Facelift Pirelli Tyre Defects - Response
- Thread starter AudiNutta
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I’m running facelift wheels and R02 tyres on my pfl car.
Tyres now done 6k absolutely no abnormal wear.
I’m pretty certain Audi revised the geometry settings on the facelift car to try and lose some of the understeer that everyone seems to moan about.
It’d be good if someone had access to the camber and toe settings for a facelift and pfl to confirm this though.
When I get home tomorrow with screenshot my wheel alignment on my 65plate rs3 if this helps you fella
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I am getting my tyres done Monday but a local lace. It’s £370 so £180 each. Clearly that’s a lot more than online but my tyres are so bad now I can’t delay and mess about.
I asked about Michelin and they were an extra £50. Goodyear were about £7 less.
UPDATE: Actually I am thinking that’s stupid. I can get two fitted for £265 from national tyres. Problem is stock by Monday. I can book for Tuesday but I was told will only be able to see about Monday fitting by calling Monday morning first thing.
My problem is I need to be in Norwich on Monday night some 175 miles from where I live and as a round drip double that. And I am really now concerned about a blow out looking at them.
I asked about Michelin and they were an extra £50. Goodyear were about £7 less.
UPDATE: Actually I am thinking that’s stupid. I can get two fitted for £265 from national tyres. Problem is stock by Monday. I can book for Tuesday but I was told will only be able to see about Monday fitting by calling Monday morning first thing.
My problem is I need to be in Norwich on Monday night some 175 miles from where I live and as a round drip double that. And I am really now concerned about a blow out looking at them.
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I have a saloon with the staggered wheels & mag ride, nearing 8k miles, tyre pressure 37psi all round, no mods whatsoever and have even tyre wear. Almost half the miles I’ve covered have been on twisty B-roads with national speed limits often with sharp bends and uneven road surfaces, regularly alternating between comfort/dynamic modes. Tyres look good for at least another 10k.
Whilst I’m one of the lucky ones to not suffer from this abnormal wear, I have been regularly checking this thread out of interest to see if anyone can get to the bottom of it and any action taken by Audi as this should never happen on a brand new car. After reading some of the replies it appears fruitless seeking Audi for a satisfactory outcome on this matter.
For those of you not getting anywhere with Audi, have you considered pursuing the supplying dealer (in these instances it would be easier to hold them accountable than Audi UK) for the cost of replacement tyres via small claims court? It’s a very straightforward process that can be done online, costs only £35 for claims up to £500 (should be enough to cover 2 new tyres supplied and fitted by a dealer) and all associated expenses in bringing about a claim are fully recoverable too if it goes in your favour. It won’t give you the answer you’re looking for as to the cause, but at least you’re not allowing Audi mug you off with their poor excuses and it’s possible as DW81 has said that it’s just a bad batch of tyres rather than a flaw with the car itself. I know this course of action will do you no favours with the dealer (building / jeopardising a relationship & potential future goodwill) but for me personally that is of little importance as it would make me think twice about ever using them again if they are showing lack of concern for this very serious safety issue by not rectifying it.
If you purchased your car as a new factory order, have no mods and experiencing excessive inner tyre wear on the original tyres then seriously think about submitting a claim instead of going around in circles with Audi/Pirelli. In my view this is an open-and-shut case after all no judge is going to be forgiving where safety is concerned and will see Audi’s stance as irresponsible.
Whilst I’m one of the lucky ones to not suffer from this abnormal wear, I have been regularly checking this thread out of interest to see if anyone can get to the bottom of it and any action taken by Audi as this should never happen on a brand new car. After reading some of the replies it appears fruitless seeking Audi for a satisfactory outcome on this matter.
For those of you not getting anywhere with Audi, have you considered pursuing the supplying dealer (in these instances it would be easier to hold them accountable than Audi UK) for the cost of replacement tyres via small claims court? It’s a very straightforward process that can be done online, costs only £35 for claims up to £500 (should be enough to cover 2 new tyres supplied and fitted by a dealer) and all associated expenses in bringing about a claim are fully recoverable too if it goes in your favour. It won’t give you the answer you’re looking for as to the cause, but at least you’re not allowing Audi mug you off with their poor excuses and it’s possible as DW81 has said that it’s just a bad batch of tyres rather than a flaw with the car itself. I know this course of action will do you no favours with the dealer (building / jeopardising a relationship & potential future goodwill) but for me personally that is of little importance as it would make me think twice about ever using them again if they are showing lack of concern for this very serious safety issue by not rectifying it.
If you purchased your car as a new factory order, have no mods and experiencing excessive inner tyre wear on the original tyres then seriously think about submitting a claim instead of going around in circles with Audi/Pirelli. In my view this is an open-and-shut case after all no judge is going to be forgiving where safety is concerned and will see Audi’s stance as irresponsible.
Why did you let them go to such a low level. If you are concerned about potential blow out they must be at illegal levels.
Let’s hope the local traffic cops don’t stop you, it’s a hefty fine and points.
Suspect insurance will also be void if involved in an accident.
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Has anyone had their alignment checked at WIM in Chesham. WIM are experts and will be able to advise if there are any geometry issues on your cars. My guess is that Audi dealers are doing the alignments to the Audi spec but its wrong.
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Because I didn’t want to spend money on tyres before I needed to change them. I am not concerned about being pulled over. I drive like a grandpa.
I am going to call the other place tomorrow and see if they can do same day stock - and hopefully they will and ill get it for £100 less.
The problem with the severe inner wear that we get on the fronts is that it’s hard to spot. Its right on the inside edge so unless you know what you’re looking for it easy to miss particularly when the rest of the tyre tread looks near new.
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It is hard to spot but it was on both sides. And I have pretty of tred in the middle of the tyre.
It’s just the outside areas. I’m sure that if it weared evenly it would have have a good few thousand more miles just like the other two tyres on my car.
It’s just the outside areas. I’m sure that if it weared evenly it would have have a good few thousand more miles just like the other two tyres on my car.
Don’t know if this has already been mentioned and ruled out, but could speed cushions (not speed humps) be the cause? Some speed cushions are worse than others and if you’re frequently straddling the cushions instead of driving over the top of them on only one side of the car then the tyres could be rubbing hard against the chamfered edges of the cushions leading to premature inner wear. The design of the Pirelli’s and the weight distribution of the car (approx. 60/40) could be what exacerbates the wear on the front tyres and not the back. This could also explain why there hasn’t been any reports of this problem in North America where more RS3’s have been sold than anywhere else in the world, as the use of speed cushions are very rare there.
There are to many variables to consider with this and I see this outcome going the same way as the sqeauky brake saga that effected some models and look where that one ended up.
Ive been in contact with Audi UK executive Office today after my complain was logged, unfortunately as the dealer found that my tracking was setup in factory specifications (in Audi's opinion - correct) They will not be taking this further and they will not comment on other issues.
They don't seem to be too concerned over the safety issue, and have referred me to the motor ombudsman whom I will goto next.
Ive asked for how we can know that the factory spec is correct, ill see what/if anything comes back....
They don't seem to be too concerned over the safety issue, and have referred me to the motor ombudsman whom I will goto next.
Ive asked for how we can know that the factory spec is correct, ill see what/if anything comes back....
Motor Ombudsman? Audi is having a joke on you....
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.themotorombudsman.org
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.themotorombudsman.org
I now have an issue exactly the same as the original posted pics. Drivers side tyre blew out on turning into drive on Sunday. Never thought much about it, just a puncture. Once I took the wheel off I see the exact same wear right through to a hole on the inside edge. Rest of tyre is 6mm. Just 5 mins before I was driving, let’s just say spirited. Had Audi service 2 weeks ago and no mention of tyre wear. That listed the usual front middle rear readings which were fine. Can this sort of wear occur in two weeks since the service? Have called them all day and no reply. Going for new tyre tomorrow on dead wheel and will take car for alignment check at weekend. My guess is it’s ok and the tyres are the issue.
Has the issue, regarding unusual tyre wear on the RS3 been either rectified or diagnosed by Audi U.K. I am asking this because I was going to order a new RS3 tomorrow but I am thinking twice about it. I could give Audi UK a call before I order but the chances are they will give me B. S.
No,the issue has not been rectified.
You need to read through all the posts on this thread to get the full history of the issue.
As for ordering a new RS3, go for it, as not all the FL RS3’s had the issue, mine included.
At 10,000 miles my dealer checked all four tyres and the wear pattern on all four was almost identical with very even wear across each tyre on each axle.
However many on this thread had issues as early as 1000 miles?
My personal choice would be to order the car, it’s one amazing motor.
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Nope it hasn’t been rectified and won’t be basically, not by Audi anyway because they are a shower of.. you know what.
Pirelli are the only hope now, pushing as much as I can but I need people to send their badly worn tyres off because I’m fighting and losing battle. There are a few cases of the RO2 fitment tyre from the FL causing this type of wear on the PFL.
Audi will tell you there isn’t anything wrong, as they do when the shafted tyres are in front of their eyes... total incompetence in looking after our safety.
I’d still order the car because it’s great, just comes with really damn annoying niggles.
No need to worry - as far as I can recall on this thread no-one who relaced their Pirellis with Michelins has experienced this issue. New RS3s now come with Michelin PS4 from the factory (at least that's what the pictures on the configurator show) so should be ok.
Go for it!!
No need to worry - as far as I can recall on this thread no-one who relaced their Pirellis with Michelins has experienced this issue. New RS3s now come with Michelin PS4 from the factory (at least that's what the pictures on the configurator show) so should be ok.
Go for it!!
Michelin’s are ok for those who haven’t had awful traction control issues from them.
They don’t come with PS4’s, the configurator has always shown that on all illustrations back as far as the PFL. Pirelli seem to get the contract for all of the Audi Sport stuff.
See below the illustration of mine on Audi UK today, shows Michelin tyres the same as the day I confirmed my order in July 2017.
I will bring up the issue when I go to the dealers for a face to face, should be very interesting
What??!! Why the dirty underhand scoundrels!Michelin’s are ok for those who haven’t had awful traction control issues from them.
They don’t come with PS4’s, the configurator has always shown that on all illustrations back as far as the PFL. Pirelli seem to get the contract for all of the Audi Sport stuff.
See below the illustration of mine on Audi UK today, shows Michelin tyres the same as the day I confirmed my order in July 2017.
Well that's told me and at least I wont be diasppointed when I see the Pirellis on delivery...
What??!! Why the dirty underhand scoundrels!
Well that's told me and at least I wont be diasppointed when I see the Pirellis on delivery...
Unfortunately all of the configurator RS3’s have always shown those tyres, never Pirelli. Not sure why it’s like that, I’ve always recognised it because they are straight tyre walks and can just about make out the model to be a Michelin tyre.
I believe maybe on the new Facelift R8 it comes with Michelin’s? Sure there is one that has turned up with them on. But Pirelli were quite proud to tell me with most of the Audi, VW, Seat, Lambo and Ferrari.. where sports models are concerned they pretty much always get the contract. They said that the other manufacturers are there for the ‘softer’ stuff.
Pirelli have told me how much development goes into making those tyres perfect for the car and the extreme testing involved to get all of the Quattro and TC systems to perform their best on THAT specific tyre and that’s why it’s not advisable to change. They said if somebody asked them what the best tyre was to fit on a car that left the factory with Bridgestones, they would openly advise to fit Bridgestones. Not that Pirelli can’t provide a tyre that fits, but THE best tyre will always be the factory fit especially with such a highly strung and electronic reliant car like the RS3. I’m guessing with the cost that would be involved, they wouldn’t be changing the tyres any time soon especially just for a return to production.
I could be wrong, but going off of all the evidence so far I don’t think there will be a Michelin fitment from factory.. if there was to be honest I’d consider a change as we aren’t getting anywhere with this issue.
Of course Pirelli would say those things wouldn't they
They aren't going to run their own product down to anyone, even if people do experience issues, they aren't going to rock the boat with Audi which is why they will always defend their product 100%.
The Pirelli tyres do 'a job' and that's it, if people aren't happy then it's a personal choice whether to carry on using those tyres or research another brand and try them.
Same with the brake discs, they do 'a job' if the owner feels they aren't doing that job then other alternatives are available.
Audi build some great RS cars but there are areas that can be improved upon, it's just up to the individual owner whether or not they spend the money to do that.
If you are relying on Audi uk or their franchised dealers to grasp the mantle and sort out issues i think you'll be waiting a very long time...............
Me personally, if i don't like something on the car, i change it, it's my car not Audi's.
Since changing to the Goodyear Supersport tyres i've had no TC lights / traction issues at all, the car feels better on the road for them, but again it's my personal choice not to go with Pirelli again.
But i will say in 13k on the Pirelli's i had no funny wear at all.
Of course Pirelli would say those things wouldn't they
They aren't going to run their own product down to anyone, even if people do experience issues, they aren't going to rock the boat with Audi which is why they will always defend their product 100%.
The Pirelli tyres do 'a job' and that's it, if people aren't happy then it's a personal choice whether to carry on using those tyres or research another brand and try them.
Same with the brake discs, they do 'a job' if the owner feels they aren't doing that job then other alternatives are available.
Audi build some great RS cars but there are areas that can be improved upon, it's just up to the individual owner whether or not they spend the money to do that.
If you are relying on Audi uk or their franchised dealers to grasp the mantle and sort out issues i think you'll be waiting a very long time...............
Me personally, if i don't like something on the car, i change it, it's my car not Audi's.
Since changing to the Goodyear Supersport tyres i've had no TC lights / traction issues at all, the car feels better on the road for them, but again it's my personal choice not to go with Pirelli again.
But i will say in 13k on the Pirelli's i had no funny wear at all.
I agree they aren’t going to run them down, I need to be careful what I say but it was an option discussed that I try Michelin’s for one tyre cycle. When I informed my contact that one or two have said that the 255/30/19 in Michelin form is too wide, so they have gone to 245... he said on that note his plans had changed and said to not change tyre sizes because of how sensitive the Quattro is. I’ve been told it is important to keep the same setup because with the staggered setup you’re running two different sizes, 255/30/19 and 235/35/19 in Pirelli are designed to have a perfect matching rolling circumference for the Haldex. If you change to the Michelin variant etc, the rolling radius could be different between the two tyres as they won’t have been manufactured in conjunction.
Basically Pirelli have said they want to help and I genuinely believe them having spent some time in discussions and multiple visits. I’ve been told if there is an issue they will own up to it because our safety is of upmost importance. But at the same time, Pirelli UK can’t go back to HQ in Milan and say they’ve got an issue.. the first question that Milan will ask, is how many tyres are affected. If Pirelli UK can report even 25/30 cases, that’s just not going to be enough to launch a worldwide recall / adaption. If and only when the numbers get serious will anything be likely to happen, until then there isn’t any chance because as you’ve said.. Audi are a customer of Pirelli and it isn’t a boat they want to rock, ever.
I’ve been in touch with one company who were very helpful and I’d some research, they are confident they could fix my issue by installing a ‘camber correction kit’ which would be aftermarket Powerflex bottom arm bushes to take off an amount of camber. To do this, the work and alignment came to around £500 which is quite steep and to be honest, I’d rather not go down the route of changing the geometry other than alignment tweaks. I can only imagine of the warranty implications of that, probably the same or very close to the impact Audi say lowering springs will have. I got told that springs will void the drivetrain warranty as far back as the gearbox due to “excess vibration”.
I really have come to learn my lesson and would rather spend a few notes than be in and out of a dealership battling a warranty claim if an issue isn’t cut and dry. Some times what in the grand scheme of things is very little expense, the car can be greatly improved and sanity withheld haha. But at the same time I’m conscious of the fact I need to satisfy my warranty.
I didn’t know you’d changed to Goodyear and that’s interesting feedback, thank you. I don’t think I’m aware of anybody else that has changed to Goodyear on here, many have gone to Michelin. To be honest, if the Michelin tyres had the same great aesthetics / kerb protection I would be hardness pushed to not swap. But Pirelli have been fantastic with me and continue to be, it’s only fair I support the brand in return for at least as long as that service continues if it’s practical to do so and I have done when it comes to buying tyres for our other cars.
Thanks for your positive input T-800
I agree they aren’t going to run them down, I need to be careful what I say but it was an option discussed that I try Michelin’s for one tyre cycle. When I informed my contact that one or two have said that the 255/30/19 in Michelin form is too wide, so they have gone to 245... he said on that note his plans had changed and said to not change tyre sizes because of how sensitive the Quattro is. I’ve been told it is important to keep the same setup because with the staggered setup you’re running two different sizes, 255/30/19 and 235/35/19 in Pirelli are designed to have a perfect matching rolling circumference for the Haldex. If you change to the Michelin variant etc, the rolling radius could be different between the two tyres as they won’t have been manufactured in conjunction.
Basically Pirelli have said they want to help and I genuinely believe them having spent some time in discussions and multiple visits. I’ve been told if there is an issue they will own up to it because our safety is of upmost importance. But at the same time, Pirelli UK can’t go back to HQ in Milan and say they’ve got an issue.. the first question that Milan will ask, is how many tyres are affected. If Pirelli UK can report even 25/30 cases, that’s just not going to be enough to launch a worldwide recall / adaption. If and only when the numbers get serious will anything be likely to happen, until then there isn’t any chance because as you’ve said.. Audi are a customer of Pirelli and it isn’t a boat they want to rock, ever.
I’ve been in touch with one company who were very helpful and I’d some research, they are confident they could fix my issue by installing a ‘camber correction kit’ which would be aftermarket Powerflex bottom arm bushes to take off an amount of camber. To do this, the work and alignment came to around £500 which is quite steep and to be honest, I’d rather not go down the route of changing the geometry other than alignment tweaks. I can only imagine of the warranty implications of that, probably the same or very close to the impact Audi say lowering springs will have. I got told that springs will void the drivetrain warranty as far back as the gearbox due to “excess vibration”.
I really have come to learn my lesson and would rather spend a few notes than be in and out of a dealership battling a warranty claim if an issue isn’t cut and dry. Some times what in the grand scheme of things is very little expense, the car can be greatly improved and sanity withheld haha. But at the same time I’m conscious of the fact I need to satisfy my warranty.
I didn’t know you’d changed to Goodyear and that’s interesting feedback, thank you. I don’t think I’m aware of anybody else that has changed to Goodyear on here, many have gone to Michelin. To be honest, if the Michelin tyres had the same great aesthetics / kerb protection I would be hardness pushed to not swap. But Pirelli have been fantastic with me and continue to be, it’s only fair I support the brand in return for at least as long as that service continues if it’s practical to do so and I have done when it comes to buying tyres for our other cars.
Thanks for your positive input T-800
Why not try the original R01 spec tyres if you like the aesthetics of the pzero, no known wear issue on these tyres. I can certainly vouch for tgat
Just came across this thread, though I don’t have an RS3.
I know a question was asked and answered about speed humps, but what about those square ones in the middle of a lane that don’t take up the full width of the lane. I see people near me drive straight through those at speed and can see the inner edges of tyres rubbing on them, since they nearly match the track of the wheels.
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I know a question was asked and answered about speed humps, but what about those square ones in the middle of a lane that don’t take up the full width of the lane. I see people near me drive straight through those at speed and can see the inner edges of tyres rubbing on them, since they nearly match the track of the wheels.
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The tyre walls are different on the RO1, they aren’t as steep... but I did consider it.
However a friend of mine with a PFL, he went to order RO1 and they weren’t available anywhere? So he went for RO2, he had a blowout on RO2’s!!! So not sure if the RO1’s have been discontinued, would make sense as the fitment is identical but with a newer compound.
Certainly they would be the concern and I’ve got a group of 2 of those near to my home, probably go over them every one in 5 times I take the car out... can’t imagine that causing this on its own but the tyres should be built to withstand speed bumps.
But yes, can’t see it helping but then the majority of those are sponge?
BottomFeeder
Registered User
So I've just replaced my fronts at 13k and they are both f00ked on the inside just like yours on the first post AudiNutta, the rest of the tyre has a good few mm left. Mine's a March 18 delivery hatchback, standard suspension car
Can you PLEASE retain the tyres and contact Pirelli to arrange for them to collect?
I will send you a private message tonight to gather some more info, just got in from work and promised my Mum I would clean her car haha.. must dash.
BottomFeeder
Registered User
When I saw them I told the guy I wanted them retaining, so they're currently in my yard
Got your PM - will respond ASAP
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I’ve just done some checks today as go on a Euro trip in a few weeks.
Both inside edges foooked too.
Exactly the same as above:
13k Miles
Saloon July 18 delivery
Mag ride
Good level of tread across the rest of the tyre. Drivers side worse than passenger side, but both need changing.
I think 13k miles is kind of ok but it just winds me up when there’s a good lump of rubber on the rest of the tyre
Both inside edges foooked too.
Exactly the same as above:
13k Miles
Saloon July 18 delivery
Mag ride
Good level of tread across the rest of the tyre. Drivers side worse than passenger side, but both need changing.
I think 13k miles is kind of ok but it just winds me up when there’s a good lump of rubber on the rest of the tyre
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