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My AUDI RS4 AVANT (YC57 HVS AVUS SILVER RECARO BUCKETS) suffered gradual DRC failure between 38,000 & 40,000 miles.

I've owned my car for nine months or so now and I must admit that I've only just started using it for my daily 30 mile commute.

The supplying Sheffield dealer (non-AUDI) apparently tried but were singularly unsuccessful in resolving the issues. Needless to say, that I couldn't recommend buying from them again, but realised that there was an excellent RS4 in there trying to get out.

Armed with the knowledge gleaned from this RS246 B7 RS4 forum that AUDI UK would perhaps be willing to repair the system FOC on cars up to 5 years old ( or 75,000 miles), given that the car had only just turned 4 years old, I approached Yeovil Audi & asked the question. Given that my car had a "sparse" AUDI service history (it has been serviced by JBS in Chesterfield all of it's life) but letting them know that I was aware of the block exemption rules, I broached the thorny subject of the failing DRC system - politely and in a non-adversarial way.

Service advisor Paul Gould went off to enquire with his boss, and said "Yes - Audi UK will cover the car under extended warranty, subject to getting the car up on the lift for an inspection"
RESULT - ALL 4 SHOCK ABSORBERS REPLACED FOC & system re-gassed

So guys, I suppose the point is - "If you don't ask, then you'll never know"

If you've got an RS4 approaching its fifth birthday, then get your 'arris down to your Audi dealer for an inspection visit and pose the question.

I had the 40k service carried out by Audi at £460 but was advised against having the 0090 ecu update as it was "irreversible" and I might not like the high idling speed disadvantages which came with it.

Part of the diagnostic report highlighted the fact that one of the dynamic engine mounts isn't working properly and needs replacing at around £450 - has anyone else experienced this problem?

While on the subject of repair costs, I've mainly watched the forum as an observer, but I do get a bit annoyed when people buy these cars only to try and run them on a shoestring budget. Why would anyone contemplate fitting secondhand parts on a performance car such as this?

Having owned and run VW & Audis for almost forty years now, my advice is get the car serviced regularly & by a reputable garage - not necessarily a main dealer. Look after an Audi & it will look after you in return. Nothing and I mean nothing approaches the interior quality of an Audi. Believe me, I own an Alfa GTV Bertone & the quality is light years apart.

Remember - the RS4 Avant was a +/-£54k car when new

Normally, I tire of a new car within 4-6 weeks but there's something special about this car - it must be love?
I've owned all sorts of cars, but the RS4 B7 Avant is far and away the best car I have ever owned.

Yes & even an overweight/pre-geriatric/arthritic grandfather like myself can get comfortable in the Recaro buckets, now I've sorted out a foolproof method for getting in ........

I'm considering buying an Audi Mondial warranty for this car for complete peace of mind, as the car could be here to stay.

Nice write up, im looking to purchase a rs4, could you tell me more about the mondial warranty?

That really is a great result. I live in Cardiff and might well visit Yeovil next as mine is approaching 5 years in Sept as they seem to be fuss free unlike a lot of dealers including Cardiff who to treat me with suspision rather than like a valued customer when I ask them to check something on the car that isn't within the service schedule.

Ive not heard of B7 RS4's having dynamic engine mounts? Maybe I'm wrong but it doesn't ring a bell with me. There are far more technically minded guys on here who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Continue enjoying your RS4... they are pretty special pieces of kit.

Dave

Chaps, Here's the email I received from Mondial
Unfortunately, it hasn't formatted properly, but I think you can get the gist of it?
Plus it included RAC Assistance.

Ian

Good Morning,

Thank you for your recent interest in purchasing a warranty for your Audi.

Please note this offer is only available if your vehicle has been serviced in accordance with manufacturing recommendation and has not been modified in anyway. Also, the policy would not commence for one month from the purchase date and will not cover any defects which existing at the time of purchase or prior to the policy start date.

The quotations below are based on a Audi which has not exceeded 60,000 miles*

Comprehensive Component – including RAC Assistance
Under 60,000
15,000 Miles Cap - ANNUAL
Unlimited Miles Cap - ANNUAL
0 Excess
£2,033
£2,673
100 Excess
£1,649
£2,161
250 Excess
£1,265
£1,649

Named Component – including RAC Assistance
Under 60,000
15,000 Miles Cap - ANNUAL
Unlimited Miles Cap - ANNUAL
0 Excess
£1,553
£2,033
100 Excess
£1,265
£1,649
250 Excess
£977
£1,265

Comprehensive Component – excluding RAC Assistance
Under 60,000
15,000 Miles Cap - ANNUAL
Unlimited Miles Cap - ANNUAL
0 Excess
£1,997
£2,637
100 Excess
£1,612
£2,125
250 Excess
£1,228
£1,612

Named Component – excluding RAC Assistance
Under 60,000
15,000 Miles Cap - ANNUAL
Unlimited Miles Cap - ANNUAL
0 Excess
£1,516
£1,997
100 Excess
£1,228
£1,612
250 Excess
£940
£1,228

Extending your warranty couldn’t be easier. You can purchase cover by calling 0845 6419708 or 0845 6419798

Yours Sincerely


Natasha
Audi Warranty Services

RE DYNAMIC ENGINE MOUNT

The fault found was "OPEN CIRCUIT FAULT STORED WITH RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT £464.54 ALL INCL. TO REPLACE"

My son mentioned a very slight vibration which he thought was coming from the offside front brake disc, but I reckon this was the fault he was experiencing?
According to Paul Gould the engine mounts stiffen in the twisty bits depending on telemetry sent to them via the ECU.

RE AUDI CARDIFF - surely the "rules" should be applied equally across the board?

I felt as though I was out on a limb as the car had been serviced all of it's life by JBS of Chesterfield - i.e. non-franchise?

All's well that ends well?

Im guessing that the RS4 has the same engine mounts as my B6 S4 had - basically a solinoid that stiffens up the engine if its needed.

My S4 had one mount out - i was always told that its not a necessary replacement, but if i wanted it done it would be expensive - did i ever notice it - nope.

Good result with regards to the DRC.

It seems that the price of the Audi warranty has gone up quite a bit. I paid £1000 for £250 excess, fully comp and RAC last April. if memory serves me right, the £0 excess top policy was £1600, now it is £2673. If I keep the car I will be looking to extend the warranty again.

PeteS4 wrote:Good result with regards to the DRC.

It seems that the price of the Audi warranty has gone up quite a bit. I paid £1000 for £250 excess, fully comp and RAC last April. if memory serves me right, the £0 excess top policy was £1600, now it is £2673. If I keep the car I will be looking to extend the warranty again.

Prices are the same Pete, I just got my renewal letter through and had a quick look online, like last year I'll probably go with the £1000 FC with RAC and £250 excess.

IIRC you get a increase in rates if you've not had continuous OEM warranty cover / car been serviced or supplied by a non Audi dealer.

It looks like my DRC issues with Audi are helping others out.


Get a free visual inspection done and tell them to look at the DRC, then get them to speak to Audi UK. Steph in customer services at Audi UK is who sorted my DRC warranty out.

Good Luck