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Apologies for the gripe, but the forum has recently suffered from a spate of what can be termed ‘Post and Run’ new members, who seem to think it’s perfectly acceptable to post a plea for help, and simply not return to view the help given. In a more diluted form, help is offered, but is very rarely acknowledged even via. a simple press of the Like button, leave alone a posted Thank You. The last part of the gripe is that we frequently have to ask for additional information, and this extra detail often never materialises. Please remember, everyone who posts replies do so without payment, but it certainly does cost them in time - in terms of the Moderators and Admin back up - a lot of time. So a special plea to all on here who post needing help:- please be respectful enough to acknowledge any help given, rather than simply accept it as a no-cost, no time of yours, free advice service. It’s wearing thin folks, so if you want to retain this service, please respect and acknowledge its benefits. Thank you all for reading this, and above all, agreeing to adhere to the respect that is needed to be shown. Kind regards, On behalf of the Moderators. Please note:- This request is to all members, not just new ones.

From this thread, the vast list of cars impacted is below, so I think it's fair to say it's not a car issue. 2015 A6 2015 A6 Avant Hardware H61 RMC_EU_P16342 - Upgraded from RMC_EU_P14321 2015 Q3 RMC_EU_P14321 2015 S1 RMC_EU_P14321 2016 A1 Hardware H61 RMC_EU_P16342 - Upgraded from RMC_EU_P1432B 2016 A6 2016 A6 Avant 2016 A6 SE 2016 Q3 2017 A1 2017 A6 2017 A6 Avant 2017 Q3 RMC_EU_P16342 2017 S1 2018 A1 RMC_EU_P16342 2018 A6 2018 A6 Avant RMC_EU_P16342 2018 Q3 I'll share this info with Audi UK against the case I raised yesterday - Case: 0003534313 A few others have looked into the Hardware issue, and H61 appears to be a stumbling block. Add to that the owner manuals advise DAB+ is supported, it's not great. I'll report back with what they come back with.

I've now got a case reference from Audi UK. Spoke to a very helpful guy there and he's since emailed to say their tech team will need to take a look, so I'll share screen shots and updates with them when on laptop later. I'll update here as I hear something to report back.

Can’t believe that we’ve all now got the missing DAB radio stations back working I don’t understand what’s gone on since we all started to contact Audi and share and communicate and on this forum starting on the 4th April the involvement from everyone has been incredible and hopefully we’ve now got a long term resolution of the missing channels being restored Thanks to everyone involved

Just to remind you all. All of us have the exact same MMI That being RMC HW H61. That MMI was only installed in A1, A6 and Q3 between 2015 and 2018. It angers me when I read that Audi are telling us that the vehicle is not the issue and it is Bauer media. Let's not forget that Global also switched, so it isn't just Bauer media. DAB+ is DAB+. The issue isn't Bauer or global using the wrong DAB+. The issue is 100% Audi. They have either installed and programmed the chipset incorrectly or they have missed something when it came to adding the mpeg4 audio codec to allow is to listen to the DAB+ frequency. Audi also have it documented that out RMC MMI is DAB+. There are earlier models of our vehicles that have RMC MMI installed but that HW version is earlier than HW61. HW61 should be recalled and corrected to match how it was marketed, that it is DAB+

If you were to ask Audi directly. Is my RMC MMI radio DAB+. The answer would be yes. The issue appears to be head units RMC HW H61. My brother has an A6 Avant. Same car as mine, but his is 2013. He has no issues with his radio. His unit is RMC HW H50 something. The Audi representative that has suggested that we buy dab+ compatible radio needs sacking. Ask this person to suggest a stereo because the ones we all currently have are supposed to be DAB+. Have a look in your booklet in the black folder. It specifically states DAB+. We are being fobbed off.

my other half has just tagged the sun newspaper into it on twitter !!

Hi Sandra welcome to the chat please don’t pay for any diagnostic as it appears to be a transmission issue with national DAB stations moving over to DAB+ which 2014 - 2018 Audis don’t appear to be able to connect to The change happened at the end of March

Personally I only get Audi to do a service so the car to has a full service main dealer history- i get all the other repairs - brakes, tyres etc at a local garage that I have used for years - far more reasonable pricing.

Car now sold.

Anyone who paid for the diagnostic test that revealed nothing should be asking for a refund !

Now I know I am going mad! In desolation I rescanned my Dab channel this afternoon and everything I have been missing is back!! Virgin, talksport2. Someone must have flipped this switch!! Someone back me up on this - I am in Devon.

I urge everyone to scroll up to the top of the station list and hit ‘Update Station List’… I’ve just tried this and ALL THE D1 & SDL STATIONS ARE WORKING AGAIN!!!

As I see it, the issue will come down to whether the DAB+ decoding is done in firmware or whether it's done in a dedicated chip. If it's firmware then you'd think it would be relatively easy to update. If it's a dedicated chip, it would need to be replaced i.e. radio removed and disassembled, chip desoldered and removed, new chip installed, etc. We'd better hope it's firmware only.

I've made an enquiry of a well known supplier of VW/Audi audio system upgrades. Their reply was - So it very much looks as if we are all stuck with no DAB+ unless Audi come up with a hardware upgrade.

The solution is, all RMC HW H61 needs to be :- 1. Firmware updated to enable DAB+ decoding 2. H61 swapped for a DAB+ working version. The vehicles affected were sold as DAB+ ready. It is 100% HW61 of the RMC MMI that is the issue.

Well said Paul. Would you mind also posting this in the Reddit post linked above? Trying to maximise coverage here so Audi inevitably have to respond.

I think if we choose one of the posts and all upvote it and comment? can you link it here please.

Hello Me too - A1, 2017, ‘that’ software version. I know practically nothing about these things. Like others, I spent time wondering what I’d done, realising I could get BBC, but, so… huh? Then googled and found this thread. Thank you. I signed up at least to stand alongside and stay abreast of this. It’s absurd. There must be, what, tens of thousands of us; what percentage of Audi’s customers has been impacted? Before even considering legalities, on reputational grounds surely they can’t just shrug. Thank you to those making representations to Audi: I look forward to hearing their response. If, down the line, folk think mass lobbying is needed, I’ll join in.

i agree tilly, instead they are playing dumb stating they are not aware of any issues which is clearly a lie as they have been inundated with calls and emails from thousands of people experiencing the same issue, still taking money off people for diagnostic checks knowing fine well what the problem actually is. They should be truthful with their customers and not trying to get money out of them by stating they would need to run a diagnostics check which is £150+vat absolute disgrace

The other issue is, will it affect the resale value of the affected cars ?

Well done, Mark. Great work.

I sent this to VW Audi HQ in UK and in Germany Dear Sir or Madam I own a 2017 Audi A6 Avant 2l S line and since 31st March 2025 have been unable to receive UK national DAB radio transmissions. I have been in touch with my local Audi dealership who suggested I bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test for which there is a charge. Upon further investigation, I have discovered this issue seems to affect lots of other Audi vehicles and there are numerous postings on social media and other forums from many owners. The problem is that move to DAB+ broadcasting on this date has left our radios silent. These cars are not particularly old and certainly not obsolete and I should have thought there is a fix which VW Audi can provide to make the radios work properly again. It is very disappointing that I am unable to receive my favourite radio stations and that VW Audi have not admitted there is a problem. My local dealership have received no updates or bulletins regarding this issue and are still suggesting expensive diagnostic checks. Can you please advise me how I can get my radio updated as I love my car and want all of it to work properly. Vorsprung durch technik ! Kind regards

Absolutely

I'd recommend getting a second opinion from another garage

Take a photograph of the build sticker, normally located in boot in spare wheel well next to space saver. Try the site https://igorweb.org/equidec.aspx Type in codes followed by ; and [space] to separate. Codes will have numerical 0, not O for Oscar.

Info about DAB+ What Is The Difference Between DAB+ and DAB? DAB+ is a further development of the DAB standard, thus assumes all functions of DAB, but offers additional benefits. The technical difference is the type of audio coding, ie the two standards use different methods for the preparation before and after the transfer of data. While DAB uses MPEG-1 Layer-2, DAB MPEG-4 HE-AAC v2, the most efficient audio compression used worldwide. Also found this on another forum: "It seems most of D1 national has now gone to Dab+ which means the audio on the channels is now He-aacv2. This unfortunately means head units with old chipsets cannot decode the new audio. Our Audi A1 is affected but not the A3 (both 2018). The A3 can decode the new audio so is ok. There is a chance audi dealers could charge £140 if you take the car for inspection when in fact there is no fault. The problem is D1 going to Dab+. Have just contacted Bauer and they have confirmed the switchover of the channels. Other Audi models affected could be Q3 2017 or anything before 2018 with a head unit that has cd sd dab combined which is installed in the dash rather than separate units for dab etc."

Speak to Audi direct. It will be GL4 or fully synthetic GL5. Takes about 2.3 litres, probably 75w-90. Always release the fill plug before releasing the drain plug. On the subject of bushings, any knocks or clunks, deal with them here. Usual suspects are upper arms, drop links and ARB bushings. Fit Meyle HD or Lemforder. Budget for a full set of winter tyres. Can recommend Kumho WinterCraft tyres. As recommended, change your antifreeze. Timing belt is due every 60k miles or 5 years. Include water pump, tensioner pulley and genuine thermostat. No fun braving a winter with a dodgy thermostat. Headlight conversion kit too.

Iv had a diagnostic reader on my car that my cousin did, it came up with no faults on it for the radio.

Scott. I am surprised you can not see the video as it still works for me, though I admit it is a bit shakey and hard to discern the detail. Incidentally Dave Mccraw has not returned to the forum since last September so he may not be seeing your request.

Glad you found the forum helpful 🙂 mercs are nice to be fair. 4 years is the longest you've kept a car! I keep mine till they die or majorly go wrong lol.

Not aware of any issues with C8 platform. Biggest thing is budget. 50TDI (3 litre) Quattro models are paired with 8 speed Tiptronic unit. These are regarded as bomb-proof. Gearbox is sealed for life, but in reality a gear oil change at 80k miles or 8 years is recommended. 40TDI (2 litre) comes with 7 speed S Tronic unit and needs serviced every 38k miles. On both cars, if I was doing high mileage, then Tiptronic box is the one to go for. That will eat up the miles. In addition, avoid long service regimes. Change oil and filter every 8-9k, which in your case is every 6 months. Extras I’d be looking for as standard given £40k + spend, LED Matrix headlights, rear view camera, adaptive cruise.

If you enjoy banging your head against a brick wall you could write to Audi UK Head Office.

I would just like to ask. Why? The A6 Avant has quite a low profile and wide stance already. I am probably "old Skool" but I think some of these modifications ask the chassis and axles to do things that they were not originally designed for, and could cause premature failures of some components.

Hi. New to the group (based in Edinburgh) having bought a 2000 2.8 Final Edition just under a year ago. Not had much chance to drive it as it was bought as a project but the head gasket went the day I got it and I only managed to have the car returned early December 2024. Fun starts now!

I can't help on that score with any certainty. It might be a separate heat exchanger mounted behind the main radiator, or it might be integrated into the radiator. Let's hope somebody more knowledgeable will chip in.

Thanks David, not so much a refund, but to arrange with whoever serviced the car to sort the issue out. Can we take it there wasn’t this issue with it before it was serviced? Kind regards, Gareth. p.s. You need to ensure you top up p/ recheck the oil before taking it back.

Avoid the roof lining. Having had the roof lining down on my old B8 A4, I know my way around. The interior as Matt mentions is easily marked. You need a special tool for the interior grab handles, assuming you don’t break the clips or they ping off. If you do go down this route, disconnect battery at least 30 mins before attempting. There’s airbags behind A pillar and curtain airbags. The B Pillar trim is straight forward, but it’s things like rubber door seals.

That’s great and I think everyone who suffered the loss of channels has had them restored I would like to think that due to the communications and comments generated by all on the post decisions have been reversed.

As of Wednesday 15th April my DAB+ miraculously started working again. Almostas though someone realised they'd f#$ked up and quickly reversed their mistake. All my channels are once again broadcasting as though nothing had happened and we'd been collectively having some kind of mass hysteria lol

Modern cars are very susceptible to energy fluctuation, so a battery on the way out will throw up all sorts of errors, never mind cold cranking amps to turn the engine over. Sometimes it’s not just starting the car, but the battery under load. As mentioned, it does need coded. Get the best you can afford, likely to be AGM.

Welcome Gill, Just enter your registration number into say Parts in Motion’s website and that should hopefully give you an answer, based on cost and/oravailability. Many DMFs have become main dealer only parts at silly prices.

I’m emailing Matt

Once the main dealer told me my car could potentially be off the road for months as replacement alternators were on back order in Germany I went out and bought a 2011 Hyundai i10 the next morning as I couldn't manage without any transport. This was literally the cheapest car available within walking distance of home. My A8 was repaired before I even picked up the Hyundai and the £3,800 purchase price went down the drain. I also had to pay for the new alternator as the dealer and Audi refused to acknowledge the extended warranty. The battle with Audi Executive Office became a nightmare and once I threatened them with legal action they refused assistance altogether. After involving VOSA and my local paper they agreed to honour the warranty if I withdrew all legal threats. Considering I could have lost my life in the initial breakdown Audi couldn't have been more inconsiderate towards me if they tried. A steering arm was damaged in the recovery and I also had to put time and effort into getting my money back for that. The whole protracted saga showed Audi's true colours.

Let's hope so Dave, thanks mate.

Morning all, I'm very glad I found this thread, as I am having exactly the same issue and have been pulling my hair out trying to resolve it and thinking, oh no here comes a big bill! I will be following this closely and good luck Mr Smithers! 🤞

Hi I did get it fixed but I never got the chance to sell it as it rolled off of my local garage forecourt into the brick wall across the road, electro mechanical handbrake failure caused by a voltage drop on the battery which is another favourite trick of the cars from 2014-2017, no the price you have been quoted is not normal as I never paid more than £1600 for the cooler unit to be replaced bearing in mind you could only get the parts from Audi at around £700, now you can get aftermarket parts around £450, my advice would be to get the adblue mapped out and then the cooler fixed as cheaply as possible then get rid of it ASAP, beautifully made car body wise and a joy to drive BUT parts are ruinous price wise and as mine was used as a cab frequent, got a Passat estate now not as glamorous but is as nice to drive and any parts are about a third of the price. Steve.

Service history is key. Ideally this should be full. Proof of cambelt and water pump changes should be clear otherwise you'll need to get it done. Make sure all electrical items work as some parts are hard to come by now. Make sure heater works consistently in power and temp from all vents as this could be a sign of a failing or blocked heater matrix. Check condition of interior as some interior plastics are no longer available and rare to find second hand. Check YouTube for buyers guides

Hi Everyone, a quick introduction here. In June I picked up a new A3 TFSI S Line Black Edition in Ascari blue. After a few minor quality issues I am now extremely happy with my purchase. Not going to bore everyone with the minute details but I had to deal with: 1. Loose number plate on the rear (Dealer fitted wrong clips) 2. Wrong puddle lights (no Audi rings) had to go back twice as they fitted exactly the same (incorrect lights) on the first visit 3. MMI software problems (settings not being saved) more on this in a separate post. We think we have solved the problem.

You could alternatively get a remap which does an adblue delete? Would cost around £300-500 I think