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The dealer has informed us that we have three bent wheels, and alluded to bent wheels being something that is not unusual for them to see. We live on a dirt road and have normal Michigan dirt road potholes, but nothing that has ever caused problems for other vehicles we have owned. The bill is @ $1200 for new wheels and alignment. (Ugh...)
Has any other owner experienced anything like this? We don't drive the vehicle particularly hard, and I am quite concerned about whether this is going to be a recurring problem. We asked the dealer about other wheel options (higher profile, etc) and was told this is the only wheel that fits the 2.7T. If I am buying three new wheels I figured why not switch to something that will withstand our dirt road environment.
We have gone from very satisfied owners who love the 2.7T (and I was considering getting one as well) to very disillusioned. I called the "Audi Customer Care line", after ten minutes on hold spoke to someone who was no help whatsoever, and who added to our frustration.
If other potential owners who drive on dirt roads are looking into an A6 look carefully at this issue, no answers seem to be available from Audi.
I think it IS certainly possible that a potholed dirt road COULD cause this. If you're accustomed to steel wheeled cars, there's a big difference with alloy wheels; irrespective of whether they're on an Audi or any other car. The Audi's suspension wasn't designed for these conditions either. It's a sport sedan with plenty of aluminum in the suspension and I have to think that a potholed dirt road won't do it much good either. The Audi allroad might be a better choice. And though I'm no fan of trucks and SUV's, I must acknowledge they have their place.
But the information you were given by the dealer is wrong. There are plenty of other wheels and tires that will fit on the 2.7T. And you can get four for less than $1200. One good source is Tire Rack. This is their URL:
http://www.tirerack.com/about/helpwant.htm
I can't guarantee you can find any alloy wheel that will be pothole proof, but the folks at Tire Rack are pretty knowledgeable, and could probably make a suggestion if there is anything.
Good luck!
P.S. I saw a couple different 16 inch wheels available for $134 apiece, or just $536 for a set of four. Sixteen inch tires are cheaper than 17 inch ones too.
Also, THREE? bent wheels, wow -- I hit a pothole that was full of water last winter -- this hole was so deep there were already two Buicks and a small pickup truck in it. Unfortunately one of the wheels on my Audi did get bent. My insurance paid for it, minus the deductible ($250.00), the state of Kentucky paid $250.00 (the wheel, tire and four wheel alignment ran around $800!). I have hit many potholes here in Southern Ohio / Northern Kentucky -- several times the alignment was knocked out -- only once was a wheel damaged. Is it possible that the wheels were "bad?" I have had Audi bend over backwards to do things to "make it right," I think you should not give up with Audi, yet. Moreover, your auto insurance may pay for this, as did mine -- and my letters to the state highway kept of KY certainly worked too. Its just that is seems SO RARE for three wheels to be bent, especially if the car was NOT involved in an accident or crash. Audi should come to your aid, IMO.
I have noticed that these low profile tires and alloy wheels (that are on many cars, not limited to Audis) are much softer (or more likely to be damaged in the case of the tires) than the steel wheels and higher profile tires that are on lower performance, lower priced cars. Perhaps this just goes with the territory.
The most disturbing and [for you] disappointing part of your message is the apparent resolution (none) from Audi. Again, I encourage you to try Audi -- I usually write a letter to Audi Owner Loyalty -- Carol Glynn -- and then she forwards it to the correct party. I never blame anyone for the problem, I just state the facts and ask if anything can be done.
I have found Audi generally helpful.
I was told this was NOT just an Audi problem -- they buy parts from VDO or Bosch or some other mfg as does BMW and Merc -- I was told that some of the Mercs had the same problems as the Audis (bad fuel guage or fuel sending unit).
It was or should be a recall item and even if you are OOW, you should get the problem fixed free.
Tirerack is definitly the best source for great wheel and tire prices. Good luck.
My next purchase will be a ming blue TT roadster, with blue top and the baseball glove seats. As close to red, white and blue as I can get. Hope the Germans don't get offended and ship me all the defective parts on that one...
are any dealer incentives, low apr or attractive lease deals.
I'm guessing after reading Edmunds report that the 2.7t is selling better than the 2.8
based on performance and price.
Also, does anyone know how much longer the A6 has before it gets a re-design?
thanks,
The colors can be found on page 5 of the A6 forum at Audiworld. Here is a link:
http://www.audiworld.com/forum/a6.html
Scott in Central Florida
Does anyone know if this roof has some sort of function? Is it a solar panel? No one up here in the Northeast seems to know...I guess this feature is more common in the south.
The panel is indeed solar.
It is used to produce electricity to cool the car while it is parked with the engine off.
You may also have a switch on your climate control which is called REST -- which heats the car in the winter with the engine off (based on the heat of the engine).
The solar panel creates electricity rather than drawing from the battery -- the electricity powers the fan motors which are, theoretically at least, used to expel hot air from the car when it is summer and parked in the sun. There should be someway to activate this feature -- like I said I had a 1997 A8 and I think there was a button on the dash to turn the feature on.
Doesn't your dealer know?
You should also notice that the side windows in your car are twice as thick as a standard window since the side glass is insulated. It should have a little channel in it when you look at the top edge.
I hope summer ends up making it's way up north and you get the opportunity to appreciate the warm weather package!
I love the car, got 350 miles on it now, and I'm sure that the smiles/miles is higher than if I'd gone with the 540i, the GS400 (now 430) or the E430. I found the combination of ergonomics, performance, service and the Quattro (aah! the Quattro...) superior to the other cars, and at a lower price.
BTW, I always used mid-grade gasoline in the A4 without problems (no knocking, ever), and this A6 has lower compression so I will probably use mid grade (89 octanes) on this one too. I found that in the A4 when I did use premium performance was not noticeably better, and gas mileage went down. Any comments?
The Turbo REQUIRES premium fuel. Actually I can think of no recent Audi that will not benefit from premium fuel. But, say it with me, "The Turbo REQUIRES premium fuel."
Unless some technical bulliten or change to the engine has occurred -- The Turbo REQUIRES premium fuel (and personally, I would avoid any fuel with alcohol in it).
You will NOT be happy in the long run with non-premium fuel.
And, yes I know, it is now 1.99 9/10'ths here in "River City," Ohio. I feel the pain in your wallet.
David
What about the A/C question?
So, the engine will apparently prevent itself from self destruction via pinging, but will not perform as well. I got the same message pertaining to brand and as I suspected alcohol. Brand apparently has to do with additives -- mostly for keeping the valves and fuel injectors clean. My service manager says that premium fuel, generally, will cost less (in gas milage) as the engine ages due to the "general fact" that premium fuel of Certain Brands (and here in Cincinnati he mentioned Marathon, Shell and BP as 'good fuels') prevent the build up of dirt that robs both power and gas mileage.
I am not a technician, engineer or petrolium/gasoline expert of any kind. In fact, if I could use regular or plus "safely" I would. Funny, the dealer rep told me that in my 4.2 it would be safer to burn lower octane than in any Audi Turbo due to the extra heat that a turbo creates. He says that Premium fuel actually is less volatile and therefore is "better" for the turbo's demands.
Again, you have to go with your gut and your dealer's recommendations -- and it probably wouldn't hurt to hear from the mfg. I thought the manual said that premium fuel is required, not simply recommended.
Also the car will become both more efficient and powerful once you go beyond 5,000 miles and again by about 10,000 miles (this is from personal experience with over 24 Audis).
With respect to the A/C, just turn the thing to Auto, set the temp and generally "forget it." Don't worry about a shutdown sequence, the computer is very helpful with just about everything.
The only thing I have ever done with one of these turbo models is to let the car idle before turning it off, IF I have "run it hard" immediately prior to pulling into my driveway (you know, driving in 2nd and 3rd gear "hard and fun"). I assume this is still the correct procedure, but I have heard some sort of cooling fan sound on my wife's TT after she shuts the car down, especially during warm weather.
He told me the turbo needed the higher octane fuel to make it run cooler, because of the inherent nature of the Turbo's -- that is to say to run hot(ter) than a normally aspirated engine.
He also told me flat out that BP premium here in Cincinnati has caused some valves to "carbon up" but that it has generally been in cars that are rarely run at high RPM's (said almost no manual transmission Audi's have carbon build up, hmmmmm or perhaps I should say Zoooom.)
Said that most drivability problems happen to customers who: have used mid grade fuel in the summer months and/or not opened up the cars on a regular basis. They then have problems during the cold seasons -- rough idling, etc. Service manager is Bill Fliehman Northland Audi in Cincinnati 513-851-5900 -- tell him you are in the A6 town hall. This guy knows his stuff and is very easy to talk with.
Great summary -- sounded a lot like what my Dealer's Service Manager told me. I remember ping from some of my older cars, and I remember putting premium fuel in them which also stopped and/or prevented another by-product of using a "less capable" gasoline -- "engine run on." You know, you turn off the car and it keeps running.
Anyway your explanation was great!
I was hoping that perhaps I could use cheaper fuel -- we are anticipating going over $2.00 a gallon this week here in SW Ohio. But, my dealer and you have once again confirmed that Audi's really do need premium juice. Maybe someday -- put some water in the tank and presto chango Hydrogen Power!
I think the K40 is slightly superior in decreasing false positives and to date I have encountered no false negatives. I have no tickets since buying the K40, but have decreased my speed countless times to avoid tickets. The laser detector is worthless unless you have a laser defuser (an additional item), which actually allows you up to 7 seconds to lower your speed while "soaking" up a direct laser hit from a trooper laser gun. Without it, you're dead once a laser hits you - it provides instant readout to the trooper with pinpoint accuracy. Few states have put out the money to buy the laser guns, so you may not need to address it.
The only radar detector that I have tried that I do believe is superior to the K40 is the Valentine One. The only drawback is that it's not a hard wired system and it is one of the bigger units on the market (because it has front and back detection). The Valentine is superior because it not only tells you the direction, but also the number of signals. That helps you avoid passing the local supermarket on your daily commute and thinking the reading you're getting is just the electronic doors, when in reality, there is a cop on the side of the building. Fortunately, to date, I have not been burned by ignoring the signals I get from all the supermarkets and alarm systems. I do wish, however, that K40 would provide an indication of the number signals being received. The Valentine is cheaper than the K40 ($499, I believe, only sold direct).
If you don't mind the large unit and the wires, get the Valentine. If you want a unit that's almost as good, undetectable and effective, get the K40. The K40 should cost you (with negotiation) no more than $449 for the front UN3000SWL, $698 for both front and back (both prices include installation). Your $565 quote for both front and back is excellent - just make sure it's the UN3000SWL (there are other models). Get it in writing that the Audi dealer will remove it at no cost to you upon return and will not charge you for the 3 lights they will put into your dash.
Most specialists can pull a K40 out of a car and put it into another for only $150. I have one in my Audi A6 4.2 and another in my Porsche Boxster S and would not drive without them.
Hope that helps. For more Valentine opinions, go to the radar/lidor site here at Edmunds.
I have found that the dealerships that are "owner/operated" are way better. I have also found mega dealerships where Audi is there only "foreign" brand, don't get it -- either in Sales or Service. And, of course, these are generalizations -- I have been to five Audi dealerships in the United States. The ones that sell Porsches also (at the same location) seem to have a "Customer Oriented Culture" too.
Here are a few observations:
1. If they paint the winshield with "$4,000 off sticker" or "$499 a month and its yours" or some other come on, the dealership "doesn't get it" -- if they paint anything on the car, in fact, they don't get it.
2. If the salespeople do not ask "what can I do to get you to buy today?" -- the dealership probably "gets it."
3. If the salesrep will NEVER let you drive a car without going along, the dealership doesn't get it.
4. If, after the sale, you return -- for virtually any reason -- and the sales rep goes out of his/her way to chat with you, they get it.
5. Christmas or Holiday cards -- nice touch, dealership gets it.
6. Birthday cards for the Car -- to restate "thanks for buying" 1 or 2 or whatever years ago -- well, they get it.
7. Customer appreciation days: free carwashes on Saturday, free hamburgs and dogs once a month during the summer, pastries and coffe (the good stuff) when you drop your car off for service, even if you do not wait. They get it.
8. Golf outings, dinner parties -- our dealer had 5 customer couples, the Bank VP (floorplan) one sales rep and the service manager for dinner at his house and said "you are my best customers, my best banker and my best sales and service people, thank you." No attempt was made to "sell anything" but we did get the "advance look" at a new concept (at the time) called the allroad quattro -- but again not a sales pitch. This dealer understands relationships -- this dealer (who isn't perfect) understands that cars break, people make mistakes but if you have built a good relationship, you can fix the mistakes.
It sounds like some dealers are business at a more superficial level than buyers of high line imported cars expect.
We are fortunate, indeed, in Cincinnati to have two excellent Audi dealers.
Would you be interested in having your own space in our Owners Club section?
For those who might not know, the Owners Club is a dedicated folder where you can have as many discussions as you would like. Take a look at some of them here to get an idea of the possibilities. You will see that the various clubs have separate discussions for things like introducing yourselves, posting pictures, maintenance issues and whatever other related topics the groups may find of interest.
This discussion will remain here on the Sedans board, but will be linked to the Owners Club folder as well, making it accessible from either place. We can also link the other Audi discussions on this board and any other TH board to the Owners Club.
You can "subscribe" to the entire owners folder, which makes reading all the posts in the various discussions very easy to do. You will also eventually have the opportunity to have regularly scheduled owners' chats if you are interested in doing so.
Let me know if you have any questions. If this sounds like a good idea, just give me a couple of positive posts and I'll get the ball rolling.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
Thanks,
Gary
Anyone have such experiences?