DRC action against audi, please contribute!

[orangeeric]

Oh boy, this is going to get to be fun.....

Just thought I'd let you all know that Audi Customer Service are adamant (and I don't mean the 80's pop star) that no press release exists in relation to DRC issues. The 'gentleman' concerned has apparently hunted high and low and no such document exists. I asked to speak to his manager, but he refused to put me through. I therefore asked him to confirm to me in writing (e-mail) that Audi confirm no such press release exists. He says he will do it.....but he's been as reliable as the DRC on actions so far.

But, as I write...

Good Afternoon Mr Ericson,


As per our conversation dated 17/04/09 I can confirm that there are no known issues with the DRC Systems on the RS6 model. As per your request also their has been no press release from Audi UK regarding a known issue on RS6 DRC systems.

Kind Regards,

Ashley Sorrell
Audi Customer Services
Tel: 0800 699 888
Fax: 0113 393 2585
Email: Ashley.Sorrell@vwg.co.uk

Rilla, Fancy a conference call with Mr Richard 'Mondays Only' Starkie on this one?! My gander is certainly up now......Audi don't know their RS from their elbow and now they're showing it......

[Ironside-69]

Doncaster Audi are contacting Dickie on Monday about my failed shock, he is going to be a happy buny by about 11-00am. He will wish he worked a one day month rather than a one day week.

The more you read, the more it feels like they have been told to plead ignorance.

[Rilla]

Not a problem orangeeric, ill be on the phone first thing Monday!
Glad you got the CS rep's name, and written confirmation he is denying the press release exists. I am still waiting for Jeremy Hicks to contact me, I don't think he really wants to talk to me, might be too many questions he doesn't have any answers for!
I actually felt sorry for the guy I spoke to in Richard Starkeys office this week, lots of long silences and lots of 'erm I dont know what to say' going on. Shame the 'bosses' palm it off onto poor gophers in the offices to deal with rather than addressing the problems themselves.
Also, as of yet, still nothing from AoA so they will be getting another call on Monday too, I might even remember about the time difference this time and not spend 9am till 2pm swearing at the phone for them not answering..........lol

ill keep you posted!

[MoRS6+]

..Audi don't know their RS from their elbow..

Indeed!

[orangeeric]

As I say, Happy to join a conference call. Rilla, please PM me your e-mail if you want me to forward you the actual mail....
Cheers

[Rilla]

ah, i dont think I can do conference calls m8, Manx telecom only replaced 2 cups and a bit of string with real phones a few years ago! lol

[orangeeric]

No probs - I've got a facility that works with string .... some say it works with semaphore too....!!

[MalcolmSu]

I have just had a second dealer rectify the faulty work done by another. First dealer replaced both rear shocks and on accumulator. Second dealer, my normal service dealer, told me that the shocks must be fitted in opposite pairs or the new shock blows the older one. so dealer two replaced the other two shocks. All paid for by Audi extended warranty. The dealer told me Audi had a goodwill system on the DRC system as its so troublesome. This lot would have cost £3k if not under warranty.

You know that's what's equally so frustrating about this debacle - the inconsistencies!

When my first DRC failure happened (a FNS shock) I discussed with my (Audi) dealer replacing the opposite ROS shock at the same time and they agreed that was recommended but I was told my warranty company (not Audi) wouldn't cover replacing a non-faulty shock. I couldn't get them (Audi) to understand that was already faulty through being connected to the FNS shock.

My warranty company stumped up for the first repair and two months later I was back to have the ROS shock replaced after it failed!

So despite "Audi having a goodwill system on the DRC system" they're quite happy to stand back and let the poor warranty companies pick up the tab on their failures - which ultimately hits us all through higher warranty policy premiums or refusals for cover.


Over on rs6.com I've been making a pest of myself trying to get those who claim already to have had the "improved shocks" fitted - however as posted earlier in this thread the same part numbers keep getting quoted. On several occaisons the only difference has been the addition of the protective boots - but still our friends across the pond insist they've got a completely new re-designed package. I'd put money on your email from AoA Stuart (if / when you get it) showing the same part numbers as those recently fitted over here.

[Rilla]

yeah i am of the same opinion, but would still be nice to get confirmation, good or bad.

From the outset, my aim has been to get owners a choice, replace DRC with DRC that works, or replace with coilovers. I cant see either option costing audi multi millions, and as i have said to audi before now, they have all the machinery/knowledge to make the parts for peanuts. In the grand scheme of things, the outlay for audi would be minimal, compared to a claim for loss of life (god forbid). But they obviously deem the loss of life claim to be the cheaper option, which is BULLSHIT.

They really shouldnt be allowed to play with peoples lives like this, let alone customers lives. Just a real shame our government have been 'paid off' to make the law favour the manufacturers in these situations. Maybe I should start lobbying them next to get the law changed to suit to consumer not the manufacturers.

Unfortunatly, my 'donation to the election fund' will never match what the manufacturers can stump up for a blind eye and a lords seat when they retire. Good old capitalism eh.

[Stuart6587]

I was corresponding with Audi UK on Tuesday this week and the individual that I was dealing with nor my local Audi dealer knew anything about the bulletin re the RS6 DRC until I sent them a copy. orangeeric I would suggest you do the same if you haven't already.

[orangeeric]

I was corresponding with Audi UK on Tuesday this week and the individual that I was dealing with nor my local Audi dealer knew anything about the bulletin re the RS6 DRC until I sent them a copy. orangeeric I would suggest you do the same if you haven't already.

Good plan - thanks. This would suggest you have actually got them to do something under the support offer?

[jamesslater]

Great old beast though and good on tyres, petrol and consumables.

Blimey! What was your last car - Thrust one!

No a Range Rover preceeded by a Subaru. The RS6 was intended to be a cross between the two!

[Rupert]

So, we have a Customer Services Department that does anything but serve customers, and a press release which was never released to any press.
What a way to run a business.

[Ironside-69]

I've got a response from Doncaster Audi reference their chasing of Richard Starkey, it reads as follows:

"I am still awaiting for the information to be released from Audi UK, i am unable to replace any parts on your vehicle untill this is published. (I was told that it should be 'a few days' when i last spoke to Audi UK)."

So that's good then, still no idea.

I will chase up my barrister contact to see whether he considers he can help, he's probably sunning himself in Italy......

My lad says that the noise from the suspension sounds like Rolf Haris is trapped in the boot. Nice. lol

[Stuart6587]

orangeeric, they are replacing all four shocks with the new ones.......albeit they will not be available for some weeks. Of course only time will tell whether these "enhanced" shocks actually solve the DRC problem of course !