I recently bought my first Audi (used 2005 A6 Quarto 3.2 6-speed Auto – 42K miles) and I am noticing some issues that I wanted to see if they are normal or I should have them looked at. My car is still under warranty BTW.
1) The gear ratios seem very strange. The driving profile almost feels exponential (too slow at slow speeds and then warp speed!). Is this normal? I read somewhere that the gear ratios is a learning one and can be reset. Is that true and easy to do for the dealer?
2) Excessive steam coming out of the mufflers. Since buying the car it has been ~ 30-45 degrees where I live. I would expect some condensation and steam from the muffler when the car is cold, but 20 minutes after start and in 45 degrees I wouldn’t expect so much white steam. Is this normal? The car also takes about 10 minutes to reach temperature!
3) Hesitation and basically poor driving at slower speeds. Is this normal?
4) Some clicking sound from behind the center vent when the car starts at times. It sounds like some oxygen sensor or some valve trying to close.
5) When I turn the car off, with the window down I can immediately hear a motor whining down (I think it is AC unit). It almost sound like a jet engine turning off. Is that normal for a 3.2 Quarto?

Any guidance will be appreciated. Also I need a diagram on how to take apart the grey “U” shape plastic piece of the center console (the one that surrounds the switches – not the metal around the gear shift, and not the wood one) so I can replace my badly scratched one if anyone knows where to get one. Finding a little plastic part is becoming a $1000 adventure (I miss my Acura experience right about now ). Cheers.

 

do you drive in tip mode? (assuming you have it)

 

No I drive in regular auto. It does have triptronics though (aka. manual shift).

 

My 08 A6 winds down too when I shut off the engine, so I assume its normal.

 

The gear ratios should be fixed.
Adaptive gear box means adaptive behavior after the driving style - shift points mainly.
To awake a sleepy tip - do gas-brake several times. Will notice difference, or drive on sport.

 

I have an '06 A6 and I hear the "jet engine turning off" sound as well. In the winter I have the ECON button swithed on so I know it is not the AC just the fans shutting down I assume. I think it sounds cool...Re the steam, I also noticed this, if I'm at a light I see the steam in my rear view morror even in 40's temp and after it has warmed up...
Still looking for advice in pairing my iphone consitently with the cars bluetooth
Best,