Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about the automatic transmissions on 97-99 A4's? I'm thinking about purchasing an A4, and have no plans for mods.

I'm not very familiar with this vehicle, and thought I would see if there was a general concensous as to the automatic transmission's robustness...or lack of.

Do they last upwards of 100K, or are owners starting to see problems? Thanks!

 

as long as you stay off this site you will not be modding haha but other than that no problems unless you abuse it ( no neutral drops save those for rental cars )

 

Nope , they are good considering its a slushie ..
Unless you have to get it , get a manual..

 

They are typically pretty good. Don't see too many problems with the auto trannies.

 

i have an automatic but it really slow on shifts but its alrite

 

yeah, get a manuel

 

You just pulled my main thread. I hate my auto tranny. ITs very stupid. The car will have you in 4 or 5 all the time (which is great for gas) but when you need to go up a hill or even through a turn and you press the gas down about half way, it will downshift you all the way to 2nd then put you back in 5th. I understand its a high reving car and the tranny can be fun. But if you arnt into flying around and you just want to cruise it can be aggressive (and often annoying). Thats my two cents, but then again it might just be cause I have a turbo. 2.8 is probably alot smoother.

 

Panda, you have an automatic? I'm surprised...you seem pretty hardcore about your ride, and most of my friends look at me like I'm a second-class citizen for having a Tiptronic.

Peteman, it never ceases to amaze me how I'll be doing 25mph, throw it over into tiptronic only to find out that I'm in 5th gear. I'm starting to use my tiptronic full-time, but generally I'll just use it for the fun stuff. Highway on-ramps, curves, hills, that sort of thing, and its a lot of fun. In general, I feel like the Tiptronic helps you be a little smoother in the 0-30mph range. Whenever I'm coming off a stop sign, it feels a little jerky in automatic....probably because it's shifting through 4 gears in 5 seconds!

On a somewhat related note...I might be doing a BMW driving class at Watkins Glenn at the end of the month. Anyone have experiences (good or bad) using a Tip while running laps? Do instructors let you use the tiptronic, or do they just keep you in automatic?

Holla back...

 

yes sadly im cursed wit a TIP but i still have QUATTRO
the car was a steal i had to buy it, i would love a stick though

 

you need to go out and test drive some cars. I was pretty set on getting a stick and when i went out it comfirmed my stance. The autos shift like babies bottom smooth but they are quiet poochy. Don't know what year your looking at but heres a few specs from a 1999.
v-6 2.8L
1/4mile time
15.4 with a stick
16.5 with an auto

A second in the quarter is a BIG difference, i'd definatly suggest test driving a few to see what you like best.