I had a 97 for 150K with minimal trouble. Just bought an 03 A8L last summer and recently had the trans serviced and a front cv boot installed. That solved the jerk in the shifting that had developed. First time out on an icy road was to say the least exciting. It feels like the rear wants to trade places with the front constantly with no particular pattern. Max speed possible is 45. Dry road it works just fine. Where do I start?

 

What tires are you running? I would probably start there. Are all the electronic goodies like abs and stability control working?

 

Make sure you've got the proper tires for the season. For snow and ice, REAL winter tires are highly recommended. I mean like Blizzak or equivalent.
Also, have the alignment checked. If the rear toe is off it can cause the car to be VERY unstable on slippery pavement.
Beyond that, just have to drive accordingly when it's icy.

 

Well I'm embarrassed
It's top control arms, bushings are shot.
Searching the threads I found kits but they are no longer available.
Local auto parts in the morning, Thanks
May still be the rear alignment, I had not even thought of that but my son reminded me that it had a bent rim on the rear when I bought it. I will have that checked.

 

You are spot on, after new bushings up front I had it aligned and found the rear waaaay out of alignment. Now it tracks perfect.