RS246.com Forum :: The World's #1 Audi R, S and RS Enthusiast Community

I've just left the car in for its 40k service, and mentioned that I'd like the ECU upgraded to SW0090 to cure the smoky lumpy cold starts.The tech didn't appear know much/anything about the ECU updates but I'm hopeful he'll figure it out!

It's still under the Approved Used warranty. Will they charge for the ECU upgrade?

Shouldn't, I got mine done for free whilst still under warranty.
Never asked for it as such but described the cold start symptoms and the tech said he'd check it out (had to leave it overnight for them to try in the morning) and was advised they would update the software.

Mine's not under warranty. Car went in for a service and I realised next morning on starting it up that they had carried out the upgrade as a matter of course without me asking for it. They didn't even tell me they carried it out. No extra charge was made.

Thanks for the info. They just rang and said that it would cost half hours labour, and it wasn't their fault if any problems resulted from the update as it wasn't required. Really inspires confidence... wtf

Tell them to forget it and take it to another dealership.

Half an hour labour? Is it not just a case of plugging in a cable and pressing the update button then walking away whilst it uploads?

I wasn't going to make an issue of it, but I think I will now. They're getting plenty of money off me this morning without sticking another forty odd quid on for something that isn't charged for in Aberdeen or Yorkshire, and they're going to want to keep my custom.

Only 30 mins, I'm surprised they didn't sting you for an hour like the do for a diagnostic.

Not all dealers even know about the SW0090 update!
Glasgow saw mine twice with cold-start issues and just handed the car back saying it was normal for an RS4... After I kicked up a fuss (as part of a different and much bigger issue) they looked into it then carried out the upgrade, though said they would normally charge for it...

Just take it to a dealer who knows what they're doing.

Well, I raised the issue, was told that since I authorised it (and agreed to the half hour labour) I had to pay, or take it up with Audi UK. I know I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, but I don't like it, so taking it up I am.

I just had a flashback to primary school... Calling Audi UK feels like telling the teacher!!

You don't have a remap do you?

Good point Shagga, but my RS4 is 100% factory spec so no worries there.

And the result: I've got the car back, serviced, fluids changed, software updated - 'carried out free of charge' as seen on the invoice. No fuss was made on pick up. I'm delighted the car is in such good health.

Thanks for everyone's input today. I'll hopefully see you at the national meet in a few weeks!

Was that from Newcastle Audi or Silverlink Audi?

I need mine doing so wondered where to take in the North East

That was the one at Silverlink ('Tyneside Audi'). Despite this minor niggle, I would still choose Tyneside over Newcastle Audi (on Scotswood Road) any day of the week. I've written about my experience of Newcastle Audi on the Audi Dealers Review Database topic:

http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... le#p447225

Other user's opinion may differ. Customer experiences are always going to be largely subjective (as opposed to fixed, measurable objective values) so the more reviews we have on that topic the better for everyone. Who knows, Newcastle may have sacked that service guy and replaced him with some bright young trainee? He was a total <beep>.

http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... w+Database

O and p.s. the update really has improved the car: it's much smoother when cold. I might be imagining it, but do I think it's easier to to drive hot or cold, for example when moving away from stationary or from low speeds. Less raw/rough.

I do not know if the filter changes etc during the service have any part to play in the subtle improvement.

Thanks for the advice - I will pop up and see what they say