BAT
10-03-2008, 11:36 PM
I recently purchased an A3 Sportback S line 2.0 Quattro 170 PS and virtually from day one this has been suffering with the diesel particulate filter blocking intermittently. In the 3 months the emission warning light has activated on numerous occasions and the vehicle has switched into ‘limp’ mode and been towed away for further investigation twice. In essence, the car has been off the road as much as on it.
The journey that I carry out daily consists of 20 miles plus each way and is a combination of occasional congestion, but on the whole open rural roads. I have now been informed by both Audi Customer Services UK and also the dealership where I purchased the vehicle from that, ‘the vehicle I purchased is not suitable for the type of driving that I have to do’ and also, that ‘this particular engine is only recommended for people who carry out a minimum journey distance of 30 miles on each occasion!’. I personally cannot believe that these statements are in fact true, and so would be grateful if people who have the same 170 PS diesel engine fitted with the DPF would share their experiences of it with me.
In particular, have you:
1. Suffered with the same fault and if so, what was the cause and resolution?
2. Apparently when you purchase this particular engine fitted with a DPF Audi are supposed to inform you of the potential problems that can arise with blockages and your driving style, distance you typically travel etc.. are discussed prior to purchase. Were you informed? Verbally? In writing? - Because I certainly wasn’t!
3. Has anyone ever heard of this ‘recommended minimum 30 mile journey’ figure?
4. What is the fuel economy like with your vehicle? (The most I’ve ever had was 41mpg on a couple of occasions, but on average I get 36mpg. Possibly the blockages are linked to this; it’s been dismissed by Audi, but I’m not so sure)
5. Anything else you feel relevant to help me with my battle!
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
The journey that I carry out daily consists of 20 miles plus each way and is a combination of occasional congestion, but on the whole open rural roads. I have now been informed by both Audi Customer Services UK and also the dealership where I purchased the vehicle from that, ‘the vehicle I purchased is not suitable for the type of driving that I have to do’ and also, that ‘this particular engine is only recommended for people who carry out a minimum journey distance of 30 miles on each occasion!’. I personally cannot believe that these statements are in fact true, and so would be grateful if people who have the same 170 PS diesel engine fitted with the DPF would share their experiences of it with me.
In particular, have you:
1. Suffered with the same fault and if so, what was the cause and resolution?
2. Apparently when you purchase this particular engine fitted with a DPF Audi are supposed to inform you of the potential problems that can arise with blockages and your driving style, distance you typically travel etc.. are discussed prior to purchase. Were you informed? Verbally? In writing? - Because I certainly wasn’t!
3. Has anyone ever heard of this ‘recommended minimum 30 mile journey’ figure?
4. What is the fuel economy like with your vehicle? (The most I’ve ever had was 41mpg on a couple of occasions, but on average I get 36mpg. Possibly the blockages are linked to this; it’s been dismissed by Audi, but I’m not so sure)
5. Anything else you feel relevant to help me with my battle!
Thank you in advance for your assistance.