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So I am selling my RS4 , it does have stone chips but not too many or any bad ones. The usual for 60k miles.
Also have a bubble bottom of passenger front arch.

Now, I have just approached Audi about the 12 yr warranty and goodwill they have on wings and arches. They said its a reaction from inside out, something to do with acoustic padding rubbing against the galvanized wing. Car is booked in for Tuesday. Just curious to know what they say.

If they agree to do the work 100% or 80% + am I best doing this or keeping the car as it is without hiding anything if I am wanting to sell???

Then I feel the issues would be people seeing resprayed arches, wings etc... and wondering the worst!

Or leave as is and I have the option and paperwork to show that it can be covered! (may have just answered my question)

....but nice to know others thoughts

I am not selling mine, but I chose 2 new arches from Audi as they were paying ! Given the bubbling is only going to get worse I would get it painted as that should "set the clock back" 10 years or so on any other defects appearing.

Be aware you will need to pay to have the doors/bumper blended in to the arches depending on the colour of the car as the warranty will only pay or contribute to replacing & painting the wing.

If Audi will replace I would look on it as a positive as it confirms the car had not been in an accident as they measure the paint depth before approving the warranty. If you are taking it in look under the arches too as one of mine went there.

I would get it fixed up by Audi so you have an immaculate RS4 to sell. Keep all the paperwork and you'lll have no problem. These cars are getting old but are still a real head turner so need care and attention. Everyone likes a sorted car as they don't need to go through the hassle of fixing things up as people are lazy. I've had mine extensively sprayed to keep it looking mint. As I drove it hard for a number of years. Now it's parked (garaged) up for the last 18 months and only driven for low familia jaunts, I love it still.

Thanks for advice guys.

If I go ahead I will take pictures before of the bubbles so I have proof of why it was painted

I'm interested to hear how you get on with Audi. I also have a couple bubbles appearing on the nearside front wing and was considering taking it into audi. The car doesn't have full audi history however .

Will keep you posted. Basically I have been asked to bring the car down. They spend half an hour looking over it then send a report of to Audi.

The front wings are aluminium and cost a small fortune so better to get Audi to cover it if you can.

I had my two replaced for free by Perth Audi but I think it depends what dealer you go to. Edinburgh Audi were not even interested.

My wings are a slightly different shade of red but I can live with that until I get the rest of the car painted.

Best check the rear arches as well whilst the car is at Audi as my ones are bubbling on both sides.

Granted my car has done 156,000 miles now but if your fronts are corroding the rears might not be far behind.

Covkiller wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 02, 2018 8:54 pm

These cars are getting old but are still a real head turner

Could not agree more, I am amazed by how much good will and interest there still is in these cars.

Future classic status for sure.

coffey555 wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 03, 2018 11:03 am

The front wings are aluminium and cost a small fortune so better to get Audi to cover it if you can.

If they are aluminium why replace them?

Because Aluminium alloy still corrodes.

coffey555 wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:19 pm

Because Aluminium alloy still corrodes.

Not like steel though. The aluminium oxide protects the aluminium beneath whereas iron oxide in steel will keep eating away at it.

Flat and paint and it shouldn't come back until the surface is damaged again.

Audi called it a paint defect but said it was probably a manufacturing defect in the wings covered under the paint warranty. Not sure what that meant was just happy to have them replaced FOC ! They also advised me not to hang about at the warranty ran out in June (was May they were replaced just before 12 years old)

Anyone got pics of the bubbling and where it occurred?

Mine was in for a bonnet and bumper job and when I got it checked by an independent paint Shop they pointed out a few small items that may need attention

irishmike wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 07, 2018 12:38 pm

Anyone got pics of the bubbling and where it occurred?

Mine was in for a bonnet and bumper job and when I got it checked by an independent paint Shop they pointed out a few small items that may need attention

If you've had paint you won't get it covered by Audi.

Yeah I know that, but the arches haven't been touched so still valid. No?