Thanks for all the useful suggestions. When I test drove the car, I didn't notice the transmission problems. They occur only occasionally under specific conditions. However, now I seem to notice the harsh shifting too often. I'm also discovering other complaints about the transmission on the web.

It's my opinion that, when buying a high-end, expensive luxury car like the A6, it should operate to some reasonable, general standards. I don't think a driver should have to learn special driving techniques or do anything different in accelerating or braking, than any other car. I've (like most of you) owned many cars in my life, both expensive and not-so-expensive. I've never experienced any problems this extreme. It's ironic that the most expensive car I've owned, is the poorest performing. Accelerating and braking the car are the two most basic features of any car. The other "bells and whistles" are secondary. If Audi promoted their cars by stating that owners must learn specific driving techniques or have special skills, I don't think that it would help their sales. This car is being marketed to a general public who want comfort and luxury, not pure sports car performance.

 

Does your A6 have the sport package? To me there is quite a big of difference on how the transmission shifts between the Dynamic and Sport modes. The sport mode seems to snap into the gears harder than the Dynamic mode.

 

I don't have a sports package, but I can shift the car from a drive mode to sports mode on the transmission. In sports mode the harsh gear shifting is, indeed, more noticeable.

I took it to Audi service yesterday, and the adviser stated that the rough shifting and uneven acceleration, and even the uncomfortable brakes are "normal" for this car. He said that it is primarily a sports car, and is "aggressive" in its operation.

My only option now is to try to find a buyer who appreciates an "aggressive" car.

 

Im sorry it is not working out for you. They are nice cars and I have really enjoyed mine, so far....

 

Not sure what trim your A6 is, but did you try changing the ADS settings using the MMI? You can try Auto or Comfort or set individual to change the shift point to be less "aggressive" if it is in Dynamic mode.

The combination of turbo lag and pressing the go pedal harder because of the delay will cause the rough shifting and uneven acceleration you described.

The A6 with CVT shouldn't have the problem but you can't have quattro with that.

Sorry to hear about your problem, I love my A6. It is comfortable even with 20" and sport suspension. It is extremely quiet with 18" and winter tires.

 

You should have spent a few dollars more for the V6 engine. It is very smooth and the car handles great, rides nice and gets almost as good mpg as the turbo 4. I have the new A6 and love it. I guess you would consider me to be a senior but I don't act like one.

 

I would recommend a Cadillac Eldorado. It's essentially a recliner on wheels.

 

I have the above with 2300 miles and have very similar shifting misses by the transmission

It only occurs in sports mode not in d mode or even in manual mode

It just over revs in gears like its getting stuck

Dealer said nothing is wrong but he's wrong

I'm going back this week

It's either and adjustment or a sticking throttle

I'm no car expert but have a vet and it sure didn't do that

Sort of regretting on buying th eight cylinder s6 or the BMW 550

 

German engineering and American muscle are vastly different. Keep in mind it's going to feel a lot different because the A6 is AWD whereas the Corvette is RWD. I have an AWD A6 2.7T and a RWD BMW M6 and the shifting is like night and day.

The shifting under load in the Audi is like you say: Sporty. The shifting in the M6 under load is like getting punched by Mike Tyson in his prime - It locks in the gears very fast and it lets you know it.

 

At this point I believe that the shifting problem at low speeds in the A6 is simply the engineering of the car. It's uncomfortable and aggravating, but unfortunately it's the way the car was designed to operate. As I said before, this should not be typical of a "luxury" car.

The brakes are another issue. I still believe that there's a continuing problem with the brakes. The hard "snap" when you brake the car continues. Even at the slowest speeds, when you stop the car, it continues to snap your head back sharply as the car stops. It's like something you'd feel in a Freightliner truck chassis. I can't believe that this is "normal" for this car, as the service adviser told me.

I've contacted Audi USA Customer Service, but have gotten no help with the issue - only "form" e-mails. I think they're doing their best to frustrate me, hoping that I'll disappear.

My last avenue to pursue is a Lemon Law Complaint here in Massachusetts. At least, this might get their attention.