'80's audi door handle question

[Ameer Antar]

I think the real issue is 4k/5k handles are 1-6 yrs older than the later 
types. Give those guys a few more years. On my '84 5kT, I had to change one 
handle, the po broke it off. The rest had problems but were cured after 
cleaning the locks and lubing the push rod connections. I kind of like the 
older style. At least it has some chrome in it, and the black handles seem 
to much like handles on a minivan or something. Plus the later types seem 
like a just another weak handle. The plastic seems like it could snap w/ 
someone trying to open a frozen mechanism. The heater device sounds 
good...but w/ an Audi, you know you'll have to troubleshoot that someday. 
Point is, I think either lock will give a very long life, if you maintain 
things very well. You have to put in some extra maintenance cuz the parts 
are almost 15 yrs old. As soon as there's tons of water, dirt and junk in 
the door's insides, the lock will have problems in the winter. I think good 
window seals will block out more water too.

-ameer