Re: Typ 85 CQ - gas mileage and other questions

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

Huw Powell <audi@mediaone.net> wrote:

>> Why? I mean- it's cool to have PW, but not when they fail all the time. Get
>> some aftermarket stuff and be done with it...
>
>"Fail all the time"?
>
>The MTBF seems to be what, 12-15 years for a heavily used, unlubricated
>window mechanism?  And about the same, maybe a a litle less for a never
>cleaned switch, in the weather on the armrest.

Hmmm. When I mention Audi power windows, everyone keeps on saying "Oooh
,they're crap, don't get 'em, just another source of endless repairs". So
they're not? Better get 'em myself, then...
>
>They are "failing all the time" because 1. that's how old our cars are
>and 2. they don't get fixed right (ie like new again).

I've never heard of a _manual_ window assembly failing on an Audi- and 90%
of older Audis here in Holland have them. I sincerely doubt that the
(manual) window mechanisms on both my previous and current Audi have ever
been lubricated. They work perfectly, and my previous car had over 220k
miles on it.
>
>I say do it.  need a "bezel", harness, two switches that match harness,
>two regulator/cable assy's, and maybe two windows (I think the brackets
>are glued on in different places electric vs. manual but I'm not quite
>sure...)

...or two motors with the associated wiring and flexible shafts, plus
switches. *New* stuff (like in boxes, easy to install, with installation
manual) costs some $100 for TWO doors, I've never heard of one failing.
Made by major manufacturers, too. And the switches don't fail like the Audi
items, either. I'm speaking from experience here- this aftermarket stuff
was in three of my (company) cars, and has served me for some 200k miles
without maintenance and with lots of abuse (waiting in the car feeling
bored, playing with the stupid windows).

Just MHO here, YMMV etc...

Tom