B8 Engine problems

[alamel]

I would like to share a problem I have had with my B8 A4 2.0TDi SE.

I took delivery of my new car in April and was delighted with it. This is my first brand new car and I was looking forward to trouble free motoring after a succession of older worn out cars.

Anyway I ran the car for eleven weeks trouble free until one morning when I stared up there was terrible vibration from the engine akin to only running on three cylinders.
I called out Audi assist who arrived within half an hour and suggested that an injector had failed and he would take it back to the dealer for rectification and arrange a replacement vehicle. The next day I was informed that the vehicle required a complete new engine.

I was not pleased to say the least but understand that mechanical things do fail and that is why warranties are in place.

I received the car back exactly four weeks later and had it for less that 24 hours and 15 miles when the engine management warning light came on.
Straight back to the dealer this time who have now diagnosed a faulty Turbo unit and are waiting for a spare to arrive from Germany.

I expect to get the car back later this week. (I have owned the car for 17 weeks and 5 of those it has been at the dealer service centre)

Having taken considerable time deciding to buy a new car and an Audi in particular, this experience has left me wondering whether it was worth it and at the moment I would not buy another Audi and could not recommend them to anyone.

I would appreciate any recommendations or advice on what I can reasonably expect in way of recompense from both Audi and the dealer (Glasgow Audi) and where I stand legally with returning the car as not fit for purpose.

[mkc]

A tricky situation. A number of months have past since you purchased the car and although not to be expected with something like an Audi, it does happen. By the sounds off it any cooling off period has passed either with a credit company or the garage itself so you have limited rights now.

Audi have fixed the car free of charge, quickly and provided you a car whilst they did this.
I have no idea what rights you have but I would look at the Sales of Goods Act

If good are not of a ‘satisfactory quality’ or ‘reasonably fit for their purpose’ the law provides you with remedies. Legal remedies or options include – the right to reject the goods (return them and ask for a refund – section 15B, 1979 Act), and/or seek damages and treat the contract as repudiated (ended).

Before you go into this remember the guys in the garage did not make the car so dont moan at them. You may need them on your side if this goes further. Before you threaten any action with them, ask yourself what you would like to happen, what would you be happy with as an outcome.

Would you like a new car or hav eyou gone off Audi?
Would you like money back for your troubles?
The only thing I would be concerened with is the on going stability of the car, any resale would have to mention a new engine, were the miles reset when the new engine went in etc. Any loss of value if you resale it, compensation for loss of business whilst you waited for mechanics etc, a tricky one!
Interesting to see how this goes!

[2.7 S-line]

i went through similar woes with a bmw with an electrical engine managment problem - but mine was out of warranty

got really frustrating as the car broke down within days of each "fix" have to say bmw were very good though after the first 2 visits i wasn't charged (would have run in to thousands in the end !)

eventually they really couldn't find the problem and offered me a very good trade in deal - gave me quite a bit over book price for my car ( a bmw 325i convertible ) & very healthy discount on a new car - no haggling just gave me a deal to consider - which i took as i was thinking of changing cars even before the saga of the breakdowns began (think i met pretty much every AA breakdown patol in the south west !)

although at the time i was livid in retrospect i thought bmw(exeter) dealt with me extremely well looking back can't really see how they could have been more helpful , if it wasn't for the new creases everywhere design of the newer bmws i'd still be driving one now

i realise that my case was very different , but i'd say give audi a chance to sought you out and see what they come up with before turning to consumer rights etc (this will also strengthen your case should things turn ugly)

anyway you have my sympathy

[alamel]

Thanks for the quick replies, I am giving Audi the chance to sort things under warrenty at the moment and have not given the dealer a hard time as I recognise the problem is not of their making.
They have actually been helpful in providing an equivalent replacement vehicle and have offered to assist in any discussions with Audi in the future, provide technicians reports etc.
My post is simply to get a bit of advice in advance should I need it

[mkc]

I would still check out the sales of good act in the meantime. Get to know it so you know where you stand should they put something on te table

[Waister]

How many miles did you cover over the 11weeks?

[alamel]

I don't have the exact figure but around 2600 miles, not excessive by any means.

[moptisam2]

Have a word with your local Trading Standards.

I don't know whether they will tell you you have had the car for too long etc, but I do know that there is a provision where you can 'reject' the car and get your money back - minus a negotiated amount for the time you have had it/miles covered.

Give them a ring. It may be the answer to your problem.

[Satch]

My work colleague had numerous on going problems with a VW Passat for a year and eventually VW replaced the car with a new one.

[alamel]

Update on the above problem.

I received the car back on the 2nd August (three weeks after the turbo failed) and intimated to the dealer that this was the last chance and any further problems would be grounds for rejection.

The dealer opened discussions with Audi UK with regard to some form of compensation for our inconvenience and also intimated that we had lost confidence in this car and would they consider a replacement.


Yesterday the car refused to start in the morning with the engine warning light on and the engine management system light flashing. It finally started after about 15 minutes. Drove to work without any problems. After work, I had the same problem and called out Audi roadside assist. Before they arrived I managed to start the car and drove it straight to the dealer where I told them I do not want it back and they should progress a replacement vehicle. We have also requested a face to face with the Audi UK rep.

Three serious faults in a 4 1/2 month old vehicle is clearly not fit for purpose.

Reading these (and other) forums, I can see how delighted most people are with their B8 A4s and believe I have simply been unlucky to receive a rougue vehicle and would therefore be happy to accept a like for like replacement.

Still waiting to hear from the dealer today to tell me exactly what the latest problem is.