Re: 5000 brake booster (servo)

[Carl DeSousa <desousa@cisco.com>]

Michael,

> From: 16-Nov-1994 1531 <moy@quek.enet.dec.com>
> 
>I have an 88 and have had the steering rack replaced. The brake light has come
>on maybe three times this year so I may need a PA soon. It doesn't seem like
>the rack or the J-hose are any better as these have gone on mine. Are the other
>parts (pressure booster, master cylinder, etc) better in the 87 and on?

Yes, many parts were changed by 88.  But I personally believe
that these parts are limited by design.  What I mean is that a
steering rack for example, will only make it to 100K miles max
even if its the latest one.  Where as the pre 87-88 failed way before
that.  When we bought my sisters 89 200Q, we had the dealer replace the
steering rack, water pump, & belts before signing a contract.  The car
had 80k+ miles on it, was showing minor signs of leakage and I didn't
want to wait for these things to fail in year.    

Overall, given that you don't have to pay for all these repairs
yourself, they are great cars.  And even though we just forked over $1300
for the brake hydraulic system, its still better than going out and
buying a Lexus and getting stuck in the snow on the way to Tahoe.
This is the first big expense we have paid for in the last 40k miles.

I don't know the specifics but I have noticed slight differences in
the exterior of some parts.  The replacement accumilator had
differences, the steering racks have a different return line on the
late models, etc.... Don't know about the master cylinder.  
All these things tell me they made improvements but haven't perfected
the design.  

Its just like the Porsche 911's, after 30+ years in production, each
year got better and better.  

But interestly enough, I didn't follow my own advice and purchased an
85 5000T for $3K for my parents.  But the car had all the service
records from the original owner.  All the typical 5000 weaknesses had
been addressed except for the climate control, which I repaired with a
new controller.  They love it and it has been fairly reliable for a
year now.   

I can see people buying a used 5000 that needed all these repairs and
never wanting to buy an Audi again.  That probably why they're fairly
cheap used.  But funny thing is, it happens with Porsche 911s too, and
probably a bunch of other cars?  

Moral is, research heavily before buying a car with over 50k miles on
it so you don't get stuck repairing its weaknesses.  And/or budget in repair
costs and get compensated when you make a purchase.   

Carl

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> I won't recommend buying 5000's in the future to friends and family
> unless its at least 87 or preferably newer.  The 84s and 85s are the
> worst, 86's are better.  The technician at the dealer voiced this
> same opinion.  Most of you probably already know this.
> 
> Carl DeSousa