No-Go on Warranty Work

[karl]

My car went in to have the boot recall work done yesterday. Whilst there, I asked them to confirm my thoughts that the discs were warped and the clutch tends to slip.

Sure enough, they agreed with me but declined to do this as warranty work; they said that owing to the car being re-mapped it was now operating outside of it's performance parameters, therefore the discs, clutch and entire drivetrain would not be covered.

The 'Master Tech' apparently test drove the car and said it was the quickest car he'd ever driven And he normally works on R8's (mind you, he probably drives a Reliant Robin or something).

I've got MRC to thank for his comments there.

The dealer did say that even putting replacement Audi discs and clutch in would probably prove to be a false economy and I tend to agree with him on that point as we know the discs are prone to warping and that the clutch isn't the strongest it could be.

In fairness to the dealer, they did say that they wouldn't have a problem covering this as warranty work but Audi GmbH now request a full print out of the car's diagnostics with any warranty claim and if they saw mine, they would have rejected it straight away. That's what I was told.

Do I try and argue this with Audi UK? Have I got a leg to stand on? Probably not.

So, regarding the brakes, I've got it booked in with APS to have Brembo's fitted up front and I'll probably opt for a Sachs clutch kit too, albeit at a later date but soon.

The warranty on the car expires Jan 2010 but I've no regrets in having had done what I have by MRC. It's honestly given me an animal of a car! All I need now is for them to fit their 'fix' for the oil deposit problems ala Rob's car.

What are your thoughts guys?

[sonny]

How did they know it was remapped?

[karl]

How did they know it was remapped?

It threw up a ream of error codes when they plugged it in to their diagnostics (which I assumed they did as part of standard procedure). It's got non-cat downpipes on it...oops!

[aidanjaye]

Could you not play dumb - they were on the car when you bought it?? Worked for me when accessors looked at my Skyline GTR...(HKS??? thought that was standard on car)

[sonny]

OK, that's is a bummer, it seems that all the Audi dealerships have different takes on this subject. some guys on here have been encouraged by there dealers to modify there cars, and it seems that others have a zero tolerance against it.

[GBrownlow]

If its putting out 414 bhp surely it should be covered lol

[Golfather]

Get it put back to standard remap wise and take it to another dealership.

[reevesroadster]

Slightly off topic, but I asked my stealer if i could supply them with upgraded (braided) hoses for the clutch recall and was told that wasnt possible as the same parts had to be refitted (even though the new parts are different as its a recall).

Think it clearly differs with who you speak to at a dealer, and each dealer.

[P_G]

It looks like Audi UK are taking a hard line against their franchise dealers. As much as I said I had my second set and the cars third set of disks as goodwill from Audi UK, it now appears the dealerships claim to Audi UK was rejected and the dealership has ultimately had to pay for the parts, both front and rear disks on that occassion. So I have a debt of gratitude to my local dealer for this. And now those disks have warped I have had to replace them at cost to me. I'm taking the warped set to be skimmed because this is potentially going to get expensive, especially now that I lost out on those ceramics I had a chance to buy (unless another set turns up of course).

Also asked about the carbon fibre engine covers yellowing yesterday whilst in for its AVS3 and the repsonse back from Audi UK is that it is normal wear for the engine parts, so no warranty replacement. I suspect whoever had theirs dones at Aberdeen Audi, ultimately that franchise will end up footing the bill althought they don't know it yet.

So as much as people slam their dealerships and Audi UK promote this exceptional customer service charter at any cost it is they that kick both us and the dealers in the teeth.

Just as a final example, I know someone with a 2004 RS6 saloon which was bought from a dealer with a 1 year warranty. Now the car after 2 months of purchase is developing brake and gearbox problems. In order for it to be fixed Audi UK have asked for the dealership to get permission from the owner to remove the engine and gearbox. In doing this if the gearbox is removed and they find an issue that Audi UK will not cover under warranty then it is the owners cost for all the labour of taking the engine and gearbox out and refitting it plus any repairs.

Disgusting attitude TBH.

[sonny]

Well thats a swift kick to the balls then, interesting.

[lengster1]

P G i got similar responce regarding yellowing of carbon trim,Found it a little annoying when my 8 year old b5 carbon is still in fine carbon looking condition!!!!!!!!! And surely surely the b5 rs4 will have higher engine bay temperatures with it being bi turbo? I can live with it but a tad annoying,I read the extended warranty bumph and it seems a little more diluted than the one my b5 had!!

[aidanjaye]

Also asked at recent service to change the (slightly) yellowing carbon under bonnet - Audi said no, as its wasn't that bad (at present time). Did mention to the service tech that I'll be asking again nearer the end of my warranty.

[karl]

My car went in to have the boot recall work done yesterday. Whilst there, I asked them to confirm my thoughts that the discs were warped and the clutch tends to slip.

Sure enough, they agreed with me but declined to do this as warranty work; they said that owing to the car being re-mapped it was now operating outside of it's performance parameters, therefore the discs, clutch and entire drivetrain would not be covered.

The 'Master Tech' apparently test drove the car and said it was the quickest car he'd ever driven And he normally works on R8's (mind you, he probably drives a Reliant Robin or something).

I've got MRC to thank for his comments there.

The dealer did say that even putting replacement Audi discs and clutch in would probably prove to be a false economy and I tend to agree with him on that point as we know the discs are prone to warping and that the clutch isn't the strongest it could be.

In fairness to the dealer, they did say that they wouldn't have a problem covering this as warranty work but Audi GmbH now request a full print out of the car's diagnostics with any warranty claim and if they saw mine, they would have rejected it straight away. That's what I was told.

Do I try and argue this with Audi UK? Have I got a leg to stand on? Probably not.

So, regarding the brakes, I've got it booked in with APS to have Brembo's fitted up front and I'll probably opt for a Sachs clutch kit too, albeit at a later date but soon.

The warranty on the car expires Jan 2010 but I've no regrets in having had done what I have by MRC. It's honestly given me an animal of a car! All I need now is for them to fit their 'fix' for the oil deposit problems ala Rob's car.

What are your thoughts guys?

Well, many thanks to Ed and the team at APS; a professional outfit.

I've now got Brembo discs and braided lines on the front plus upgraded brake fluid. The discs look enormous!! I'm still bedding them in but they bite immediately compared to the standard discs.

I also went for the Sachs performance clutch at the same time. The car is now so much smoother to drive, a lot less jerky. Ed showed me the clutch that came out of the car and it was on it's last legs. It was very clear looking at it that the Audi clutch is just not up to the job and neither are the discs. Why do they do this on such a car - crazy!

I also went for H&R anti-roll bars and the car feels better for it; tighter and taughter.

Overall then, very pleased with what I feel are 'must have' upgrades on a car that deserves them.

Please contact Ed at APS if you are interested in prices.

[sonny]

Yes I too am very impressed at the guys at APS (the phoenix from the AMD ashes so to speak). im glad you are happy with your new mods, so when are we going to see pics of your new brakes then. what type did you go for, and what make of braided lines?

Did you have the Pagid pads?

[ArthurPE]

how many miles on the clutch and rotors?

thnx