Agent Orange

Having enjoyed the winter safe and secure on a set of winter tyres, I have now switched back to the OEM 245/45R18 Pirelli Rosso tyres and find them really noisy and uncomfortable. Whilst the reduction in comfort can partly be put down to the switch from 17 to 18 in wheels, I think there are much better tyres around. Any suggestions? Spec: 245/45/R18 Y 100W

Back again! Well the car was returned and it has been fine since. I regularly check the coolant levels now and keep an ear out for any noises. I have been advised that an upgraded part has been fitted. I am surprised it is not the subject of a a recall - can you imagine a high speed sudden coolant loss - the consequences could easily be fatal. Nevertheless, I am glad it has been addressed. But I remain watchful!

Driving along last Sunday and coolant warning light came on. Then switched off. Then came on. Then switched off. Hmm. Must be an electronic fault as engine temperatures were normal I thought. Got home. Decided to have a look and guess what, coolant levels were dropping whilst I watched! Great for a new car less than one year old and 15000 miles on the clock! :mad: Having got Audi Assist out they took the car off the dealers and its a water pump failure. Having had a hunt around various forums this seems to be a widespread problem for the 3.0 diesel. I have seem stories of Q5s and Q7s with the same problem. Apparently Audi are aware of this problem. The fix involves a new pump (doh!) but with a metal case rather than a plastic one. Further, there seem to be some supply problems with the new part - it will take a further 5 days to get it. Thinking back, I did hear a faint regular low level 'thudding' when the engine was idling before the final failure (I remember thinking ooh, that sounds like a pump), but as I am used to driving an LR, thought whats the big deal . So three things:- 1) Does anyone know what Audi's official position on this is? Are they about to do a recall? 2) If you have had the same failure, how do I ensure I get the upgraded part? 3) Anyone suffered any engine damage? If so, what happened at the time and at the dealers?