16000 glorious miles

[Chappy]

I haven't been on here in ages but I thought I would post my findings so far after travelling those miles in just 7 months.

Good points:
Car looks fantastic, people stare all the time
Love the difference in the drive select modes
150bhp diesel shifts with great mpg
MMI navigation plus is the best I've used in any car I've owned
B&O sound system is superb
Love the LED interior light pack
Bi-Xenons are fantastic
Still plenty of treat left on the tyres
Alloy and tyre insurance has paid for 1 new tyre and 1 alloy repair (worth the money)
Audi customer service at Grimsby and Hull has been brilliant

Bad points:
Rattles from rear plastics near headrests
New fuel pump fitted at 14k
New water pump fitted at 14k
B&O tweeters crackle under certain music
Binding brake disc but Audi can't fault it
Bluetooth can have issues with streaming music from iPhone 5s



But overall I'm a happy camper! Fantastic car, everything I need!!

Couple of questions, service is due at 18k, can I have it done now at just over 16k?

Has anyone thought about retrofitting the new LED headlights?

And has anyone blacked out the chrome grill and window trims on a grey A3?

Thinking of some VCDS tinkering soon and have a bit of a change with the exterior, maybe some new wheels

 

[grantDUBshaw]

I am also getting rattles from rear plastics by the headrest ! Annoying isn't the word, I posted a thread about it and have been told to lift the rear headrest up until it clicks in place which as far as I have noticed with little driving today has solved it... So give that a try I did contact the dealer about it and he just informed me to book it into service and get them to have a look at it.

Worth trying it and see if it resolves your problem too!

 

[Chappy]

Thank you, I'll have a check tomorrow and see if it solves it.
I'll still book it in as the tiny mirror in the cabin can barely see the whole rear window let alone when the head rests are up!

 

[Rexus]

Glad your pleased with your car, but for just 16,000 miles it doesn't seem very reliable.

 

[Scott]

I have also noticed the B&O tweeters crackling and I'm thinking about booking in for replacements.

 

[Chappy]

Glad your pleased with your car, but for just 16,000 miles it doesn't seem very reliable.

The fuel pump was replaced when the water pump was. Admittedly, the car was leaking coolant so I booked it in, at the same time they said the fuel pump was making excessive noise and replaced it.

Doesn't deter me from the overall feel of the car

 

[Chappy]

I have also noticed the B&O tweeters crackling and I'm thinking about booking in for replacements.

The only issue is Scott, 2 different Audi garages have been unable to fault them. It doesn't help when they send a 50 year old master tech guy to listen, I am young so my hearing is probably more acute.
I said I'd monitor it and let them know if it gets worse.

 

[mjcourtney]

I have also noticed the B&O tweeters crackling and I'm thinking about booking in for replacements.

Me too, although I wonder whether it's actually a noisy amp. I've been putting off taking it in as I can already hear the technicians response about it being "normal".

I find it's worse on high frequency quiet sections (particularly classical music) where the amp is working hard to boost the volume, sounds like a bowl of rice crispies.

Might mention this when it goes in for service next month and see what they say.

 

[warren_S5]

Me too, although I wonder whether it's actually a noisy amp. I've been putting off taking it in as I can already hear the technicians response about it being "normal".

I find it's worse on high frequency quiet sections (particularly classical music) where the amp is working hard to boost the volume, sounds like a bowl of rice crispies.

Might mention this when it goes in for service next month and see what they say.

It's not likely to be feedback from the GALA (volume level adjustment system) system it is? There is a ****** awful microphone set up in the 8P which monitors interior cabin noise and compensates volume of stereo system. I noticed if a piece of music gets quieter during the track the GALA system can interpret that the volume needs to be boosted to equalise in cabin noise and you can hear what sounds like a slight clicking of a digital potentiometer raising the volume upward in the quiet sections of music.

I ended up turning the GALA off using VCDS, but then it's slightly changed the sound characteristics of the hifi, and it's not an improvement. Sounds quite flat.

 

[Chappy]

Me too, although I wonder whether it's actually a noisy amp. I've been putting off taking it in as I can already hear the technicians response about it being "normal".

I find it's worse on high frequency quiet sections (particularly classical music) where the amp is working hard to boost the volume, sounds like a bowl of rice crispies.

Might mention this when it goes in for service next month and see what they say.

I said about it being the amp to Audi and they said no fault found, even sent a technical report off to Audi HQ

Warren, thanks for the reply I'll have a look into it, although I'm sure I've turned my GALA all the way down but I do have the surround sound setting set about half way.

It only happens on high frequency parts of songs, like voice with no backing music etc

 

[mjcourtney]

It only happens on high frequency parts of songs, like voice with no backing music etc

I'd agree with that, and generally only over 30 volume.

Problem is at that volume I'm not sure i'd persuade an Audi tech to stay in the car for more than 5 seconds! Seems a shame as it does spoil an otherwise perfect system.

 

[Chappy]

I'd agree with that, and generally only over 30 volume.

Problem is at that volume I'm not sure i'd persuade an Audi tech to stay in the car for more than 5 seconds! Seems a shame as it does spoil an otherwise perfect system.

Volume 30? Wow!
I can only just bare 23 for a few songs!
Where do you stream your media from? I use my iPhone and have the input volume turned all the way up which is probably why!
It's a fantastic system, I had Harman/Kardon in my previous BMW which I thought was good, but the B&O is outstanding

 

[mjcourtney]

I only use SD cards, the majority is either ripped from CDs or downloaded at 320kbps. From extensive testing I believe 30 is the optimal volume for the system as that's when the bass really starts to sound natural.

My limit so far is 49... for about 30 seconds... before my ears started bleeding. Just so that I can say that I tried it at full volume once!! Although, the volume increments do decrease as you go beyond 35, so 35 to 49 is not as great a change as 20 to 30.

 

[grantDUBshaw]

Thank you, I'll have a check tomorrow and see if it solves it.
I'll still book it in as the tiny mirror in the cabin can barely see the whole rear window let alone when the head rests are up!

Yes I think I'm going to book it in too! I'm going to swap the headrests round before I leave work so then I can determine if it's one of the head rests creaking or whether it's the seat so will inform you after !

 

[s33nyboy12]

Lol I've had mine ten months and done 5,000 miles ......... Always in my van or m3

I do like the car though.

Sean

 

[Chappy]

Made sure the GALA was all the down and it was, even reduced surround sound to zero and still crackles.
Didn't give the head rests a try but the whole inside of the car got a clean and vacuum! Shame I'm in Devon otherwise I'd of given her a good wash

 

[grantDUBshaw]

I went to try after work but to find out they don't just come out by pressing the button.. Unless they are locked in or there is another way to release it but I couldn't be ***** messing about after work. Surely they can be taken out??

But they definitely don't rattle/creak anywhere near as much when they are raised.. Will have to look into it further whether they are removable or not.

 

[cemerson]

You just push or pull them up or down I think. No buttons or anything like that.

 

[grantDUBshaw]

You can pull then up but it clicks when it reaches the top and then won't go any higher from that point ! I will have a better look tomorrow at some stage !

 

[veeeight]

Tilt backrest forward
Slide headrest all the way to the top
Press in the button on the side while pulling up on that leg
On the other escutcheon (without the button) - insert a screwdriver into the slot (from the toolkit), while pulling up on the other leg.
Headrest will detach from backrest.

 

[cuke2u]

I'd hardly call 16,000 miles glorious with the issues you have had Dan, I'd call it distinctly worrying with a car of the price paid for it....

 

[Chappy]

Tilt backrest forward
Slide headrest all the way to the top
Press in the button on the side while pulling up on that leg
On the other escutcheon (without the button) - insert a screwdriver into the slot (from the toolkit), while pulling up on the other leg.
Headrest will detach from backrest.

Thanks veeeight, much appreciated it

 

[grantDUBshaw]

Worked a treat veeeight! Cheers. I have swapped the head rests over so will see if the rattle persists on the same side or see if it swaps, then we will know of it's the headrest of the actual seat itself ! Will let let you knew mate

 

[Chappy]

I'd hardly call 16,000 miles glorious with the issues you have had Dan, I'd call it distinctly worrying with a car of the price paid for it....

If I listed the amount of items that required repair or replacement on my last BMW 118D, the 2 faults I've had are a drop in the ocean!
Like I said, after getting a puncture and then smashing the alloy into a kerb, the protection I took out was well worth it.

Just taken a car full to the cinema tonight, everyone comfy and happy even with the Devon flood waters! I think she's ready for her service soon though, feels a little tired! Seems a long way, 18k, without fresh oil!

 

[grantDUBshaw]

Seems to be a lot better having swapped the headrests over during my drive to work this morning. Hopefully this stays the same !

 

[hopeless]

If I listed the amount of items that required repair or replacement on my last BMW 118D, the 2 faults I've had are a drop in the ocean!
Like I said, after getting a puncture and then smashing the alloy into a kerb, the protection I took out was well worth it.

Just taken a car full to the cinema tonight, everyone comfy and happy even with the Devon flood waters! I think she's ready for her service soon though, feels a little tired! Seems a long way, 18k, without fresh oil!

Sorry to point this out but 18k is way too many miles before first oil change. yes i know its longlife but there are many people on these forums that feel 10k is the absolute max for their cars. Longlife regime is simply use of longlife (synthetic) oil and far too long between changes (but is based on usage and ambient conditions). Stick to 10k services but still get them to fill with longlife. that way you neednt worry about going a few miles past the next service interval if you have to or you can easily convert back to the longlife regime if you want to.

 

[grantDUBshaw]

Maybe I spoke to early.. Still getting rattles am thought swapped headrests over.. Have no rattles atall when headrest is fully extended.. Think I'll be calling audi!

 

[TreborA4]

25,000 miles and 10 months old!

Had to have near side xenon headlamp replaced due to failure of main beam, other than that all good!

 

[Chappy]

Think I'll be getting it booked in for a service when I return from Devon!
It's strange that you don't have rattles when the headrests are up? It sounds like plastic rattling to me

 

[grantDUBshaw]

I know it's very bizarre ! It sounds like plastic to me too, have you tried putting your headrest up? Also is yours passenger side or drivers side? Mine only happens when hitting a bump really.

Mines booked in tomorrow for them to have a quick look at it to determine whether they need it for a whole day on it or whether there is a quick fix.

 

[royalsteve68]

I haven't been on here in ages but I thought I would post my findings so far after travelling those miles in just 7 months.

Good points:
Car looks fantastic, people stare all the time
Love the difference in the drive select modes
150bhp diesel shifts with great mpg
MMI navigation plus is the best I've used in any car I've owned
B&O sound system is superb
Love the LED interior light pack
Bi-Xenons are fantastic
Still plenty of treat left on the tyres
Alloy and tyre insurance has paid for 1 new tyre and 1 alloy repair (worth the money)
Audi customer service at Grimsby and Hull has been brilliant

Bad points:
Rattles from rear plastics near headrests
New fuel pump fitted at 14k
New water pump fitted at 14k
B&O tweeters crackle under certain music
Binding brake disc but Audi can't fault it
Bluetooth can have issues with streaming music from iPhone 5s



But overall I'm a happy camper! Fantastic car, everything I need!!

Couple of questions, service is due at 18k, can I have it done now at just over 16k?

Has anyone thought about retrofitting the new LED headlights?

And has anyone blacked out the chrome grill and window trims on a grey A3?

Thinking of some VCDS tinkering soon and have a bit of a change with the exterior, maybe some new wheels

speaker crackle is probably a blown tweeter

 

[Larf1986]

What mpg you getting now it's niceley run in at say 70 (i mean 76) on a motorway run on cruise control?

 

[grantDUBshaw]

Couldn't find the fault with headrest - been advised to try with seat down drivig to judge whether it's due to the seat latch causing the problem! Although have had to book it in for problem with handbreak! 2 days with courtesy car next month!

 

[m0sbf]

I'd hardly call 16,000 miles glorious with the issues you have had Dan, I'd call it distinctly worrying with a car of the price paid for it....

I totally agree. Water pump failure seems to be an issue on Audi's. These kind of parts should last 80000 miles, not 14000. I will be very miffed if mine packs up at that mileage. As others say on the thread, good to keep an eye on the coolant level. After owning several Vauxhalls with pitiful reliability I am expecting better from my 8V!

 

[veeeight]

A 10,000 mile 8V report from (gasp) another forum:

10000 mile report

 

[Chappy]

I know it's very bizarre ! It sounds like plastic to me too, have you tried putting your headrest up? Also is yours passenger side or drivers side? Mine only happens when hitting a bump really.

Mines booked in tomorrow for them to have a quick look at it to determine whether they need it for a whole day on it or whether there is a quick fix.

Mine seems to be drivers side and usually happens on uneven road surfaces. I'm sure it's the plastic covering of the rear 3/4 panel to be honest but it doesn't happen enough to replicate it to Audi

 

[Chappy]

speaker crackle is probably a blown tweeter

Definitely not a blown tweeter as it appears to crackle across all 3 speakers above dashboard level which is why I assume it's the amp that's the problem.

 

[Chappy]

What mpg you getting now it's niceley run in at say 70 (i mean 76) on a motorway run on cruise control?

The 308 mile trip from my door in Lincolnshire to my dad's door in Devon resulted in an average mpg of 52.3 at 80/85ish with strong headwinds last Sunday.
My best ever mpg coming down here was around 62mpg and I completed the 300 odd miles in just over a quarter of a tank which I thought was very impressive.
Eco mode makes a massive difference for me over long journeys, problem is, it reduces the cars power to take off again from the 50mph average road works

 

[Chappy]

I totally agree. Water pump failure seems to be an issue on Audi's. These kind of parts should last 80000 miles, not 14000. I will be very miffed if mine packs up at that mileage. As others say on the thread, good to keep an eye on the coolant level. After owning several Vauxhalls with pitiful reliability I am expecting better from my 8V!

The water pump hadn't 'failed' as such, it was leaking ever so slightly so they just ordered a new unit in.
The warning light came on as it should and I turned the engine off immediately, filled it up, and it was fine. It was then booked into Audi the next day with a courtesy car. As I said, very pleased with the customer service from my 2 local garages.

 

[Chappy]

A 10,000 mile 8V report from (gasp) another forum:

10000 mile report

A few issues from that report. These are purely my points of view.

The Storage pack isn't pointless, I find the cubby box under the drivers seat very useful.
I haven't driven an SE, but I don't imagine it was built for handling as much as a sport or S-Line?
I agree the fuel tank is smaller on the A3 but I think 600 miles is easily achievable.
My MMI screen as never creaked.
Turning my GALA off makes a massive difference in terms of sound in the car.
12v power lines charge my phone perfectly fine.
I only struggle to pull away in 2nd in the Eco mode.
Only after my car had been stood over night does it take a while start, because it's a diesel and it has glow plugs! Starts straight away if it's warm.

Again, just my views to his review