DRC action against audi, please contribute!

[MalcolmSu]

I would want Audi U.K. to offer us exactly the same package that AOA are for the U.S. owners

I'm willing to put some money towards this fund and if we can get a price for writing one letter then we can get up a fighting fund.

I too would be happy to contribute but I'm not so sure that we're 'entitled' to the same package offered by AoA. We already know that Audi UK believe their current offer is unprecedented and goes beyond what they're legally obliged to do.

I suspect that the US offer is tailored to cover what potentially could happen in the litigious US if they didn't act. I'd be surprised in UK law if there's anything that obliges Audi to reimburse owners that have forked out their own cash to replace suspension with non-Audi parts. Appreciate that from a moral high ground or from a customer service / loyalty view point it might be desirable but Audi UK will do everything they can to minimise costs...

My own personal view is that the deal we might expect is all current UK cars to be covered (no mileage limit); they could set a time limit after all cars have been recalled to have the repairs done; cars serviced to Audi specifications and intervals only (doesn't have to have been by Audi dealer); cars with aftermarket suspension should also be included if they wish to move back to DRC but I suspect the number choosing this would be zero.

Just my thoughts and I appreciate that others will differ....

[Ironside-69]

CONTENTS OF AN EMAIL TO MY BARRISTER FRIEND THIS MORNING - WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED:

I have an Audi RS6 with faulty suspension.

I wonder if you would consider how if at all we might take legal action (or threaten same) against Audi UK to resolve the problem. It appears that I am not on my own, in order to research the problem I joined the RS246.com forum, there are dozens of members on this forum who have had a variety of problems.

The problem is related to an advanced system called the dynamic ride control, DRC, the principle is that the shock absorbers are hydraulic oil filled and pressurised, a clever valve system uses hydraulic oil from an unloaded shock to increase the resistance of a shock under pressure. This system is fatally flawed and at £1200 for a valve and single shock replacement it is a major concern for most owners. The various warranty company’s deal with the matter in different ways, mine didn’t cover it because they said the seal failure had occurred over a period of time, so they said it was wear and tear. At that point Audi weren’t admitting there was a problem, so I had to pay. I have another failed shock and the central valve appears to have failed again.

Since the last time this happened and following my research, Audi of America have recalled all RS6 vehicles for free of charge replacements, and have said that they will recompense historical expenses related to this system failure. Audi UK have just issued (last week) a half hearted statement that gives some owners the potential for free repair and recompense for historical spending, we think. I have written to Audi asking for approval of my suspension repairs and recompense for the spending last year, no response yet.

We think that UK drivers should be offered what is offered in the USA and what is fair considering the system is patently not fit for purpose. We would like to have a guide as to your costs and how you think the matter could be moved forward legally. There are at least twenty owners who would be prepared to contribute to a fund and I would be prepared to manage the group effort from your perspective.

Quite obviously you would need to be informed in more detail before sending any initial letter, I would also undertake to co-ordinate this for you, the last thing you would want is to have to trawl through an internet forum and to have to deal with multiple owners.

We believe that the threat of legal action by owners in America was the catalyst for the recall, bad publicity being avoided by Audi, and that the same is likely to happen here.

Your thoughts and typical costs would be appreciated at this stage.

Thank you in anticipation of your kind consideration of the above matter.

[Rupert]

I too would be happy to contribute but I'm not so sure that we're 'entitled' to the same package offered by AoA. We already know that Audi UK believe their current offer is unprecedented and goes beyond what they're legally obliged to do.

... but only based on what they have said, which is untrue.

The inherent safety of the vehicle has not been compromised.

How could Audi stand in court and say that a car with failed DRC, bouncing and skipping on the road is as safe as a car with properly functioning suspension?

DRC shock absorbers have been consistently improved since the introduction of the affected RS 6 models. The current replacement parts used are updated and further reinforced for optimum durability.

This is wishy-washy. Does this mean that they have found the source of the problem and that it won't fail again? No, it actually means that they will keep replacing parts with the same junk until their unprecedented offer expires.

There is no compensation for those who have lost faith in repeated fixes of this design-flawed suspension. That's what we need.

[Shoppinit]

Has anyone considered contacting KYB to ask them about the failures / improvements? Presumably if Audi loses a court case then they'll turn round and sue KYB?

[GardinerG]

I contacted KYB in 2008, their response was that they knew of no issues with the DRC and would not deal with anyone but Audi. Basically they said go away it's not our problem. IIRC "Audi is our client and they haven't complained..."

[orangeeric]

Just to add to the melee....

Just got my estimate from Chelmsford Audi for ''the noise at the back'' (they're so technical there....!)..... £3,096 + VAT....
All four shocks and a complete DRC system (not that they have the tools to actually fix it). Hmmmm ........ vs. Bilstein PSS9's at £1,800.....

Oh and despite falling inside the limits for the ''support'' - noone knows anything about it - even at Audi Customer Service - another rant heading their way....and another willing donor to the letter fund....

[Rilla]

I'm on it!!!

[Cas]

The 'news' doesn't seem to have made it up north either. Audi Wakefield:

"Thank you for email David I will look into this publication, as far as I am aware there is nothing for the DRC on the rs6 but I will confirm this tomorrow."

[Ironside-69]

I have just had a response from Doncaster Audi, they have not been made aware of the press release. on investigation, Richard Starkey is away until next Monday, Audi are in the process of contacting their dealerships and issuing precise guidance. in the next couple of days my dealer has been told.

My car is in for an inspection in the morning and they will raise a job card which should mean that the six year old deadline, reached for me on Friday this week, is not compromised. They are going to advise the fault and the parts repair needed and then they consider that they should get authorisation to carry out the repair. Recompense for last years spending is something that they want Richard Starkey to consider next week.

As you can imagine I am not holding my breath that this will all go smoothly.

I will let you know how I get on.

Martin

[Rilla]

Ok, This is now getting beyond a joke. I would love Richard Starkeys job as he only seems to work Mondays, nice work if you can get it!

I have spoken to Audi UK this morning and let rip in a nut shell. Its all very nice releasing a press release, but totally bloody useless if they don't filter it down to the people who need it, ie the dealers. I am expecting a phone call back (not holding breath) from Audi UK today with an explanation as to why the press release inst common knowledge among the dealer network, and hopefully we can get work authorized ASAP.

Should anyone like a copy of the press release Audi UK's press office sent me directly, I will paste it below for you to copy off and print. I am going to phone their press office again and get some sort of reference code to go with it so you can all tell them to get it done!.

Stuart



THE AUDI RS 6 / DYNAMIC RIDE CONTROL SYSTEM (DRC)

Audi UK can confirm that a fault has been identified with parts in the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system fitted to first generation RS 6 models. In a number of cases the shock absorbers containing the system’s hydraulic fluid have developed leaks which have adversely affected their performance. The inherent safety of the vehicle has not been compromised.

The DRC fault relates specifically to shock absorber seals in early RS 6 models, and Audi UK is seeking to reassure owners with an enhanced support package for affected cars in the UK. This goodwill support covers applicable cars for up to 6 years or 120,000 miles (whichever comes soonest) from the date of registration, and covers 100% of the cost of parts and labour for any DRC repairs.

This support is conditional upon the vehicle having a full Audi network service history, and on verification that it has been unmodified from the original specification (we regret that we cannot make any concessions for customers who have fitted non-standard suspension components). Customers will also benefit from a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on any replacement parts fitted.

We apologise unreservedly to customers who have been inconvenienced by this parts fault, but stress that the affected cars remain in the minority in the UK. DRC shock absorbers have been consistently improved since the introduction of the affected RS 6 models. The current replacement parts used are updated and further reinforced for optimum durability. This is in line with the Audi AG policy of continuous development across all areas of its manufacturing, including replacement parts.

[BigMo]

Just a note, for those who contacted watchdog on "text night", did any of us consider phoning the watchdog office following the texts? Only I've been sifting through my email and a certain lady has left her phone number for me to contact!! It was sent in confidence but I think it's time for all of us to call her.

[Cas]

Latest from Wakefield:

"There is a publication due this month which will cover materials only on spring dampers and shock absorber."

He's a good guy and can only say what he's been told so I'm not going to be critical of him, but as for audi uk .....

[Rilla]

I have just spent 30 mins on phone Audi UK.

They have said the service schedule for DRC replacements will be sent out too whole dealer network tomorrow. I questioned exactly what Audi are saying they will be covering the cost of as the press release isn't too clear:

'This goodwill support covers applicable cars for up to 6 years or 120,000 miles (whichever comes soonest) from the date of registration, and covers 100% of the cost of parts and labour for any DRC repairs.'

I wanted to know are they saying they will cover ALL cost, even if you need 4 new shocks and valves. As far as the CS rep I spoke to could see, then yes you are, but it still isnt 100% clear as he was surmising too. My take is the statement says: 'covers 100% of the cost of parts and labour for any DRC repairs' so I think that would be legally binding for cases where all 4 shocks and valves need replacing.

I also asked for Jeremy Hicks to contact me, as I have requested his attention on this 4 times so far and been palmed off onto customer service reps of 1 description or another. I pointed out that whilst we have had some joy with regard to admittion of a fault, we as owners are still bitterly disappointed that Audi customers in America are getting a far better deal than us. The CS rep said he would be more than happy to 'ask' Jeremy Hicks to contact me, but holding my breath i will not be!.

As for Audi of America, I also phoned them today asking for a full break down of what parts they are replacing under their recall on DRC. I asked for them to send me a full list of 'new' parts being issued, and for full Audi part numbers. I also asked for written confirmation of what they are willing to refund customers for previous repairs carried out. I was told that the information will be emailed to me, but may take upto a week to arrive as the CS rep of AoA didnt have a full break down himself to provide at this point.

Update will follow!

[Rilla]

Just a note, for those who contacted watchdog on "text night", did any of us consider phoning the watchdog office following the texts? Only I've been sifting through my email and a certain lady has left her phone number for me to contact!! It was sent in confidence but I think it's time for all of us to call her.

Its a dead end mate, they consider our problem too small to be worthy of air time, 'doesn't affect enough people' was the quote given.

[Ironside-69]

I sense Audi have a few snapping at their heels now, they must be getting the message.

Keep it up Stuart, I will give Doncaster Audi the distinct impression in the morning that legal action is pending and extremely well supported, that should get back to Dicky when he gets back on Monday.

Martin