OEM fluids, and pay a few extra bucks, but they're worth it.

And, of course, have fun:)

For what it's worth, when I replaced my clutch/flywheel at 89k I also replaced the transmission, transfer case, and differential fluids. At 94550 I did the timing belt, which included fresh radiator fluid. At 96k I had them drain/replace the brake fluid. I consider all this prudent maintenance whether they were called for or not. The car now has 115k and no problems. Even has the original battery!