I’m also new to the forum. I have an 02 A6 Quattro Turbo 2.7 base. It replaced a Mercedes S320. I enjoy German engineering for the most part—not always. The car is silver and came with 132k a year ago and presently has 147k. Just replaced rotors and pads (slotted/drilled rotors). I have only just been able to spend any time on the car because of a demanding schedule and health issues that came first. I learned a great deal from a lot of really good people on the Benz forums and looking forward to the same with Audi enthusiasts.

i will list issues in case somone has suggestions or insights:
- Front Drivers side CVC Boot TORN
- Doesn’t always start and seems to be duke related due to heavy smell after starting and while running afterward.
- The front end had some strong shimmy above 50 and I was told by a service mechanic it was due to specific front end parts. I also needed tires all around. I’m glad I went for the tires first because it turns out the belts on both front tires were broken. It rides very smooth now.
- Check Engine light has been on and plan to begin addressing those issues now that safety is not on my mind.
- the passenger side front and rear floors were soaked after rain and it only happened over the past two months and stopped on its own. After three days of downpours it remains dry. Would like to hear any theories for possible future reference.
- plan on changing oil soon, along with plugs (iridium/platinum necessary?) and maybe over plug coils.
- will replace all vacuum lines, coolant hoses, thermostat, power steering lines, fuel filter, fuel pressure sensor.
- I would like input regarding changing transmission fluid. My Benz supposedly had a “No maintenance” transmission. I enquirer at a local Mercedes specialist and he advised me not to. I needed a new transmission 8 months after. My question is this—If I use a qualified Audi guy is there any reason not to change trans fluid or NOT CHANGE IT? It’s shifts nicely now— but then again so did the Benz. So Im wary on this question.
—Also considering coolant flush/thermostat change along with a change of brake fluid. The brake fluid change is something I’ve never done before and actually never heard of it. Is this a good idea for being a reasonable preventive step? Or is it to be avoided?

And finally, I am—at best—a weekend beginner level mechanic. But I learn very fast and I’m smarter than most when it comes to having good instincts, providing i have a decent knowledge base on a topic. Just when I became really good at tuning cars that required points, plugs rotor and a timing light—everything began changing and I had zero time to spend beneath the hood and learn because my time was spent getting my new business off the ground. Now I’m anxious to return to feeling comfortable working on my vehicle and troubleshooting relatively straight forward issues and knowing when I’m over my head (I’m over my head presently—so very open to input from others with superior experience and knowledge.)

its always very cool as well to meet lots of people who are experts at their chosen field whether a profession or hobby. Martial Arts or car service/repair/diagnostics. Looking forward to meeting you all and thanks in advance.