Poor gear shifting.

[the surfer]

How many VAG car owners frequently experience very poor gear shifting when their engine is cold?

My Golf is terrible in the mornings in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. The gears don't 'crunch' but they're very notchy and baulk when up-shifting. It takes a good 10 minutes of driving before the shifts become smooth. (My car's 3 years old and only done 30k).

I took my car into the dealer about this when it was still under warranty and they said "It's a characteristic of your car, sir".

What I'd like to know is:
1) How common this is.
2) Why it happens? - apart from the oil being more viscous.
3) Will it cause long-term damage?
4) Can it be fixed? If so, how? - apart from changing the gear oil (tried this already).

Thanks in advance.

[moptisam2]

Have a look at the A4 forum (B8 - 2008). Lots of us have problems getting into 1st gear, and not just when the engine is cold!