Buying Advice > B8 S4 > S tronic Service Query

[ToadConsulting]

Hi all,

Possibly found the S4 (2011 Avant, 51k on the clock with all the toys I want), but I have just found out the gearbox oil was changed at 48k. Now reading around I know it must be done by 35k so already I'm hesitant but asking the dealer to check this more fully. Am I right that for the S4 there are 2 possible 3 parts to the change so perhaps the one done at 48k was one part done again or something.

The car has 5 stamps - mix of Independent specialist and Audi so I'm surprised the past owner did this (looks like they purchased a demo car and had it for 5 yrs) as I assume would have been getting notification from the car being due for over 10k!

I'm no mechanic so any advise and what Qs I should be asking the dealer appreciated.

Toad.

 

[DeanoC]

I'm pretty sure it is front final drive ATF oil every 20k and the s-tronic ATF oil and filter along with rear final drive oil and sport diff oil (if you have it) every 40k.

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[ToadConsulting]

The update I got (its a Sytner dealership):


"The gearbox service doesn’t run in line with the normal servicing, so there is not normally any visual indication to remind you. The gearbox service was done at the independent dealer. These are an oil and filter change only – there isn’t any other maintenance required on the gearbox/drivetrain"

I'm pretty sure no other maintenance required is not correct!

 

[DeanoC]

They are right it is classed as 'additional work' like air filters, plugs, brake fluid etc. There would be no remimder other than a dealer or the my audi app.

There are 100% serviceable fluids in the box and both fromt and rear final drives as well as the optional sport diff.

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[ToadConsulting]

It has the Audi Drive Select as I can see that - so I assume has the Sport Diff as well (they are not sure as it has only just come in).

 

[DeanoC]

Not necessarily. It might have drive select without the diff, just the diff or all of it

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[ToadConsulting]

Thanks for the info chap - will do some more digging.

 

[vaf888]

I got mine done through an independent at 33k whilst in for a service. Fluid and filter change in my gearbox. Good for another 35k miles.

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[vaf888]

If you call the original dealer they should be able to tell you of it has the sport diff.

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[Lavis89]

I'm pretty sure it is front final drive ATF oil every 20k and the s-tronic ATF oil and filter along with rear final drive oil and sport diff oil (if you have it) every 40k.

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I've heard of the S-tronic oil being changed every 37k, but first time I've heard anyone mention front final drive fluid getting changed? Audi have never mentioned it to me either :/

 

[DeanoC]

I've heard of the S-tronic oil being changed every 37k, but first time I've heard anyone mention front final drive fluid getting changed? Audi have never mentioned it to me either :/

I'd assume it would be the same as mine:

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[Lavis89]

None of that on myaudi for the s4, just the interim service, major service & s-tronic service. I don't have drive select or the sports diff though

 

[vaf888]

How to do see this info

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[Dippy]

Possibly found the S4 (2011 Avant, 51k on the clock with all the toys I want), but I have just found out the gearbox oil was changed at 48k. Now reading around I know it must be done by 35k so already I'm hesitant but asking the dealer to check this more fully. Am I right that for the S4 there are 2 possible 3 parts to the change so perhaps the one done at 48k was one part done again or something.

The first generation of the DL501 had two oil filters and neither was a serviceable item. At the next generation Audi deleted one of the filters and made the other serviceable. I can't tell you exactly when the change was other than MY2011.

I have read a lot about DL501 failures. Clearly most of them are unfortunately due to design issues because the 'box was revised twice. But in addition oil quality for the 'box is arguably more important than the engine. We can discuss whether or not the oil needs to be changed every 35K, 37K or 40K (depending on where it is written), but for sure 48K is too late. If you go ahead and purchase this car I urge you to get an extended warranty which will cover gearbox failure.

 

[ToadConsulting]

Thanks all. The car has been serviced every 10k, so Audi even had it at 40k but the s tronic oil was the done by an independent specialist on 48k. Very odd if the past owner did not get it done when with audi. I have contacted both the Audi garage and the independent to see what they think/offer advice.

 

[ToadConsulting]

Just as an update - they have offered me an extended 3yr warranty with the car so I'm pondering. Managed to speak to the garage who has looked after the car up in Scotland who were positive...

 

[opelfruit]

S-tronic oil change on my S4 was due at 38k but I had it does early at 36k as it was in with Audi for a service. Don't want to give them any excuse should I have issues in future.

I doubt an extra 10k to the change would do any harm, but Audi do state then "no later than 38k is essential" and the last thing you want is a gearbox problem down the line. You're looking at a possible £8k bill it if all goes wrong and you wouldn't get any goodwill from Audi given that the oil was changed late by an Indie.

Gearbox issues are also more prevalent on the 10/11 models.

With the facts to hand, the question is; is the car worth the risk down the line?


I really don't understand why people forgo basic maintenance on cars, especially when they buy something like an S4. Let's face it, the change costs £225, it's not a fortune and if people can't afford to pay the bills to run a car like an S4 then then shouldn't be buying them in the first place

 

[ToadConsulting]

Agreed - what is really annoying is Audi had the car in for a service at 39k! Like you said - not an expensive cost to get done at the same time! The car has been serviced every 10k on the button as well!

 

[opelfruit]

Have you got the service receipts?

38k and 48k seem a little too co-incidental. Maybe it was done but they put a typo on the invoice. Check the date on the stronic service invoice at 48k and the date on the invoice prior to this (at the normal service) - are they the same or close together? If they are close in date then its unlikely he's done 10k miles in that time it may be a type up issue on the invoice or a mistake.

 

[Dippy]

I doubt an extra 10k to the change would do any harm,

I really don't understand why people forgo basic maintenance on cars, especially when they buy something like an S4.

Maybe because they have the same doubt that you expressed?

 

[ToadConsulting]

Just seen the stamps:
9k Audi Glasgow
19k Audi Glasgow
28k Deutcshtek Glasgow
40k Audi Glasgow
48k Deutschtek (Oil/inspection and S Tronic done) > this was October last year.

Car now on 51k Spoken to guys at Deutschtek who remembered the car...

 

[Dippy]

The issue is that it has the 2011 gearbox so may be 1st or 2nd generation but not 3rd, and its oil was changed late. So you have to accept that there is a tangible risk of problems in the future. However if the 3 year extended warranty is good for you, then with the spec being right I suggest you go for it.

 

[opelfruit]

As it's not from an Audi garage, make sure the warranty explicitly covers the gearbox for failures - a lot of aftermarket warranties (even some of the one's given by main dealers) don't cover the gearbox issues.

 

[ToadConsulting]

Hi all,
Going up to take a look anyway tomorrow - its actually held by a BMW dealership who took it as px.

 

[jetty]

The other thing you need to consider - as the oil was changed late, your "3 year extended warranty" may be worthless if you need to make a claim. I can see them trying to wriggle out of that one and blame the late oil change!

 

[ToadConsulting]

yeah - I saved all the e-mail correspondence to date, even the one where they stated one of their Snr technicians is ex Audi!