Re: 98 A4 musings

[Jim Simone <jmsimone@ix.netcom.com>]

I can comment on a couple of Ti's points:

Ti Kan wrote:

> snip
>
> I noticed a number of small changes compared to my 96 model that are
> interesting.  The obvious ones are the color and wood choices (Atmospheres
> stuff), but here are some others:
>
> 1. Different door lock pin (shorter) and alarm LED next to it.  My 96
>    doesn't have an LED on the door.  The only alarm indicator is the
>    blinking fog light switch light.

New for '98

> 2. An extra wire-mesh grille on the inside door panel, above the speaker
>    and below the power mirror controls.  What's that for?

It's a separate speaker for the hands-free mobile phone in a car with the Bose
sound system. Non-Bose setups use the left speaker.

> 3. The speaker grilles now have a badge that says "Audi/Bose".

Indicates the Bose upgrade. Standard sound systems have no badge.

> 4. The instrument cluster graphics is slightly different, there is coarser
>    gradations on the clock, but they added numerics to the 12, 3, 6 and 9
>    o'clock positions.
>
> 5. The digital odometer and trip odometer LEDs now light up momentarily
>    when you open the car door.  On my car, it will light up only when
>    you turn on the ignition, or if you turn on the parking light/headlight.

I believe this is a late '98 addition, not present on all '98 models

> 6. The 98 manual trans shift knob is bigger and uglier than the 96.
>
> 7. The radio is different (I knew this one already).  The new Audi Concert
>    unit seems to have somewhat better front panel ergonomics than my Audi
>    Delta CC unit, but I light the Delta CC's looks better.  The volume control
>    knob is closer to the driver's side on the Delta CC.

Got it, like it.

> 8. The climate control's '-' and '+' buttons have smooth faces rather than
>    the sculpted ones as on my 96.
>
> 9. The spring-loaded dual cup holders as found on my 96 A4 is no longer there.
>    In its place is a storage trough.  The larger storage trough next to
>    the hand brake handle is now where the dual cup holder is now.  The new
>    cup holder is simply two dished-in areas with two little tongues for
>    cup retension.  Maybe this could hold a cup better than the old design,
>    but not as "trick".

Again, a late '98 add-on. Earlier builds have the much-criticized spring-loaded
design.

> 10. The arm rest lid-open latch is different.  The old design was to slide
>     the button sideways to open, the new one is to push in.
>
> 11. The sports steering wheel center is subtly reshaped compared to mine.
>     Also, slightly different textures.  The faux bolts "dimples" are gone.

I like the new wheel better, myself.

> 12. The dome light fades out gradually rather than just turning off.  Cool.

A subtle but nice feature, I agree.

> Anyway, just thought I'd share this with you...

Thanks for the observations.

Jim