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I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT GEARBOX PROBLEMS WITH AUDI RS4 BUILT BEFORE APRIL 2001 WHICH HAD FDP CODES ON IT. CARS AFTER APRIL 2001 HAD NEW GEARBOXES FTU CODED PUT IN THEM AND AUDI CAME UP WITH FZW FOR REPLACING THE FIRST FDP CODED DEFECTIVE GEAR BOX. MY CAR HAS THE FDP GEAR BOX AND HAD 21K MILES WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN AUG 2009. IHAVE DONE 10,000MILES AND HAVE ALWAYS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE 2ND GEAR. BEEN TOLD BY LOCAL DEALER THAT THIS HAPPENS WHEN COLD BUT I KEEP HAVING IT WHEN WARM WHEN REVING ABOVE 2500 REVS. HAS ANYONE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND WHAT DID AUDI DO TO REPLACE THE GEARBOX TO FZW CODED. WAS IT UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. HAS ANYONE SUCCEDED IN GETTING A REPLACEMENT GEARBOX AT 31000 MILES OR 9 YEARS OLD ??????

You'll have no chance of getting one as a warranty replacement off Audi now.

The 2nd gear synchros were found to be the weak point and Audi changed the design. JHM in America sell rebuild kits, but you are looking at big money to get your box rebuilt properly.

Audi sell the upgraded (carbon coated) syncros for the 1st/2nd gear.

The repair kit is aorund £185, and comes with the 2 syncros and hub collar.

As said, you will need to remove the gearbox and strip it to do the job.

This is the repair kit listed for all 01E gearbox type, and something that is used in the later 2001 onwards boxes

I had mine replaced and upgraded from FDP to FZW under the extended warranty. BTW - while you are upgrading the gearbox, you might as well replace the clutch.

Yes for the sake of around £200 it's best to do the clutch. Also check the DMF for play.

What's the easiest way of checking the gearbox code?

Well the gearbox code will be on the inside cover of your service book (on the data sticker).

There is also a data sticker in the boot area underneath the carpet.

But if your gearbox has been changed, then the only way to find out is to have a look on the gearbox itself. It's etched/engraved on the gearbox (lower)