Botang Posted February 21, 2004 Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 Well not sure if you guys knew about this but I had a big problem with corrosion on my A8, whilst it appears to be relitively unusual it is certainly worth checking your own cars to make sure yours is not going the same way as mine. I had 20 seperate areas of corrosion on my A8 Certainly not what I was expecting when I bought the car! After a very long discussion/argument with Audi (over 8 months) they finally gave in, having a Law Society expert witness backing my claim helped From what I could make out IMO Audi seem aware that their are corrosion issues with A8's, however for some reason my car was pretty bad. I have seen lots of A8's with corrosion around the aerial (I guess because a steel replacement has been used) but yet my car did not have this. I had corrosion, (sort of like rust bubbles) on the o/s front wing, front door, rear door, rear wing, boot lid, n/s front door and bonnet edge, not only on the outside but even on the B pillar and in door shuts. I will never know why but my expert suspected a problem with the formulation of the Aluminium, but Audi buckled when I offered to take it for a Laboratory analysis, obviously it wouldnt be good to have that kind of scientific analysis on their aluminium and paint work in the public domain if it was proved to be their fault. However I shouldnt complain Audi are spending around £6000 repairing my car, replacing all the doors, hinges, a wing and are treating the other areas. Of course it is a good will gesture Currently they have had my car for 4 1/2 weeks still another week and half to go, can't wait to get it back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted February 21, 2004 Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 Mmm, mine has a bubble by the arial too. But mine has a original. Best I go have a proper looksee in the morning? Mines real old though (1996) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted February 22, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Mmm, mine has a bubble by the arial too. But mine has a original. Best I go have a proper looksee in the morning? Mines real old though (1996) [/ QUOTE ] Mine is a 1996 too, I had many discussions over the 12 year anti corrosion warranty, which apparently doesnt really cover corrosion. A lot of A8's have aftermarket aerials fitted because the electric one often brakes. Mine was working but now the teeth have gone on the motor. How much do you think a electric aerial is........around £250 but for the best bit they have discontinued the part and you cant get one. They will offer a pattern alternative but they neglect to let you know that this doesnt actually fit through the wing, rubbish! So a lot of A8's out there are fitted with a cheap replacement which is Steel, which then corrodes with the Aluminium causing a bubble around the base of the aerial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted February 22, 2004 Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 Yup, steel and aluminium don't mix well. But I find the other point rather odd. Are these by chance also spots where steel or other metal parts are attached? Fortunately no probs on my car, which is younger and post facelift. Maybe an issue in a certain build year? Glad you'll be getting new parts and a fresh paintjob Matthew. A bit of a hassle, but in the end you'll be better off I guess... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted February 22, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 No the ohter areas are just about anywhere, not even just on edges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted February 22, 2004 Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 Weird, must be some issue with the paint (prep) probably I reckon... Let's hope it's 'just' one build year tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted February 22, 2004 Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Mmm, mine has a bubble by the arial too. But mine has a original. Best I go have a proper looksee in the morning? Mines real old though (1996) [/ QUOTE ] Mine is a 1996 too, I had many discussions over the 12 year anti corrosion warranty, which apparently doesnt really cover corrosion. A lot of A8's have aftermarket aerials fitted because the electric one often brakes. Mine was working but now the teeth have gone on the motor. How much do you think a electric aerial is........around £250 but for the best bit they have discontinued the part and you cant get one. They will offer a pattern alternative but they neglect to let you know that this doesnt actually fit through the wing, rubbish! So a lot of A8's out there are fitted with a cheap replacement which is Steel, which then corrodes with the Aluminium causing a bubble around the base of the aerial. [/ QUOTE ] I replaced my aerial last year. They were still doing the originals then. I bid the stealer on the price…. Think it was£118 or may be £180. Sure they give me 10 or 20%. You are right about the alloy/steel thing. Thinking about it, that’ll be why the aerial doesn’t clamp to the body shell like norm, It’s just held in the wing by a monster grommet. Had a look around mine, cant see any more bubbles but I’ll have to do a proper rekke… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted March 4, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 Its still not ready *this one will have to do as we havent got a "throw dolly out of pram" icon, maybe a task for the Stig * The new completion date....16th March Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 Whats taking them so long Matthew? I had said to the wife that I might weight until they near ready with our car (ignition barrel on back order) and then ask that they look at our paint. Only cause we got A/UK's shiney new A8. Might get to keep it for much longer given the time taken to do your car... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted March 4, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 Yeah go for it mate, was talking to Nicki earlier expressing my views on the whole situation. Your lucky to get the new A8, she promised me one but ended up with the A6. The time delay was originally blamed on the parts (indeffinate back order, i.e. no delivery date) A/UK say this did not hold up the work, in which case it will have taken them 8 weeks, not good enough IMO especially when they confirmed to me on moday that it would be ready today. From my point of view they seem to be leaving my car in the corner and doing it between jobs which is not acceptable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 Have you just turned up out of the blue and asked to see it? Are they ding the work or is it with a 3rd party? s Is the A6 a silvery colour diesel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted March 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 No I havent but I dont think that they would send it out to a third party as they are the Aluminium people The A6 is navy blue, have no idea how they get away charging £26000 for it though must only be companies buying them. I cant imagine anyone choosing it. It is diesel, a 1.9 130bhp version, its no 4.2 V8 though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Its still not ready *this one will have to do as we havent got a "throw dolly out of pram" icon, maybe a task for the Stig * The new completion date....16th March [/ QUOTE ] No "throw dolly out of pram" icon, but maybe this one is accurate as well... (If you have a wife/GF and pre-navi (holiday) driving experience you'll get a familiar feeling...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] No I havent but I dont think that they would send it out to a third party as they are the Aluminium people The A6 is navy blue, have no idea how they get away charging £26000 for it though must only be companies buying them. I cant imagine anyone choosing it. It is diesel, a 1.9 130bhp version, its no 4.2 V8 though [/ QUOTE ] I'd turn up and ask them what's happening, what they are doing, and when they're planning to do what exactly. It's normal to be interested in your car and what they're doing with it. They should be able to tell you how they're gonna treat this. Accept no vagueness, but ask them friendly but decisive about the details and scedule etc. I'm very much involved in what happens with my car, and my dealer is fine with that and very helpful. In fact they appreciate that involvement, they don't like it when customers just throw the key on the counter... It may also help to have one (helpful) contact person instead of several different people. Works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] I'd turn up and ask them what's happening, what they are doing, and when they're planning to do what exactly. It's normal to be interested in your car and what they're doing with it. They should be able to tell you how they're gonna treat this. Accept no vagueness, but ask them friendly but decisive about the details and scedule etc. [/ QUOTE ] That's what I'm talking about! (wot I meant) [/ QUOTE ]I'm very much involved in what happens with my car, and my dealer is fine with that and very helpful. In fact they appreciate that involvement, they don't like it when customers just throw the key on the counter... It may also help to have one (helpful) contact person instead of several different people. Works for me. [/ QUOTE ] But dont it take time to train that one point of contact Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] But dont it take time to train that one point of contact [/ QUOTE ] Nah, maybe I'm lucky, but it's a mutual respect thing I guess. It works both ways, I have the right to an A8 loaner FI, but I don't insist if it's difficult for them to free one. So I get to try several cars, I make their life a bit easier, and next week I get a new A8 loaner anyway. It's all pretty relaxed and not very formal, I can pop by for small things and stuff, get advice etc., and they know I'm interested to know what happens (I'd be in the garage if they'd let me... ). But I'm sure it's a matter of interaction, it may be different with other clients who act different. They started out with 'sir' and 'Mr. ***' (as they're supposed to), but by now we're on first name basis mostly, since I made it clear I prefer to be on a linear level with them. I think we understand each others position and respect that, I give them no attitude, they give me no BS. Works fine so far... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 And that is the time that it takes to train'em! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted March 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 I have just been told by A/UK that I dont have any loyalty to Audi as I didnt purchase my car at the dealer..... My last 4 cars have been Audi's (this one being their flagship model), am a member of 4 Audi/Vag based forums, have the original brochures, have upgraded my car with Audi parts rather than after market, I even have a couple of Audi T-shirts promoting the Audi brand. I am completely fed up with them, I just want my car back, I know they have finished and are happy with the bodywork but they say its going to take until the 16th to put it back together! Thats just rubbish. You may be able to tell I am not a happy bunny at the moment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 What a load of BS! I didn't buy my car at the dealer either... I was tempted to buy a new S4 from them at the time, and they had a 2nd hand S8 too (not as nice as mine tho). The sales guy jokes about it sometimes, but I just tell him he should have given me a better trade in for my previous car. Not their fault, as it was no Audi they get offers from the 2nd hand trade, who usually offer ridiculous prices since they'd rather sell than buy. (That and the huge taxes on new cars here). So I ended up at a Bovag Garage, who sells different brands. But for service I'm with them, and if I trade up this is where I'll look first. They never said anything ridiculous like that, in fact they said they wished everyone was so interested and meticulous about their car. I think Audi UK needs to shape up, they're giving the brand a bad name... I hear so many complaints, that's unheard of. I was also stupefied to hear Audi UK doesn't cooperate with specs on new cars, while Quattro GMBH offers any colour/interiour you want... If I want leather in the colour of my couch they will make it! Maybe a (joint) letter to Germany is in order? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted March 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 Well it was only when my case was refered to the factory in Germany that my case went ahead anyway, they have over stepped the mark now. As you said Sven all I hear lately is problems, many of which they are unable or unwilling to fix. Remeber it was 8 months after I contacted them that they agreed to do the work, but all I am getting now is that I should be so greatfull as its a good will gesture. Maybe thats how they want to dress it up but it was my expert's (and many other bodywork proffessionals) that it should have been covered by the anti corrosion warranty, therfore it is cover for 12 years. I am gutted by there remarks today, which came after they didnt ring me all day when I was promised a call last night. My response was Audi are messing around, at which the lady asked if I incuded her in that, my response....You do work for Audi dont you. Maybe some people will think this is harsh but I am fed up with it, I have been very polite throughout but yesterday took the piss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] I am gutted by there remarks today, which came after they didnt ring me all day when I was promised a call last night. My response was Audi are messing around, at which the lady asked if I incuded her in that, my response....You do work for Audi dont you. Maybe some people will think this is harsh but I am fed up with it, I have been very polite throughout but yesterday took the piss. [/ QUOTE ] I am always cool calm and collected, honest, open and as a result some people chose to s*** all over me, fair enough, my own fault. But Audi UK screw you about when you have been polite and professional is just an insult to the brand, their future and of course you. The fact you happen to own the second most expensive Audi on sale on a 96P (which yours is iirc) makes it even worse! Ian C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted March 14, 2004 Report Share Posted March 14, 2004 Matthew. Any news yet on when you get you car back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted March 15, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2004 Should be tomorrow (16th) I will have to wait and see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted March 15, 2004 Report Share Posted March 15, 2004 Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted March 15, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2004 Woooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooo! Had a call this morning to let me know the car is ready for collection, and picked it up this afternoon. Looks great so far, It was raining so will have a good check over in the next couple of days but looks sweet at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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