"The Digestive" Weekly roundup 21st June - 12th July 2026 In this edition of our weekly digest newsletter, we’ll delve into some of the fascinating discussions held over the past few weeks on our forums. From repairs to your favourite models, the club continues to provide a wealth of knowledge. A hot topic has emerged surrounding the Audi A4 (B9), where member squish14, seeking help with a blocked heater core replacement, received a trove of advice. Fellow members discussed the challenges of accessing the heater core, especially under the glovebox, highlighting the importance of patience. Vytas shared insights from his own successful replacement, emphasising that disconnecting the battery and having the right tools can make the job much smoother. If you're facing similar issues, consider joining that conversation [here](https://www.audiownersclub.com/forums/topic/24649-help-heater-core-replacement/). Moving over to the Audi A6 (C8), JonAvant raised alarms about water leaking into his rear offside footwell, prompting an in-depth discussion about design flaws that could be at play. Many members, such as Paddy755 and Livia, shared their own costly repair experiences, noting that the drainage systems could be the culprits. It's a good reminder for A6 owners to keep an eye on their vehicle's sealing systems! In a related thread, PaulF214 reported a jerking sensation while driving his 2018 Audi A6. With over 78,000 miles on the clock, he found support from the community as they discussed conducting thorough inspections for possible gearbox issues. It seems that many pointed towards the crankshaft position sensor, alongside potential water pump leaks, which further highlights the necessity for diligent servicing and timely diagnostics. Meanwhile, Audi A5 enthusiasts have been sharing mixed experiences of the new S5 Avant. ClassicMac noted unfinished software issues in his recently acquired model, while others like Francis007 expressed excitement over ordering their own S5 Avant. It’s a detailed exploration that speaks volumes about what new buyers should consider regarding reliability and warranties. Interestingly, the Audi Q3 Club has seen new member Rob facing issues with his stop-start system. Our veterans, like Cliff and Gareth, emphasised the importance of diagnostics before making assumptions about faulty parts—excellent advice for those wary of diving into repairs without thorough testing. On another note, if you’re considering an upgrade or servicing for your Audi, discussions on gearbox servicing in the Audi Q5 Club are certainly insightful. Pete A has opened a dialogue on the necessity of changing oils and seals at 65,000 miles, something that can significantly extend the lifespan of your vehicle. Lastly, let’s not forget the lighter side of car ownership. From discussions on stylish alloys in the Audi A6 (C6) Forum to issues around muddy roads and finding the perfect mud flaps for the A4, our community is brimming with helpful suggestions and shared insights. As we wrap up this week’s newsletter, we invite you to explore the forum further. Whether you want to ask a question, share your knowledge, or upload some stunning photos of your ride, your input enriches our community. Join the conversations and keep your Audi running smoothly! Best wishes, Your Audi Owners Club Team Audi A3 (8P) Forum Digest Battery for my Audi 6 replies Poolielad710 sought advice on replacing the battery for their 60 plate Audi A3, unsure whether a stop/start or standard battery was needed. Cliffcoggin highlighted the importance of checking if the car is equipped with the stop/start system, suggesting they contact a dealer with the vehicle's VIN. Matty_s6 noted the presence of a stop/start button or indicator light that may help confirm its existence. The consensus emphasised the necessity of coding the new battery to the car, which many garages can assist with. Audi A3 (8V) Forum Digest Wheel Diameter 9 replies Colin sought advice on the correct wheel diameter for a 2013 A3 2.0 diesel, wondering whether it came with 17 or 18-inch wheels. Gareth advised that the owner's handbook should provide options, but to determine the original fitment, Colin might need to check the build record via the VIN. After discovering the car had been fitted with 18-inch alloys, which were damaged, Colin replaced them with 17-inch genuine Audi alloys. Gareth reiterated the importance of checking specifications, while Dan offered assistance regarding any insurance issues related to the wheel change. Audi A3 (8Y) Forum Digest MyAudi App - recent(ish) app updates have broken it? 11 replies Moonlightbob raised concerns about issues with the MyAudi App following a recent update, citing problems with locking the vehicle and inaccurate charging notifications. Asics and Buckingham shared similar frustrations, with Buckingham reporting frustratingly high costs for dealership support. While some members like Asics reported no issues on Android, others echoed the need for a collective response to Audi to highlight the app's shortcomings. missing parts 11 replies Paddington raised concerns about missing parts on his 2026 Audi A3 S Line, specifically mentioning the absence of the engine top cover, washer bottle filter, and blue cap. Joe6 provided insights on how Audi appears to be reducing certain features in newer models and suggested checking if parts from earlier models might be compatible. Dalswinton confirmed a similar issue with his 2024 Q3, highlighting that Audi no longer supplies engine covers. Overall, members shared alternative solutions, including purchasing parts from third-party suppliers. Road Noise…… TYRES 7 replies Mark 0570 kicked off a conversation regarding the unexpected road noise from his new 2024 A3 Black Edition. Joe6 and Lee01 shared their experiences, with Lee recommending Michelin Primacy 4 tyres for a quiet and comfortable ride after his own struggles with Bridgestone run flats. Scotiedog added valuable insights, noting a notable difference between Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres, with the latter praised for being quieter on rough UK roads. While Mark hasn’t returned to the forum, his query sparked a rich exchange of personal tyre recommendations. Audi A4 (B6) Forum Digest Need help finding N90956803 subframe bolt for Audi A4 B6 1.8 11 replies John3729 is seeking assistance in sourcing the N90956803 subframe bolt for his 2002 Audi A4 B6 Avant, emphasising the difficulty in finding this torque-to-yield part. Spartacus68 provided potential alternatives, suggesting the N90924103 bolt, while also recommending sites like Spareto.com for further options. Cliffcoggin advised John to consider using any high tensile bolt if necessary, indicating a practical approach to resolving the issue. The dialogue highlights the community's collaborative spirit as members share insights and resources in the search for elusive parts. Audi A4 (B7) Forum Digest Shuddering when accelerating 9 replies B7 cabrio final reported a troubling issue with shuddering under acceleration in their Audi, which began after a quick pull away from a car park. Cliffcoggin emphasised the need for a detailed electronic diagnosis, speculating potential injector or fuel pump issues but later suggested the problem might lie with engine faults, especially given recent modifications including a DPF deletion. There was some debate over the gearbox terminology, with B7 cabrio final clarifying confusion over whether it was a CVT or not, indicating the need for a more thorough examination using VCDS for accurate gearbox diagnostics. Audi A4 (B8) Forum Digest start/stop 8 replies Stephen, known as "alpha omega," sought advice on his Audi's stop/start malfunction, suspecting a re-conditioned starter motor. Replies from members, including Stevey and Cliff, highlighted the importance of a properly tested battery and issues related to the crankshaft sensor. After calling the AA and replacing the battery, Stephen discovered that the crankshaft sensor was the culprit, ultimately costing him £200 in labour to replace. There's a consensus that while some found the sensor replacement manageable, others advised leaving it to professionals due to its challenging location. Audi A4 (B9) Forum Digest HELP - heater core replacement 81 replies · 2 files Josh, known as squish14, sought advice on replacing a blocked heater core and faced challenges removing components under the glovebox. Fellow member Vytas shared his success after completing the task himself, advising on the importance of disconnecting the battery and using a flexi drill bit for tricky screws. Other members chimed in with tips on flushing the cooling system and using specific types of coolant. Overall, there’s a consensus that with patience and guidance, this repair can be tackled by non-mechanics. MMI and Bluetooth stopped working 16 replies Big Easy reported issues with the MMI and Bluetooth on their 2017 Audi A4 Avant, prompting a flurry of replies. After trying to resolve the problems, they eventually visited an Audi dealer, who diagnosed and updated the software, restoring functionality. Cliffcoggin expressed scepticism about dealer advice, noting a similar experience with unnecessary repairs, while Spartacus 68 recommended exploring independent garages to avoid costly dealer charges. Overall, there was a consensus on being cautious with main dealer recommendations. Mud flaps 6 replies Keithymason initiated a query regarding the availability of mud flaps for his 65 plate A4 S line Nav Quattro, which features a distinctive bumper design that complicates the search. Gareth offered suggestions on where to look, including eBay and AliExpress, while Keith confirmed he had encountered challenges finding suitable options. He appreciated the advice and plans to check LLL Parts for further information based on his VIN. Audi A5 Club Digest Audi New Model A5/S5 Avant Experience 23 replies ClassicMac shared his experiences with the new S5 Avant, having driven 4,500 miles since acquiring a fully loaded ‘Launch Edition’. He highlighted concerns regarding unfinished software, which have led to several annoying issues. Francis007, another member, expressed his excitement about ordering an S5 Avant while also reminiscing about his previous Q8s, sharing insights on their road trips. Members seemed to appreciate the detailed accounts, with some echoing concerns over software reliability, while others, like Westwardbound, shared their newfound joy in the S5, indicating a mix of enthusiasm and caution amongst buyers. A5 sline 18 replies George20s recently shared his experience with a second-hand A5 S line, detailing issues like blue smoke during acceleration, engine knocking, and an EPC warning light. Stevey Y advised getting the car scanned, emphasising that intermittent warning lights should not be ignored, while cliffcoggin echoed the necessity for a proper diagnosis. After replacing the PCV valve, George confirmed a significant improvement, with no smoke reported on his recent motorway drive, suggesting the issue may have been resolved. Battery maybe faulty unsure, and couple other notes 15 replies Jpskiller raised concerns about a potentially faulty battery in their 2015 A5 following a number of issues, including a warning about the particle filter and an intermittent ECS fault. Stevey pointed out that the VCDS readings indicated the battery is below the optimal state of charge, while Magnet discussed the importance of purchasing a quality battery. Overall, the consensus appears to suggest that jpskiller should consider replacing the battery soon, especially given its likely age. Occasionally not able to access any radio channel 14 replies Francis007 raised a concern about intermittently losing access to radio channels despite having a functioning SatNav, suggesting a potential software issue. Magnet advised that a visit to a main dealer could provide a definitive resolution, although Francis007 expressed reluctance due to previous unsatisfactory experiences with local dealerships. Ultimately, the thread concluded with tension over sharing criticisms of dealers in an open forum, leaving the discussion unresolved. Audi A6 (C4) Forum Digest Alloys 7 replies Bobc4 sought advice on fitting a set of OEM Audi 17-inch wheels, discovering that the front tyres were rubbing against the suspension leg. Cliffcoggin advised that using spacers is a temporary solution and recommended opting for wheels with a greater offset instead. Matty_s6 added that measuring the wheel arch gap is essential and explained how offset changes relate to spacer dimensions. Chris James suggested valuable online resources for calculating wheel and tyre fitment, allowing Bobc4 to explore options without using spacers. Audi A6 (C5) Forum Digest Audi S6 track car build 16 replies Matty_s6 has embarked on an ambitious project to convert his Audi S6 into a track car, but he's encountered several issues with the vehicle's electrics, including non-functional speedo, windows, and central locking. Steve Q has been supportive, asking about the fuel pump and the standalone engine management system Matty plans to use. Unfortunately, Matty faces further delays as he awaits the arrival of his ECU, which has been stuck in transit since June 18th, leading to a pause in progress. Audi A6 (C6) Forum Digest Parking brake 14 replies Marcin Z sought advice on fixing the inoperable electric parking brake on the left side of his Audi. While he initially suspected the electric motor, further investigation revealed potential wiring issues as he posted updates about testing various components. Members like Stevey Y provided suggestions on checking the caliper slide pins and wiring harness, ultimately steering Marcin towards replacing the faulty harness. After some time, Marcin managed to fashion a temporary fix, confirming that the problem lay deeper in the wiring rather than the caliper itself. Rubbish reception on DBA radio. 8 replies Duane1611 raised concerns about poor DAB radio reception in his 2009 C6, mentioning that the issue persists even in less populated areas. Cliffcoggin noted that local signal strength might be the problem, while Stevey recommended replacing the DAB antenna and considering a signal booster as viable solutions. Duane1611 is now contemplating both options to enhance his listening experience, eyeing a new antenna and a booster for better reception. Rear subframe 7 replies Peter Podi initiated the discussion seeking the part number for a rear subframe for his C6 Avant 2.0 TDI. Gareth, also known as Magnet, suggested checking the LLL Parts website and advised on using online car breaker platforms. Despite Peter's efforts on eBay and Facebook Marketplace, he struggled to find a reasonably priced second-hand option, prompting further recommendations from Gareth for additional resources. Audi A6 (C7) Forum Digest Rattling noise when accelerating 23 replies Audi3.0btdi raised a concern about a rattling noise occurring during acceleration, particularly between 1200 and 1800 rpms, after clocking 215,000 km. Cliffcoggin advised that while it may be the timing chain, driving with the noise won't cause immediate engine failure, although continued use could lead to costly repairs. Stevey Y added that two mechanics deemed the noise normal, suggesting that Audi3.0btdi has the option to either live with it or opt for a potentially expensive replacement. Other members echoed similar sentiments, noting the commonality of such noises in older engines. Limp Mode, Bunch of random codes 10 replies MorrisC7.5 reported an issue with his 2015 Audi A6 going into limp mode, triggered by an orange glowplug light and a series of other warnings. Cliffcoggin advised that the battery, showing low voltage, is likely the culprit and recommended replacing it with a quality branded one, while Stevey Y cautioned about the potential costs associated with the P2002 code, suggesting it might be more than just a battery issue. The consensus leans towards addressing the battery first, before tackling the more expensive repair related to the emissions system. Audi A6 (C8) Forum Digest A6 avant - leaking - rear footwell 63 replies · 4 files JonAvant raised concerns about water leaking into the rear offside footwell of his 2020 Audi A6 Avant, which prompted a discussion among members about similar issues. Paddy755 shared his experience with a hefty repair quote from Audi Manchester and suggested seeking independent services for diagnosis. Livia echoed these concerns, describing an extensive quote for repairs that included replacing wiring due to water damage. Overall, there appears to be a consensus that the water ingress issue may stem from design flaws, specifically with sealing bungs and drainage systems, and many members are advocating for Audi to acknowledge and address the problem effectively. A6 2018 auto - car jerks whilst driving 32 replies PaulF214 initiated the thread regarding a persistent jerking issue in his 2018 Audi A6 following 78,000 miles. Several responses provided valuable insights, with spartacus68 suggesting a scan with VCDS to diagnose potential gearbox issues. As the discussion progressed, irishrio shared a similar experience, noting that his service at Audi also yielded no error codes, yet both users noted the problem often arose after a restart. Members emphasised the need for thorough inspections, particularly regarding the crankshaft position sensor, as discussions around the potential water pump leak highlighted its importance in diagnosing the jerking issue. Audi Q3 Club Digest Stop start issue 22 replies Rob, a new member, raised concerns about the stop-start system on his Audi Q3 S Line Plus. Cliff and Gareth offered insights, suggesting that a battery issue might be at play, with the importance of a proper diagnostic test highlighted. While Rob suspected the starter motor, Cliff strongly advised against replacing parts without a confident diagnosis. The group unanimously leaned towards an electronic diagnosis to uncover the underlying problem. Audi Q5 Club Digest Help darnest thing new engine falters and doesn't have power 15 replies Crashoverride opened the conversation with concerns about a newly installed engine in his 2016 Q5, which has been faltering and lacking power after a two-year storage period. Several members, including Stevey Y and Magnet, provided insights, suggesting potential issues with the engine’s source or installation. Matty_s6 pointed out the possible ramifications of old fuel, while discussions highlighted the importance of clear communication for effective diagnosis. The thread ended on a note of some frustration about rudeness and misunderstanding among contributors. Gearbox service 9 replies Pete A initiated a discussion about servicing his 2.0 TFSI's ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox, seeking advice on whether a mechatronic seal replacement was necessary and whether to change the oils in both diffs and the transfer box at 65,000 miles. Spartacus 68 advised that changing the strainer and transmission sump gasket is essential, whilst TOOL suggested the oils in the diffs and transfer box likely remain in good condition at that mileage. Ultimately, a general consensus emerged, with members like cliffcoggin supporting the idea of changing the oils for peace of mind, despite their current condition. Audi Q7 Club Digest Q7 2013 v6 7 replies Chris kicked off a discussion regarding a coolant leak in his 2013 Q7 3.0 TDI, noting that the loss seemed to occur primarily on longer journeys. Stevey offered insights, suggesting that the leak could be related to the oil cooler, and recommended replacing the surrounding plastic components to avoid future issues. Chris agreed, planning to replace several parts to ensure a thorough fix, highlighting the complexity of the job ahead. Advice on Q7’s 7 replies Owen kicked off an insightful discussion seeking advice on the 2015-2019 Audi Q7 and SQ7 models, specifically regarding maintenance for vehicles with around 50-80k miles. Members, including Spartacus68, shared valuable insights about the engines and servicing needs, such as the importance of regular oil changes and the potential issues with the DPF filter on diesel models. They noted that maintaining a longer run monthly could help prevent carbon build-up. Overall, the exchange provided Owen with a clearer picture of what to expect when considering a Q7. Audi Q8 Club Digest Boot opens when drivers door opened 6 replies Raj A has raised concerns about his new SQ8, which often opens the boot unexpectedly when the driver's door is opened, and on occasion, even when the key is not present. Cliffcoggin advised Raj to return to the dealer for a guaranteed repair, while Steve Q suggested that a software update might rectify the issue, hinting that it’s been noted in other Audi models. Raj has scheduled a booking for tests on the vehicle and expressed gratitude for the community's input.