Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

snotar1 · January 2003

In response to JBaumgart, you are correct, I would think Audi would want to make its customer's happy. But, in two weeks of calls to the Customer Service line, all I got were apologies. It seems like rikia1 and my experience are typical of what Audi thinks of its customers.

This has been a very disappointing experience. I hope my future BMW proves better.

mjc440 · January 2003

Thanks for posting all of your comments on Audi problems. I'm planning on trading my '99 Accord Coupe (EX V6) for an AWD car due to the Accord's poor traction in the snow (due to the Coupe's wider (16") rims than the sedan and not having traction control - new on 2000 V6 models). I was seriously considering the Audi A4, but I think I'll pass because I don't want the hassle of constant repairs (at a dealer an hour's drive from home).

I'll try looking at my other choices:
- BMW (AWD) 3 Series (great car, but it'll cost me top dollar) - same for the AWD M-Benz C Class.
- Jaguar X-Type (great looking car; was worried about its reliability, but the Jag X-Type board lists minor repair problems compared to this one)
- Infiniti G35 - this fall, AWD will be avilable on the Sedan (but not the coupe) (More boring than the others but sure to be reliable)
- Acura TL Type S (FWD) - All come fully-loaded for dollars less plus 260 HP engine and "Honda" reliabilty

Maybe I'll get the TL (bank $5,000) and just stay home when it snows...

The Accord's been a great car 82,000 miles and still going strong - never had a problem with it. I'm sure it'll go 200,000+ miles. I'm still waiting for the engine to sart using a little oil between changes...

dinu01 · January 2003

You might wanna try the Mazda6. A VERY fun to drive car and the only FWD that resembles the handling of a 3-series.

Dinu

mjc440 · February 2003

Dinu01 - Regarding the Mazda 6 - Yes, I should look into it. I saw some ads in several car magazines and it's an attractive car. I think it has decent power also. Reliability should be at least slightly above average.

Thanks.

kinnman · February 2003

The sales manager at my dealership said he was positive that all 03's have the new coils. Has anyone heard or experienced otherwise?

rikia1 · February 2003

For all those with coil problems, there is an article from Sunday, 2/2/03, New York Times that makes you realize we are all in the same boat! The title of the article is "A Black Eye for VW and Audi."

JBaumgart · February 2003

In today's Wall Street Journal it was reported that VW/Audi has decided to recall all of it's cars that are affected by the faulty coil problem. This includes all 2001 through early 2003 models that have exhibited this problem. A6's with the 3.0 liter engine are included, in addition to a host of models (including Audi 1.8 TT's, 1.8 and 3.0 A4's, plus various VW's) that have experienced this problem. They will replace all the coils in the affected models whether or not they have experienced problems, and they expect their suppliers, who are working around the clock, to have manufactured enough new coils to replace all models being recalled by the end of March.

Good move on VW/Audi's part, although they should have acted earlier, IMO.

keithp · February 2003

Lets just hope this recall puts an end to this coil fiasco. I love my car. I hope that I can get my confidence back in the car. When I purchased it, I was hoping for a car that last 200,000 miles, with little worries. I hope that I made the correct decision.

mcmuney · February 2003

Hi Guys.

I have an early 2003 A4 3.0 but I'm not sure if my vehicle has the coil problem. What are the symptoms of a bad coil?

Thanks!

JBaumgart · February 2003

The early A4 3.0's are supposed to be susceptible to coil failure. I haven't seen the specifics as to what constitutes an "early" 2003 build date. I would call your dealer and ask. As far as symptoms go, from what I've read and seen reported here, when a coil fails your "Check Engine" light should come on and you will experience a sudden loss of power. Apparently you can damage the engine if you drive the car in this condition, so it is recommended that you pull over, call Audi Advantage and have the car towed in. Hopefully you won't have this happen to you, and better still hopefully your car was built after the new coils began to be installed at the factory.

dusterbuster · February 2003

yikes, all of these problems that people are having make me wonder whether getting an A4 is a good idea at this point. but then again, the bmw 3 series seems to have its share of reliability problems (although at least the bmw doesn't have a consistent problem like the ignition coils on the audi). sigh, maybe i should stick with a japanese car....

mjc440 · February 2003

I feel the same way you do. I'm no longer considering the A4 because of its poor reliability. The BMW's probably not as bad, but if you still want Japanese reliability and if you can wait until the fall, the Infiniti G35 Sedan will be available with AWD. I just confirmed this with the dealer yesterday. I also test drove the G35 sedan and couldn't believe how fast it was - loads of power, great handling and braking.

My advice - test drive the G35.

aneta · February 2003

I have been considering buying/leasing an Audi A4/1.8 AWD, but I hear lots of bad things about it, surprisingly to me. Friends of mine have recently returned their 2 months short of end of lease due to numerous problems with coils, transmission, bearly burning chair (while driving it on a highway!), lamps burning in a row, and so on.
I thought they managed to get a lemon on their hands, as I believed that this is a great little car for the NE, but I see that reliability is a real issue.
Also heard not very good things about service in terms of efficiency and public relations. Perhaps as a Lexus owner I got spoiled.
Yes, I know it looks great, but for +$32K I need many years of smooth and inexpensive maintenance.
Any feedback on reliability would be extremely appreciated.

goral · February 2003

If you are looking for a reliable car, I think you should look elsewhere. I consider myself fairly fortunate A4 owner ('98 1.8TQMS) - put 41K miles in 1.5 years (currently at 81K), but still the following had (or still have) to be fixed:
-control arms - replaced 2, may need to replace some more soon.
-headlight switch - went out 3 months ago. Just couple days ago, the same thing broke down again. Dealer wanted $99 for diagnosis. Since the switch is $150 and I did the labor myself, I decided to just get a new one... I've taken it apart and I am completely disgusted by its design!
-door moulding replaced
-heated seat literally burns me - won't even bother fixing it - I've heard several complaints about this one.

philly2002 · February 2003

I'm ready to buy a 2003 Audi A4 Avant 3.0 6-speed but I'm not sure about all the problems attached to the manufacturer and the low resale value on a new lease offer(53%).

How unreliable are these vehicles? I've owned 4 cars since 1990(Toyota Celica GT-S, Ford Explorer Sport(2) and a Toyota 4-Runner SR5) and I've never really had any problems to speak of at all with these cars. Before I drop 39K on an AUDI I need some reassurance about my purchase otherwise I'm going to Volvo, Honda or Nissan.

stephipepper1 · February 2003

I bought my car new and even ordered it. Yes, the front control arms died and had to be replaced on Audi's nickel. They groaned mercelessy. By the way, I have 51,700 miles now in Feb 2003. I had 2 engine light issues. One, under warranty, just a sensitive switch or something, then a vacuun hose a year ago which had to go thru diagnostics to isolate. Yeah, I also had a seat burnout which they repaired and replaced; I'm careful not to put too much pinpoint pressure on the seats which could damage the fragile wiring. Saab uses a denser wire but only has one setting not 6. In the 9-3. I havent heard anything worrisome about the coil. What's got me a little perturbed is Audi's maintenance calender to change the timing belt and I guess other belts at 60,000 or in my case, 6 years. Has anyone got any indicators for that? I have most services done at a private mechanic's shop; Audi for unrequieted diagnostics, maintenance switches that only they can turn off and they replaced my battery for me last summer only because I was there and it needed it. All in all, I have been very happy with the car. I did full brakes at 40,000 and all new tires too. I reground the rotars. I also stick to 2 year changes of brake fluid and anti-freeze regardless of what they say. A buddy of mine with 250,000 on a Mercedes says I should change the transmission fluid at 60,000 and forget about that $1,200.00 service for belts in the spring when the car hits 6 years. Any comments?

gusharls · February 2003

After trying for months Audi informs me that they will not pay for a software upgrade. I take this as a seriously as a wheel falling off.
Therefore ,I can arrive at only one conclusion. After buying 5 Audis and enjoying them that Audi's arragonce leaves me on other choices.
1. No more Audi's
2. Picket the dealer who sold it to me.
3. Take Audi to court so I can at least get my money back for an incomplete Nav system.

The companies attitude(German) shows that they do not give a tinkers damn about serious concerns. It will shortly become their problem. I can no longer advise people to buy the product when they will not own up to poor software and even more importantly incomplete software.
I can appreciate leaving out some small town but to leave out Vancouver Island which has the capiticl(Victoria) and leave out a major city in the interior of British Columbia(Kelowna pop 200,000 +) is not accatable.

JBaumgart · February 2003

I suggest that before making your next purchase that you thoroughly check the map detail of the Nav system BEFORE you buy, if this item is so critical to make you want to switch brands after owning five Audis and "enjoying them." I personally would not spring for the Audi Nav system until it features a map display and becomes DVD-based. Even then, any software will become outdated as existing roads change names, and new ones are built. I've seen complaints even in the Lexus and Acura boards about software updates not being complete, and others because they are not made available frequently enough, or they want too much money for them when they are released.

On the other hand if you have a malfunction and the software doesn't work even in Vancouver, and the dealer will not acknowledge it or agree to fix it, then you have a legitimate complaint.

P.S. On my portable Garmin unit, there are different software packages (maps) you can buy or download, and in my case one of them is excellent in the large metro areas, but with very limited detail in smaller towns and in rural areas. Another CD has much better detail in areas that are away from the big cities, but is not as accurate inside the metro. To address this I purchased both sets to cover my bases. But if I wanted British Columbia, I'm sure I would have to buy another map set (haven't checked as I have no plans to go there soon - loved skiing Whistler and Blackcomb, though, when I was there about 20 years ago).

gusharls · February 2003

Thanks for the input. The problem is this is a 5th Audi. Yes the treatment is shabby and yes I complain from my dealership to the company. They refuse to send me an upgrade without me shelling out the $$
I must now look at suing them in a class action or taking them to small claims.
I will probably end up picketing on Friday evenings and Saturdays(their busy day)

gusharls · March 2003

I was driving my wifes 2001 home from an evening at the theatre when the oil light comes on. I'm close to home and use Royal purple 5-30 so I know the car can make it.
After checking the dip I have to add 2 liters. I cannot see any leaks or puddles on the floor. Something I should know about?

JBaumgart · March 2003

When was the last time you checked the oil level? Any prior history of the car using oil? If it lost this much oil in a very short time, you may have a leak somewhere. I don't know anything about "Royal purple" but I've always used Mobil 1 and the car uses very little oil in between changes. I would monitor the level closely over the next couple of weeks, and if you continue using/losing abnormal amounts of oil, have the dealer check it out.

toreromd · March 2003

As an owner of a '96 A6, I recently pushed my mother toward the purchase of an '02 A4. The car died on her yesterday, and now she is getting push-back from local dealer saying that they can't replace all coil packs due to supply issues. Was the '02 A4 purchase a good idea after all?!

ludegirl · March 2003

After much thought, I had made up my mind to purchase a used Audi A4 1.8T, probably a 99 or 2000. I thought that it was a combination of everything I wanted basically in a vehicle...looks, comfort, and performance. However, I have heard reports of numerous problems with the A4, and this board seems to confirm that. My question is, a lot of the problems seems to be on the newer models....are these problems prevalent on the 99 and 2000 as well? Thanks for any help, I don't want to make the wrong decision, but not too many other cars appeal to me right now.

bigmike5 · March 2003

Hi to all- I just popped over from the Chrysler 300M board where I usually reside. My daughter recently dumped a Mazda MX-6 with tranny and brake issues, and after a test drive fell in love with an 03 A4. Against my advice, [do they ever listen?] she bought one. After just browsing a little here to see what other owners were saying I guess getting an extended warranty on her new A4 is a no-brainer. Hope she has better luck with hers than some here have had with theirs. And just to let you know, the 300M is not perfect either. We still have similar "defective part" issues after almost five years with essentially the same model. Adios.

hassmeister · March 2003

Sorry to hear all the heat here in this forum. You folks have challenges with your Audi's like I have with my GMC Envoy.
I've had a '98 A4 1.8t Quatt 5-speed w/sport suspension since new and have done numerous mods to it too. The two only problems I ever had were a water pump and a leaky valve cover gasket (under warranty). Other than that I have the original rear brakes still on the car, original shocks still on it. Replaced the front brakes at 60,000, replaced the original tires at 50,000. I can honestly say it's been the most fun to drive and the most reliable vehicle I've owned, besides our old '95 VW Jetta GLX.

dgkgraphics · April 2003

I just purchased a certified, pre-owned Audi A4 1.8T Quattro less than two weeks ago, and just this evening, I encountered every used-car-buyer's nightmare... while at a stoplight, my car began idling as though someone had thrown a live animal into the engine block. The irregularity in the RPMs was enough to cause the car to rock side-to-side as I waited for the light. It was awful! Then, seconds later, my check engine light lit up in the console, with the oil icon illuminating as I thought it might. Needless to say, my reaction was immediate-- first heartbreaking disappointment that my beautiful new car-- well, new to me -- had something wrong with it, and secondly, an intense, if not understandable, wave of anger at the emergence of this problem so soon after my purchase. I'm trying really hard not to freak out about this, but I'm pretty upset about it. I know that regular oil changes and grease-jobs are my responsibility as an owner, and I generally take extremely good care of my cars -- but I was absolutely dumbfounded to be reckoning with an oil light and possible cylinder/rod damage a mere two-weeks after I pulled the car off the lot! I'm terrified that the violence in my idle indicates serious damage, and I'm extremely scared that my Audi Warranty isn't going to cover it. So, my question is this... if anyone out there has purchased a used A4 and has had it serviced under the pre-owned warranty, could you please respond and hopefully reassure a new owner who's completely mortified at the prospect of having to shell out for a new engine block for a car he's had on the road less than a fortnight? I LOVE the way the car drives/drove, but I have to say I'm more than a little disconcerted about having to deal with this problem, given the recentness of my purchase. If anyone has any information about the comprehensiveness and quality of the Audi-certified, pre-owned warranty, I would be ridiculously grateful. I was so excited about having such a wonderful car, and so looking forward to driving many spirited miles with my new A4, and I'm genuinely crestfallen to think that my new baby might have permanent damage, due to what I assume was dealer neglect; the only explanation I can think of was that they let me drive off the lot in a car with no oil in it.
Any experiences, suggestions, advice, etc., that could shed some light and help assuage my fears would be FANTASTIC. Seriously, it would be a HUGE weight off my mind to know that I was going to be well-taken care of. Thanks SO much to anyone who can help! Honestly, I will name my first-born offspring after you! I'll mail you your own weight in chocolate! Whatever it takes! I have a sister who's very good-looking, it that entices anyone. Hee Hee. But in all honestly, I would be unspeakably appreciative of any help you might offer.

JBaumgart · April 2003

This is why you bought a certified car. If you haven't already I would make a service appt ASAP, and have the problem thoroughly diagnosed. Did you say that you checked the oil level and there was no measurable oil in the engine? This doesn't seem possible, unless a leak somehow developed after you bought the car, as the dealer would have surely checked the oil level in going through the certification process (at least, one would think they would have). At any rate I would want to see a complete service history of the vehicle and assure myself that your episode did not cause any further damage. Insist on a full explanation and if you have any doubt maybe even press for a refund/exchange. Until you know exactly what the issue is, do not try to drive it and have it towed to the dealer at Audi's expense.

I don't mean to alarm, as it's very possible that the issue is something relatively trivial, and just a minor adjustment is needed with no damage done. And it's entirely possible that what happened is due to the much discussed coil problems (read back on this thread) which should be easily and permanantly fixed with a quick replacement of the re-designed part. Insist on complete satisfaction, and good luck!

dgkgraphics · April 2003

Okay... so I win the contest for "car owner in most desperate need of thorazine".... I feel like a giant doofus now, after having freaked out so thoroughly in my last post. I checked the oil this morning in the daylight-- as it turns out, actually being able to *see* the dip-stick aids a great deal in determining the oil levels, go figure

-- and it looks to be okay. I called the dealer as well, and according to their service guy, the symptoms I described are more likely the result of pistons misfiring due to a bad ignition coil, rather than a thrown rod or something else equally abysmal. He said that the noises and "engine wobble" I detailed in my frazzled phone message were fairly indicative of what I've recently learned is a common problem among the 1.8Ts-- crappy coil packs. After poking around on the board for a while, hoping to find just such an explanation, it sounds as though my engine woes are very similar to those reporting bad coil packs, so I'm *really* hoping that's it.
In the meantime, I will cross my fingers... and giggle a little in shame that I overreacted so badly. =P I dunno... I had a HORRIBLE experience with my last car, and now I'm a bit paranoid. I took my old Isuzu Rodeo in for an oil change at Jiffy Lube, and the brainiacs down in the bay simply "forgot" to fill the thing with oil after draining it. Yup: They just "forgot". In a room *surrounded* by oil cans, in a uniform covered in oil, standing in a lake of 10W30, in a building with "LUBE" on the marque, these geniuses "forgot" to put oil in it. Oops. I'm sure MENSA is eagerly awaiting their applications...
Anyway, a day later, my oil light comes on, and immediately the engine starts rattling as though a WWI machine gunner is squeezing off rounds at the Red Barron from behind the fan cowl. A rod had broken loose and was flopping around the engine block like a piece of popcorn. Needless to say, I went OFF. I threatened them with legal action and exposure to local media, and they ended up having to spring for a brand new V-6 for my SUV that had 50,000 miles on it... an SUV that my sister now drives, worry-free.

So... aside from feeling a bit sheepish about whigging out over what might be nothing, I feel much better. The dealer contacted me immediately, had the car towed in AND set me up with a brand-spankin new loaner without so much as batting an eye. Aside from being mildly peeved about having to get service so soon, all my fears amd misgivings completely evaporated... providing of course they don't inform me that my ventilation system is crawling with the ebola virus or something.

So... if anyone's like me is overly skittish and prone to emotional outbursts regarding their cars, I HIGHLY recommend Prestige Imports in Denver, CO... they seem to be very good at dealing with dorky, irrational customers.

Also... uh... I hate to say this... but I like my 2001 A4 WAY, WAY, WAY better than the brand new 2003 one they loaned me. Is it just me, or did the interior suddenly become very "plastic-y" and pre-fabricated feeling in the newer body style?
I felt like I was in a Passat... which is by no means a bad a thing... but honestly, I was shocked at the large amount of flat, hollow-sounding plastic in the dash. Weird... Anyone else notice this? Just curious...

Thanks for the sane, level-headed advice. Next time I'll settle down a litte before I go pounding on my keyboard like a mad man.

I just hope the service manager was right, and that it's an easily solvable problem. I just want my new toy back.

I miss it already... how sad is that?

Thank you very much for your insight though... I really appreciate it. That was very nice of you. I'll let ya know how it works out.

Take care!

JBaumgart · April 2003

Glad to hear that it's probably just the coils, which unfortunately for Audi has given them some very bad publicity due to how widespread the problem has been, and their inability to quickly get the problem remedied. If you haven't read much about it, a supplier manufactured thousands of defective coil packs, and has had some difficulty in catching up, despite having worked around the clock. It's just too bad that VW/Audi wasn't more pro-active in addressing this problem sooner, before it became such a huge problem. I think otherwise once this problem on your car is fixed that you will really enjoy the car - just watch the oil level and change it often. Also go easy on the gas pedal until the car is fairly warmed up, and don't shut it off immediately after driving it real aggressively (to let the turbos cool down some).

P.S. I completely agree with you on the interior of the new models. Although it's improved in terms of interior room and some ergonomic touches, there was a definite cheapening in the quality of some of the materials which to me was very noticeable. My wife drives a '98.5 2.8Q with grey leather interior and to me at least the materials (both plastics and wood) seem much richer than the new model's.

bodble2 · April 2003

can you tell us a bit more about this good-looking sister of yours? Age, marital status, do you have a digital camera......

dgkgraphics · April 2003

Couple things:

Turns out it wasn't the ingnition coils, or a lubricant problem with my A4, it was one of the vacuum lines. Apparently, I had a valve that was malfunctioning, allowing air to flow the wrong way through the turbo. Anyway, I am THRILLED to report that the repair was made under warranty, and that my car was returned to me early this afternoon. In total, my car was only at the dealer for 2 and a half days... and presumably would have been ready sooner, had the problem not occured on a Saturday. And I had a loaner the whoe time, which was very nice. My car was returned to me washed, waxed, detailed inside and with another 1/4 tank of gas in it, to boot. So... I'm *completely* happy with the dealership and very excited to have my new car back out on the road, where it belongs! Yay! Life is a gravy train with little biscuit wheels. I'm a happy camper right now!

Based on my sales experience, and my first trip for service, I would *DEFINITELY* recommend Prestige Imports in Denver, Colorado for anyone in the region looking to buy an Audi or Porsche. They rocked muchly.

As for the sister... she is single, sort of. She's 29 and just moved back to Colorado from NYC, where she left behind a very nice, very handsome, and very large Columbian boyfriend.

He's a big ol' sap though... so who knows; you might be able to take him, Bodble. I bet he's got a glass jaw, being a pretty boy and all.

Even though he's big, and hails from a country that made the "Columbian Necktie" famous, I'd say he's harmless as a kitten. The man cries during commercials for long-distance telephone service.
The big Nancy. Don't tell 'em I said that though--he might know somebody in a Cartel.

My sister is the greatest.... but to be fair, I should warn ya that she's a HANDFUL. That's one surly broad, my sibling. I love to her to death, but honestly-- I weep for the poor, hapless chump who ends up marrying her, because she will positively OWN that sad, misguided little man. She'll have that sucker wrapped around her finger faster than Oprah can put away a glazed ham. I've seen her reduce many a suitor into a servile, gelatinous, boot-licking toady. She's not mean or anything, but it is a rare occasion indeed when she doesn't get her way. So you can take a crack at her, if ya want, Bodble2, but don't say I didn't warn ya'.

God Speed, brave soldier.

I'll drive you to the asylum in my Audi after she's broken you down and made you a crazy person.

Hee hee...

I can't believe I'm discussing this on a CAR board. Ugh....

She'd KILL me if she knew...

bodble2 · April 2003

With your description of your sister, I think only a Navy SEAL commando should consider going out with your sister!

The large Columbian was probably a hitman for the Cartel until your sister reduced him to size!

No wonder your sister is 29 and still single!

(Don't take me seriously. I'm sure your sister is a babe)

JBaumgart · April 2003

Hey your post about your sister made my day - thanks.

Glad to hear your Audi is running like new. Our local dealer here is fantastic too.

Karen_S · April 2003

Since this is a public board, there is a chance that just might happen. ;-)

Please focus on the discussion topic.

Thanks for your cooperation!

marleybarr · April 2003

I just brought my A6 over to Carousel Audi in Minneapolis for service.

They completed all the repairs the same day to my satisfaction. The car was washed and ready to be picked up on time.

A loaner was provided with no-hassle and all of my service related questions were promptly answered.

I would be happy to do business with Carousel Audi again!

JBaumgart · April 2003

I agree their service is first-rate, as is their new building. I have never once been disappointed in their service. The one thing they do not offer is Audi loaners - they used to but now use Enterprise. They are so large that the loaner fleet was getting too cumbersome to manage, and I think there were insurance issues as well.

marleybarr · April 2003

The only issue with Carousel is the rental car deal. Since I purchased the vehicle from Maplewood Imports, Carousel will not give out the no-charge loaner. Considering I received first-class treatment, paying $30.00 for a loaner on occasion would not preclude me doing business with Carousel again.

I was told that Carousel had the largest (new-style) Audi dealership building in the country-until an Audi dealer in Dallas has built (or is building) an even larger setup!

JBaumgart · April 2003

I also bought my last Audi (allroad) at Maplewood, but had it serviced at Carousel. The one time that I needed a loaner - all the other times were just routine maintenance and I just waited - they did offer a free rental, which I know is not their usual policy. Our other Audi (A4, 57k) has never needed to be in the shop for more than an hour and a half, so we've never needed a rental with that one (purchased in Rochester to save about $1,000).

Now the bad news...two weeks ago I was involved in a multi-car accident on 494, and the allroad suffered major damage to the point where they decided to total the car. This was very disheartening as I really loved the vehicle, but on the other hand I was glad they decided to total it since the engine needed replacement and Audi apparently would not have continued the warranty, at least on the engine. The insurance company was very fair, and gave me $38,400 including sales tax on a 2 1/2 year old allroad with 34,000 miles on it. I was very happy with that.

I decided to go a different route as far as a replacement vehicle goes, and tonight I picked up an FX45. Very different I know, but the ride home sure was fun, and I think I'm going to really like it. I am sure I will come back to Audi once again at some point, but I was just ready for a change I guess.

marleybarr · April 2003

Good luck with your new vehicle, that pile up on 494 must have been one big accident scene!

My next vehicle purchase will be based on my relationship with the service dept much more than the price of whatever make or model I may buy.At this point, Carousel would get my business if I buy Audi again.

djdj · April 2003

Tonight, I read through most of these posts and it re-enforces my opinion that the problem with German cars is that all the manufacturers buy electronic components from the same sub-standard manufacturers.
  I bought the Audi because I can't walk into my Mercedes dealership without cursing someone out. M-B doesn't really care about its customers either and their electronic components have the same problems as the Audi's; not coils but other mystery electrical problems. I had to laugh when I read comments from writers here who want a M-B instead. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reported that Consumer Digest rated M-B as the worst cars because of all the problems with ML's (which I have) and the C-class (which I considered until I drove one; underpowered and overpriced if you don't want a stripped rear wheel drive one). Also the BWM X-5 Town Center seems to be pretty much the same griping as the M-B and Audi owners over electrical issues.
   One friend of mine has a two year A4 1.8 Quattro with no problems and another has the same model from 1998 and the only problems are loose trim and stains on the seats from coffee cups flying out of the cheap cup holders. They love their cars.
   Unfortunately no one builds cars that drive like the German cars do. The Japanese cars seem like an intelligent choice but they are soulless to drive. Also, the worst car I ever owned was a 1986 Honda Accord. Their automatic transmissions were very fragile (confirmed to me by a used car dealer who raved about Toyota's and Nissan's in comparison) and the dealer I used for service sucked.
   It seems to me that if you want to have fun driving then this aggrevation is the price you pay. Infiniti seems to be trying to go that route but I wasn't in the mood to wait for a AWD version, and the I35 didn't excite me.
   So far now, I am just going to hope that my A4 is one of the good ones and enjoy the ride.

dpvwia2 · May 2003

Well, heck, with all the complaints on this site, I figured I'd better post a quick message.

First, people who read this (and similar) site should realize the posts are not a representative cross-section of the total Audi owner population. In general, only those (relatively few?) poor folks who have problems are going to be posting much on such fine sites as this.

Second, my 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro just hit 10,000 miles with nothing wrong. And I have all those potentially troublesome goodies, such as xenon lights and heated seats. I'm bringing it in to the dealer next week for the standard (free) 10k services, and they are replacing all the coils just in case.

So there. Buy an Audi. Drive. Have fun.

Dave

cyberpmg · May 2003

Dave,

How were you able to get all of your coils replaced? I had one fail on me back in January, and they only replaced the one. Since then, they have not replaced any of the other coils.

The original AoA letter said that they would be replaced only when the second coil fails. If your service team has any extras for the 3.0, send them my way.

stray_cat · May 2003

you just answered one of my questions, thank you.
i was wondering about 2002-2003 A4 owners, like yourself, and if/when audi would be replacing ALL their ignition coils. they gave a press release back in january 2003 stating they would be replacing all their coils (not just the faulty ones), but only as more parts become available. i wanted to know if that had happened yet to date.....so thanks.

jimdpa · May 2003

I have a 98 A4 Avant Quattro 2.8 V-6 w / 75,000 miles. Recently I've had to replace both rear wheel bearings. To my mind this seems excessive. Since the 50K warranty expired, maintenance costs (not counting oil/filters and other consumables) have run about $1700. I would appreciate your comments.

JimDPA

davking · May 2003

Sounds excessive to me. I have never had wheel bearings replaced on any car I have owned over the past 49 years, and I drove several of them to 100,000 miles. $1700 dollars for the job seems expensive to me.

dpvwia2 · May 2003

Sorry for the delay in my response. You're absolutely right - the service guy mistook my last name for a similar customer who also left a message with them about losing another coil!

So when I got there, I was told exactly what we've all heard - no complete replacements unless it's your 2nd coil to go bad. Good news: the service guy here thought the actual recall would start next month.

But I got a nice Jetta loaner anyway and they vacuumed out my A4, so I'm not complaining (until I really do lose a coil!)...

Dave

svpatel · May 2003

Hello,
I'd like some advice. I have a '99 A4 1.8T quattro, 51K miles. It's had a bad AC fan and I've had to have the rear brakes replaced twice and the front once. The dealer is telling me that german cars are making harder (metallic) brakes and softer roters so the brakes go bad faster but they brake better. This pretty much sounds like a crock to me, but I would like your opinion. I have also always had other small nagging problems, so I have just about had it with the car. There are certain things that i love about the car which is why I've kept it so long (awd, nice finish, fold down seats, etc.)

Thanks for the adivce.
Sanjay

jeff189 · May 2003

I live in the UK and have a 1997 A4 1.8T Sport (Engine code: AEB) and need some help.

I recently replaced the timing belt but foolishy skimped by not replacing the timing belt tensioner, which has now failed a few months later cauding the belt to jump.

My Audi dealer wants to stip down the head to check for valve damage at huge expense, but I would prefer to avoid this if possible - Question: Is the stroke on a 1781cc AEB engine such that piston and valve contact could occur ??? If any Audi mechanics/experts can assist me in the UK, would appreciate it. Thanks

audiman4 · May 2003

Jeff- definitely have them strip down the engine. My daughter's timing belt broke and all 20 valves were bent. In fact, I'm now into a replacement engine. Have them check for "low end" damage as well.

ramza39 · June 2003

My car is 3.0 Quattro Auto and it is with premium package including the memory seat. Now the car has 2200km on it and the memory seat isn't working properly; it just doesn't work, though the power seat is okay. When i press the button (1,2,3...), the seat won't adjust (quite oddly both side mirrors will go into the preset position. I am very frustating since the car is only 2 months old and the memory seat isn't working, so does anyone experience this problem?

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