My S4 thread

[scotty76]

In other news. Put my second tank of Shell VPower in. Stats for the first tank:

23.12mpg
267 miles covered.

So no noticeable difference to the mpg at the moment compared to the standard stuff.
My S4 thread

And after 11 months and 3935 miles here's how much oil I've used.

 

[silentbrown]

Well, at least it's not using any oil to speak of

Just tweeted Audi customer care re price match.... Got this back.

I'd ask Sytner if they've actually told Audi UK they're not honouring price match. I suspect they're just making it up as they go along. Either way, I'd be finding someone else to service it!

 

[scotty76]

I'd ask Sytner if they've actually told Audi UK they're not honouring price match. I suspect they're just making it up as they go along. Either way, I'd be finding someone else to service it!

Email duly sent, thank you for taking the time to poke the bear.

 

[razza1]

That's pants they should honour it, leave it if not

 

[razza1]

Audi UK also seem to have little influence over the dealers by the seems of things. The dealers can still do what they like

 

[silentbrown]

The dealers can still do what they like

You'd have to see the contract between Audi UK and the dealer, but I expect dealers are required to comply with all offers and promotions. AUK aren't going to spend tens of thousands promoting special offers only for dealers to say "nah, not going to do it". And subsequently having to look stupid in front of Trading/Advertising Standards....

 

[razza1]

I tried to get the fixed price brake change on my B7 2.0T, but they wouldn't honour it due to it being a special edition and vented and drilled discs. Audi UK response is it was up to the dealer discretion...always a get out clause somewhere...

 

[scotty76]

I've emailed the dealer and Audi UK. Will let you know what I hear.

TBH I have had no issues with Reading. Price matching aside, they've been honest and helpful. They fixed my boot panel under warranty. They've always honoured my request not to wash the car. Other choices are Basingstoke who seem to have a good reputation and Newbury who don't. Basingstoke was the same price for the service as Reading. Reading is 2 miles from my work, Basingstoke is 30 mins drive away. For an oil change I'm not that worried. I was trying to save a few quid.

 

[scotty76]

So I think we'll take this as the end of the road. Reads to me as without a full itemised quote, price match would be hard to do anyway. I don't really mind, just curious to see what they said in the end. Thanks for all your inputs.

Now back to having fun with the S4.

The Audi Price match is subject to a number of terms and conditions and to dealership discretion. Our dealerships have chosen not to participate in this offer as we feel our customers already receive excellent value for money.
The quote you have provided from VAG Autoworks does not qualify for Audi Price Match as a number of criteria have not been met. The full terms and conditions are as follow:

(I snipped the T&Cs for brevity)

We would also need written detail on what brake work would be carried out on your S4.

If you are able to obtain a quote which fits the above criteria, our Service Manager would be more than happy to honour the price match on this occasion for you.

I apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

[longp2]

Wearside audi have always price matched and given me great service which is why I keep taking my car back to them and will buy my next one from them. I bet Sytner would do the same if people stopped using them.

 

[scotty76]

So new additions this week:

Transcend DrivePro 200 dash cam (more on this to follow once I've sorted out an install location that doesn't block the auto dimming rear view mirror sensor.

Annoying rattle from the rear passenger door trim. This is being looked at at the first service next month.

 

[scotty76]

And a quick wash with CG No Touch Snow Foam followed by wash with CarPro Reset.

Note the patented anti-drip guard on the mirrors. Otherwise known as wrap two drying towels around the mirrors to stop them dripping everywhere!

 

[Bristle Hound]

Transcend DrivePro 200 dash cam

You opted for the Transcend in the end then Scotty
I'm still undecided at the moment. Probably will be the Mini 0803 for me

And a quick wash with CG No Touch Snow Foam followed by wash with CarPro Reset.

Note the patented anti-drip guard on the mirrors. Otherwise known as wrap two drying towels around the mirrors to stop them dripping everywhere!

View attachment 58001 View attachment 58002 View attachment 58003 View attachment 58004 View attachment 58005 View attachment 58006

Cracking job there buddy

S4 looks ace

 

[scotty76]

So @silentbrown I emailed Audi UK following your tweet to ask what the deal was. They raised a case and spoke to Reading Audi. Reading Audi phoned me today, to say I had been misinformed by their contact centre staff and they can price match as long as I stick to the T&Cs. i.e. Written quote, genuine Audi parts. Just thought I'd update you on the outcome.

 

[Keef]

I hope Audi UK or Reading are going to compensate you for the stress and time spent?
Perhaps with a free Oil service

 

[scotty76]

@Keef I suspect they've added me to a blacklist somewhere.

 

[silentbrown]

So @silentbrown..Reading Audi phoned me today, to say I had been misinformed by their contact centre staff and they can price match as long as I stick to the T&Cs.

Interesting! Thanks for the update.The "price match" terms do make it a little difficult, particularly as any independent is going to know what you're up to as soon as you ask for a written quote...

I've never tried price match yet, but have frequently used fixed price servicing, which I've heard of some dealers refusing to honour on certain cars.

 

[scotty76]

Third and final tank of V Power is in. Stats for the second tank:

24.07mpg
271 miles covered.

Stats from the standard stuff before the VPower experiment began (to save you scrolling back through the thread):
Current average over 3412 miles: 23.16mpg.

So showing a slight rise in mpg but at 8p/litre more expensive it won't pay for itself. I've not noticed any difference in power.

Just hoping I may have my S4 before the end of your evaluation period Scotty

And indeed you have it BH!

 

[vaf888]

That's good. I only got 170 miles out my tank

 

[scotty76]

Gutted.

 

[vaf888]

You get bitten by a shark

 

[xpoweruk]

Ouch that's a nasty chunk

 

[jdp1962]

Gutted.

View attachment 60719 View attachment 60720

Oh, Scotty, what happened there?

 

[scotty76]

Bollards. No really. I drive through them every, single day and always take care. Must be a moment's lapse is all.

 

[scotty76]

Seems such a minor bump.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/abvdrjqa7b5pe6v/AlloyCrunch.mp4?dl=0

 

[Keef]

Gutted for you mate! I seem to recall you & Warren talking about that very spot when we met up.

 

[jdp1962]

Gaah!

 

[scotty76]

Gutted for you mate! I seem to recall you & Warren talking about that very spot when we met up.

Thanks mate. I have other ways I can go which avoid this bridge but none are as convenient. The alternative is a cut through road which is single track with very few passing places, don't really fancy it. I'd assumed the only people who hit the large, very obvious bollards were muppets so eating a massive slice of humble pie.

 

[NickW_S4]

Really sorry to see that - it's so easily done though.

 

[silentbrown]

Ouch! Too easily done

I'm guessing that the rim's repairable but you're going to need a new tyre...?

 

[scotty76]

Ouch! Too easily done

I'm guessing that the rim's repairable but you're going to need a new tyre...?

Yep. New tyre going on today. And chatting to a guy I've used before about the alloy. Just so annoying as it's money that didn't need spending.

 

[Sluggy007]

OUCH...... if you dont mind me asking how much is it to repair the rim?

 

[scotty76]

OUCH...... if you dont mind me asking how much is it to repair the rim?

£50 + VAT. I'll post some pictures once it's fixed but I know the guy I have spoken to is usually very busy so may be a while.

 

[Dippy]

Scotty, is that from Hangar road over the Kennet and into Theale? If so I have driven that way many times in my B5 S4 but not once since I got my S5. Because the S5 is so much wider than the S4 was I haven't wanted to risk it. Now that I have seen this thread I think I shall never take that route again!

 

[scotty76]

Scotty, is that from Hangar road over the Kennet and into Theale? If so I have driven that way many times in my B5 S4 but not once since I got my S5. Because the S5 is so much wider than the S4 was I haven't wanted to risk it. Now that I have seen this thread I think I shall never take that route again!

It is indeed Dippy. I'm weighing up the alternatives.

 

[Bristle Hound]

Gutted.

View attachment 60719 View attachment 60720

@scotty76 - Feel your pain Gutted for you buddy

I'm sure your pride & joy will be back to 100% soon my friend

 

[Dippy]

It is indeed Dippy. I'm weighing up the alternatives

Well if you don't like Bottom lane to Sulhamstead hill (which I assume you have tried) then it has to be up Folly Lane, right down White's hill & Kingston lane, and right into Sulhamstead hill. At least the junction on the A4 by the Spring Inn is a lot better since it was widened.

 

[scotty76]

Well if you don't like Bottom lane to Sulhamstead hill (which I assume you have tried) then it has to be up Folly Lane, right down White's hill & Kingston lane, and right into Sulhamstead hill. At least the junction on the A4 by the Spring Inn is a lot better since it was widened.

Thanks Dippy, will take a look. My commute changed 3 months ago and I'm now doing the country route rather than grinding my teeth on the M4. Tried Bottom Lane but didn't like the lack of passing places.

Thought I'd make the council work for my council tax pounds. ...

Dear WBC,

What is the purpose of the metal bollards before the bridge in Theale on Station Road/Hangar Road? If it was to protect the bridge, surely there would have to be a matching set on the other side and there isn't.

I only ask as at least once a week on my journey to work I see someone hit them. This must be costing the motorists of West Berkshire a small fortune in new tyres and wheel repairs.

So what is there purpose and are they really necessary? Surely a less damaging solution must exist.

 

[Keef]

Lol scotty
My letter would be worded a lot stronger and I would be asking them to cover the cost of 'my' repair!
you don't ask....

 

[Dippy]

I can only guess it was a failed attempt to stop bigger vehicles using the swing bridge. It's a bit like those square speed-humps: They slow down cars (especially ones with lowered suspension), but crossovers, suvs, vans, lorries, busses and can just go as fast as they like!

If you haven't used that route for long be warned - it is in a flood zone. Hangar lane, Bottom lane and Deans copse road regularly get flooded and often impassably so.