Advice please - suspension / paint code / battery charger

[MGD]

Hi

I’m new to the forum having bought by RS4 B8 earlier this year. I have a couple of questions that I was hoping someone knowledgeable on these cars might be able to help with please:

1. The wing mirrors have been sprayed body colour. Whilst I’m fine with that, the finish isn’t great (evidence of old stone chips painted over - not sure why they didn’t sand it down first!?). Therefore, I’m considering reverting back to the matte silver finish. Is this just a paint finish? Does any one know the paint code for this? Or is possible to buy OEM units at a reasonable price?

2. The rear of the car seems to sit lower than the front. Is that normal? The DRC has been checked and seems in order - it just looks a bit odd to have a slightly bigger gap between wheel and arch on front compared to rear.

3. I have a BMW branded ctek 4.3 battery charger - any ideas if it’s ok to use on the Audi?

Thanks in advance for help!

Matt

[goram]

Can't help on 1 or 3, but mine sits slightly lower on the rear too. I'm on full paranoid mode that the DRC will fail at some point, but it rides and handles well enough for now....

[MGD]

Hi Goram

Thanks. Rest assured I share your paranoia! Mine handles well too and was put to the test when I came round a bend at speed to find a car coming towards me on my side of the road and I had to swerve round them. These things are on rails.

If I don’t get any insights from anyone on here I’m going to ask my local specialist to give it a thorough check before warranty runs out. They hold themselves out as a DRC specialist so will let you know what they say.

Cheers

Matt

[Mav8]

Where are you based?

[MGD]

Hi Mav8

Edinburgh. You?

[johnnydog]

Ctek chargers are excellent - I have a 7ah version. I got it after seeing my local Audi dealership using them on the display vehicles in the showroom to keep the batteries charged whilst were displaying their led lights purely for effect.
They can be used long term / connected permanently to keep the battery topped up if the vehicle is off the road.
I have a couple of 5 ah versions which I use on my classic cars whilst off the road.
The BMW one is just simply a branded version of the same charger.
As the B8 RS4 had an AGM battery when new (and should still have one if a replacement) make sure the Ctek charger has an AGM charging setting, and use the positive terminal under the scuttle cover and the negative post on the suspension turret for charging.
I wouldn't trust cheap versions of this charger available at some discount supermarkets, after a couple of friends of mine had them and they developed faults and ended up cooking the vehicles batteries. Not much of a deal perhaps on older cars without the electronics of the RS4, but could be an expensive mistake.
I'd stick with Ctek personally even if more costly in their initial purchase..

[Mav8]

Hi Mav8

Edinburgh. You?

Way down south mate,

[MGD]

As a follow up for anyone interested, car went for MOT and health check including checking out the suspension.

Clean bill of health and garage commented how clean it was so think I’m just being a bit precious!

[Bendelaurence]

Charger is fine.

Rear shocks are getting a bit old. Mine sits slightly lower on one side. I’ve had new springs. It’s definitely the shock. But it works fine. No leaks or misting etc. I’m just running them until they pop. It’s going to happen one day. Warrenty won’t change yours because they’re not leaking and the electronics haven’t failed. (anything to get out of a bill).

Ps, if you’re using a dealer, choose wisely. Wakefield tried to bill me £11.5k for DRC repair a couple of years ago. They’re crafty. Thankfully I knew better. I can recommend Unit 20 highly. They have 2 DRC machines now. The saved time equates to £245 for a full recharge of both sides. They know their stuff. Full access to electronic records etc. but maybe a bit far for you.

That’s my 2c anyway