DRC- Group representation to Audi UK

[Stuart6587]

Gedh posted a topic about a DRC class action last November but as far as I can see has not posted since.

I was going to write to Audi UK anyway but as one individual it will not have the same impact as writing on behalf of a group.

I have therefore decided to take up this matter and the more that can assist in providing details hopefully the better for us all.

Having read about the situation with Audi USA that has recently been posted, it would seem now is the time to escalate this with Audi UK.

From what I have read Audi UK only seem to acknowledge that the DRC problem is an isolated incident and as we all know this if far from the case.

I have only had my RS6 for two months and it was "as new" with one owner having only covered 3,300 miles with FASH and yet still had to have two shock absorbers and the central valve replaced.

The DRC system obviously had an inherent fault from new and was never fit for purpose.

If no one else has liaised with Audi UK on a "group" or "class action basis" then I am prepared to do so.

However, what needs to be done is to collate the relevant information from owners and I would have thought as a minimum this needs to include the following:

1) Name
2) Address
3) Year of car
4) Mileage
5) Details of DRC parts that have had to be replaced and at what mileage (approximate if not known exactly)

Without names and addresses, Audi UK will not take this seriously as otherwise the details could have been made up. I would not expect people to provide these details online for everyone to see so what I propose is the following:

Send me a PM with your details 1) to 5) above and I will then collate and write to Audi UK once I have sufficient information.

I will keep everyone in the loop with PM's and will also provide general updates here as to the sort of responses being received and any progress made.

Look forward to hearing from you all !

Stuart

[Cornishmoocher]

I have suffered as much as anyone with the DRC, 4 failures in 6 months. The last failure was the straw that broke the camels back. It was what the Brothers over the pond are calling the new fix. It still does not work. Mine lasted 2 months- as I have stated on here time and time again.
Some things I feel you should be aware of if you are not already!!

1. I am not keen on supplying my personal details- even thru a PM.
2. I think you need to incorperate the reg of the car if people are going to do this.
3. Audi UK/Europe will utilise every means and wepon in there arsenal to squirm out of there duty and obligation.
4. B7 RS4 owners have had a small victory- only because the cars are still in warranty.
5. I genuinely wish you good luck- others have tried and failed!

[Stuart6587]

Cornishmoocher,

Thanks for your reply.

Well I can only try and if people don't want to provide details then there is not much I can do as a group.

34 views and your the only reply so perhaps thats the general concensus but if so there is little point in us all moaning about it if we are not going to do anything.

With regard to personal details, unless you are ex-directory, your name and address and phone number are in the public domain anyway so you are not providing anything not readily available.

Stuart

[Shoppinit]

Yeah, I'm interested. PM sent.

[Rilla]

stuart, look at this thread: http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... highlight=

I am going to be phone Audi Europe tommorrow, ill let you know how i get on

moocher, when i phoned the USA i did specifically ask about the boot fix u mention, and i was told they have already have had that and as far as the servce rep was aware, it was a whole new design but he didnt have any details for what parts or what materials were being changed. Hopefully Audi Europe will shed more light on this matter for us, if not then god help them cos once i have my teeth into something then i rarely let go, especially when i am the 'little guy' taking on the 'big boys' !

[HYFR]

1. I am not keen on supplying my personal details- even thru a PM.

This list once constructed would be worth a fair bit for those "steal to order" car theives . . .

[Stuart6587]

Rilla,

Let me know how you get on with Audi Europe and I (or we) if you get nowhere can try as a group which may give us more clout.

As Audi UK mention that the problem is isolated, I thought that I would enquire of a couple of owners at random and their experiences. One is a client of mine who I asked and one I stopped in a supermarket car park parked near to mine. Both had previously had DRC problems with replacements. Neither of these owners was aware of rs246.com, so their feedback will never be seen on here so therefore the problem is much greater than we are aware via this website.

I suppose that it was just coincidence that I asked two owners at random and both have had DRC problems.........and these are isolated incidents of course !

davidkoulakis

I agree but the list will only be in my possession and that of Audi UK once supplied. If you prefer simply provide basic details, i.e. your posting name here, reg no, DRC problem/details and mileage replaced then at least Audi UK can verify.

Alternatively we all write the same letter at the same time and all post it off together but that won't happen so in effect on a group basis it's rather like a petition.

Stuart

[HYFR]

i think the fact that they extended the warranty on RS4's to five years on the DRC components is admissions that its fooked.

I commend and totally support those who are determined to get Audi to take some positive action.

My cynical comment above was a bit tongue in cheek, but perhaps would help over come some privacy fears if personal details were kept a minimum I guess, i.e. addresses.

Im ducking out of RS 6 ownership very soon, my RS is still on original DRC and so I havent had the misfortune to be stuck in the never ending circle of DRC replacements

However I wish this venture the best of luck and it does need all those effected to work together

[GardinerG]

In the past I have spoken directly to Audi UK's MD and their head of customer service. They have always pleaded ignorance to these issues, even the supplier of the DRC system "was not aware of any problems" "Isolated case", total BS of course - they know all about it; Watchdog wasn't interested so basically we ended up in a " each owner would have to contact Audi direct to discuss their individual case" scenario. Even when presented with a list of xx names/registrations with DRC failures from this forum (just do a search - but it was exactly what you are talking about here Stuart) they said that it was not indicative of the '000s of RS6s made.

Any offers of extended warranties like they have done with the RS4 B7 would be moot without proper improvements to the DRC system anyway.

G

[Rilla]

I see your point Gardiner, but my argument will be if Audi USA are admiting there is a issue with the system, whats the differance between US spec RS6's and Eurpoean RS6's.

[Hartge]

US versions didn't get any Recaro seats, 18 inch wheels only and I think the battery was in a different place (not 100% sure about the battery), other than that they are pretty much identical

[MalcolmSu]

i've supplied info Stuart

[Pedro]

Stuart, info supplied

[GardinerG]

I will be keeping my eye on this topic but it is somewhat moot for those of us that no longer have DRC, unless they are willing to reinstall the whole system. We can but hope that they do indeed fix the problems.

It will be interesting to see if there are any technical bulletins/recall notices or new part numbers for the revised dampers in ETOS or similar in the coming months.

Those of you still on DRC really do need to support this push for action even if your RS6 isn't showing symptoms of DRC failure currently.

[Rilla]

Gardiner, dispite my car still having DRC fitted (for now) dont worry, i will be pushing for reimbursment even for after market coil overs, if the Americans can get a refund on any costs, then so can we in my book. I will be fighting for everybody when i go to war with Audi. I have a few friends with influence shall we say, ie the press, and will getting them on side with this matter too, nothing like some bad press especially in the middle of a recession!