Anyone had DRC that works?

[Coxall8395]

I know there are loads of links of DRC failing but any links for it working (for some time anyway).


Anyone got anything good to say about reliability (even if it is not as good as coilovers for handling)

Thanks

[drybeer]

Handling not AS good, but ride quality far more luxurious.

If it could be reliable I would have it back.

[Coxall8395]

I see, will take a good look at shocks when I inspect then.

Thanks

[ecain63]

Same as Drybeer. Its pretty good when it works but its a constant niggle and every trip out leaves you nervous thats its gona break down. Mine failed last Xmas after 3 years of it working fine and as mentioned above i'd consider having it back if it were 100% reliable. You cant beat coilovers for handling though.

[Daveperc]

I've always thought DRC is great, even if earlier versions were chronically unreliable.

Audi wouldn't have gone to the expense of designing and fitting DRC if they had believed that they could get an acceptable compromise of ride quality and handling with standard spring damper systems. You have to remember that the majority of users of this forum are "enthusiasts" whose taste in handling etc will be towards the hard/sporting end of the spectrum. When new, the RS6 was way beyond the means of most enthusiasts, so the target sales customer base would want something with gentler and more refined handling. Ther only way, Audi concluded, to make it suitable to the target audience was DRC.

Personally I love the blend of handling that DRC gives, and the only mod I plan is stiffer ARB's, particularly at the rear, as I would like to slightly increase the oversteer to suit my driving without making the whole ride harder.

I have had no problems since Camberley fitted the Mk 3 system some 25K miles ago.

Dave

[MoRS6+]

As DRC (or rather working DRC) seems to be a real novelty these days, I want to ask whether you are happy with the actual height of the car? I can well imagine alot of owners with coilys not wanting to go back because of the increased height. I like the lowered look that coilys give. How do you find yours?

[Daveperc]

I have no problem with the standard height - and on our super-rough roads think that being lowered would simply increase the likelihood of bottoming out. Again it's a matter of choice/style. If you go lower, you also need to go stiffer to avoid hitting the end stops. Stiffer equals harsher ride on anything like our roads!

I regularly take mine up and down about 1/2 mile of completely unsurfaced track to reach my Welsh hideaway, and certainly wouldn't want it any lower (or harder) for that part of my journeys, but I realise that is unusual for these cars!

As for looks, that really doesn't bother me one way or the other. I bought the car for its performance and load carrying capacity, both of which I love to exploit to the full! Can't get excited by "pimping" my ride! A wolf in sheeps clothing for me!

And as I regularly load mine up with half a ton of tools and building gear for my 200 mile dash to Wales, I don't have to worry about ajusting suspension to get the best for every journey, because the DRC does it automatically.

Dave

[MoRS6+]

Furry muff

I must admit, I am finding my ride pretty damn harsh at the moment. I actually didn't mind things on the 255, but 275+coilys+uk roads=trip to the dentist,osteopath and psychiatrist (in that order)

[Rottweiler1975]

Had mine replaced last year by Perth Audi under warranty, Audi paid for everything. Replaced all 4 shocks and both control valves, system has worked since. Car has just been serviced and MOT'd and all passed. I am assuming that they fitted the latest upgrade to the system and touch wood so far it has worked well.

[viffer]

Mine has the latest (MK3 I believe) version, fitted by Camberley under warranty. No problems so far, touch wood. This version has been on the car for about a year.

Another thing I would say is that replacement costs are lower these days, since the new-ish magic tool allows single shocks to be replaced (previously had to be pairs and the central valve, even if only one shock was the problem). I am reliably informed that the new-ish magic tool does indeed work.

I like the DRC. But with this car I am keen on a bit of comfort - other toys are in the garage for days when pure handling is the most important thing.

Cheers, Richard.

[Coxall8395]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful. Anyone know when the Mk3 system started being used?? Glad I am not too far from Camberley!

[Daveperc]

Mid last year I think??

Give Rob at Camberley a call and he will be able to access your records and tell you what you've got I expect

Dave

[mattjet1]

I have standard drc(mk3) standard wheels and conti3 tyres, all very standard.

The drc has been in about a year now and every time it goes to Rob at Camberly they check it, all good.

I like the car as Audi made it, it is 100% standard and to be honest with London roads it's just about ok, any harder and the poor thing will be shaken to bits!

[mtech114]

Mines sweet as at 115k. The system was completely replaced at about 95k, I thought that was pritty good going! It helps if the people fitting it actually know what there doing! I thinks it's a good all round drive! Works well over speed bumps to for such a heavy car! Will keep it all day long! I won't be pimpin!

[p3u]

I think I'm the only person on the planet with a full functioning original DRC, 104k miles on it, not a leak, or clunk! Knock on wood