Exhaust under warranty

[david7m]

Managed to get a free exhaust under warranty today, as it runs out in Feb. Waited while they fitted it (which took about an hour for the middle and back box) and when they finished, it looked different! It was sticking out from the bumper about 1.5 inch's, is this right?

The original one fitted pararell to the bumper, about 0.5 inch's inside. When I got the foreman to come out, he said it was a modified one as the original design used to catch on the diff. Have I been done?

[img]images/graemlins/s4anogaro.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

I`ve got a MY2002 S3 and it doesnt stick out that much.... i would say it does stick out approx 1-3cm when it is hot.

There might have been a modified exhaust system as some people had problems with them in the wet causing a knocking sound. It`s highly unlikly that the new part would stick out that much.

Get it recheck at another dealership if possible.

[david7m]

Hang on, just goin to measure it(exhaust !!)
[img]images/graemlins/biggrin3.gif[/img]

[david7m]

Just checked it now its cold (and boy it is cold outside), it sticks out the width of the key fob, approx. 1 inch.

Thought I'd done well to blag a free exhaust, but sounds like I've been shafted!

Its a proper Audi one, and the locating parts look located, just looks too long. Its a 2001 X reg, 210bhp with xenons. Would the 225bhp one be different?

[img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

I`ve just been to check mine and i must say its flush with the plastic insert. I would get it checked by another dealership or go back to the dealer who fitted it and try and compare if they have a 2nd one forsale on the forecort.
I think that all S3 exhaust systems we similar in design and dont think that the new facelift model had longer tail pipes. mine is a facelift model.

Are the chrome end bits installed correctly?

[david7m]

We must look like right idiots to the neighbours checking our exhausts in the dark and freezing cold !

The chrome bits look fixed, are they supposed to be adjustable?

The old exhaust was black, except the chrome end pieces, but this one is silver. Its genuine Audi. What colour is yours?

[Riz_RS4]

We must look like right idiots to the neighbours checking our exhausts in the dark and freezing cold !

not me.... hehe mines in the garage.

The chrome bits look fixed, are they supposed to be adjustable?

yes they should be fixed but they might not be fully push on?

The old exhaust was black, except the chrome end pieces, but this one is silver. Its genuine Audi. What colour is yours?

They all get blackish over time mate... just keep polishing them chrome pipes [img]images/graemlins/biggrin3.gif[/img]

[david7m]

Wish mine was in the garage, good probably sleep alot better too !!!!

Will polish the weekend, its covered in some protective stuff, presumably while it was in stock at Audi.

Will take to another dealer the weekend, if they say its right, then suppose thats it.

If I took a picture with my brothers digital camera, could attach that to my profile and you could advise?!?!? [img]images/graemlins/jump_clap.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/jump_clap.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

If I took a picture with my brothers digital camera, could attach that to my profile and you could advise?!?!?

Yes sure take a picture and post it on here... i also have a picture which i will post for your reference. see below [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[img]images/rsul/25704-s3ex.jpg[/img]

[david7m]

Have you just taken that picture, or is it "one you prepared earlier"?

Although a side profile would of been better, it looks like I've been done. [img]images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/24430-audibash.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

It is one from my collection.
I will have to take one of a side shot this weekend for you.

But mine is definately flush with the plastic bumper insert.

[Mo_S3]

HI guys, i dont think u need to worry too much about ur exhaust sticking out too far. Give it a few days and have a look under the car and u will see where the exhaust is coupled together, its basically a 6inch sleeve that joins the 2 pipes together. Maybe the techy hasnt pushed the pipes far enough into the sleeve hence the extra bit of protrusion that u have got.
While ur under there have a look at the joint to see if its sooty in case he hasnt joined it properly and its leaking a bit too.
Audi have replaced centre sections of the exhausts under warraty due to expansion and it striking the front subframe but never heard of it ever stricking the diff ??

By the way what was wrong with ur exhaust that Audi had to replace it ??

[david7m]

Cheers, will pop around my bro's too and take pic on Sat. [img]images/graemlins/bigwave.gif[/img]

[david7m]

When I started it in the mornings it was a bit raspy and loud, but when it was warm, it was fine. Thought I may aswell take full advantage of the warranty. They only wanted to replace the back box, but talked him around to the middle section aswell. Wishing I hadn't now.

Just had another look (its even colder now), and there are two sleeves for adjustment, but the red rubber supports are hanging down fine i.e. not strethed.

Got me dad out too (gotta love him), he was soon under with the torch on the damp grass. He said that if the back box was any further back it would be hitting the heat shield. There's currently about 1.25 inch's from back box to heat shield. Whats the norm?

[Paul-RS]

had mine replaced on other s3 just the back box.

it sticked out a bit more than usual, maybe like when it was hot.

I assumed it was either

A. longer tailpipes..
or
B. (most likely) it where they decided to cut and clamp the tail pipe. (i only had the backbox replaced and a factory fitted one was 1 piece, mid and rear section)

It certainly wasnt anthing to be worried about. Was nice for its new owner to have a brand spanking sparkling exhaust after 18K miles