i have an 2003 A4 3.0 quattro with 58,000 miles.
Does this model have any special "bell or whistle" regarding the clutch/tranny preventing it from overreving in the wrong gear, or anything like that?

a friend was test driving it at highway speed and was going to turn around and instead of downshifting as she slowed she just popped it out of 5th/6th (not sure what she was in) and coasted.then shetried to put it back into gear (3rd, maybe 2nd) and it was almost like the clutch wouldn't engage or like it was slipping severely. We pulled over and stopped and then it was fine. it didn't happen again. It pulls just like it ever did, no slipping or any sign of trouble.

Oh, and there was a burning smell, almost like brakes.

any ideas?

 

the burning smell was clutch, i know that smell anywere, and i think its jsut something with the tranny that makes it hard to go into gear if your going too fast and downshift too low.

 

well each gear has a top speed. if u were going like 70 and tried to pop it into 2nd, u need to learn to drive a stick. and u also have to rev match. and like saudi said the smell is the clutch. i burned the crap outa my clutch when i first got my car cuz i didn't kno how to drive it. even had smoke come out but i learn fast and saved my clutch.

 

You scortched you clutch. It should be fine once it cools down.

Tell her she owes you a BJ.

 

Cochon!