Steve Q

Welcome to the new Q4 section. Feel free to post your queries, advice and tips here 🙂

Ex- Formula 1 racer Roberto Merhi will be making his Super GT debut next week at Fuji Speedway following a surprise late call-up to join the Team LeMans Audi squad. Merhi is replacing Japanese racing legend Satoshi Motoyama alongside Yoshiaki Katayama for the remainder of the 2022 season, a change LeMans belatedly admitted was necessary due to a budget shortfall after news of the move initially broke by way of an entry list reveal. It marks the start of a new challenge for the Spanish driver, who has had a fairly nomadic career since his one and only F1 season with the minnow Marussia team in 2015. After a single season in the LMP2 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship with Manor in '16, he then spent two years trying to re-establish himself in single-seaters in Formula 2. Following a year spent mostly on the sidelines he returned to the LMP2 ranks at the end of 2019, making two WEC starts in Eurasia Motorsport’s uncompetitive Ligier in 2020 and then joining G-Drive Racing for a partial European Le Mans Series campaign last year. But at the end of the season Merhi was back in a single-seater, only this time taking on the S5000 Tasman Series in Australia. It was there he first came into contact with Katayama, with whom he was partnered at Team BRM for the two round, six-race mini-series. The Super GT opportunity came because I met ‘Yoshi’ racing in Australia in S5000,” Merhi told Autosport. “We worked a bit together, I tried to help him as much as I could to help him improve in that kind of car. “Then he called me a few days ago asking if I would like to join him in Super GT and I said, ‘yes, why not?’ I have always loved to race in Japan and I think it’s a great opportunity to go there and race in that series. It’s always great fun there.” While in Australia, Merhi also had his first experience of GT3 machinery by way of a one-off outing in the GT World Challenge Australia season finale at Bathurst, which took place on the same weekend as the second S5000 round. Handily, the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo he drove was similar to the one he’ll race in Japan this season, albeit the Super GT machine is in upgraded Evo II spec and on Yokohama tyres instead of the Pirellis used Down Under. “It was a bit special because I was racing S5000 the same weekend,” recalled Merhi of his maiden GT3 outing. “Driving the S5000 was very direct, you could feel all the bumps and then in the GT3 car it’s not so direct, you have power steering, so the steering is super light. “Still, the grip was impressive. At first the car felt big, kind of like a boat, but then you push and you have more grip than you imagine. Bathurst is not the best track to find the limit and I didn’t have much time in the car because my team-mate [Mark Rosser] had a crash, but it was still a good experience.” So, Merhi at least knows the car, and thanks to his 2016 WEC appearance, he also knows his way around Fuji. He and Katayama will also be boosted by the presence of third driver Shintaro Kawabata, who won a Super GT race for the Hitotsuyama Audi team last year. However, following Katayama and Motoyama finishing fifth in this month’s Okayama season opener, the Team LeMans Audi will be laden with 24kg of extra ballast, which may make a second consecutive finish in the points a tall order in the ultra-competitive GT300 field. As such, Merhi isn’t setting his goals too high for his Super GT debut. We obviously want to get a good result, but everything is still a bit for new for me,” he said. “We just need to take it step-by-step. When I arrive I’ll work with the team, see what the objectives are and do the best job I can. “Then for the rest of the season the goal is to learn as much as possible, including the tracks, and to work well with ‘Yoshi’ and the team. I will do my best to show I am competitive.” Merhi adds that he is planning to spend some time getting to know Japan better in between Super GT races – a keen cyclist, he jokes one of the main attractions of the country is “nice mountains for riding!” – as he eyes a potential future on the domestic scene. And that includes a possible tryout in Super Formula, a category that would perhaps suit Merhi’s traditional strengths as a single-seater specialist more. “It would be great to get more opportunities over there, and I would love to try Super Formula because those cars are seriously fast, probably the fastest formula cars outside of F1,” enthused Merhi. “They have good tyres, which is a bit different from Europe. “I would love to do a double programme in Super GT and Super Formula if it’s possible, that would be a good target.” https://www.autosport.com/supergt/news/how-roberto-merhi-got-his-surprise-audi-super-gt-call-up/10246764/

Irreparable windshields are usually turned into insulation material or hollow glass. Audi and its partner companies want to change that. The idea is to make irreparable car glass into recyclable material for series production – the only process of its kind thus far. Damaged car windows: material with potential? Together with its partner companies, Audi is taking on the challenge of establishing a closed material cycle 1 for car glass as part of a one-year pilot project. Recycling damaged class into new windowpanes saves not only resources, but also energy and water in window manufacturing. Audi hopes to use car windows produced that way in Audi Q4 e-tron model production – the only cycle of its kind thus far. "We see an opportunity here to put additional materials into circulation. The goal is to increase the proportion of secondary materials in our cars. In our research, we have identified car glass recycling as a potential. Together with our partner companies, we are taking that on in the pilot project.” The first step in recycling: crushing, separating, and processing recycled glass In Audi’s pilot project, irreparably damaged car windows first go to Reiling, where the old windows are broken into small pieces and processed. The objective: to reintroduce car glazing into plate glass production. “Until now, recycled material has mostly been turned into beverage bottles,” explains Daniel Rottwinkel, Plant Manager at Reiling. And that is precisely where the joint pilot project starts: namely, recycling damaged glass back to its original quality for car windows. In order to be able to produce recyclable material from old glass, the company meticulously sorts out non-glass materials like the PVB plastic layer (polyvinyl butyral) in the glass, window edgings, metals, and wires. The elimination process is carried out using magnets, non-ferrous metal separators, extraction units, and electro-optical sorting units. Shards turned into new base glass In the next recycling step after Reiling has processed the glass recyclate and removed all the waste materials it can, Saint-Gobain Glass turns it into plate glass on its float line in Herzogenrath, Germany. That means roughly 3 x 6 meter (10 x 20 feet) rectangles, from which the affiliated company Saint-Gobain Sekurit makes automotive glazing in a subsequent process. One requirement for the final base glass product: the purest and most homogeneous glass recyclate possible. Along with the shards, Saint-Gobain also mixes the recyclate with basic glass components that do not come from automotive sources, like quartz sand, sodium carbonate, and chalk, at a ratio of 30-50 percent. “For us, this cycle of making new car windows out of defective ones is an important step toward producing automotive glass in a way that conserves resources and energy,” says Dr. Markus Obdenbusch, production manager in charge of the Saint-Gobain float at the Herzogenrath site. Considerable savings potential “We’re just starting to look at glass as a recyclate, so we anticipate that there will be more potential for improvement,” Obdenbusch says. Beyond the pilot project with Audi, Saint Gobain plans to put up to 30,000 tons of shards into production in Herzogenrath within the next three years, which will in turn save energy and reduces carbon emissions. That will mean that the company will emit up to 75 tons less CO₂ from a typical day’s tonnage. Consumption of water, which otherwise would have been used in the production of new glass, will also be reduced. Vision: Application in Audi Q4 e-tron model production The three partner companies have decided to put the process to an initial one-year test so that they can learn about material quality, stability, and costs. If glass can be recycled in an economical and ecologically meaningful way, the resulting car windows will be used in the Audi Q4 e-tron series. More sustainable value chains The pilot project is one example of how Audi and its partner companies are working to move materials – of which a great many are needed – into intelligent cycles. The goal is to use secondary materials wherever that is technically possible and economically sensible to do so in order to shape value chains more sustainably and conserve resources. https://www.audi.com/en/company/sustainability/core-topics/value-creation-and-production/closed-circuit-recycled-automobile-glass.html

Welcome to the forum you'll find the members on here are a friendly and helpful bunch 🙂 sorry to hear of your situation. I've found this link which might help: https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/197475-A6-Avant-C7-2014-Dead-instruments-MMI-screen-and-centre-console-controls I think your wife could be onto something too. As the battery is in the boot so all the cables have to run from that under the rest seat to the front of the vehicle. This is significant as a dieing battery can often throw up all sorts of fault codes and electrical issues when there's not enough power reaching the cars systems. I doubt it's the battery in your case but it's definitely worth seeing if the cables from the battery to the front a loose etc. I think the rear seat should be taken out so the area can be inspected. I'd recommend an auto electrican for this due to the complexity of the job to find the fault. Here's advice on removing the rear seat: the front edge of the bench has 2 metal tabs that press fit into rather fragile plastic retaining clips. Plan on having replacement plastic clips handy if you do remove the rear bench. It's my understanding you should be able to pull straight up and release them. The plastic clip part number is: 4LO-886-373 left and right. Just incase they do break.

The problem I fear is the more Russia is pushed and the less they have to loose, the more likely they'll use more extreme weapons such as chemical or biological or worse. I do agree the war has to be stopped, I just think we're closer to a world war than people realise.

From what I've researched you should be ok. But please check the links in my previous post to decide for yourself.

I'm so sorry I should have reread your post before posting. I've found this useful link that might help: https://www.shopdap.com/blog/post/common-issues-with-3-0t-supercharged-tfsi-audi-engines1.html

You're welcome glad we could help. Glad it was caught before it went. Once it's done at least you'll be safe in the knowledge you won't have to worry about it for at least 5 years.

Welcome to the forum you'll find the members on here are a friendly and helpful bunch 🙂 I can't tell you what small detail there'll be with the two other than the engine power and torque, but even the 299 could be remapped. The generic advice on the 3.0tdi is as follows. camchains, camchain tensioner and injectors were known to fail on early cars. The cam chain is at the back of the engine so it's an engine out job to change (from what I understand). Another thing to watch for is the gearbox oil change....every 38k. So either make sure it's been done, or use it as a bargaining point if it's coming soon. DPF - Diesel Particulate Filter. An extra blob of emissions control hardware in diesel exhausts that captures micro particles of soot.. when it is "full" the car initiates a DPF regeneration (regen) to burn off the soot. You can tell when it is happening 'cos the car holds lower gears - and if you park up you hear what sounds like the radiator fan running and it can smell hot. If you repeatedly allow the regen to not complete then the theory is that the DPF can gets clogged up.... simply cannot be cleared out. That requires a replacement (££££) or there are companies around that claim they can sort them.

The Audi website says that you must subscribe to Connect Prime in order to display Google Earth images on the VC. It makes sense that the Navigation package would be required, but the Audi Connect site doesn’t actually say that, at least I can’t find it.

If you bought it on finance I'd be speaking to the finance company on the grounds of not fit for purpose. With all the evidence that you were not informed of potential issues prior to purchase. I doubt you'll get anywhere with the dealer as it's well past the 30 days.

Thanks Steve 🙂

Found this link that claims the gearbox can take 350bhp/400n/m https://www.utpmotorsport.com/dq-200-gearbox/ Bare in mind I believe this gearbox was fitted to vag cars with stock engines of 250bhp. The fact you're updating the clutch will help this. I'd also recommend a gearbox oil change. Also it might be worth seeing if the gearbox itself can be remapped. This link might also help: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/191718-so-can-dsg7-only-handle-250-nm/

The two things I'd be looking at here is getting the clutch/duel mass flywheel looked at along with a diagnostic check if the clutch isn't the cause.

Good bit of advice Ian 🙂

All German cars are expensive. Regardless of the price to buy the car the parts often stay expensive. Hence why old German cars become rare. Especially as they're becoming more and more complex.

Thanks for your advice Gareth and Steve. I'll probably just bite the bullet and get the new metal wings.

Have you checked the fuses. With the retractable cover stuck too that sounds like no electrical power to it. in failing that it could be the motor. If it's the foot operated one then maybe the sensor has failed. Also there are 2 boot latch control modules that need to be replaced as a set (pair) but I don't think this is a common failure. Maybe you just have a flaky switch or loose connection. Did you check the wiring into the switch? Or try to spray electric switch or contact cleaner into the switch itself? Could just be a dying switch. also the boot struts can fail too.

Have you checked for anything that looks like mayo in the dipstick or where you top up the oil. If you do then it is most likely head gasket. If that's all clear then yes I'd say you have a leak.

My gut feeling says one.

Thanks Steve. I'll have a look and see what companies I can find locally. Lol I'll agree the name sounds Dodgy 😂

Thank you. Any companies you'd recommend Steve? Alternatively I could consider carbon fibre wings but they'll be eye watering in price.

BMW and Volkswagen's premium Audi brand have suspended shipments of cars by rail from Germany to China following the war in Ukraine BMW and Volkswagen's premium Audi brand have suspended shipments of cars by rail from Germany to China following the war in Ukraine, the German carmakers said on Tuesday. While both carmakers produce most of their vehicles in China, the world's largest car market, a certain share is imported from Europe by rail or ship. Last year, BMW delivered 846,237 BMW and MINI vehicles to Chinese customers, while it was 701,289 for Audi. "BMW has stopped all train transport through Russia immediately after the beginning of the war. Exports to China routinely are handled by ship," a spokesperson for BMW said, confirming an earlier Nikkei report. Audi also proactively suspended rail transports to and from China via Russia with the Trans-Siberian Railway immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a spokesperson for parent Volkswagen said. "We are currently examining whether transports by rail via the southern route will also be possible in the near future," the spokesperson added. In March, Audi said it was adjusting its manufacturing operations at its Hungarian factory, which accounts for a chunk of the country's exports, because of the war in Ukraine. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businesstoday.in/amp/auto/story/bmw-audi-suspend-car-shipments-by-train-to-china-331376-2022-04-27

The ongoing chip shortage is limiting production throughout the industry. Audi joins a number of manufacturers cutting features (and the microchips that power them) to boost production. The ongoing microchip shortage has put automakers and customers alike in a tough spot. The former has to contend with falling sales due to production constraints, and limited supply has forced the latter to deal with record dealer markups. A few manufacturers — including BMW — are trying to pump up production and get more vehicles into potential customers' hands by cutting popular features that use these semiconductors. Now Audi is getting in on the action, axing items like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control from popular models like the Audi A4 and Audi Q5. Here's a full breakdown of which features might be missing from your new 2022 Audi. Which models are affected? Based on the production date of the Audi at your dealer lot, the following models may not have certain features. Note that some vehicles will have the Semiconductor Shortage "package," which deletes the following features from the car or SUV: Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert Rear collision detection system Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping assist Wireless charging pad How do I know if the Audi I want to buy is missing features? If you're considering one of the Audis mentioned above — and you probably are, given that this list encompasses nearly every vehicle in Audi's lineup — check the Monroney, or window sticker, to see if the particular car or SUV is missing items. These feature exclusions come right from the factory, so they'll be noted on the Monroney as a credit to the price of the vehicle. Edmunds says Audi is cutting features from many of its cars to boost production, increasing the likelihood that shoppers will be able to find one on a dealer lot. However, if these features are essentially for you and you can afford to wait out the shortage, we suggest doing so. Please see the link for a full table of affected models: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.edmunds.com/amp/car-news/audi-drops-features-due-to-chip-shortage.html

DTM rookie Ricardo Feller topped the opening day of the Portimao pre-season test for Abt Audi, leading the Bernhard 75 Porsche of Thomas Preining. With the DTM completing set-up work for TV production during the day, the on-track running didn’t begin until 5pm in the evening and continued well into the dark - with the chequered flag waved at 10pm. It was reigning ADAC GT Masters champion Feller who made the most of the conditions, lapping the Portuguese circuit in 1m41.573s to maintain Audi’s unbeaten run in pre-season testing so far. Preining put Porsche in second ahead of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s full-time debut in the DTM, finishing less than a tenth off the pace of Feller with a time of 1m41.658s. Attempto Audi’s Marius Zug once again featured near the front of the pack after setting the overall quickest time in Hockenheim earlier this month, finishing third behind Feller and Preining with a 1m41.757s flyer. Team Rosberg’s Nico Muller made it three Audis in the top four as he looks to bounce back from a difficult 2021 season, ending the day just over three tenths off the pace with the latest version of the R8 LMS GT3. The BMW contingent was led by factory driver Sheldon van der Linde, the South African setting the fifth-quickest time in the new M4 GT3 ahead of Schubert teammate Philipp Eng. The German manufacturers monopolised the top six spots on Day 1 of testing, with Lamborghini securing the honour for best-of-the-rest thanks to Nicki Thiim’s effort of 1m41.940s aboard the T3 Huracan GT3. Mirko Bortolotti finished just two spots behind in a Lamborghini entered by the Grasser Racing Team, with two-time DTM champion Marco Wittmann sandwiched between the two in eighth in his Walkenhorst BMW. The top 10 was completed by three-time DTM title winner Rene Rast, who posted a solid time of 1m41.994s on his return to the series with Abt Audi. Mercedes had a fairly low-key session despite being present with eight factory-supported cars, with HRT’s new signing Luca Stolz the brand’s best representative in 16th with a time that was six tenths slower than Feller’s benchmark. Reigning champion Maximilian Gotz was only 22nd in his Winward Mercedes, albeit only nine tenths slower than Feller as the majority of the field was separated by less than a second in an ultra-competitive session. The two Red Bull-backed Ferraris also had a relatively average test at Portimao, with Felipe Fraga ending up 17th quickest and six tenths off the pace, and Nick Cassidy languishing in 23rd place in the sister AlphaTauri-liveried car. Cassidy, who was still only 0.940s slower than the pacesetter, will hand over the car to WRC legend Sebastien Loeb on Wednesday ahead of the Frenchman’s DTM debut later this weekend at Portimao. Elsewhere, Ben Green got to complete a maiden DTM test as a reward for winning the GT4-based DTM Trophy series last year. The British driver ended up 28th quickest in an HRT-entered Mercedes, beating the GRT Lamborghini of Formula 2 convert Alessio Deledda. Of the 29 full-time cars entered for the full season, only the Winward Mercedes of Lucas Auer was absent from the day’s running. https://www.autosport.com/dtm/news/audi-leads-porsche-on-day-1-of-portimao-dtm-night-test/10246202/