Violent boot opening..

[alexcf]

Hi,

I took my A4 over the Audi garage today to go and get the boot sorted as it basically opens with no hydrolic smoothness, basically it BOUNCES at the top, makes a nasty sound etc...

Anyway, the Audi guys said that it was normal... My friends A5 is so smooth and, well, sexy when it opens... My A4 looks and sounds like crap when it opens...

Anyone else have the same?

TIA guys!

[jkh112]

My A4 boot opens very smoothly and stops gently at the top. Violent opening and bouncing is not normal.

[alexcf]

I know it's cheeky, but would it be possible that you guys can take a movie of the opening? I need to prove to the dealer that it's not fine.

[2.7 S-line]

the car i had on loan while waiting for delivery had a boot that opened with a kick like a mule - my car has a nice slow smooth action (ohh err sounds a bit rude)

not sure if that's just luck or if they have made changes to later models

had a few near misses when it shot up and nearly smacked me in the face - not cool

[Audi Happy]

my boot opens smoothly too i think JKH112 is right it doesnt sound normal to open so violently.

[jkh112]

have an mpeg 4 file on my mobile, a bit dark but visible. Not sure how to post it though

[Audi Happy]

Hi, I think if you download it to your PC you can post it as an attachment

[jkh112]

one idea that comes to mind to solve your problem if the dealer will not is to try and add some weight to the bootlid where the triangle fits. I recall many years ago adding a lip spolier to a bmw bootlid and the springs were then not strong enough to open the bootlid.

[alexcf]

OK cool, I'll give that a go tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestions!

[jkh112]

alex pm me with your e-mail and I will send you the mpeg video file.

[jkh112]

this site does not allow mpeg videos as attachments

[jkh112]

alex,
you have mail.

[Red 2]

My boot opening scares little old ladies and, to be honest, anyone within 20 feet!

A visit to the dealer beckons I think...

[neilb]

I also have a boot lid that kicks like a mule! It seems like there could have been some problem with the early A4 B8. Time to pop down to the dealer and test a few other cars in the audi show room.

nlb.

[parsen66]

So im not alone with the karate kick boot lid then, phew. This is my first Audi and kinda expected more from them on things like the smoothness of the lid operation.
When it eventually goes for its first service i'll get them to see what they think.

[alexcf]

Sounds like a huge faulty batch of boot lid openers..! Just calling my Audi dealer to find out what they've got to say for themselves as they seem to think that's normal.

[alexcf]

Righty then! Seems that all the guys with problems with their bootlids could be in the hands of jkh! The dealer was a bit shocked that I'd gone out and done a tiny bit of research and (shockingly) asked people about it, when I mentioned that jkh had some a video for me, he was very eager to see it.

So, JKH, if you could get a daylight one over, I'll host it on my webspace and then people can show their dealers it does actually open smoothly... If anyone else can send videos over, with a working (or not if you like) boot lid, i'll happily host them so we can show our dealers!

Thanks in advance! If you email them over to alex -at- cruz.co.uk that would be great. :)

Note: I'll only be hosting the videos that people want me to, so let me know if you want me to, as if you say nothing, I'll keep them in my Audi-Porn folder (that's a joke about the porn bit..). ;)

[mkc]

This is the first Ive seen of this thread. Can you add my name to the list of dangerous boot openings!!

I sat in the car last week whilst the Mrs did a bit of shopping. Our two year old was a sleep so I sat in the car with her.

I saw the Mrs coming in the rear view mirror with her bags and watched how she struggled to put them down and open the boot. I thought, hang on a moment, Ill use my auto boot open switch (never used it before) and bang, crash, caught her under the chin with the edge of the boot. Quality. I cooked my own tea that night.

Anyway, it opens violently to an extent that you could probably place something on it and launch it over the car. Also makes rubbing noise from the right side when I shut it........ Its almost as if the springs are so tense they make a noised
when I shut it and then release the energy so quickly when you open it. If you pull the flap open to the left of the boot where the amp is, you can see the spring in there. Its a monster.

[alexcf]

mkc, ouch... Yeah, I can see she wouldn't be impressed. I've emailed Huddersfield Audi this morning asking them if they know of any problems/issues with the bootlids too (that's the dealer that supplied me the car).

Keep you posted... Hope your wife's alright, mkc... Surprised the boot lid opening didn't wake your daughter up!

[steve1234]

An interesting thread guys. My boot is also really violent when it opens (very early S-Line) and I have now taken to warning the other half to "stand back - I'm opening the boot" as she would not be happy with a boot lid under the chin!!!! If you are in the car when you open it the car actually shakes as the boot bounces at the top......

Plus, MKC is right - I can also hear a bit of rubbing to the right side hinge. Maybe there is an issue, I tend to put things down to "that's the way they are" but this one is a bit dangerous.

A mate of mine has an A6 with boot opener and his opens lovely and smooth, maybe the A4 should be the same? I'll watch with interest......

[RichardCranium]

Add me to the list too. Mine is like a bondesque ejector seat, when you flick to switch. You can actually feel the car shake from inside. I asked my dealer about it and he said it was perfectly normal.

[kodkod.84]

Can't remember if the A6 loan car I had had the boot lid on gas struts or not but it certainly didn't kick open.

Not very Audi like really is it?

[alexcf]

OK, so lets work this out...

I'm a 3.0TDI S-Line.. Is this maybe S-Line specific?

[mkc]

me too and steve1234 I think. Richard isnt. However, I cant see how this can be S Line specific, the bits we are talking about are just "stock" bits that they fit to all specs surely.

[2.7 S-line]

i have an august build date s-line - the boot opens very smoothly with a very nicely damped action coming gently to rest at the upper end of its travel (can hardly feel it from within the car )

in contrast the feb build date SE i was loaned had a kick like a mule which shook the whole car as it crashed to a stop at the upper end of its travel - the contrast between the two really is extreme , the violent action was really annoying and caused hilarity on several occasions

the fast opening boot really felt completely out of place in view of the otherwise very high standard of feel/finish of the rest of the car

[RichardCranium]

As said. mine is an SE. Got it in June. Cant rememebr the build date, but i'm guessing April some time. When it goes in for service (not for 10k yet though) i think i'll see if anything can be done

[Red 2]

My car is an early Feb build SE and I reckon I could use the bootlid to launch objects into space. Going to phine my dealer tomorrow as I also have concerns about innocents being caught unawares by the speed and force with which it opens. Father-in-law also got clipped by it today.....

[Audi Happy]

Mine's a september s line and mine's fine, opens nice and smooth. As you say it looks like it could be early B8's Also sounds dangerous, surley dealers can't ignore it forever.

[jkh112]

Mine is an s-line delivered in July and the bootlid is fine. I'll try and get a clear daylight video of it opening and forward it on to alex so he can host it .

[law4778]

pick my new s line up next friday its an 09 model hope mine is ok.

[alexcf]

OK, so it seems, the only real way to get this sorted is for us to go to our Audi dealers and record it with them as a fault. There's some system Audi have where if there's like 5 reports of the same problem, they do some kind of checking or something.

I'd really appreciate any videos being sent over to me so I can bitchslap Audi and get something sorted.

[jkh112]

Alex,
two clear daylight videos have been e-mailed to you.

[Red 2]

OK, so it seems, the only real way to get this sorted is for us to go to our Audi dealers and record it with them as a fault. There's some system Audi have where if there's like 5 reports of the same problem, they do some kind of checking or something.

I'd really appreciate any videos being sent over to me so I can bitchslap Audi and get something sorted.

Seeing my Audi dealer next Friday and he said much the same thing...Audi officially take notice when a few owners report the same fault and then issue some sort of notice round the service network.

As it is, dealer did not dismiss the issue and suspects that new parts will have to be ordered to deliver the 'knock out blow' to the vicious boot lid!

[RickT]

For the benefit of members and others... any chance you could post these videos on You tube post a link in this thread,

Cheers

Rick

[alexcf]

Hi,

Righty, I've uploaded it to youtube, and have also uploaded it to my webspace..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGtNJIJ92sI

If you want to download it...

http://netsumo.com/~alexcf/Audi/

[Red 2]

Thanks for posting it! A big help.....my one does not have the damping.

[RichardCranium]

Thats much better than mine. I going to get onto my dealer and see what they say

[alexcf]

As it's ******* down with rain at the moment I can't take a vid of mine... Cleaned it last night, looks so sparkly, then it rains! :(

[neilb]

any news on this boot problem yet? I have moved both of the boot springs to the lower front positions (there are four positions) which has made a slight improvement, but still nothing like the smooth release on the video above!

nlb

[Audi Happy]

Hi, Just watched the vid, my boot opens smoothly without any problems with the internal release button but watching the video the indicators flash then the boot opens, is the boot opened with the key fob ?? mine only unlocks with the key fob then you have to open it manually.

[mkc]

On the MMI thing you can set the car to unlock the drivers door or all doors and boot with one click. It defaults to drivers door only.

So, it may be that yours is set to one click to open the drivers door, then a second click to open all doors/boot and then press the boot open key on the fob.

That got me confused for a few days. I opened the car but the boot release would not work from the Fob. It was because it was still locked. Im now set to open all doors after hitting the unlock on the key fob and holding the boot release down on the fob will open the boot. Hope that make sense?

Or it could just be that your car is unlocked fully but you have to hold down the boot open on the key fob, and not just a quick press.
In the MMI you can also set it to open and shut the windows when you unlock/lock the car too.

[Audi Happy]

Cheers mkc, it is set to open just the drivers door, i'll change it to open all doors. just when you think you've sussed everything another little gem pops up. ( should read all the manual but just wanted to drive and play, you know how it is )

[jkh112]

Yes I opened it with the fob, i have to press and hold the fob button. A breif press does not open it. It may be in the mmi setup menu for the locking/unlocking.

[a8 tech]

I have checked 10 a4 and 5 a5 boot opening and all are very keen.Looking into it a bit further the lock holds the boot under tension and there is no damper fitted to reduce the speed of opening.Also the spring and lock/striker part numbers are the same for sline and se.Only by adding weight to the boot lid can the speed and force be over come as there was one a5 with a boot spoiler which opened more slowly so there appears to be 2 solutions.1 retrofit a spoiler and 2 adjust the boot striker to limit the tension on the boot lock.I shall continue to look into this and adjust the strikers to see if this is a worthy adjustment.That's if i still have a job as redundancies are now becoming a reality but then again i suppose i could hack a living out on the forum lol

[RichardCranium]

Yes I opened it with the fob, i have to press and hold the fob button. A breif press does not open it. It may be in the mmi setup menu for the locking/unlocking.


I think its a long press of the button so you dont accidently press while in your pocket and the boot flies up and whacks in the face while your cleaning it;)

[Red 2]

A8...I sincerely hope you survive any unpleasantness going on. Working in construction, I know only too well what the credit crunch means and it isn't good.:(

Anyway, on a lighter note, my car went in for its poke and shove to try and cure the bootlid issue. Oh and a hot tip for anyone with kids and a vicious boot lid, try the 'how far can your car throw a starburst sweet?' :biglaugh: If you get it over the front bumper, 10/10!

Anyway, the valiant attempt was only partly successful and my A4 was no match for the smooth 'damped' A4 sitting smugly in the showroom.

However, on returning to work and parking my sad A4 beside a colleague's brand new model with, curses, a slow and smooth boot lid action, we discovered that the arm seems at least on the LHS to rely on hitting and being inserted into some sort of tight fitting holder to slow it down. A vicious bootlid arrives at it with such force that it appears to plunge straight into the holder, reaches the end at some speed and hence the bootlid and car shudder.

A heath robinson solution was to take a chunk of a car sponge, and loosely fit it over the section of arm that seems to be arrested. And, whilst the speed of the bootlid lifting was as fast as ever, the give in the sponge seemed to stop the wallop/shudder syndrome. God only knows what car park security thought we were up to! :biglaugh:

Only was able to look at the LHS arm but intend to to strap my humble bit of sponge to the LH arm and see if it helps longer term. Vorsprung durch sticky tape!

[a8 tech]

Thanks Red and it seems I'm 100% safe.The current situation is more of restructure so no problem.Anyway i overseen the adjustment to your boot lid and i'm currently looking at inserting some form of weight to the inside of the lid to increase the weight and therefore reduce the force.I have looked at the return springs and will suggest these need modification from the factory before are customers start coming in with there front teeth embedded in the lids.LoL I remain a8 tech

[neilb]

We must be able to get a recall on the early A4 B8 so that Audi can fix the problem with the dangerous boot lid.

nlb.

[a8 tech]

This would only be considered if the fault is recorded via the dealers diss reporting obligation report.After a number of raised reports the production technical team will investigate the issue and submit it to audi AG.

[alexcf]

Got a call back from my Audi dealer today, but I was out :(((. Going to call him tomorrow/monday and see what he's got to say... Will keep you posted, good news or not!

[alexcf]

Right, I'm a ******* very upset Audi customer now...

Just spoke to Stuart in Audi, and yes, he's right, the violent boot lids are normal, according to Audi. All of the B8 08 range/version/class/WHATEVER(!) don't have boot dampeners, but the 09s do.

I then went on to question why the hell the B8 08 is the ONLY Audi in the WHOLE flipping range that has a VIOLENT bootlid. I did try every tactic in the book for him to admit it was a violent bootlid, so then I could hold him to it (:P), but didn't get the answer I wanted.

Audi have come back and said "yes, we can do something about it, but it will cost you..". So, big middle finger to Audi this morning. Great start to a new week.

Thanks mkc for the video, it definitely clarified everything. ARGH, so annoyed. I think we may need to get the collection of B8 08 owners together and write some kind of letter/petition that they install this suggested "fix" as Audi say there's absolutely nothing wrong with the boot lids.

:zx11:

Sorry for my heated reply, but this has really wound me up.

[law4778]

picked up my new s line on friday and glad to say my boot opening is fine.

[Audi Happy]

I know its nothing to do with violent boot opening, nine's fine, but i spent 2 hours at a kids party yesterday morning, i carefully parked my new baby ( the car not my son ) near the entrance, just so it was safe you understand, nothing to do with showing it off to all the other parents and low and behold when i returned to it the doors were unlocked and the boot lid open wide. I must have been sat on the key fob and activated the boot, so the remote works through walls at approx. 50feet away, lucky it wasn't raining

[Jop]

Is this a problem that only affects the Saloon's or do some Avants have the same problem?

I cant believe that they are not fitted with dampers, i mean... surley.. you get dampers on a Ford KA, and Toyota Aygo

What's the difference between an 08 and 09 B8 (besides the dampers :Blush:)?
Arent all the A4 B8's to date an 08 as were are in 2008??

[alexcf]

Is this a problem that only affects the Saloon's or do some Avants have the same problem?

Well, exactly... I think they're fine, I can't really say.


I cant believe that they are not fitted with dampers, i mean... surley.. you get dampers on a Ford KA, and Toyota Aygo

Exactly my argument... It's like... Every single other car in the Audi range has a boot dampener, so why the hell is the B8 08 not got one? If I'm honest, it's like they FORGOT to put it on.


What's the difference between an 08 and 09 B8 (besides the dampers :Blush:)?
Arent all the A4 B8's to date an 08 as were are in 2008??

I hope not much more!!!

[Airgun]

I have a 58 reg 3.0Tdi S Line saloon, the boot opens very smoothly and slowly, it takes just over 4 seconds to open.

[alexcf]

I have a 58 reg 3.0Tdi S Line saloon, the boot opens very smoothly and slowly, it takes just over 4 seconds to open.

Well, mine opens in 2 seconds or less, depending on whether it's windy, or whether I'm on a slope, or, whether anyone's face is in the way!

SO NERRR!

hmph, so jealous :p

[Jop]

:biglaugh::Blush::biglaugh::Blush::biglaugh::Blush ::biglaugh::Blush:

[Airgun]

Well, mine opens in 2 seconds or less, depending on whether it's windy, or whether I'm on a slope, or, whether anyone's face is in the way!

SO NERRR!

hmph, so jealous :p

A new entry for the Guiness Book Of Records?:biglaugh:

[kodkod.84]

I don't think the Avant will have this problem as the boot should be on gas struts.

[Red 2]

Oh dear.....must see what my local dealer knows about this damper.:(

[Red 2]

So my friendly local dealer phoned back tonight and. yes, there is now an official damped strut retrofit for '08 A4s. And yes you have to pay for it.

But my patented father-in-law bashing bootlid's days are now numbered. My mean A4 is something of a guinea pig. Parts are ordered, evidently takes about an hour with another 15 mins for the normal diagnostic/factory software check.

Will report back after it is done.

[kodkod.84]

So you have to pay Audi to put right what is basically an engineering ****-up?

What a load of b*******

[Red 2]

So you have to pay Audi to put right what is basically an engineering ****-up?

What a load of b*******

I think the line would be 'continuous product improvement' on this one!:(

However, speak to your local dealer and see if they approach Audi customer care.........;) My one has been very good on this and my infamous I-Pod capability problems.

[shannei]

mines the same april 08 3000 miles on the clock managed to fire the dog over the bonnet not surprsed she bit me for that experiment
at what cost is the fix or can we diy it
ta

[jakerade]

My Avant had this problem and the mobile mechanic came out and fitted new struts free of charge so i certainly wouldnt pay - he said the hinges would fail if they didnt change them!

[Red 2]

Well, latest is that the strut modification kit for my saloon finally arrives early December and my car will be modified mid-December. And a warranty issue is being pursued by my dealer as it seems a tad OTT that I can launch small childern into lunar orbit via the boot lid opening. So hopefully now no costs to bear...

In the meantime, if anyone wants a satellite launched cheaply, I'm your man...:biglaugh:

[alexcf]

Hi Red2,

Keep us all posted, if you get a free one, we ALL want one!! ;)

[Paul W 101]

"Bump"

Red 2 - Any update on this?

[Red 2]

As A8tech predicted, the replacement parts were no better than those already fitted.:(

BUT a dealer adjustment of the springs per the A8tech methodology together with insertion of a large block of dense foam means no more earthquake like shudder when the boot opens. Just a tad too restrained now as the boot unlocks and just lifts a couple of inches but that is going to be adjusted in a couple of weeks when it goes in for its AMI retrofit.

Tried out a new A4 in the showroom in December and it was as bad as my car. Seems Audi have an issue with consistency re the springs used, some cars are great, others are afflicted.

Subject to final adjustment I will be happy with the A8tech modification. Shares in dense sponge set to rocket but would suggest that this is a dealer mod:)

[martin@wolfy]

I think i must be a lucky one, my week 47 build has a perfect opening boot. Press the remote from distance and it smoothly rolls up. gets some jealous looks!!!

wolfy!!!!

[onemanparty]

I know it's cheeky, but would it be possible that you guys can take a movie of the opening? I need to prove to the dealer that it's not fine.

Why not check out a demo at the Audi Centre if it does the same???

[gregpawley]

Hi managed to download a video from youtube however too large to post on here. go to the link below: -

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VGtNJIJ92sI


Regards, Greg.

On Order
Audi A4, Lava Grey, Piano black inserts, S Line Executive, Heated front seats, Bang & Olufsen, Telephone prep low, Parking Plus, Hill hold assist, Cruise control, Interior light package, Folding mirrors.

[Red 2]

Bit of a 'big up' night for my local dealer, Warrington Audi, as they have fixed a number of items for me across a few threads today but three cheers for them and their ever helpful master technician who has cured the violent boot opening by a dealer designed fix.....if you wonder how, see the A8tech methodology!:notworthy

[mrspike]

Hi there,

Does anyone know the VAG part number for the boot lid gas strut kit that the main dealers fits to 08' B8s to dampen them? I have found a couple second hand struts on eBay but these obviously don't include any fixings, ball studs etc. Is there one or two? And where do they attach to?

I would like to sort out the boot on my car as it opens so violently, it actually hits the rear pillars and has damaged the bodywork! D'oh

Many thanks in advance,
Mike

[gdallas]

not sure if this issue was resolved, but in case it wasnt, check that the grease they use to line the boot lid cavity hasnt leaked out the holes that locate the two rubber shock pad things, happened to mine and made mines open violently. its really tacky this grease and acts like glue, effectively glueing the boot shut, then when the springs over come the force, mine opened very violently. took ages to diagnose too, farting about with spring tensions and stuff! i just cleaned the rubber pads and all was perfect again

[hman_01]

where are the pads?

[gdallas]

So with the boot lid fully up and open, your looking for two round rubber pads about the size of 10p. These are located on both sides of the car pm on the inside of the lid at the two bottom corners nearest the rear window. Also remember and clean any residue off the receiving pads which are located on the main chassis of the car

[hman_01]

ok thanks will look later today - worried that mine is going to chin a passer by its so quick.

[Boy]

Its the car-wash chaps that I worry about!