Facelift Pirelli Tyre Defects - Response

[AudiNutta]

I spoke to Edinburgh Audi yesterday and they confirmed they are aware of the issue! Drive to them now slowly and show them your tyres!! I will be very interested to hear what they say, they basically said no need for me to send my email they are aware of what’s going on.

Can’t express how helpful that would be with this fresh in their minds!

 

[FBF01]

Audi said 244 a tyre to include fitting. Guy on phone said never heard of this issue before...odd

 

[45bvtc]

Audi said 244 a tyre to include fitting. Guy on phone said never heard of this issue before...odd

To be fair to an Audi dealer not everyone on site will know of the issue; three of the five service advisor's at Stafford Audi know of this 'RS3/Pirelli tyre defect issue' because I've told 'em but I doubt the other two do; and for sure Stafford Audi's head of business, Kevin Cunliffe, who I met for the first time yesterday, claimed no knowledge of this 'RS3/Pirelli tyre defect issue' but for sure he does now! And that Andrew Doyle has been written to and has responded - though with no plan of action other than to deploy 'someone' to investigate.

Hopefully Kevin will report back to ALL Swansway Garage service centres here in the UK.

Happy that I am I don't have an 8V RS3 - always preferring my own 8P RS3; but for sure you guys need to address this issue via your dealerships 'head of business' whenever you come across these "never heard of this issue before" words.

Just GOOGLE "head of business" for your dealership, they ain't hard to find.

And FULL credit to @AudiNutta for pursuing this "ALARMING" and "SAFETY" related issue; hopefully will get sorted before anyone gets hurt!

 

[D0C]

Audi said 244 a tyre to include fitting. Guy on phone said never heard of this issue before...odd

You can get tyres much cheaper than that on the likes of Black Circle etc.

Your car has spacers and is lowered, right? @AudiNutta I assume there’s plenty of people running a standard set up that are having this tyre wear issue?

Problem for @FBF01 is that Audi can just blame it on his set up.

13k miles not too bad to be fair though!

 

[45bvtc]

Problem for @FBF01 is that Audi can just blame it on his set up.

'afraid so, every time, and no reason as to why not

 

[AudiNutta]

Audi said 244 a tyre to include fitting. Guy on phone said never heard of this issue before...odd

Now that is frustrating, call back and ask to speak to the service manager / head of business because they absolutely do know.

Remind them of the phonecall they had yesterday off of a Mr Matthew T who they promptly told that they are well aware of this issue.

 

[AudiNutta]

You can get tyres much cheaper than that on the likes of Black Circle etc.

Your car has spacers and is lowered, right? @AudiNutta I assume there’s plenty of people running a standard set up that are having this tyre wear issue?

Problem for @FBF01 is that Audi can just blame it on his set up.

13k miles not too bad to be fair though!

The cheapest tyre site is Camkill, then get them fitted at a 'wheel safe' location. Expect to pay around £170 for the 255 tyre.

My car had spacers on until 10k miles when those tyres were fitted, I ran no spacers for the second set and they wore the same. My car isn't lowered, unfortunately... only because Audi told me my warranty would be void as far back as the gearbox. Talking of warranty void, I've got a rough running idle at the moment where the car is spluttering and after 2 visits Audi have refused to pursue it any further having all of a sudden discovered I have a 'non-standard exhaust', they are only interested if I install a replacement standard exhaust. Sick and tired of this easy opt out warranty!! So I am paying for the spark plugs to be replaced tomorrow, if that doesn't fix it I will pay my independent to solve the problem, somebody with skills beyond an ECU scan. Lots of people with a standard set up with this issue, as well as modified. I know of a guy who fitted RO2 tyres to his PFL RS3, blowout within a few months (undefined mileage) due to heavy inside edge wear, that car was lowered and heavily spaced however.

13k miles is more reasonable providing they are safe, but @FBF01 's tyres have been on the road to catastrophic failure for some time looking at that.

 

[AudiNutta]

I've had another 5 hours on the phone today, in total now I estimate I have called between 100 and 105 phone calls.. which have officially worn me down now. Anyway, every Audi Centre has been emailed with a credible contact, whether they reply is another thing currently out of 117 emails I have had 26 confirmations of receipt which is quite poor but there we go.

For now my job is done, perhaps when I feel refreshed in a week or so I will send an email to each of the contacts chasing acknowledgment but from what I have heard on the phone I am confident they have all seen my email in one way or another.

 

[D0C]

The cheapest tyre site is Camkill, then get them fitted at a 'wheel safe' location. Expect to pay around £170 for the 255 tyre.

My car had spacers on until 10k miles when those tyres were fitted, I ran no spacers for the second set and they wore the same. My car isn't lowered, unfortunately... only because Audi told me my warranty would be void as far back as the gearbox. Talking of warranty void, I've got a rough running idle at the moment where the car is spluttering and after 2 visits Audi have refused to pursue it any further having all of a sudden discovered I have a 'non-standard exhaust', they are only interested if I install a replacement standard exhaust. Sick and tired of this easy opt out warranty!! So I am paying for the spark plugs to be replaced tomorrow, if that doesn't fix it I will pay my independent to solve the problem, somebody with skills beyond an ECU scan. Lots of people with a standard set up with this issue, as well as modified. I know of a guy who fitted RO2 tyres to his PFL RS3, blowout within a few months (undefined mileage) due to heavy inside edge wear, that car was lowered and heavily spaced however.

13k miles is more reasonable providing they are safe, but @FBF01 's tyres have been on the road to catastrophic failure for some time looking at that.

Hang on, your non standard exhaust is a PCW one, isn’t it? I thought they couldn’t see any mods done PCW’s way?

 

[AudiNutta]

Hang on, your non standard exhaust is a PCW one, isn’t it? I thought they couldn’t see any mods done PCW’s way?

Yep it’s a PCW exhaust.

You tell me. After my first visit they mentioned it being non-standard, I didn’t acknowledge but today they have highlighted it again. If you are under the car and you are looking you can see the welds just on top.. but you have to be looking closely.

As my rough running is evident by popping / crackling when sat at idle, they are blaming the exhaust and need to rule that out.

 

[AudiNutta]

Looks as if I am getting a standard response now. Two dealers, one from Northern Ireland and one from Scotland, from different franchises and word for word a carbon copy from one email to another. Something along the lines of 'Referred to Audi UK, who are dealing with it'.

Today I feel for the first time I am very well known now and not particularly welcome to those dealers I am known to, have given my name to a couple of centres upon request and they have been aware.

 

[Callump01]

Looks as if I am getting a standard response now. Two dealers, one from Northern Ireland and one from Scotland, from different franchises and word for word a carbon copy from one email to another. Something along the lines of 'Referred to Audi UK, who are dealing with it'.

Potentially that could be seen as a good thing mate. Maybe Audi have put out an email to all UK dealers with a standard, clear response they should give to customers if asked whilst they investigate this properly?

Wishful thinking maybe...

 

[Pinky1959]

I have read all this and it is scary that Audi are not taking ownership of the problem but know about it .
Well done AudiNutta for keeping at it and I am sure you will get the result all Audi RS3 owners require eventually.

 

[AudiNutta]

Potentially that could be seen as a good thing mate. Maybe Audi have put out an email to all UK dealers with a standard, clear response they should give to customers if asked whilst they investigate this properly?

Wishful thinking maybe...

It shows that even if Audi have not sent a widespread email out, they have instructed dealers that contact them to give away as little information as possible and refer all complaints back to them.

I suspect however there will be an internal memo albeit if triggered by a email to Audi UK, that will make dealers aware of the email going around...

Now is the time we all need to get on the phone to Audi UK and get those numbers built. As I’ve expressed previously, not in anger but just so they are aware. Even you Callum with Michelin’s, they will be interested to hear your experiences with both!

 

[45bvtc]

Starting to look like a bog standard facelift 8V RS3 motorcar with Pirelli inner-ply showing might be needed, just make sure its body damage only, steering HARD to the left (or right) and somewhere prominent: outside of the ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Head Office - RoSPA House, 28 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RP, UK., might just do it...

The unfortunate driver might get a 2020 RS3 out of it, just to keep quiet...

But would you really want another troubled RS3?

 

[AudiNutta]

Starting to look like a bog standard facelift 8V RS3 motorcar with Pirelli inner-ply showing might be needed, just make sure its body damage only, steering HARD to the left (or right) and somewhere prominent: outside of the ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Head Office - RoSPA House, 28 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RP, UK., might just do it...

The unfortunate driver might get a 2020 RS3 out of it, just to keep quiet...

But would you really want another troubled RS3?

I’m a little lost on the body damage bit, or has it just been too long of a day on the phone for me and I’ve missed something?

John you never fail to disappoint, another independent association who may be happy to hear from me

Would an RS3 be normal if it wasn’t troubled in some way from factory? yep, I went there

 

[45bvtc]

I’m a little lost on the body damage bit, or has it just been too long of a day on the phone for me and I’ve missed something?

John you never fail to disappoint, another independent association who may be happy to hear from me

Would an RS3 be normal if it wasn’t troubled in some way from factory? yep, I went there

Body damage outside The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is my meaning Matthew, max advertising, etc.

My recommendation, however, sell on ASAP and buy one of these:

But then I would say that....

Your horse is flogged, Matthew, move on...

 

[rdj]

Out of interest are the Pirelli RO2's viewed as a soft tyre in terms of compound? I must admit that 13k miles would be more than satisfactory on any hyper hatch such as the RS3. It's certainly more than I was expecting could be achieved...

 

[FBF01]

Mnaged to source tyres through a brothers friend that’s in the business. 218 fitted. Happy days!

 

[AudiNutta]

Body damage outside The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is my meaning Matthew, max advertising, etc.

My recommendation, however, sell on ASAP and buy one of these:

View attachment 179325

But then I would say that....

Your horse is flogged, Matthew, move on...

Ah I see

Well I put that idea across to my girlfriend, she politely but firmly told me to respond to you and say absolutely not I've got my Dad's A6 Allroad for when I fancy driving around in the clouds

 

[AudiNutta]

Out of interest are the Pirelli RO2's viewed as a soft tyre in terms of compound? I must admit that 13k miles would be more than satisfactory on any hyper hatch such as the RS3. It's certainly more than I was expecting could be achieved...

They would be yes being a performance tyre.

13k is quite a bit better, but those tyres were royally stuffed and way way beyond dangerous at that stage... 13k out of a still healthy road worthy tyre yes, the user has likely been driving around for a good couple thousand miles like that.

 

[45bvtc]

Ah I see

Well I put that idea across to my girlfriend, she politely but firmly told me to respond to you and say absolutely not I've got my Dad's A6 Allroad for when I fancy driving around in the clouds

Great motor the A6 Allroad, Matthew, very under rated; I was very tempted but the RS3 won the day and like you we'll be keeping ours for some time yet, no worries...

 

[FBF01]

They would be yes being a performance tyre.

13k is quite a bit better, but those tyres were royally stuffed and way way beyond dangerous at that stage... 13k out of a still healthy road worthy tyre yes, the user has likely been driving around for a good couple thousand miles like that.

I have been. Oblivious to be fair. Photos don’t show up the true extent, when I got him to show me, they are well beyond road worthy, liek royally f*cked. They really should be off the car but I can’t get the guy to fit the new shoes until Monday. Need to use the car for work tomorrow and will have to stay well away from potholes and any type of enthusiastic driving

 

[CWD]

I have come to the conclusion that this is an issue with Audi & Pirelli, the stretch nature of the tyre fit and the extreme setup means on a sharp 90 degree bend you are riding on the side wall, the wider Michelin will probably still be running on the treaded shoulder of the tyre. At the weekend I have to exit a steep up hill tight right hand junction I loose traction on the front passenger side easily at this junction, which I believe will be exactly the curcumstances that produce this ware, I have taken to being very cautious under this type of corner to try and reduce any possible impact... The stretched look is nice but I think it's definately one of the contributing factors

 

[teslaboy]

I have come to the conclusion that this is an issue with Audi & Pirelli, the stretch nature of the tyre fit and the extreme setup means on a sharp 90 degree bend you are riding on the side wall, the wider Michelin will probably still be running on the treaded shoulder of the tyre. At the weekend I have to exit a steep up hill tight right hand junction I loose traction on the front passenger side easily at this junction, which I believe will be exactly the curcumstances that produce this ware, I have taken to being very cautious under this type of corner to try and reduce any possible impact... The stretched look is nice but I think it's definately one of the contributing factors

Which wider Michelin are you talking about?
I'm running 255 Pirellis up front.
Thought the Michelin's everyone goes on about on here are 245s....?

 

[AudiNutta]

UPDATE:

Will keep this brief because I’m f’ing furious and exhausted, will respond to individuals later on when I’m more sane.

Audi have called, they are forcefully closing my case and Audi UK will be doing absolutely nothing further on this issue.

They can’t comment on those who have been put in a situation who could have potentially been killed, only that my car is mechanically sound and no issue to be found although the tyres they removed were like a sack of *****.

So for now that’s me over and out, why I had faith I will never know... it’s official these people give absolutely jack all about our safety.

Do with this what you wish, pursue your own case because I can’t fight on your behalf.

Hate Audi right now.

 

[CWD]

Which wider Michelin are you talking about?
I'm running 255 Pirellis up front.
Thought the Michelin's everyone goes on about on here are 245s....?

Some are running 255 without issue from what I have read

 

[CWD]

UPDATE:

Will keep this brief because I’m f’ing furious and exhausted, will respond to individuals later on when I’m more sane.

Audi have called, they are forcefully closing my case and Audi UK will be doing absolutely nothing further on this issue.

They can’t comment on those who have been put in a situation who could have potentially been killed, only that my car is mechanically sound and no issue to be found although the tyres they removed were like a sack of *****.

So for now that’s me over and out, why I had faith I will never know... it’s official these people give absolutely jack all about our safety.

Do with this what you wish, pursue your own case because I can’t fight on your behalf.

Hate Audi right now.

That's not good seems in the uk we don't get anywhere with these issues in the USA it would be a class action ............perhaps watch dog might be interested look how long it took Ford to do anything about their Eco boom engines and their head gasket problems on the rs

 

[Spinstorm]

I really need to change my tyres now - I am maybe able to get away with another 500 miles or so but they are getting to the stage where despite more than enough tread in the middle they look like the thread is going to start showing soon.

My issue is do I want to pay for expensive tyres? I know that the PZeros are available for £120-130 from Camskill and National Tyres but even then I wonder if I would be better of just buying some cheaper tyres.

I have done just over 27,000 miles since I got my car Feb last year - and I do high mileage and I really don’t know if I need a performance tyre as a result.

Any thoughts on that? And if I decided to not go for performance tyres what would be recommended?

 

[Callump01]

I really need to change my tyres now - I am maybe able to get away with another 500 miles or so but they are getting to the stage where despite more than enough tread in the middle they look like the thread is going to start showing soon.

My issue is do I want to pay for expensive tyres? I know that the PZeros are available for £120-130 from Camskill and National Tyres but even then I wonder if I would be better of just buying some cheaper tyres.

I have done just over 27,000 miles since I got my car Feb last year - and I do high mileage and I really don’t know if I need a performance tyre as a result.

Any thoughts on that? And if I decided to not go for performance tyres what would be recommended?

I would say putting cheap tyres on a £50k+ performance car probably doesn't make much sense (and depending on how cheap you go may be borderline dangerous) - remember that irrespective of if you're doing lots of motorway miles and not caning the car around B roads daily, you're still probably going to want the superior stopping distance that a high-end tyre will provide if someone slams on in-front of you, or the wet/dry grip for an evasive maneuver.

Since those four pieces of rubber are your only contact with the road, I would personally insist on having the best I can get. You generally get what you pay for with tyres, but perhaps try a set of midrange 'performance' tyres? There was also a cracking deal on the PS4S tyres a couple of weeks ago, so check the price of those too.

 

[rdj]

Might be worth finding a set with a better wear rate that the Pirellis rather than cheaper? I know Pirellis wouldn't be my choice on a car..

 

[sve170]

I really need to change my tyres now - I am maybe able to get away with another 500 miles or so but they are getting to the stage where despite more than enough tread in the middle they look like the thread is going to start showing soon.

My issue is do I want to pay for expensive tyres? I know that the PZeros are available for £120-130 from Camskill and National Tyres but even then I wonder if I would be better of just buying some cheaper tyres.

I have done just over 27,000 miles since I got my car Feb last year - and I do high mileage and I really don’t know if I need a performance tyre as a result.

Any thoughts on that? And if I decided to not go for performance tyres what would be recommended?

Really, on that sort of mileage I want the best tyres I can get.
Why pay £50,000+ on a performance car and ruin it with poor tyres?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DW81]

If some of you want to stick with Pirelli, is not worth fitting the R01 tyres on your FL models. The setup on these cars must be identical to the PFL model with zero problems from these tyres.

Just a thought

 

[Pinky1959]

I would also want the best tyres I could get if I had an RS3 .
My opinion , you spend upwards of £40 k on a car ,why put cheap (er ) tyres on it as they are the only contact with the road your car has .

 

[rdj]

If some of you want to stick with Pirelli, is not worth fitting the R01 tyres on your FL models. The setup on these cars must be identical to the PFL model with zero problems from these tyres.

Just a thought

Interesting observation. Could it be that Audi agreed to fit newer Pirelli tyres but did not tune the suspension for them and have kept settings designed for the RO1 tyres? Is it also perhaps a case of style/looks over substance? Given Audi's response to AudiNutta it looks like it will probably be trial and error for owners by changing to different brands until there is evidence that particular brands that resolves the issue. As I said earlier, Pirelli would not be a brand of choice for me - whether it has a larger rim protector or not..

 

[Spinstorm]

It’s not about having cheap tyres. It’s about putting tyres on the car that will wear abnormally and then questioning if there is a better alternative.

I don’t know what else there is. Bridgestone? Michelin? Other Pirelli tyres. I don’t know. But isn’t it also possible that tyres that aren’t Pirelli will wear better?

 

[DW81]

Interesting observation. Could it be that Audi agreed to fit newer Pirelli tyres but did not tune the suspension for them and have kept settings designed for the RO1 tyres? Is it also perhaps a case of style/looks over substance? Given Audi's response to AudiNutta it looks like it will probably be trial and error for owners by changing to different brands until there is evidence that particular brands that resolves the issue. As I said earlier, Pirelli would not be a brand of choice for me - whether it has a larger rim protector or not..

I honestly believe that Audi would not take this default any further than I mentioned pages ago. If some owners are gettting it and others are not then surely this is got to be a bad batch of pzeros.
I own a PFL model still running the recommended R01 tyres with zero issues. I don’t believe for a second my cars oem suspension geometry setup will be different to the FL models one.
For once I honestly believe this is a tyre issue and not Audi’s.
Putting my neck right out on this one but stand by opinion

 

[Johnoz]

Not sure if it is of any relevance but the new 2019 cars on the configurator show Pilot Sport tyres!

Guess it will be interesting to see what tyres they come with when they arrive.

 

[BzzzBom]

Could you post link to configurator

 

[rdj]

Very well spotted Johnoz! I had a play with all the wheel combinations and when you look in close they do all wear Michelin Pilot rubber! Intriguing.