julimac

Hi guys - this is the best forum I have seen for any car.
So by way of introduction, I just bought a CPO 2005 W12 with 18K on it, bluetooth, 4 seat configuration, satellite ratio, everything except the fridge - and so far I love it. Your collective advice on this forum really helped me research the car and its issues. So now I have it here in the Colorado winter, I have a few questions.

1. What winter tires do you recommend? It currently has Michelin Sports on stock wheels.

2. There must be something wrong with the cellphone module - since I paired my blackberry yesterday the car picks up an incoming phantom call every 20 seconds or so - nothing registers on the blackberry so I guess it must be an audi/MMI problem. So has anyone had this experience, and if so, what is the remedy?

3. Is there anything else I should look out for/have checked out before taking it up to the mountains?

Thanks in advance

Audis or VWs 4Life

1. Blizzak LM25's or Dunlop Winter Sport M3's Cant go wrong with either.

2. Get the lates zug update on the car. Its a DIY if you can get the discs or done at the dealer. Note you may have to step through multiple updates to get to the latest MMI release. Updates are not cummlative.

3. Not sure about 3 but if those mtn have snow see my answer to number 1. Have your brakes and suspension checked for pad life and check the sway bars for cracked bushings.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Looks like Tire Rack only recommends one tire for a complete wheel package:

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25
(Performance Snow)
Overview | Specs | Warranty | Reviews | Test Results | Survey Results
Sidewall Style: Blackwall

Size: 255/45R18

parkrog2

Reboot MMI see if that helps the bluetooth.
I have Hankook ice grabbers and love them in snow. Live in Park City down unpaved gravel road thats mostly hard snow or ice.

06A8

pirelli sottozeros...xl rated, almost tailor made for A8 series, and pretty good winter tires.

lgball

I used to get random mutes of the stereo from my Bluetooth module. I finally figured out it was because my phone was picking up bluetooth requests from other phones. When I took the phone out of "discoverable" mode, they stopped.

Larry

MP4.2+6.0

If you aren't on at least 3360 (aka 33.60) you will want to get there. 4140 (41.40) supposedly cleaned up more compatibility issues too, but it is not one the dealer will do under a TSB. On a 2005, unless it was already upgraded, it would be pre-3360 (the 11.xx or the 27.xx one??). If so, clearly get to 33.xx or above to clean up issues as well as the lawyer nag screen.

You don't say what size rims of wheels you would want to use w/ the W12 for winters. 18's, 19's and 20's are all posssible, and depending on which size and width you target, the actual brand choices in the right tire sizes vary widely. For example, there is no such thing as a Dunlop M3 in the 20's, while the Pirelli 270 only exists in the full on sport 20 275/35 size. In turn, if you need true winter (narrower width, taller sidewall), that's not a 275, but if you want max non winter performance for dry and mild days, it is. In Colorado, I'm guessing you might want to lock more on the 18's and 19's and lock in the 245 and 255 width range. Be careful too with the load ratings, especially on the pretty heavy W12.