'97 owners experiences

[Aron in Toronto]

I also have a '97 with about 34,000 mi. Mine has had some similar issues to yours.

It's on its third ignition switch. First was replaced under warranty, the second I replaced myself with the Audi sourced electrical portion if the switch for $38.00 and 45 min of DIY time.

Slight RMS weep/leak. This started shortly after switching to 0w40 weight oil. I'll let it continue leaking until it either gets worse (currently a couple of small drops every other month) or during clutch replacement.

Air bag light caused by seat belt receptacles ground issue. Repaired once under warranty. Light is back on with same diagnosis from dealer. I have the updated receptacles and will get around to installing at some point.

Convertible top cable housing stretched causing cables to disconnect from motor and jamb clam shell. I DIY (+/- 2 hours) the cable housings and resynchronized the top transmissions.

Regards,
Aron

[RandallNeighbour]

My 1997 had the motor replaced at 75k. Probably from foolish ownership though. My car was totally beat up and abused before I bought it. Of course, it could have been IMS. I really don't know.

For the first two or three years of ownership, I was totally paranoid. Now, I don't worry about stuff i can't control and just drive the car like I just stole it every time I get behind the wheel.

I figure that if she's gonna blow, it's gonna happen no matter what so I'm going to enjoy it as long as it lasts.

If you want to see the laundry list of stuff I've replaced, click on the links in my signature.