My transmission downshifts kind of hard mainly when coming to a stop. It seems noticeable 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. It also has a good thump at times. I also notice a drag or loss in momentum quickly feeling when letting off the accelerator at any speed. (maybe torque converter coming out of lock?)
I purchased this A8 with a rebuilt tranny (paperwork included). It has had a couple thousand miles since replaced. the replacement was from a 98. I have done the following, with still the same results...

- drained and refilled with correct atf and new filter
- checked all the solenoid screens in the tranny (looked very clean in the tranny, and fluid was like new and yellow colored like it should be)
- double checked the atf level following audipages write up using vagcom to watch the temp. topped off the filler at around 37 celicious
- recoded using vagcom to 00011 and 00012. 00011 seems to help with the harsh downshift, but it is still def there.
- reset transmission with the process- key to on, slowly press the gas pedal all the way to the floor, slowly let it back up (did not notice anything)

MAKES ME CRAZY THAT I CANT GET THIS THING TO FEEL LIKE IT SHOULD!!
any advice would be much appreciated!