Audi Centres and RS/S model specialist service advisors

[neckarsulm]

Having taken my car in for a service today at an Audi Centre, I really wished I was talking to an advisor who knew more about the cars than I did.

As mentioned in another thread I was being told that SW0090 software update didn't exist which was frustrating.

If only they could give the few RS/S cars they deal with to specially trained advisors it would justify the costs a lot more.

A suitable courtesy car would be nice too, a 2.0 TDI SE Automatic A4 Estate is better than walking but not a great brand advert.

I hope the tech knows his stuff at least

[neckarsulm]

Got the car back and guess what, nobody at this huge Audi Centre has ever heard of SW0090 so it hasn't been done.

Then the inspection hasn't picked up on the misting on the osf shock which we spotted here when we inspected the car back in August, just slight but it is visible. I specifically asked for DRC inspection but the advisor just brushed that off saying that they'll check everything anyway.

And to top it all off they have reported "Exhaust- rear muffler worn/damaged n/s exhaust flap stuck open, £739.20" when it's actually fine - had checked this as soon as I got the car and lubed the linkages but to be sure (some of you may know I run a garage) when I got back I got a 2nd opinion from my tech who couldn't see any damage of any sort and could see the flaps opening and closing on the instruction of the S button, we could see the linkage moving and 1 of the 2 outlets within each of the two oval pipes opening and closing on demand. I don't want to say anything defamatory but I'm slightly annoyed about seemingly trying to be had over.
And the advisor's surname? Bull!

On the plus side I saved over £100 supplying my own oil, surprised they still let you do that.

[gottanS]

At least the experience is consistent with the odd exception.

Personally when they say something is damaged or needs changing I always ask them to show me, I always take everything with a pinch of salt until proven. Any garage that runs a commission scheme based on the number of parts sold or fitted by the techs is defintely suspect and anything they say needs careful scrutiny.

Amazing how many things that needed changing urgently went on the back burner after asking a few pertinent questions.

[neckarsulm]

Personally when they say something is damaged or needs changing I always ask them to show me,

And how many don't!
They knew I was in the trade too.

[lengster1]

Poor service advisors are probably the biggest issue for me,nobody knew anything about oil cooler issue when mine went and i asked alot of people there! Hence my next service is free only thanks to audi uk as compensation for buying and fitting it all myself due to tatal lack of awareness at the dealer,i rang for a quote on new clutch on my b7 tdi gave reg details etc and was told i would get called back with a price,do you reckon they did? Needless to say its going to an ex master techs garage to be done as he could be arsed to give me a call back with the price!!! I knew audi would of been dearer im sure but the 2 yr warranty is worth condidering on the crap dual mass tdi clutches but no call back n no price just cant be bothered any more!!

[gottanS]

A lot of people don't ask or expect to be shown.

If they knew you are in the trade and gave the same BS how are mere mortals i.e. those not in the trade supposed to get a straight answer or a fair deal.

[neckarsulm]

If they knew you are in the trade and gave the same BS how are mere mortals i.e. those not in the trade supposed to get a straight answer or a fair deal.

Vote with your feet and go elsewhere unless warranty or goodwill depend upon it.

[neckarsulm]

I am wondering now if the exhaust flap only plays up when the engine is cold, can't check until tomorrow.
Even so they have still exagerated the problem as there is no 'damage' and haven't communicated things very well if that is the case.

[Dom81]

I'm stunned - can only recommend Camberley (which is further for you than me) or MRC (on your doorstep, but understand your concerns about DRC warranty)

Begs the question why you haven't disconnected those pointless flaps though!!

[neckarsulm]

Begs the question why you haven't disconnected those pointless flaps though!!

I've said it before, when I am not in the mood, I like the peace and quiet

[neckarsulm]

OK, waited til the neighbours had woken up and checked the exhaust flaps from cold to make sure Audi weren't describing a problem they witnessed when it was cold.
While it's on fast idle the exhaust flaps stay shut regardless of what the sport button says, presumably that's deliberate.
As soon as the fast idle speed drops, 20 secs or so, the flaps open or close on command of the magic S, BOTH OF THEM

[Dom81]

That's because, even with Sport button on, they are only open at idle and then above a certain RPM. I guess the fast idle counts as slow driving rather than idle, hence them closing in that range.

[neckarsulm]

That's because, even with Sport button on, they are only open at idle and then above a certain RPM. I guess the fast idle counts as slow driving rather than idle, hence them closing in that range.

DOH! Of course, thanks for that Dom. When driving back from Audi yesterday I was listening hard to hear a difference with S on and off and then remembered that I wouldn't be hearing any difference off idle or below x (3000?) rpm.

[neckarsulm]

This pic symbolises my experience of Audi service

[gottanS]

too true!!