Quattro Wagons

["DAVID C. COHEN" <102466.2362@CompuServe.COM>]

I've been lurking in the digest the past few weeks learning and listening as we
are seriously thinking about  buying a new A6 wagon.  As a BMW enthusiast (flame
suit on) and with the need for more capacity than 5 (rules out 5 series wagons),
the A6QW sure seems to have the handling, safety, size, looks and features we
are
looking for versus the Swedish alternative (which is faster,  biger inside,
cheaper -- and,  despite the sticky 16ZR50 Michelin Pilots, still drives like my
father's Volvo  -- and that goes back many many years).  

My biggest criticism of the A6 wagon is that while the 2.8 is smooooooth, it
could use some more oomph.  I thought I saw some mention of a 5 valve head for
'97 -- Can anyone confirm those plans?  The dealer said no changes other than
price for '97, but of course he would say that near the end of the model year.
Are there other changes we should be looking for?    As we would hope to keep
this car a long time (you'll see what I mean below), the extra power would make
the '97 well worth waiting for.

Other advice needed - does anyone know if there are dealer incentives or
holdbacks? -- the usual sources show no holdbacks, but that seems odd.   Are
there any performance chips or other upgrades for the A6, or has OBDII nixed
this?  Anything else we should consider in looking at the A6QW?

On other matters:
	(i) the wagons are cool looking
	(ii) Satch Carlson does still write a monthly column for Roundel, the
	BMWCCA magazine
	(iii) He also provides the occasional pithy post to the BMW email digest
	(iv) Brake bomb failures are a common BMW problem, and do matter in terms
	of safe braking, but only in emergency situatations when brakes may be
critical.
	Turning off the whole system  is fine, but a shot bomb is dangerous.
	(v)  Whats with the "hairy green frogs made me... " stuff?
	(vi) Is there an Audi or Quattro club? local chapters?

I've enjoyed the learning, look forward to your help, and expect to join the Q
continuim before too long, or at least before ski season.

Thanks!

Dave Cohen

84 BMW 745i (yes they have turbos too)
73 2002
93 Wife's Mitsu Diamante (soon to be an A6QW?)