B5 S4 cambelt failure :(

Post by **SimonS4MTM** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:06 pm

Thats why i ensure that all bolts and anything else that will ever come off for a cambelt change is replaced with new.

Good luck with the claim

Post by **confusionhunter** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:55 pm

and always use good tools!!!!

see:
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... cky+escape

Post by **fade2grey** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:35 pm

well looks like Newcastle are trying to duck for the moment so I'll have to wait till Tuesday probably before I'll get any more answers.. all without a car grrr.. reading won't give me one (if they had one) until they know they are getting some work out of it!

Post by **dazzer** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:12 pm

confusionhunter wrote:and always use good tools!!!!

see:
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... cky+escape

And genuine parts. Such a paradox - you are glad it's an Audi garage that f**cked up because you stand a better chance of getting compo, yet you probably wouldn't be in this position if you had been to a decent indy - life really sucks sometimes. The engineer should be whipped relentlessly with what is left of the cambelt then made to valet your car once a week for life - surely he could do that properly.

Post by **yorkie** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:55 pm

He'd probably leave the nozzle from the hoover under the seat where it relentlessly chewed away at the wires to the airbag.

Post by **fade2grey** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:48 pm

I'd rather not let him wash it to be honest

Post by **MCB** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 12:52 am

I would say you are now in a very strong position and strongly advise you to invest a couple of hundred quid in getting a lawyer to write a letter to the MD of the Audi garage who did the work.

Regrettably this is necessary and the sooner you do it the better, it will dramatically speed things up, it will let them know that you will not be fobbed off, it will place on record the position as you see it and should itemise all you are seeking - repair and compensation.

Don't do this and be prepared for weeks if not months of bullshit and anguish for you - £200 what do you reckon? Go on do yourself a favour (and I am no fan of lawyers!).

Post by **yorkie** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:18 am

I agree, time to get serious.

Post by **fade2grey** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:16 am

Hey guys, another update to the saga.. it continues..

Basically, Audi Newcastle are unwilling to accept Audi Reading's professional assessment of the car. They've instructed their own 3rd party to evaluate the evidence (DJ Kempson, a Consultant Motor Vehicle Engineer in Sudbury). This should happen early this week. I'm going to hold off with solicitors pending the results of this investigation.

One of my concerns is that I have no idea who this guy is, I only have it on good faith that he's credible, know's his stuff and isn't connected in any way. I've done some googling & can't find much -IAEA membership & that's about all. Anyone heard of him? I guess if the two reports conflict, then we go find another...

Oh & I'm STILL without a car! And I find it vaguely disconcerting that Audi NCL's opinion regarding Reading Audi is along the lines of "...in our professional opinion the findings of Reading Audi are extremely questionable to say the least ..." (direct quote from email). Doesn't say a lot for Audi's quality and consistency of service does it.

Post by **MCB** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:46 pm

Prior to DJ Kempson going to look at the car, ensure you have copies of all paperwork generated by Audi Reading – reports Etc. Also go over to the garage and take photos of the damaged parts, the photos are to help substantiate their findings in the report.

Basically gather as much evidence as you can as soon as possible.

When DJ Kempson turns up to inspect the vehicle you need to be there as well.

And finally do not forget that this is a Public Forum, you may at times want to keep your cards close to your chest as a dispute is clearly on the way.

You can always PM guys on here to bounce thoughts ideas around, I would be glad to help although I am not an expert, however I will try to help if I can.

Keep us posted and good luck.

Post by **g60bv** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:59 pm

any news on this...

Post by **fade2grey** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 6:50 pm

yup still ongoing.. I hope to hear more in the next couple of weeks & will post updates then

Post by **fade2grey** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 6:15 pm

All, just a quick update on this. I've finally received an offer from their liability insurers.. it's only taken 6 months so far lol

Hopefully I can get their valuation up to an acceptable level & can go on my way.

To summerise:
Car has Full audi service history & had everything it could wish for since day 1.
Belt replaced per service schedule around 80k by Newcastle Audi.
less than 15k miles later (though 2.5 years), the belt snaps (actually up at MRC having just passed a health check minutes before!)
Trailered by the AA to my now local dealer, Reading Audi.
Investigation reveals one of the tensioners has the wrong (ie non OEM) bolt in there. They also discover the correct bolt loose in the system. Clear signs of belt damage caused by external interference with the additional bolt.
Refuted by Audi newcastle
1st engineers report agrees
refuted by Audi newcastle
2nd engineers report agrees
refuted by Audi newcastle
Liability insurance company agrees to settle. Quote "if it went to court, we would loose".

Currently talking numbers with the (rather helpful) insurance company.

The most annoying aspect of it all is that Audi UK washed their hands of it all with the statement "if your car is over 5 years old, we don't want to know. your only support is via the dealer network" - no loan car, no talking to the dealer - who had recently not replaced the bolts correctly on my drive shaft causing it to come out whilst driving!!, no assistance of any kind.

Newcastle Audi, stuck to their guns & though I've had a reasonable dialog with them clearly got sick of the situation & things started to break down when agreement after agreement failed to come through.

Reading Audi, I'm not all that impressed with the other contact I've had with them, but I must complement Berwyn their workshop manager who's been always contactable, always helpful & done what he can in all situations.

Once settled I'll write one letter to Audi UK head office & to colebrook & burgess (Newcastle Audi) head office. I'll be test driving a 335d coupe shortly, I'd love an RS4 avant or possibly an S6 avant but really can't bring myself to inject more cash into Audi at the moment. Fab cars but if, having put a HUGE amount of money into the system via buying the car in the first place & servicing it's every whim over the years doesn't deserve a little service, I'll take my money elsewhere.

Post by **fade2grey** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 7:15 pm

Guys, just a quick update before I forget. We've officially settled the claim now paid out by Audi Newcastle's liability insurers. I got a fair market value for the car & the savlage has gone to a good home (one of the guys from here) New car arrives tonight & so the end of one but the beining of a new chapter

can't wait.

I'll probably still poke around on here as my bro's still got his B5 RS4 (which I believe he's thinking about selling, so if anyone want's a mint low milge one, PM\email me).

Cheers!
Merry xmas n all that

Post by **derdle** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 6:42 pm

Glad this long running saga has finally been settled for you. Shame that you've deserted the marque...but you'll probably want (or need) to come back!!

Just a shame that the dealership couldn't have been more helpful in the first place - why does it take so long to get justice in the bl**dy Country?

Anyway - hope you enjoy Crmbo.
Paul

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B5 S4 cambelt failure :(

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