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Wise words. Too many scum staging crashes for fraudulent insurance claims.

I have just changed the coolant flange on my B7 1.8t BFB. Now when starting very high idle speed and then misfiring. When switched off sounds as if catalyst has overheated. Loud clicking sounds as it cools. Can't find any loose or missed connections. Anyone got any ideas?

Welcome Adrian, Sounds very nice. If we can help you at any time, we will. Enjoy. Regards, Gareth.

Please do.

Hi all! Thanks for letting me join. Im Ade and tomorrow I'm due to collect my first ever Audi, a 2021 E-tron 55 quattro S-line. I'm getting excited and looking forward to the years of comfortable driving ahead (hopefully)

Re the Latvian hose order, it was confirmed as “Standard Delivery by post from outside UK, untracked”. I have thought all along that this was suspicious. I messaged the supplier via eBay yesterday, asking precisely when the hose was despatched and how much longer they think I should wait. I got a quick response (not the one I wanted!) as follows: “Thank you for contacting us! Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused. Since the item was sent without tracking options we may not file an official claim to post, unfortunately. The full amount will be refunded to your card. It may take a few business days for it to appear on your statement. If it takes longer than 5 business days, please contact your card issuer directly. Please feel free to contact us at any time in the future if you need our assistance, we will be happy to help you.” They didn’t answer my questions so I sent a further message, asking them to do so. However, in the meantime I received an email advising that a full refund was on the way and I should get it in 3/5 days. In fact 15 minutes later the money was refunded, via eBay, to my linked bank account. So I can now assume I will get no further reply from the supplier. Interestingly their relevant eBay page now states “ENDED” in red and no stock is shown; until recently it was showing 6. I suspect that, just like the London one which let me down, this is another trader showing stock that doesn’t exist and getting caught out by the recent Audi delisting of the part when they tried to order it. To save face, they probably advised it was despatched, knowing full well they would have to refund me in due course. I looked at "Viper Performance" but noted the following: “ONE OFF CUSTOM SILICONE HOSES - PRIVATE USE: One off silicone hoses and custom made silicone hoses are generally not cost effective for private clients, personal cars, classic period cars or re-making obsolete hoses. This is because stainless steel tooling is required for each hose. Tooling per hose can easily cost in excess of £350+.” I have posted a request on www.breakeryard.com to see if that produces anything. However, I suspect I have nearly reached the end of the road and the car will probably go to a charity (free collection, then auction) but perhaps not be scrapped. I’ll be glad to reach the end of this sorry saga!

Edward, I see the skill of rebuilding engines has not died then, used to do this when I first started driving. I presume your one of my generation or near. Keep up the good work. Did the engine come out the bonnet or drop through the bottom, plus it will be a big lump as well, being a 4.2. I saw a 4 litre Vauxhall the other day, straight 4 with decompression !Removed! for hand starting. Looked a very simple engine but another big lump. Open all !Removed!, swing her tound on the handle , then get an assistant to shut 2&3 !Removed! and it will fire , then shut the other two. 1920, chap was taking it down to Le Mans from Berkshire. No front brakes , just rear rod brakes or drive it in the ditch for plan B.

Watch this video from SPR autos in Manchester. They are Mercedes specialists, but I think this illustrates the issue with air con generally, regas being seen as a fix by some and Halfords which just don’t cut it, you name it. It’s a complicated bit of kit. A bubble test is just that, spray on and observe. Plus if you go for nitrogen test (they charge £40), then ideally it could be on for a couple of hours to see if pressure drops. Condenser is a good shout. It’s taking brunt of rain and wind and general debris. Any leak on the reverse you won’t see. And if garage just check for 20 mins, then it won’t reveal true cause. Pressure sensor, genuine is also a good shout. On Audi B8 it’s fairly accessible. SPR made tear mistake and had to strip it down again. Would be useful to pull codes on the car. Search out specialist with real world reviews. Unfortunately these things are never cheap. https://mercedescarservicing.co.uk/youtube/

There we are then!

Thanks Dan, So you will offer Agreed value cover ( with mileage restrictions?) for less than 20 year old ‘daily drivers’ -?

If you think EBay is a clown’s playground, try Gumtree! The best of them hide there.

Put it down to experience and move them on. Any work to make them fit is a compromise. On the positive side, if genuine and refurbished, that’s half the battle.

If the boot is open, then the car will not shut down, and so any readings you take will be meaningless. As I said, car can take in excess of 30 mins to go to sleep. Use light insulated cables to set up fly leads off the battery, then close the boot lid. Measure current draw once car has been locked and left for 30 mins. My view is that you would be wise to now engage the services of a local mobile auto electrician, before something goes wrong.

All the sites you mentioned. Also think about Gumtree. Ultimately, I wouldn’t get too snooty about where the interest comes from. You can tell genuine interested parties from tyre kickers. I personally think an RS4 will go to an enthusiast. Insurance will sort the wheat from the chaff so to speak. Even local classifieds in your newspaper. No experience of Motorway, but sold a 15 plate Polo TDI via webuyanycar on 50k miles a couple of years ago and worked for me. The car was meticulously maintained and bodywork was mint, but you’re dealing with a business that employs people with no knowledge of the motor trade. They check an online register for book price and work down. Low mileage and newer cars, then you’re in with a decent shout. Any DIY maintenance, even documented and receipted, then they class as part history. They want main dealer stamped books. My advice, prepare the car well, have an idea if price, be realistic and enter the lion’s den. That’s used car sales for you. Plus ride shotgun with any test drive, with no one behind you. If it’s nonsense on a phone call or email, move on, the reality is this is what it’s like.

Once sorted next month, I'll update on what it was

OK, thanks yes always water under the car after parking

Definitely just sell them and start again

starter motor out all leads disconnected from alternator, still drawing 1 amp when doors closed and just boot open to get to battery. radio fuse removed, I'm thinking it must be the immobiliser? at least i can reinstall starter and reattach alternator leads. something is stealing my amps when at rest

Hello Irvine I was wondering if you still have the Luggage Slide Bar for sale? Regards Andrew

Thank you!

Hi. If you wanted to PM me your details I'd be happy to take a look into this to see if we can get the agreed value sorted without the need for an officinal valuation. Normally most of our agreed values can be completed with just 7 photographs of the vehicle and the completion of a vehicle condition report. Regards, Dan.

By, you are a touchy lot on here as far as moderators go, maybe what they say about Audi owners is true and perhaps a car to miss. I am not too worried about Yoour personal standards, if its good for one forum its good for them all. If you cannot take a joke you shouldn't have joined. I told the salesman it doesn't worry me whether the 0-60 is 8 seconds or 20 seconds, I am retired so in no rush at all.

A musty stink often indicates residual stagnant water in the condenser, caused by the drain being blocked by dirt or leaves. A dribble of water under the car when parked after driving in humid conditions with aircon tells you the drain is open. If there is no water the drain is blocked.

The make of the battery may give a clue as to whether it is a replacement or not.

When you bought this car in June 2024 ( when it was 5 years old), did you obtain a copy of its service history ( should be available from your nearest dealer)? Did you buy it from an Audi dealership, and did you purchase an extended warranty from the seller - which would account for your reference to a 7 year warranty on the alternator? Who told you there was a 7 year warranty on the alternator?