DieSel-Q

Audi UK are in cost limitation mode and (some of) the dealers find it easier not to have to battle with them to get paid for the work they do. Jumping through hoops when it's obvious that a *failing* rather than failed BSG is the issue. Eg. Checking earth connections, checking wiring (not covered!) Etc. The DVSA issue smacks of them being 'in cohoots'. The response you got re the lack of a red alternator warning light if not charging was very legally instructed in my view.

100%

I would just play the innocent if and when challenged. My A8 Ad Blue tank lasted 18 months before filling and you only get a warning when low - i would plead ignorance if asked. Audi do void claims for 'unrelated' but warranty-excluding issues.

AlexR - unfortunately it's nothing to do with a recall and never will be safety related, despite cars stopping in live lanes etc. Glad your dealer and Audi played ball. There are lots of people who haven't been that lucky. Audi have been in damage limitation mode.

... On another forum a member had loads of written exchanges with the DVLA / DVSO on the same subject and they just shrugged a lot.

That's a really, really important point for other worried drivers. The dealer told me that the Audi Used Approved / Audi all components cover Extended Warranty does not cover any fault deemed to be 'wiring'. Imagine how that's going to work when we're all driving Audi EV's - they are battery, motor(s) and lots of wiring.

Hardip, please report how the diagnosis goes - maybe your dealer is one that's on the ball. There are some that seem to be getting bounced into doing more tests by Audi.

That's really bad, and a sad reflection of the financial relationship between Audi AG, Audi UK, and the franchised dealers. Damage (cost exposure) limitation resulting in a total lack of customer care. For what it's worth, I can highly recommend A&A motors in Hull. No glossy showroom or promise of elevated technical expertise, but they know what they are doing in Audis and are good at giving second opinions when trust in the Audi dealer(s) is flaky. I don't know why I'm paying for the highest level Audi Used Warranty to be honest!

It's an almost religious thing for me, when I start the car. How did your story end ?

That's the issue though - getting a clear diagnosis from Audi, unless the car has totally failed and been towed in. If it's intermittent or failing, rather than failed, you will have to be patient, while the dealer, afraid of not being reimbursed, jumps through hoops with your car to satisfy Audi UK. It *should* be straightforward to apply the 7 year warranty, but dealer actions say it isnt.

Hi all As above / recap:- 1) 7 year warranty extension (from registration date) applies based on certain (build) PR codes. 2) Only covers Belt Starter Generator, no other related issues (12v battery, 48v battery, wiring) 3) Dealers /Audi UK are still in damage limitation / cost avoidance mode. If it's totally failed and you've been towed in, they might replace the BSG now. Or you might get into a drawn out (weeks and weeks) fight of diagnosis and trial and error. Speaking from experience and current knowledge.

x 2

Sorry about the A6. You have a private message from me 're York!

I'm on car number 105 now and the dealer approved used warranties have always been fair to me, including a new engine from Subaru which they didn't have to do. My point is about electrification. I hadn't realised until the recent issue with my (diesel MHEV) about wiring being fully excluded, despite paying £900 a year for the privilege of 'being fully covered' All Audi EV s are full of wiring. So every customer with an issue is going to be warned that if it's a wiring fault you're on your own.

I have a 4 year old Audi with the extended warranty and just renewed it at the 'All Components Cover' level. I had a conversation with the Audi dealer about an intermittent drain, who were quick to point out that Wiring is NOT covered. So, for my car I would be obliged to approve 6 hours Labour (£1000) in advance to strip the rear of the car, should they find it is a wiring issue and not a component issue. Wow.I Beware - as this is shifting the cost onus straight onto the owner - as everything in an EV is wiring ...

Mine has a drain that Audi can't find. Despite 2 x 2 week periods in the dealer. No BSG failure (yet) To add to the above, Audi would now need me to authorise £1000 of Labour (based on hours needed) to strip the rear of the car and examine everything else to find the drain / spike. Because 1) The Audi Approved Used Extended Warranty does not cover wiring (full stop) if it is a wiring issue. 2) Despite all the time in the workshop and technical assistance, they cannot determine where the issue is. Gateway controller is mentioned but they don't know without testing every module. So, it's catch 22. I'm taking it back and I have put Uber on my phone in case it dies on the road. Then the dealer would see what needs replacing. 35,000m with FASH.

I don't think BBC Watchdog is up to much these days in terms of resource but I suppose it you have a few case stories of a 'lucky to escape' nature that you can put together and then present a summary of the response from DVSA and Audi to them? Everything is about damage (cost) limitation so make it expensive in terms of bad publicity ?

Forgive me though - I don't think the 2017 is a mild hybrid with 48v system is it? The alternator wouldn't be the same as the belt starter generator - that's the only type that's covered and only for certain 'PR' codes. I think it was 2019 before the q7 changed to the new system. I'd take the goodwill offer but I can't understand the price if it's just a battery (plus labour). I'd asked them for the part price alone and then phone another Audi dealer to check, before calling them back.

If yours is nearly 9 years old (?) I'd be inclined to accept anything they give you ! What exactly are they replacing? Mine is in again for checks but it's newer so I'd expect the 7 year to apply.

I don't know, but this was an earlier thread on another Audi forum. https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-s8-d5-platform-discussion-221/belt-starter-generator-fixed-3069220/ Im like you - the 3.0 TDi has been great over the years - economical, quick, reliable usable. My A8 is brilliant, but it could be fallible. Waiting dealer...

Day 12 ...

Mine has been at the dealer for a week now. Confirmed there's a drain, but don't know why...

I'm about to be on my second new battery in 13 months (covered under warranty, then extended warranty or replacement battery warranty!). I've asked them to check the BSG (again) otherwise, what is the root cause. I'm wondering if it's difficult to diagnose unless it's already failed ...?

AA Motors in Hull are very good. I've travelled an hour each way for our VW/Audi/Skoda cars, but my A8 is under extended warranty so will stick with Audi while I have it. AA also update the digital service record for Skoda, so I presume they can for Audi.

I would print off a copy of that Audi memo that BingoMighty uploaded and in the meantime get the email address of the service / aftersales manager from reception. If they start mucking about, email them the copy in black and white. My 2020 A8 TDI goes in, in January when my dealer has a loan car available ! No more yellow warnings or noises recently........