Main Dealer Servicing or Not?
- Thread starter AudiNutta
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Sure that’s an option I guess, but my local Audi use Quantum and although it is VAG spec I think it is the cheaper of the oils on the market.
You use 507 in your car do you? Audi told me the system states 504 for our chassis.
It currently is on extended, but it never works out right. There is a a basic oil change and an inspection as you know, over time those two services work apart in my experience and you can end up having 2 services in 18k anyway! All the Audi’s we have bought, have required a major service first to bring the two into line as otherwise you will end up doing an oil change at 10k, a major at 18k or less later, 28k for oil change then 36k for the major and so on. So by the time you hit 36k you’ve had 4 services, on fixed you’d of needed 4 services to get to 40k so that way you gain nothing by Longlife just pay more for the services you have done, because ‘longlife’ uses different parts and oil etc... as they say.
On my Mums A4 we had their 2 years free servicing plan. Put it into Audi and told them to do what was required to get the most out of the plan. It came back out and they did the oil change only and the car wanted a major 4000 miles later!! My Dad kicked up a fuss about this with Audi UK and in the end another dealer did the major so we still had the minor in reserve, that way it was 18k before the next service was due and not 4k. Longlife servicing can catch you out if you don’t know the system.
It just seemed more ‘symmetrical’ to keep the car on a fixed service plan, not to mention it is cheaper sometimes by £100 per service
I could be totally wrong but that’s what I understand from my experience.OOPSSSS, sorry for rabitting on again... still not fuelled by a drop of alcohol, Pepsi this time
Sure I could, done plenty of them on older cars on the drive. Best I’ve done as a home mechanic is change a turbo on my girlfriends 1.3CDTI Corsa, I won’t be openly volunteering to do that again any time soon haha, but was a good days work to save £350 labour and took 9 hours of my time. Very satisfying when you do it yourself.
Reasons for going for my specialist is that it only costs £75 labour (for an hour). They give the car a good inspection, one that I’m pretty sure Audi won’t do on a basic oil change so I have peace of mind there are no underlying issues I haven’t spotted and overall it’s easier... not to mention another receipt in the folder against the car.
But yes for sure, could do it myself if I decide not to pay the £75.
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I used Mobil 1 ESP which is a 504/507 oil and is on the approved oils list. Changed it myself and it is easy to do with the right tools.
The extended intervals does seem odd for the reasons you say. Mine is currently saying an oil change in 6k and inspection not long after (going from memory ). I will ask Audi to do both at the same time and switch to fixed as I dont do loads of miles.
It isn’t always the cheapest way and every time I mention going onto fixed they try and persuade me to stay on Longlife, no wonder why!! Fixed servicing will save you money even if you do 18k a year as it’s still 2 services a year.
I can get them off with a bit pressure and rapid detailer on a micro fibre but they just reappear by the time the next wash comes
Well I know the new ones will go the same, just need to try and find a trim coating or something to fix it
Excuse my ignorance. I understand the two different service regimes . I intend to get mine serviced annually. Does under 10k and lots of short journeys. My question is how does the service interval display pick the difference between the two regimes . Presumably for example the oil service reminder will not recognise how the car has been used or is it dynamic . Or is one regime or the other programmed in from new ? Sorry if I’ve missed something.
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No ignorance, we don’t all know everything.
The car comes from factory with the variable servicing on the MMI, when your car goes in for the first oil change (can have it done at 10k or wait until the 12k it will probably ask for it), tell Audi to change it to Fixed intervals and ignore any of the bull they give you on why you should keep it on the ‘cheaper’ option that is infact the more expensive option.
When on fixed the car will black and white ask for a service every 10k, when on variable the car will decide when it wants it’s service between 16k and 18k I think, depending on how it’s driven.
Anyway my car is going to the dealer this time, confirmed today.
I have to sign the disclaimer but it’s simply to cover the dealer more than anything and if the oil is the correct spec (dealer will check), there is nothing to worry about I’ve been told.
I have to sign the disclaimer but it’s simply to cover the dealer more than anything and if the oil is the correct spec (dealer will check), there is nothing to worry about I’ve been told.
Thank you for explaining how it’s set up , much appreciated.
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If there is nothing to worry about why have they made you sign it, bit of a joke really, but glad you've managed to make your choice, Personally, I am avoiding the Stealers.
They said it’s just procedure for any part supplied not just the oil and if it’s the correct spec, there isn’t any need to worry.
It was creeping up and creeping up, I just couldn’t make the decision this time so played it safe and gone with Audi. Next year might be different.
teslaboy
Mythos black RS3 8v FL
Agreed to above.
I am nearly up for 12months on the RS.
I've only done 6k but some long journeys via mway driving.
Been reading a lot on here especially about fixed and variable servicing.
Recently spoke to my Audi dealer who quoted me 360 !!!! for an oil change.
I then explained the car has not yet 'asked' me for a service so checking the MMI and it states next service due in 340days or 9000miles. So its obviously on the variable service pattern (as explained on here earlier, as it comes set up when leaving the factory).
The Audi dealer stated they use Shell Helix Ultra 0w/30 which is fully synthetic and used for the long life variable service regimes.
I contacted a local independent who quoted between 150 and 200 for an oil change depending on oil quantity. Half the price of Audi dealer! No surprise there.
Think I'm going to leave to it for time being and follow what Audi recommends and next year get it serviced either at the dealer or an independent.
However i would like the rusty rear hubs done so will probably go to the dealer.
Then again i could go to the independent and get an oil change, inspection service and the hubs done for a price cheaper than Audi.......hmmmmm
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teslaboy
Mythos black RS3 8v FL
Loads on here with Rusty hubs.
I believe a few have already had Audi sort them under warranty.
I will call my dealer soon to see what they have to say.
Watch this space.....
I believe a few have already had Audi sort them under warranty.
I will call my dealer soon to see what they have to say.
Watch this space.....
Audi did mine in March and they're still looking good.
I know winter driving could change that but as I don't intend on driving through the winter, they should be ok.
