Couple of new ownership questions!

[st@rk]

Hi Guys, purchased my first Audi and RS4 a few weeks ago and finally got round to joining here and looking for some advice!

TPMS
Warning keeps coming up randomly. I've read up that these are temperamental at best - want to get it fixed as I like things working as they should, but am I just going to constantly get issues to the point where you all just Vagcom them to 'off' and just manually check them each week etc?

Water Leak In Footwell
I've had friends with normal A4's that have let water in around the scuttle area after heavy rain and the drain routes aren't cleaned out regularly. I believe the problem (apart from damp / corrosion) is that the ECU's are mounted under the front seats? So they and wiring get soaked and are expensive to replace... Is there a 'how to' to clean out the correct areas to ensure this doesn't happen?

Water Leak In Boot
I've got a saloon and can hear water sloshing around inside the boot when I open it - I can only guess water is getting in behind the rear light cluster? Is this a common problem?

Timing Chains
When do these need replaced? Not a fan of long life servicing - is there a topic or list of maintenance due against mileages / time since manufacture that I can stick to? I'd like to pre-empt work and do it well in advance rather than have something fail and get stuck somewhere!

Thanks for any help!

[RS Owner]

Water Leak In Footwell
I've had friends with normal A4's that have let water in around the scuttle area after heavy rain and the drain routes aren't cleaned out regularly. I believe the problem (apart from damp / corrosion) is that the ECU's are mounted under the front seats? So they and wiring get soaked and are expensive to replace... Is there a 'how to' to clean out the correct areas to ensure this doesn't happen?

You should confirm the drain holes in plenum chamber are clear. Mine were not and it cost £1,300 to fix the damage which was in my case mainly the bluetooth module under the front seat.
This is the dirty secret of this platform (used by Audi, VW and Skoda), there are youtube vids showing how to access the plenum chamber on the other models but the RS4 has a different bulk head/plenum chamber design so I don't think they are much help. If nothing comes up I would drop by a main dealer and ask them how you can check the plenum chamber is clear and if it has had "the mod" which I think is to remove some rubber plugs that get blocked with leaves etc.
I believe all A4s are meant to have this mod but mine has been main dealer serviced since new and it had not been moded.

[MikeFish]

TPMS is nit hit and miss as far as I know. Batteries in the sensors might be going flat as they are only supposed to have a 5 year life but thats not a big issue. Also some people have a unit or aerial failure but again I wouldn't say this is a common or big issue.

As far a I know the chains are not supposed to be replaced unless faulty. Never heard if any issues with them. Your service book should list all items that need replacing and when.