Hi all,
Ok I have some news but at the moment I cant disclose it too you all until I have 100% confirmation. Dont worry though, this hasn't been forgotten and as soon as I can, I will let you all know where we are at!.
Regards
Stuart
DRC action against audi, please contribute!
Recieved this morning after requesting it from Audi UK press office:
THE AUDI RS 6 / DYNAMIC RIDE CONTROL SYSTEM (DRC)
Audi UK can confirm that a fault has been identified with parts in the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system fitted to first generation RS 6 models. In a number of cases the shock absorbers containing the system’s hydraulic fluid have developed leaks which have adversely affected their performance. The inherent safety of the vehicle has not been compromised.
The DRC fault relates specifically to shock absorber seals in early RS 6 models, and Audi UK is seeking to reassure owners with an enhanced support package for affected cars in the UK. This goodwill support covers applicable cars for up to 6 years or 120,000 miles (whichever comes soonest) from the date of registration, and covers 100% of the cost of parts and labour for any DRC repairs.
This support is conditional upon the vehicle having a full Audi network service history, and on verification that it has been unmodified from the original specification (we regret that we cannot make any concessions for customers who have fitted non-standard suspension components). Customers will also benefit from a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on any replacement parts fitted.
We apologise unreservedly to customers who have been inconvenienced by this parts fault, but stress that the affected cars remain in the minority in the UK. DRC shock absorbers have been consistently improved since the introduction of the affected RS 6 models. The current replacement parts used are updated and further reinforced for optimum durability. This is in line with the Audi AG policy of continuous development across all areas of its manufacturing, including replacement parts.
Ok, take from that what you will, but the way i see it, they have totally limited the amount of people who can claim to a minimum. I for one do not accept all of their points. If they are admitting there is a fault then surely people should be compensated for loses incurred, and if aftermarket suspension has been fitted, then 99% of the time it was due to the total lack on Audi's behalf to rectify the problem properly in the first place.
As for the 6 year bit, total crap, the RS6 (C5) first came out in 2002, so therefore they have cancelled out anyone who was a loyal customer and brought one of the first RS6's to come out, but it brings us back to 'if your saying there is a problem, then it must affect all RS6's)
The service interval and only Audi service is also a moot subject, as was pointed out to me in private email, phone two different audi garages and ask then to provide details of what work is carried out in a full service and you will get two different answers.
So to summarise, a partial victory, but still many issues that need to be addressed. I have email Richard Starkey this morning, but he is out of his office until thursday (seems to spend more time out of the office than in it). I will keep you updated as I know more.
Regards
Stuart
THE AUDI RS 6 / DYNAMIC RIDE CONTROL SYSTEM (DRC)
Audi UK can confirm that a fault has been identified with parts in the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system fitted to first generation RS 6 models. In a number of cases the shock absorbers containing the system’s hydraulic fluid have developed leaks which have adversely affected their performance. The inherent safety of the vehicle has not been compromised.
The DRC fault relates specifically to shock absorber seals in early RS 6 models, and Audi UK is seeking to reassure owners with an enhanced support package for affected cars in the UK. This goodwill support covers applicable cars for up to 6 years or 120,000 miles (whichever comes soonest) from the date of registration, and covers 100% of the cost of parts and labour for any DRC repairs.
This support is conditional upon the vehicle having a full Audi network service history, and on verification that it has been unmodified from the original specification (we regret that we cannot make any concessions for customers who have fitted non-standard suspension components). Customers will also benefit from a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on any replacement parts fitted.
We apologise unreservedly to customers who have been inconvenienced by this parts fault, but stress that the affected cars remain in the minority in the UK. DRC shock absorbers have been consistently improved since the introduction of the affected RS 6 models. The current replacement parts used are updated and further reinforced for optimum durability. This is in line with the Audi AG policy of continuous development across all areas of its manufacturing, including replacement parts.
Ok, take from that what you will, but the way i see it, they have totally limited the amount of people who can claim to a minimum. I for one do not accept all of their points. If they are admitting there is a fault then surely people should be compensated for loses incurred, and if aftermarket suspension has been fitted, then 99% of the time it was due to the total lack on Audi's behalf to rectify the problem properly in the first place.
As for the 6 year bit, total crap, the RS6 (C5) first came out in 2002, so therefore they have cancelled out anyone who was a loyal customer and brought one of the first RS6's to come out, but it brings us back to 'if your saying there is a problem, then it must affect all RS6's)
The service interval and only Audi service is also a moot subject, as was pointed out to me in private email, phone two different audi garages and ask then to provide details of what work is carried out in a full service and you will get two different answers.
So to summarise, a partial victory, but still many issues that need to be addressed. I have email Richard Starkey this morning, but he is out of his office until thursday (seems to spend more time out of the office than in it). I will keep you updated as I know more.
Regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart, thanks for the information. Some points of thought:
"Remain in the minority in the UK"? What about the AoA complete recall campaign?
Also, what relevance does the "Audi service" have to the suspension? The suspension falls under the jurisdiction of the VOSA, and if they carry on the with the above then it will be time to sue them for being in breach of vehicle safety standards for allowing their cars to be on the road with a known suspension design fault that could lead to a serious accident or injury.
This is just a damage limitation exercise by Audi UK and is insulting to loyal Audi customers.
For me the aftermarket suspension was fitted due to a number of reasons:
1. SAFETY. Failed DRC is DANGEROUS under hard braking, body roll and understeer.
2. Audi's refusal to accept responsibility for the DRC faults
3. Cost to repair without the central valve repressurisation tool
4. Lack of dealership knowledge of the DRC system leading to consistent DRC failure for repaired cars (including my own) within weeks of repair.
5. Time off road for repairs. My RS6 is my daily driver, I do not expect it to be off the road for over a month a year waiting for DRC bits! The service manual states that a car with failed DRC should not be driven due to the probability of damage to further parts and loss of pressure in the central valve.
So the question is; Why should making my car safe and reliable exclude me from the DRC recall?
Thanks
Grant
/Rant.
"Remain in the minority in the UK"? What about the AoA complete recall campaign?
Also, what relevance does the "Audi service" have to the suspension? The suspension falls under the jurisdiction of the VOSA, and if they carry on the with the above then it will be time to sue them for being in breach of vehicle safety standards for allowing their cars to be on the road with a known suspension design fault that could lead to a serious accident or injury.
This is just a damage limitation exercise by Audi UK and is insulting to loyal Audi customers.
For me the aftermarket suspension was fitted due to a number of reasons:
1. SAFETY. Failed DRC is DANGEROUS under hard braking, body roll and understeer.
2. Audi's refusal to accept responsibility for the DRC faults
3. Cost to repair without the central valve repressurisation tool
4. Lack of dealership knowledge of the DRC system leading to consistent DRC failure for repaired cars (including my own) within weeks of repair.
5. Time off road for repairs. My RS6 is my daily driver, I do not expect it to be off the road for over a month a year waiting for DRC bits! The service manual states that a car with failed DRC should not be driven due to the probability of damage to further parts and loss of pressure in the central valve.
So the question is; Why should making my car safe and reliable exclude me from the DRC recall?
Thanks
Grant
/Rant.
-
calummcculloch
- 2nd Gear
- Posts: 132
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:02 pm
- Location: Edinburgh Scotland
Hi Stuart
well done .
But I also have reservations with the above .
As i have not had my car serviced at my local Audi dealership I will probably not benefit.
As many 6 owners we would seek out a specialist such as Grizz, because we have to find someone who will spend time with us and know these cars like the back of thier hands. So where does this leave people like me ???????????????
I traveled to Grizz for a timing belt change over xmas just past , because I did not want some trainee buliding up his knowlege on my car , and there are only a few people with total confidence I would leave my car with and let them tinker with.
I feel positive that most 6 owners will feel the same , most of the time its not the money side of things but the expertise in which these guy's have,after all we always go back to them!!!!!!!!!!!!
Calum
well done .
But I also have reservations with the above .
As i have not had my car serviced at my local Audi dealership I will probably not benefit.
As many 6 owners we would seek out a specialist such as Grizz, because we have to find someone who will spend time with us and know these cars like the back of thier hands. So where does this leave people like me ???????????????
I traveled to Grizz for a timing belt change over xmas just past , because I did not want some trainee buliding up his knowlege on my car , and there are only a few people with total confidence I would leave my car with and let them tinker with.
I feel positive that most 6 owners will feel the same , most of the time its not the money side of things but the expertise in which these guy's have,after all we always go back to them!!!!!!!!!!!!
Calum
How can they say that the only cars that are affected are the first ones then specifically exclude them because they're more than 6 years old. Pull the other one.
Daytona RS6 C5 Avant. Viper'd, Billies, Waggers, MTM box brain, C6 stoppers, xcarlink, R8 coolant cap (woohoo)
///M3 E46 | XC90 (V8, natch) | Passat GTE | RR Classic V8 flapper
"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair."
///M3 E46 | XC90 (V8, natch) | Passat GTE | RR Classic V8 flapper
"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair."
Also what about all the repeated failures of everyone's DRC after they have been replaced N times? They're taking us for a ride.
Daytona RS6 C5 Avant. Viper'd, Billies, Waggers, MTM box brain, C6 stoppers, xcarlink, R8 coolant cap (woohoo)
///M3 E46 | XC90 (V8, natch) | Passat GTE | RR Classic V8 flapper
"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair."
///M3 E46 | XC90 (V8, natch) | Passat GTE | RR Classic V8 flapper
"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair."
great result much better then we had before at least they say there is a problem, but like said find it funny how they restrict it to 6years 120k miles
6' had stop being produced in 05 and most cars range from 02-04 the opening for repair is very small
I think WD should still get involved this is a JOke and even though admitting an issue they are covering it aswell
block exemption think Audi need to read the rules when saying about servie history.
Anyway we have reach a point so lets see where this now leads us all
6' had stop being produced in 05 and most cars range from 02-04 the opening for repair is very small
I think WD should still get involved this is a JOke and even though admitting an issue they are covering it aswell
block exemption think Audi need to read the rules when saying about servie history.
Anyway we have reach a point so lets see where this now leads us all
03 RS6 Saloon Daytona Grey | Milltek | RS6+ Wheels | RS6 Mats | Tesco Club Card Points
Hi all,
Yes I understand fully where your all coming from and yes I also agree it is not enough, but, It IS a step in the right direction, addmition of a fault is half the battle won from my point of view, now we have an addmition, we can purse this from a legal view point for the reasons you all state above.
Believe me, this matter is NOT OVER yet!, but this is the best we as owners have got from Audi so far, now we all need to keep pushing onwards to the goal of total compensation and replacement with coilovers if that is what each customer wants.
Yes I understand fully where your all coming from and yes I also agree it is not enough, but, It IS a step in the right direction, addmition of a fault is half the battle won from my point of view, now we have an addmition, we can purse this from a legal view point for the reasons you all state above.
Believe me, this matter is NOT OVER yet!, but this is the best we as owners have got from Audi so far, now we all need to keep pushing onwards to the goal of total compensation and replacement with coilovers if that is what each customer wants.
Good work again Stuart, I never thought I'd see that so soon from Audi.
What I want it replacement with coilovers. I've had too many failures to want the same crap on the car again. All they have said is that they have improved the parts (HOW?? - they still fail!) and will keep replacing them if/when they fail.
What I want it replacement with coilovers. I've had too many failures to want the same crap on the car again. All they have said is that they have improved the parts (HOW?? - they still fail!) and will keep replacing them if/when they fail.
Basically guys we want the same deal as our friends across the pond have got. That’s what we should be pushing for now.
I have to agree with Rilla, as i do think that half of the battle has been won.
If Watch Dog can get a hold of this then i think Audi will have no choice but to admit full responsibility and a RECALL. Especially when it comes to the public’s attention of Audi America doing THE RIGHT THING and reimbursing ALL Audi RS6 owners..
On we charge.....................................................
I have to agree with Rilla, as i do think that half of the battle has been won.
If Watch Dog can get a hold of this then i think Audi will have no choice but to admit full responsibility and a RECALL. Especially when it comes to the public’s attention of Audi America doing THE RIGHT THING and reimbursing ALL Audi RS6 owners..
On we charge.....................................................
Past: Noggy 2000 B5 S4
Azure Blue 2000 Oettinger B5 S4
Mugello RS6 *STOLEN* RN52 UXB
Avus Oettinger A3 2.0T
Misano Oettinger C5 RS6
Phantom Oettinger C6 A6 Sline Avant
Present: RS7 Panther Black
Porsche Cayenne
C7 Avus silver avant 2.0 tdi ultra
Azure Blue 2000 Oettinger B5 S4
Mugello RS6 *STOLEN* RN52 UXB
Avus Oettinger A3 2.0T
Misano Oettinger C5 RS6
Phantom Oettinger C6 A6 Sline Avant
Present: RS7 Panther Black
Porsche Cayenne
C7 Avus silver avant 2.0 tdi ultra
I agree with the last few comments, this is only half the battle but never the less, a step in the right direction.My car fits in the timescales set out but it is wrong what Audi have stippulated. A design fault is a design fault, and it should cover the life of the modelaffected by the design. And I don't see how they can stipulate the car has to have been serviced by a Main dealer. My understanding is that is againist European law with regard to affecting manufacturers warranty on new cars, so I don't see how this can be enforced, dealers don't service suspension units so it is irrelevant.
My car has come back from the local Audi centre on Friday and they are still waiting for Audi Customer care to contact them to advise what Audi's contribution will be as the failed DRC has now caused damaged the rear arms .They have also told me that the car may need the front valve to and remaining 3 shock absorbers to be replaced after this but they will only know this once the system is re-pressurised
In addition I have agreed to have my car indepentantly inspected by a specailist in Surrey at the request of an interested party, I am going to let this happen regardless of the Audi press relief, who knows it may move Audi UK to give its customers the same resolution as Audi US has choosen to give to their customers.
Rilla. did they send this to you directly or is it published and available in the public domain?
My car has come back from the local Audi centre on Friday and they are still waiting for Audi Customer care to contact them to advise what Audi's contribution will be as the failed DRC has now caused damaged the rear arms .They have also told me that the car may need the front valve to and remaining 3 shock absorbers to be replaced after this but they will only know this once the system is re-pressurised
In addition I have agreed to have my car indepentantly inspected by a specailist in Surrey at the request of an interested party, I am going to let this happen regardless of the Audi press relief, who knows it may move Audi UK to give its customers the same resolution as Audi US has choosen to give to their customers.
Rilla. did they send this to you directly or is it published and available in the public domain?
Hi Neil,
I firstly got the information from an independent freelance journalist who was looking into this case at my, and others, request. He has had dealings with audi before on other matters, and seems to have a fair bit of clout with them, ie when he asks questions, they act pronto as they have in this case.
I then phoned Audi direct this morning, and spoke to their press office, who confirmed to me the press release relating to the DRC, and emailed me a full copy of the release (as pasted above).
I am still waiting for comment from Jeremy Hicks/Richard Starkey of Audi to find out how.when.why this will be implemented, but as soon as i hear any news you will all know aswell.
As I have said above, I know this news isn't to every bodies approval, but lets look at this realistically, it has taken Audi 7 years to even admit there is a fault with the system, despite the owners telling them so. This in the grand grand scheme of things is a major break through, and can now only lead onto better things for ALL owners, even if you have switched to aftermarket suspension. Please be patient, Rome wasn't built in a day, and as I have said before, i will still be pursuing this for ALL owners, regardless of service history/suspension now fitted/age of car. The wheels are still turning on this, and things are still happening 'behind the scenes' that I cant publicly talk about yet, but rest assured, I am not now sitting back on this one, I am in for the duration to get satisfaction for ALL owners.
If any of you have been affected that haven't yet put your story across, then please please please do so now, the more evidence i can collate the better and easier it will be for me to get the total satisfaction you and I are all looking for.
On a seperate but related subject, is there any way of finding our how many RS6 owners use this forum at present, so i can get a rough idea of percentage affected by DRC issues. Audi insist this is an 'isolated' few cases, I beg to differ but need hard numbers to confirm this. The forum offers a good opportunity to get a good gauge of people affected.
Many thanks for your continued support and patience with this, and please, stick with it as we all need to get our selves heard.
Regards
Stuart
I firstly got the information from an independent freelance journalist who was looking into this case at my, and others, request. He has had dealings with audi before on other matters, and seems to have a fair bit of clout with them, ie when he asks questions, they act pronto as they have in this case.
I then phoned Audi direct this morning, and spoke to their press office, who confirmed to me the press release relating to the DRC, and emailed me a full copy of the release (as pasted above).
I am still waiting for comment from Jeremy Hicks/Richard Starkey of Audi to find out how.when.why this will be implemented, but as soon as i hear any news you will all know aswell.
As I have said above, I know this news isn't to every bodies approval, but lets look at this realistically, it has taken Audi 7 years to even admit there is a fault with the system, despite the owners telling them so. This in the grand grand scheme of things is a major break through, and can now only lead onto better things for ALL owners, even if you have switched to aftermarket suspension. Please be patient, Rome wasn't built in a day, and as I have said before, i will still be pursuing this for ALL owners, regardless of service history/suspension now fitted/age of car. The wheels are still turning on this, and things are still happening 'behind the scenes' that I cant publicly talk about yet, but rest assured, I am not now sitting back on this one, I am in for the duration to get satisfaction for ALL owners.
If any of you have been affected that haven't yet put your story across, then please please please do so now, the more evidence i can collate the better and easier it will be for me to get the total satisfaction you and I are all looking for.
On a seperate but related subject, is there any way of finding our how many RS6 owners use this forum at present, so i can get a rough idea of percentage affected by DRC issues. Audi insist this is an 'isolated' few cases, I beg to differ but need hard numbers to confirm this. The forum offers a good opportunity to get a good gauge of people affected.
Many thanks for your continued support and patience with this, and please, stick with it as we all need to get our selves heard.
Regards
Stuart