Breaking in my A4Q

[Achille Riviello <acriviel@mailhost.ecn.uoknor.edu>]

Thanks everyone for the congrats.  I'm very excited about my A4Q.  All of
you have been helpful in your hints about breaking it in.  I have, however,
a few of questions about some fine points:

1)  The general consensus is that the oil to use is a synthetic oil.
However, opinions differ on when to change the oil.  The dealer says to
leave the original oil in the car for the full initial 7500 miles.  Some of
you agree--some of you say change it frequently in the first few thousand
miles.  Some say change it every 3000 miles after the inital 7500, some say
wait the whole 7500 interval.  Opinions??

2)  If it is a necessity that I do highway driving, I am told that I should
vary my speed...down to 55, up to 75, etc., etc.  Is this enough of a
variation to avoid the ring problems associated with constant rpm driving
during break-in?

3)  If I want to modify my intake manifold or chip the engine, should I wait
or do it now?  Should the engine be broken in with the modifications or does
it matter?

4)  Has anyone experienced wear on the arm-rests (door and/or central) on
the A4?  How have you coped with this?

5)  Are there any special care recommendations for the pearlescent white
with clear coat paint job?  I paid about $500 for that option and would like
it to stay nice for the **long** haul.

6)  Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance to all.

Achille Riviello
acriviel@mailhost.ecn.uoknor.edu
83 4000s, 200+k miles,
96 A4Q, 62 miles,
H&K USP 45 & P7M13 ... "In a world of compromise, some don't"