Worth the Wait...

[David Weiss <dzweiss@worldnet.att.net>]

Has _anybody_ had good experience w/ getting parts for a V8?  I have
been trying for months now to get a driver-side floor mat for the
5-spd.  It's actually part of the carpet, w/ thick foam insulation on
the back that goes directly over the metal floorpan, so it's not like
you can just get an aftermarket mat as a replacement.  I will cover the
new one, if it ever comes.  The car was purchased with an understanding
that this wear item would have to be replaced.

 1) The dealer ordered a mat for the AT, and Audi sent the mat for the
    AT.  Part nos. are similar.

 2) The dealer ordered the proper mat, but Audi sent the mat for the AT.

 3) The dealer ordered the proper mat, but Audi sent the mat for the AT.
    Took a couple months, out of stock, even in Germany.

 4) I traced my mat, labeled the tracing in both English and German, put
    it in a cardboard mailer, and gave it to the dealer, who sent it to
    the parts depot in Chicago.  They supposedly faxed part of the
    tracing to Germany.  Audi sent the mat for the AT.

 5) Called Audi Customer Service, told them the problem wasn't the
    dealer, but Audi parts; I asked if they could straighten this out.
    Customer Service called the dealer to see what was going on.  (Never
    heard back, got that info from my friend the parts guy.)  The dealer
    ordered the proper mat, but Audi sent the mat for the AT.

Had to wait weeks for the Canadians to send timing belt pulleys, and
thought that was ridiculous, but this!  Four of five times the part was
ordered, it was not in stock in the U.S., had to come from Germany,
several weeks minimum.  Who is _managing_ this self-alleged parts
distribution system?  Who is allowing this "manager" to keep his job? 
Is it time yet for kicking *ss and taking names?

--Dave Weiss
  '91 V8 5-spd w/ holes in the floor mat down to the metal
  '93 90CS UnQ