A Smashing A4Q

[Stephen Williams <mannlaw@indy.net>]

	Ti, 
	Sorry to hear about the wreck, good to hear everything worked as 
designed. 

	Couple of hints learned from rebuilding wrecks like your A4Q:

	1.  While I doubt the aftermarket copiers have had time to copy 
the body parts of the A4Q yet [??], make sure Audi parts are used on the 
car [body parts that is].  Fit and finish and durability are much better 
than on the generic parts;

	2.  Air bags are a great thing, except once they have blown.  
You are absolutely correct in using the term "detonate", as there is an 
explosion getting the bag out of the dash / steering app.  My point is 
this, it is not uncommon for the dash to fracture [internally] from the 
"explosion".  Unless you know what you are looking for, it is very easy 
to overlook / miss this potentially maddening and very expensive 
problem.  The only cure I have found is dash replacement, when the damage 
occurs.  Otherwise, the little noises will drive you crazy.  Ask your 
Audi body guy to check this.  If he says it never happens, he is an 
idiot--go someplace else.  Audi air bags are about as costly as any bag 
I've replaced--good thing you have insurance [thousands, not 
hundreds.  Remember, you have not only the bags--and the parts attached 
thereto, but sensors, etc., and, prolly, your passive restraint as 
well--big job=big money].

	3.  Since your car is still under warranty, and insurance should 
be paying for this, I'd have Audi do the repairs.  Then, if 15,000 miles 
from now you have problems you can let them know (1) the car was and is 
under warranty (2) if there was a problem with the repairs they caused 
it.  I would guess S.F. has some fantastic body shops, but the key here 
is not letting Audi off the hook on future problems which they may 
[depending on the dealer] try to blame on the non-Audi repairs.

	4.  Make sure they check for windshield / seal damage.  
Sometimes, the bag on pass side will break the front window [spider 
cracks] or disrupt the seal.

	Remember, just because this accident was prolly your fault, you 
don't have to take shit from your insurance company.  Some are great, 
some not.  Part of the coverage is they have to pay to have your car 
fixed right.  Make sure this is done--no matter the threats.

	Good luck

	Bruce