Mr. Z

I posted an earlier question about a couple of used A8's I'm looking at, but it seems like it comes down to one major issue: transmission.

What are people's thoughts on 1998 Tiptronic? Gimmick? Any benefit beyond the first 30 days of novelty? What about the straight auto in a 1997 after reprogramming to Sport (12) mode?

What about transmission durability in the 1997 and 1998 models? Any clear signs that a tranny would or could die within, say, the next year? Anything that can be inspected by an experienced Audi shop?

ivans A8

I dont have a tiptronic and I probably would like to have one just for fun, but how much practical it is I dont know, I havent tried on with tip. I recently recoded my tranny to 11 and yes, I can feel the difference, shifting pattern are much better.
Regarding inspection of you tranny - dont think you can do much other than take her for a drive, listen and feel how it shifts very carefully. I inspected my car by independed Audi dealer and they found nothing. Week later, oil and filter in transmission was due for change (pump started cavitate). I replaced both, myself, with OEM parts, it was rough at first but now it is pretty much back to normal, smooth as new. I guess it takes some time for sludge to get washed out.

8 misbehavin

Tranny is really a crapshoot. Mine's at 150k miles and just starting to exhibit "hunting" between 4th and 5th gears at around 40 mph. Not a big deal to me as I often use the TIP and almost never cruise at 40mph anyway. If I need to stay at that speed, I use the TIP and put it in 4th. Problem solved.

Dan McBoost

They are great in the dry for holding gears, engine breaking.

They are great in the snow for fun fun fun.

tozoM8

I've used in my car for a year. It is my original shifter from my 97', modified to tiptronic. Plug and play.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/80919/161.jpg">

Always Overcharged

Have recoded and owned for 3 months and not sick of the variety yet

ivans A8

How hard is it to swap? I might be interested if its not too much work.

tozoM8

Here is the instruction ( thanks to Paul ) how to change it. My shifter is from my 97', so you don't have to rewire anything, just connect the 3 wires for the tiptronic.<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/auto_transmission/97tiptronicupgrade.html">http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/auto_transmission/97tiptronicupgrade.html</a</li></ul>

Pearl 8

Hello Tozo. My email is johnnoll@charter.net this is the last mod I been wanting for my 97, please email with details, thanks john.

tozoM8

YGM.