Servicing Advice

**swiftguy** · 21-03-2014,11:31 PM

Hi guys,

I've a 2009(09) A6 C6 2.0 TDi automatic, I've had it for 2 years now and the service light has just come on (I don't do many miles just around town). Its on a long life service.

The car had a service just before I bought it at 70k (when it was 3yrs old), mileage is now at 83k. All previous services have been at Audi and am wondering whether it is worth paying the premium to have it serviced at Audi. (I'm based in Nottingham).
£329 Dealer has quoted which includes Oil, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, Pollen Filter and Air Filter.
£70 Brake Fluid Change is separate charge (every 2 years).
£255 Automatic Transmission Fluid change (every 38k miles) - How important is this to be done? It's a bit pricey for an oil change. Previous auto's I've owned (Lexus), it was recommended not be changed as it can cause other problems.

I've rung around a few audi independents and price range anywhere from £210 upwards, average coming in at around £250 odd (All filters, oil and brake fluid change). Thing is I've never used any of them and I have trust issues, the thought of dropping the car off, walking away and come back later and taking their word for it that everything has been done.

My 3rd option, I do know a mechanic who works on older cars, but he probably won't have the tools to be able to reset the service light and not sure if he'll be able to do the job to the same standard - or I'm just being overly cautious - oil change and changing the filters and brake fluid change should be able to be done by any competent mechanic? - do the audi technicians have any special know how over normal mechanics. Do they lube various bits of the car or tighten stuff or do other stuff that a normal mechanic might overlook?

I've got a quote from TPS for all the filters, quantum long life oil and brake fluid (3 litres) which totals at £110. So using my mechanic would be the cheapest but not sure if it would be the best.

bit confused which way to go. Any pointers?

**Guest 2** · 21-03-2014,11:33 PM

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take it off longlife.

Multitornic (yours) does indeed need its fluid changed every 38k and is VERY important. If the stamp is important go with Audi, if not then go to an Audi specialist.

You're in Nottingham, go to C&R Enterprises - http://www.candrenterprises.co.uk/info/contact-us/

Top bloke and will be honest.

**swiftguy** · 22-03-2014,12:02 AM

Hi Chris,

Thx for the quick reply.
I don't do many miles, around 6k miles/year, is long life really that bad? surely, if audi say its ok, it should be alright?
ok, sounds like I will have to do the ATF change as well, costs mounting up.

I did get a quote from C&R, they were one of the more dearer ones, oil+filters at £270 and £70 brake fluid change - which is more dearer than the dealer!

**Guest 2** · 22-03-2014,12:04 AM

Yes it's really bad, it's been proven it lessens the life of engines, more especially at your mileage.

Did you speak to Steve? did you ask for forum discount?

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**swiftguy** · 22-03-2014,12:19 AM

Not sure who I spoke to, I didn't know there was a forum discount. I'm sure they are nice and top guys, but their prices were quite a bit higher than other audi independents.

**Guest 2** · 22-03-2014,12:20 AM

Ring and ask to speak to Steve and tell him you're a member of VWAF, he'll sort you out!

Your car also falls under Audi Fixed Price servicing, google it and you'll see the prices!

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**swiftguy** · 22-03-2014,12:29 AM

ok will give them another call.

Any ideas why the ATF change is so expensive, is it particularly difficult to do? I gather the fluid is expensive, TPS quoted me £12 per litre and said it requires 7.5 litres so £90 right there.

By the way, is it still ok to use quantum long life oil for the engine oil, or best to use a different oil?

thx.

**Guest 2** · 22-03-2014,12:39 AM

There are specific guidelines which have to be followed and as you see the oil is expensive per L

Oil is fine as it's the same for LL and fixed, just change it every 10k/1yr whichever comes first. Make sure it's quantum 5w30.

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**MarkTM** · 22-03-2014,12:54 AM

OP, I change my oil every 10k miles and the filter every 5k, may seem like overkill to many, but with oil filters a mere £5 I've stocked up on a few!

Appreciate that LL was designed for fleet doing BIG motorway miles ands, since your oil is sitting there doing nothing it will actually degrade quicker over time plus the bits that require lubrication won't be getting it as regularly/intensively over long runs. In this I use the washing machine analogy, namely a short economy wash won't clean as well as a long cotton one!

Halfords did my brake fluid and coolant for a mere £53 inc.

As to the multitronic 38k advice there are a few tales of woe from posters who's cars didn't follow this regime

**santiago** · 22-03-2014,08:46 AM

@SwiftGuy, my 2 cents worth.
Get the full service, and brake fluid done. Change the gearbox oil as recommended and you're all set.
I have had no problem with the long life servicing on any of my high mileage VAG cars however with your low mileage you should change the oil and filter annually.
If you want the best guarantee of the standard of work then go to Audi for your immediate requirement.
Then you should research a VAG specialist independent to use for ongoing maintenance.
I would not use the friend.
Don't get hung up on the cost and saving a few quid, get it done properly.