Why is DRC such a big issue?

[wolfgang]

I understand that our cars have a 5-year, 75,000 mile warranty for DRC issues. However, i've read some posts where people are thinking of selling their cars once the cars are 5 years old and DRC is no longer covered.

Why is this such a big issue? Is it a very expensive repair? Surely if a shock absorber leaks then it can be replaced and the DRC system repressurised to factory spec? I've allegedly had two front shocks replaced under warranty before I collected my car. That was at 51K miles so I'm struggling to understand why DRC is such a big issue with these cars.

[adsgreen]

Try a rough guess of 1.5k per corner to replace.

You can get a whole new suspension kit for that.

I think the other issue is that confidence is so low that people expect the replacements to fail too so it's not as if it fix it if it happens and then job done.

[wolfgang]

£1.5K per corner to replace??? Gulp!

[MB2]

I think that is a bit of a pessimistic estimate - I had the front 2 shocks & hoses replaced last year & total was 1020 + VAT - I don't know how much the valves are but 6000 sounds very high. Fortunately the new ones seem to be holding up for everyone although if they fail out of warranty I can see how a suspension kit makes sense (mine were paid for under warranty but I saw the bill)

[Pie]

With the 5 year / 75k warranty in place I'm not all that fussed.
Outwith this, I'll chance my luck through normal warranty and if the answers no then I'm more than happy to go with coilovers all round and get rid of wheel arch gap!

[sonny]

Agree there Pie. On here I have banged my gums about how hard the ride is, but you can choose the softer ride setting if you desire, so its not all doom and gloom when/if it comes coilover time.

[Macdaddy]

Sorry but is the DRC standard or do you just have it if you've the SS upgrade?

[sonny]

Sorry but is the DRC standard or do you just have it if you've the SS upgrade?

Come on Mac where you been

Its standard.

[Macdaddy]

Thought so, but needed to ask..... I'm off back under my stone to think of other silly questions lol

[pisquano]

just so everybody knows, I spoke to Audi 2 days ago and they DO NOT confirm an official warranty of 5 years /75K miles for DRC at all.
they have been EXTREMELY vague to say the least - to be fair when talking to local dealers they actually are instead very explicitly denying this warranty exists at all, even when challenged.
so in my opinion it's up to the good heart of the local dealer, but it's not a formal warranty

[Adam]

It is when I have an official letter from Audi saying I am covered for 5 years

[Steve_C]

Its not a formal warranty, it is a goodwill warranty but it comes from the head of Audi UK so all dealers should honour even if you need to educate them sometimes.

[DazN]

I have owned my RS4 since December and after a few ride 'issues' it's going to Audi next week for a full check over, I will be very interested to see if they will cover my DRC under warranty should they find any issues. A possible problem for me is that the car was serviced (oil change) at the garage where I bought it from and they're not an Audi garage.

Watch this space!!!

[Pie]

When I was speaking to one of the Service advisor's not too long ago, he advised me not to worry too much about DRC issues as the 5yr / 75k extension was generally accepted by most dealers.
My response was I already had a copy of a letter that had been shared on the web stating this but I was never really in any doubt about being looked after by them anyway (and to be fair, they've been very helpful with me in the year I've owned the car)
He also assured me that they have a couple of Master Techs who are very familiar with the RS4 and they'd be more than willing - if required - to help put a case together for a warranty claim by means of a carefully worded report! (within reason obviously)

[P_G]

An in the know dealer doesn't even have to see a letter. I have seen the TSB on the Audi system in perosn regarding DRC and visual diagnosis on what is a DRC failure so how a dealer of someone at Audi UK suggest there is no such thing just makes them look stupid.

It's not really an 'issue' as every car I have had has has a manuactured part or design fault with it that has been replaced with a modified part and fixed. DRC is the same. And if the cost is prohibitive to repair (TPS prices are a lot cheaper than Audi for these shocks) the coilovers it is but as said the Gen III shocks all appear to be holding up well so I suspect they will last as long as a standard shock which on a car with the performance we have under our right foot is an achievement.