Progress regarding DRC warranty

[rjkflyer]

Today I received a note from Audi UK, from Jeremy Hicks in fact, stating that in order to recognise the concerns we have experienced with DRC Audi will extend us a 75,000 mile/5 year warranty from first registration on the DRC components.

It would be good to also know if there have been redesigns on the shocks - anyone ideas on this?

[theaxe]

Wow, if we get this in writing then it may help me justify hanging onto the car past the warranty period.

[dom888]

I got the same letter this morning. Apparently new shocks have been designed for the old RS6 and these are the same as for the B7 RS4, so hopefully they'll be available soon. Audi can't say when Germany will make them available though.

[dubbers]

Same letter here from Jeremy Hicks arrived this morning. Warranty extension for DRC of 5 yrs or 75k miles. No inherent flaw in DRC recognised and fault isolated to a small number of B7 RS4's.

Personally I'm happy with the way Audi dealt with the problem and have now provided reassurance in extending the warranty for DRC.

[P_G]

Well done all, I'm glad you have got a satisfactory result. Should I encounter the DRC problem which touch wood I haven't yet, do I then write to Audi to get this warranty extension or are they indicating they are going to issue this courtesy to ever RS4 driver?

[dubbers]

....Should I encounter the DRC problem which touch wood I haven't yet, do I then write to Audi to get this warranty extension or are they indicating they are going to issue this courtesy to ever RS4 driver?

I'd bet on it being a case-by-case basis. At least there's a precedence been set, so hopefully those who are unlucky enough to have DRC failures under warranty can follow the well trodden path to Mr Hicks' inbox.

[MrM]

Thanks to arsey4 (Ithink it was him) for composing such an eloquent letter .My reply from Jeremy Hicks also arrived today.

[rjkflyer]

Jeremy Hicks has been excellent - I cannot fault any of his interactions and i have had a few. Very good brand management. I would THINK that this should extend to all owners (it cannot be restricted). Maybe they will only write to those affected, but it would help us all of course if it went to all as although it would raise awareness, on the other hand anyone buying secondhand will be told of it.

Six and half a dozen...

[David_R]

Also got the letter and fully agree with the comments about the reaction from Jeremy Hicks - very good for a car manufacturer in my experience.

[ARSEY4]

Got my letter this morning too. Just a shame I dont have the car.
Just goes to prove all those months ago that speaking up and doing it in a controlled, calm and non confrontational way does get results.
Well done to all those people who took the time to write in. I can just see all the people who couldnt be bothered reaching for their pen and paper as we speak.
Great to see that Mr Hicks listens and has reacted in an extremely positive way. Well done to him and Audi.

[jackwood]

Also received a letter today.

Precious corrispondance had hinted at a revised shock solution as well as warrent extension, but this letter only covers extension of warrenty.

[ChrisRS4]

Well done all, I'm glad you have got a satisfactory result. Should I encounter the DRC problem which touch wood I haven't yet, do I then write to Audi to get this warranty extension or are they indicating they are going to issue this courtesy to ever RS4 driver?

The way the letter is worded seems to imply that it isn't a universal offer -"should fault arrise on your vehicle R* AWD."

But I'd agree that I can't see them offering it to some but not others.

[tweek]

What happens after the 5yrs from date of registration period ends?

Call me a sceptic but all they have done is limit their own liability by deferring the problem to the point where they can say its 5 years old, what do you expect and walk away. I would not be surprised if this is only offered to owners who have a history of DRC problems on their vehicles and not offered generally.

[rjkflyer]

Of course we know there's been a problem, so you're right to have a degree of scepticism, but a 5 year warranty on one of the hardest worked parts of a 400 bhp (maybe... performance car?

I'd say that was pretty reasonable.

What else would you expect/suggest?

[ARSEY4]

People only have themselves to blame for not getting anything more. In the pole and lists we had 40 odd people who had problems but I wager me left testie that Mr Hicks didnt get that many letters.
Personally I think it is a good result, the only thing is that in the letter I drafted I asked that should any updated parts be manufactured that eliminated the problem they would be replaced free of charge and I would of liked to see that being included.
5 yrs or 75k is not bad, I would think that standard shocks would of needed replacing before that anyway?