Just bought myself an RS3, couple of questions.

[GarnetRedRS3]

I have just bought a 2018 RS3 Sport-back, its done 21k miles from new and has had 2 owners in its almost 7 years of existence.

On the whole I am happy with it but I do have a couple of niggles I am currently working through with the AUDI dealership I bought the car from and just wondered if anyone here had any opinions on what AUDI might give to make me happy.

Some key info on the car;

Engine servicing has been every other year from new (which I am OK with as the car has done about 3200 miles a year)
Haldex serviced at 20k miles prior to purchase

so my niggles;

1. I keep getting the traction control cut in when I'm accelerating with perhaps 50% throttle, this seems to be worse if I am cornering whilst accelerating and I can't make it do it every time I accelerate however I can make it do it every time I drive it. Power is cut and traction light flashes. I am not giving it enough beans to get any wheelspin so it screams fault to me, any thoughts? I have read all sorts about Haldex failures.

2. I can hear quite a loud rattle on cold start in the morning, it sounds like its coming from the engine. The car has a timing chain and I am worried its stretched and is slapping about in the engine. No engine lights on or anything like that and I really cant imagine at 21k miles it could have timing chain issues.

3. The paint, I has some small clear coat defects on the paint where its peeled, about 20 pence piece sized on the roof spoiler and perhaps 3 pound coins in size on the side of the rear bumper. I think its a serious paint defect not wear and tear. I have put this to the Audi dealership as I asked for a video showing paint condition and it wasn't picked up then, it also had the Autoglym lifeshine service in the prep for the car and no one flagged it then either. I think hopefully it can be spot repaired by a good body shop I cant imagine there is a need for any additional paint etc.

Anyway, other then those bits I am in love with this car and the noise of it is addictive. Couple pics for those interested.

 

[flybynite]

Well done, not many in that colour, saw in in the FB group too

1. Traction light - check what tyres it has on, size, make and model and remaining tread depth. Are the wheels staggered or square? These are quite particular on rolling radius and unless the car has the correct RO2 tyres on a staggered setup then the rolling radius will be out and trigger the TC. Worn tyres on one axle can cause this too. There are differential wear limits across and between axles. There was an update on early cars to help but a 2018 should have it already.

2. Likely the famous wastegate rattle, the car cold starts with the wastegate open and the 'penny' on the valve rattles in the breeze. Annoying for some but perfectly normal and does no harm. Worse of you have an aftermarket downpipe on but can be reduced with a re-map if needed.

3. For any paint defects I would check (or get checked) paint thickness as these things can stem from spot repairs from dings during delivery. Easy to tell if paint is original by the thickness.

Was it a main Audi dealer?

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

Well done, not many in that colour, saw in in the FB group too

1. Traction light - check what tyres it has on, size, make and model and remaining tread depth. Are the wheels staggered or square? These are quite particular on rolling radius and unless the car has the correct RO2 tyres on a staggered setup then the rolling radius will be out and trigger the TC. Worn tyres on one axle can cause this too. There are differential wear limits across and between axles. There was an update on early cars to help but a 2018 should have it already.

2. Likely the famous wastegate rattle, the car cold starts with the wastegate open and the 'penny' on the valve rattles in the breeze. Annoying for some but perfectly normal and does no harm. Worse of you have an aftermarket downpipe on but can be reduced with a re-map if needed.

3. For any paint defects I would check (or get checked) paint thickness as these things can stem from spot repairs from dings during delivery. Easy to tell if paint is original by the thickness.

Was it a main Audi dealer?

Hi thanks for replying. The car was bought Audi approved used from Aberdeen Audi.

I do have a staggered setup with 255 tyres front and 235 rear. OEM Pirelli tyres front and rear, fronts are new, rears about 5mm.

Yes I think wastegate rattle is the likely the cause after reading some other threads about the noise. I am guessing harmless, I don't think I intend on having the car mapped so will likely just live with it.

good shout on the paint thickness checks, I have looked at the paint in all sorts of light and if it has been re-painted then the colour match is really good I cannot tell which is quite rare!

Thanks again.

 

[flybynite]

If the front tyres are new than that could be the problem, see how it is in 200-500miles when they are scrubbed in. Most tyres are not good when new, those Pirellis are some of the worst.

Just checking the tyres are specifically RO2 Pirellis not the normal Audi AO version?

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

If the front tyres are new than that could be the problem, see how it is in 200-500miles when they are scrubbed in. Most tyres are not good when new, those Pirellis are some of the worst.

Just checking the tyres are specifically RO2 Pirellis not the normal Audi AO version?

I have done 750 miles in the car so far (600 back from Aberdeen)

I will check they are R02 Pirellis when I leave work good shout.

 

[Poole]

Hi there…
Firstly congratulations on obtaining the car and being that exclusive colour a pretty rare sight..!!
I immediately knew that car having a SV registration must have come from Aberdeen Audi ( mine has SW). I found the sales most helpful, cause of the distance they even shipped my car down to London for me. And sent detailed videos of all panels of the car. Did you get this..?


I would contact the dealership & speak to Kevin Heath or Callum Webster, and explain your dilemma concerning the paintwork. Can believe that this wasn’t noticed..? I will keep an eye out for your car on my travels, wish you luck in getting these niggles addressed.

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

Hi Poole,

Yeah I have found them very helpful thus far however was expecting some communication today that hasn't come too.

Is it reasonable to ask for a hefty contribution to repair rear bumper & roof spoiler after purchasing this car? I wouldn't consider clear coat peel to be wear and tear but I am fearing that they will and leave me with no choice but to accept it or return the car.

 

[Poole]

I would speak to the dealership to ask why the paintwork defects were not flagged up to you, in the paintwork condition video you were sent..?

I agree with you that clear coat peeling is NOT wear & tear, and should’ve been flagged up on their 174 point visual check ..? Sorry to ask the obvious.. I guess you never noticed this on the vehicle handover. Was the car in the collection bay inside or outside in the car park.?

I consider Aberdeen Audi should be onboard to be helping you for sure, as a goodwill gesture. As for handing the car back….. Looking from the photos it appears a nice example, and as others will agree nice examples are getting harder to find. And being that exclusive colour, you’ll be waiting ages to find another.

Keep the conversation open with them and see how it goes..? One thing I did notice, buying a car from the Aberdeen area, was brake lines were corroded badly even on a 8000 mile car.. So keep an eye on that., Hoping you can arrive at a agreeable outcome as it looks a nice example. Keep us informed..

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

I would speak to the dealership to ask why the paintwork defects were not flagged up to you, in the paintwork condition video you were sent..?

I agree with you that clear coat peeling is NOT wear & tear, and should’ve been flagged up on their 174 point visual check ..? Sorry to ask the obvious.. I guess you never noticed this on the vehicle handover. Was the car in the collection bay inside or outside in the car park.?

I consider Aberdeen Audi should be onboard to be helping you for sure, as a goodwill gesture. As for handing the car back….. Looking from the photos it appears a nice example, and as others will agree nice examples are getting harder to find. And being that exclusive colour, you’ll be waiting ages to find another.

Keep the conversation open with them and see how it goes..? One thing I did notice, buying a car from the Aberdeen area, was brake lines were corroded badly even on a 8000 mile car.. So keep an eye on that., Hoping you can arrive at a agreeable outcome as it looks a nice example. Keep us informed..

Hi,

No I specifically asked for a video showing paint defects and these bits wernt shown. When I collected the car it was 3:30pm, dusk and outside in the car park.

I'd like to think they will be willing to pay 75% of costs to repair and I plan on getting them a few quotes and emailing them over requesting 100% contribution to start with.

Thanks for info about brake lines, I will have a look when the weather warms up a tad!

 

[Karbonfaiba]

21k miles and 2 owners is way below average for a DAZA RS3, with ACC fitted, sunroof and sports exhaust... ideal daily spec really! Looks in excellent condition, even with the paint issues?

You must have paid a fair bit of cash, very impressive find for 2025 and obviously admirable to bless our ears with 5 pot noise in the age of EV whine.

I'm surprised how good the silver trim and red works with the titanium wheels. I've not seen an RS3 without the roof bars either, very sleek!

How are you finding the brakes? They should be fairly perfect feeling at only 21k.

How are you finding ride comfort on our awful UK roads? Did you get magride?


I'll help with what I know:

1) Check tyre pressures first, for staggered setup; you need 34psi on the rears, 39psi on the fronts. I recommend using a JACO ElitePro Gauge (you can sometimes find it on sale for £35)

Next, if you have a non-TPMS system (the less troublesome ABS based system) go into Menu > Car > Left > Maintenance & Servicing (or something) > Store tyre pressures. Drive around for 5-10 minutes, park up, then store tyre pressures again. It's not going to eliminate the issue, but it should help. Traction button to sports mode is the best workaround.

2) Yup, it's standard wastegate rattle. If you want to mute it, quickly shift into S mode until the cold start is over. The exhaust flaps will always be closed too, until dynamic mode is cycled back on.

Revo stage 1 map explicitly says they can address this. A few other tuners have the same solution ready as well. Modified insurance premium woes included.

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

21k miles and 2 owners is way below average for a DAZA RS3, with ACC fitted, sunroof and sports exhaust... ideal daily spec really! Looks in excellent condition, even with the paint issues?

You must have paid a fair bit of cash, very impressive find for 2025 and obviously admirable to bless our ears with 5 pot noise in the age of EV whine.

I'm surprised how good the silver trim and red works with the titanium wheels. I've not seen an RS3 without the roof bars either, very sleek!

How are you finding the brakes? They should be fairly perfect feeling at only 21k.

How are you finding ride comfort on our awful UK roads? Did you get magride?


I'll help with what I know:

1) Check tyre pressures first, for staggered setup; you need 34psi on the rears, 39psi on the fronts. I recommend using a JACO ElitePro Gauge (you can sometimes find it on sale for £35)

Next, if you have a non-TPMS system (the less troublesome ABS based system) go into Menu > Car > Left > Maintenance & Servicing (or something) > Store tyre pressures. Drive around for 5-10 minutes, park up, then store tyre pressures again. It's not going to eliminate the issue, but it should help. Traction button to sports mode is the best workaround.

2) Yup, it's standard wastegate rattle. If you want to mute it, quickly shift into S mode until the cold start is over. The exhaust flaps will always be closed too, until dynamic mode is cycled back on.

Revo stage 1 map explicitly says they can address this. A few other tuners have the same solution ready as well. Modified insurance premium woes included.

Evening,

Thanks for your reply, yes I was searching for an RS3 for a long time, infact daily for about 6 months before this one popped up.

Full car spec is as follows if you're interested;

Paint - Garnet red pearl audi exclusive colour
Sport pack (exhaust, mag ride + tyre pressure)
Aluminium exterior styling pack
5 arm rotor wheels 8.5j front titanium finish
Fully electrically adjustable front seats rs nappas sport seats
Driver assistance pack (adaptive cruise, lane assist, side assist, parking sensors front and rear, front collision assist, rev cam & high beam assist)
Panoramic sunroof
Folding heated mirrors
Privacy glass
Interior aluminium trim illuminated inlays
Interior trim seats stitched red

Thanks for the info regarding tyre pressures, I am going to head to a body shop tomorrow morning to get a quote for the paint repairs and will check the pressures then but I must say I suspect it is a Haldex pump issue.

The car is booked in at my local Audi dealer on Jan 27th no issue living with it until then I am just worried there won't be a code stored for it and so they will say no code no fault but remains to be seen.

I did notice this afternoon shifting the car into dynamic on start and the rattle stopped. I'm guessing the wastegate is open on cold start to warm the cats up ASAP for emissions. No issue living with this as not doing any damage just an annoyance.

I also think my pan roof is a bit squeeky/rattling

I paid £33499 for the car with 5 days insurance, full tank of fuel, autoglym lifeshin prep (not convinced by this) + it's just had brand new rear brakes, major service + Halden service. They also refunded my £35 taxi from Aberdeen airport to them.

 

[flybynite]

I suspect it is a Haldex pump issue.

Audi dealers do not service the haldex properly, the 'fluid change' does not take the pump out to check the gauze on the pump, when that blocks it can knacker the pump. While you are at it change the oil front and rear diffs. Front diff on the 8Y is a now 20k service, same part.

I also think my pan roof is a bit squeeky/rattling

The roof can stiffen up a bit in the cold weather, but don't be tempted to squirt some random stuff in it. That usually results in making it worse. I have used nothing but the proper krytox stuff and mine is normally quiet 95% of the time, although saloons do tend to be better.

Sport pack (exhaust, mag ride + tyre pressure)

Didn't think that was an option on DAZA cars, thought that was only on the later DNWA, what month was yours registered? Those options are separate on mine

 

[Poole]

blocks

Some dealerships do the Haldex Pump change correctly if you stress you want the gauze/ filter cleaned also..

 

[jdp1962]

Regarding issue one, would a four-wheel alignment help?

 

[NWHighlander]

I would INSIST that the Haldex gauze is properly cleaned, the garage will be able to provide you with a short vid as proof.

Mike

 

[flybynite]

Some dealerships do the Haldex Pump change correctly if you stress you want the gauze/ filter cleaned also..

That is the first I have heard of it being done. I would not expect it to have been done on any Audi dealer serviced car I was buying or bought.

Two dealers near me flatly refused to do it saying it was not in the official haldex service procedure. One said I had to accept responsibility for any future damage if I insisted, and this was after an oil inspection proved they had not even changed the oil the previous year.

Regarding issue one, would a four-wheel alignment help?

it never hurts but you have to be careful who does it, especially if you have Adaptive Cruise (as both my car and this one does) I would go nowhere that does not have a Hunter rig and know how to use it.

Sport pack (exhaust, mag ride + tyre pressure)

Looking at it, seems like yours is one of the very last DAZA cars, maybe the colour delayed it to the end when they were adding 'packs' to the DNWA cars they were ordering.

I remember well because I tried to order a DAZA in 2018 but missed the boat. Took me 2 years of looking to find one. Not many full spec cars around, let alone in the right colour, trust me I know! Haven't seen a car like mine since either.

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

Evening,

The salesman copy and pasted me the spec sheet from their system for those with questions about sport pack, added a screenshot

I did previously own a Mk7 Golf R back in 2018 and although I never had any haldex issues it was often talked about that the pump gauze wasn't cleaned during servicing.

I do suspect the gauze is either blocked or has been partially blocked for so long that flow rates aren't high enough for the quattro system to work properly or that the pump has completely failed. Either way I think if the gauze is blocked I'll push for pump replacement because it shouldn't run dry or partially dry that would do damage.

Regarding the paint issues I had a call from the salesman I dealt with during purchasing and although no progress yer he admits he must of missed it and said he will talk to his manager tomorrow about how best to resolve it which sounds positive for now.

 

[jdp1962]

it never hurts but you have to be careful who does it, especially if you have Adaptive Cruise (as both my car and this one does) I would go nowhere that does not have a Hunter rig and know how to use it.

Good shout re Hunter rig. Where I lived in Kent, I was lucky to have a Hunter-equipped firm a minute's drive from the house. I used them several times and always with good results.

 

[Poole]

That is the first I have heard of it being done. I would not expect it to have been done on any Audi dealer serviced car I was buying or bought.

Two dealers near me flatly refused to do it saying it was not in the official haldex service procedure. One said I had to accept responsibility for any future damage if I insisted, and this was after an oil inspection proved they had not even changed the oil the previous year.


it never hurts but you have to be careful who does it, especially if you have Adaptive Cruise (as both my car and this one does) I would go nowhere that does not have a Hunter rig and know how to use it.


Looking at it, seems like yours is one of the very last DAZA cars, maybe the colour delayed it to the end when they were adding 'packs' to the DNWA cars they were ordering.

I remember well because I tried to order a DAZA in 2018 but missed the boat. Took me 2 years of looking to find one. Not many full spec cars around, let alone in the right colour, trust me I know! Haven't seen a car like mine since either.

Hi sorry to go off topic…

I thought some 68 Registered cars came with DAZA engines..? As didn’t they halt production briefly before going to the DNWA version equipped cars..?

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

How easy is it to gain access to the Haldex pump under the car? I am tempted to remove it and inspect the gauze myself.

Does the car have to re-learn the pump after removal over VCDS?

Booked in at Audi on 27th Jan but that's ages away.

 

[Poole]

How easy is it to gain access to the Haldex pump under the car? I am tempted to remove it and inspect the gauze myself.

Does the car have to re-learn the pump after removal over VCDS?

Booked in at Audi on 27th Jan but that's ages away.

 

[hopgop1]

I'd be incredibly surprised if the haldex pump was gummed up enough in 20k miles to cause TC issues.
I think it's far more likely that the famously awful P Zero tyres in the cold aren't gripping up. I'd be swapping to Michelins personally. Or just throwing a haldex pump at it.

 

[The Cardinal]

Garnet Red was the colour of my first Audi, a 2006 A3 2.0T quattro S Line Special Edition. It was our first "family" car and while ultimately it was the gateway to a range of R/S3s, I wish I'd kept it longer than 2 years as it was so roundly capable.

As the former owner of an Exclusive-coloured RS3 - now back in another, non-Exclusive one - do enjoy having such a rare car, unlikely to be repeated with such a free-breathing engine again. I'm sure that in a few weeks time the issues above will be sorted, and you will have a stunning (working) car!

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

I'd be incredibly surprised if the haldex pump was gummed up enough in 20k miles to cause TC issues.
I think it's far more likely that the famously awful P Zero tyres in the cold aren't gripping up. I'd be swapping to Michelins personally. Or just throwing a haldex pump at it.

I mean 20k but also coming up 7 years old.

It isn't a tyre issue I am so sure, they are like new front and rears, the right spec, the right pressures. I am getting the TC light without any wheelspin, it just feels like the all wheel drive isn't working properly whilst I am driving.

 

[HM3P]

I mean 20k but also coming up 7 years old.

It isn't a tyre issue I am so sure, they are like new front and rears, the right spec, the right pressures. I am getting the TC light without any wheelspin, it just feels like the all wheel drive isn't working properly whilst I am driving.

Haldex pump should also be primed once the fluid is changed, I’d like to think Audi techs know this and do it as a matter of course.
Have you access to a scan tool of any type (VCDS / OBD11)? This can tell you if something is amiss
I do know there was a traction control update that addressed the wheel spin certain owners reported.

 

[HM3P]

This was mine at 15k. Clean as a whistle.

If it's spinning up the fronts and no rear engagement then there is an issue with the Haldex somewhere, a laptop and diagnostic software will help here.

 

[HM3P]

Evening,

Thanks for your reply, yes I was searching for an RS3 for a long time, infact daily for about 6 months before this one popped up.

Full car spec is as follows if you're interested;

Paint - Garnet red pearl audi exclusive colour
Sport pack (exhaust, mag ride + tyre pressure)
Aluminium exterior styling pack
5 arm rotor wheels 8.5j front titanium finish
Fully electrically adjustable front seats rs nappas sport seats
Driver assistance pack (adaptive cruise, lane assist, side assist, parking sensors front and rear, front collision assist, rev cam & high beam assist)
Panoramic sunroof
Folding heated mirrors
Privacy glass
Interior aluminium trim illuminated inlays
Interior trim seats stitched red

Thanks for the info regarding tyre pressures, I am going to head to a body shop tomorrow morning to get a quote for the paint repairs and will check the pressures then but I must say I suspect it is a Haldex pump issue.

The car is booked in at my local Audi dealer on Jan 27th no issue living with it until then I am just worried there won't be a code stored for it and so they will say no code no fault but remains to be seen.

I did notice this afternoon shifting the car into dynamic on start and the rattle stopped. I'm guessing the wastegate is open on cold start to warm the cats up ASAP for emissions. No issue living with this as not doing any damage just an annoyance.

I also think my pan roof is a bit squeeky/rattling

I paid £33499 for the car with 5 days insurance, full tank of fuel, autoglym lifeshin prep (not convinced by this) + it's just had brand new rear brakes, major service + Halden service. They also refunded my £35 taxi from Aberdeen airport to them.

Yes starting the car in dynamic makes the bag o nails sound pretty much stop, i used to always do it, i altered the mapping for the wastegate once i went full remap after 3 years, made it stay closed until a certain RPM range, but yes you are correct it wants to heat the cats up very quickly for emissions.
Pan roof can be serviced by adjusting / Krytox application, never had an issue with mine in 4 years of owning the car back then.

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

Thanks for your replies, I defiantly suspect a haldex issue. Thanks for your replies, I really thought about tackling it myself however with the Audi warranty I have I don't really want to go messing around, I shall wait until 27th Jan.

As for the wastegate rattle yes I have been starting it in dynamic the last few days and it has gotten rid of all the rattling.

 

[HM3P]

Thanks for your replies, I defiantly suspect a haldex issue. Thanks for your replies, I really thought about tackling it myself however with the Audi warranty I have I don't really want to go messing around, I shall wait until 27th Jan.

As for the wastegate rattle yes I have been starting it in dynamic the last few days and it has gotten rid of all the rattling.

Yeah, warranty helps massively, it's just a shame some Audi dealers are such clowns, i avoided em like the plague, just had enough done to get the online service updated, did the rest myself.

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

Yeah, warranty helps massively, it's just a shame some Audi dealers are such clowns, i avoided em like the plague, just had enough done to get the online service updated, did the rest myself.

I will only be visiting Audi themselves for any warranty related issues, all servicing etc will be done independently by a garage I rate highly.

 

[HM3P]

I will only be visiting Audi themselves for any warranty related issues, all servicing etc will be done independently by a garage I rate highly.

Good man, can't say i don't blame you, wouldn't trust any of the dealers round these parts to tune the radio, let alone be let loose on service work.....

 

[HM3P]

I will only be visiting Audi themselves for any warranty related issues, all servicing etc will be done independently by a garage I rate highly.

This was a car I did a service on for a friend.
Note the gunk build up on the gauze filter.

 

[flybynite]

Hi sorry to go off topic…

I thought some 68 Registered cars came with DAZA engines..? As didn’t they halt production briefly before going to the DNWA version equipped cars..?

I'm not saying it can't happen as cars could have been delayed or stored but MY19 cars were DNWA and the MY changes around September 2018. There was a halt in production from spring 2018. I know because I was trying to buy one, I still have all the sales stuff

I'd be incredibly surprised if the haldex pump was gummed up enough in 20k miles to cause TC issues.
I think it's far more likely that the famously awful P Zero tyres in the cold aren't gripping up. I'd be swapping to Michelins personally.

Wouldn't be surprised at all, especially given the colour of my oil @ not much over 20k, Gen V Haldex can be hard on the plates and no filter like Gen IV . I agree with you on the Michelins though.

It isn't a tyre issue I am so sure, they are like new front and rears, the right spec, the right pressures. I am getting the TC light without any wheelspin, it just feels like the all wheel drive isn't working properly whilst I am driving.

Given my experience with the factory RO2 Pirellis, I wouldn't rule it out, they are terrible tyres and my car is so much happier on the square Michelins than the staggered Pirellis. You are unlikely to feel the wheelspin that will trigger a TC as is is only about 1/5 of a rotation needed. They are still a summer tyre and it was -4 when I left home on my winter tyres last week. I don't even drive on PS4Ss this time of year.

I do know there was a traction control update that addressed the wheel spin certain owners reported.

I think this is for older cars, mine had the update from factory and it is a few months older than the OP's. Stranger things have happened though

 

[HM3P]

I think this is for older cars, mine had the update from factory and it is a few months older than the OP's. Stranger things have happened though

You never know with Audi though.............

Only time I've seen the TC misbehave is with a Michelin PS4s staggered setup, even Black Circles advise against it if trying to order 255/235

I did run 255/235 Goodyear supersports on my PFL 8v with no issues, however on the 8.5V i just switched to 235 square, again no issues.

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

Morning,

Bit strange but the last couple of days my traction control light flicking issue seems to of disappeared so perhaps it is just the tyres have bedded in? I can still feel power being cut a little when accelerating hard in corners but no light flashing and if I put TC in sport it feels excellent..... still booked in with Audi on the 27th think I might just leave it booked in and see if there is any stored codes etc.

As for the paint issues, I went to my closest AUDI approved body shop yesterday for a quote on the rear bumper and roof spoiler. £1900 all in which even I was surprised at as I think thats excessive to paint a bumper and a spoiler, it is pearl paint so perhaps adds a bit but you could almost get a whole car painted for £2k. I wonder if they have just bumped the price up. Might pop to another body shop not AUDI approved a bit later for another quote.

Anyway I sent the £2k quote to the sales guy at Aberdeen and rightly so he laughed and commented it would be cheaper to put the car on transporter back to Scotland and have it done at their body shop. Anyway he assures me we are going to get this paint sorted so he is spending today looking at best options and will be getting back to me hopefully tomorrow.

Very promising! Overall so impressed with Audi Aberdeen lets hope they pull through for a decent finish! haha.

 

[flybynite]

As for the paint issues, I went to my closest AUDI approved body shop yesterday for a quote on the rear bumper and roof spoiler. £1900 all in which even I was surprised at as I think thats excessive to paint a bumper and a spoiler, it is pearl paint so perhaps adds a bit but you could almost get a whole car painted for £2k. I wonder if they have just bumped the price up. Might pop to another body shop not AUDI approved a bit later for another quote.

That sounds about right for a fully VAG approved bodyshop. However IMHO the VAG approved methods go too far and I'm not keen to have the car blended in over many panels. Had similar conversations about mine. I much prefer a localised smart repair, keeping factory paint on as much of the car as possible. Spent a good few years spraying cars back in the cellulose days and what they can do with smart repair to modern paints is impressive. Would still be interested if the lacquer has lifted off factory paint or a previous repair.

Whole car has not been £2K to paint (properly) for some time now. £10-12K is what I am looking at for each of a couple of mine I have stripped to the shell.

 

[Poole]

Agreed with flybynite £2K for almost a whole car painted, is a tall order..? Even if you found somewhere to what standard.. ?

I’m pleased Aberdeen Audi have agreed to rectify the issue though, I found them helpful when I purchased my used approved 8V Rs3. A long term friend of mine (with a small paint/body shop) does paintwork repairs for an Audi dealership. Mostly making good pcp cars that have been returned, so yes I would investigate some quotes. What have you to loose.?

I would still keep your appointment with your local dealership on the 27th, see what they find if any fault codes are stored. Keep us updated on how you get on.

 

[HM3P]

Morning,

Bit strange but the last couple of days my traction control light flicking issue seems to of disappeared so perhaps it is just the tyres have bedded in? I can still feel power being cut a little when accelerating hard in corners but no light flashing and if I put TC in sport it feels excellent..... still booked in with Audi on the 27th think I might just leave it booked in and see if there is any stored codes etc.

As for the paint issues, I went to my closest AUDI approved body shop yesterday for a quote on the rear bumper and roof spoiler. £1900 all in which even I was surprised at as I think thats excessive to paint a bumper and a spoiler, it is pearl paint so perhaps adds a bit but you could almost get a whole car painted for £2k. I wonder if they have just bumped the price up. Might pop to another body shop not AUDI approved a bit later for another quote.

Anyway I sent the £2k quote to the sales guy at Aberdeen and rightly so he laughed and commented it would be cheaper to put the car on transporter back to Scotland and have it done at their body shop. Anyway he assures me we are going to get this paint sorted so he is spending today looking at best options and will be getting back to me hopefully tomorrow.

Very promising! Overall so impressed with Audi Aberdeen lets hope they pull through for a decent finish! haha.

Pick your bodyshop wisely is my advice.

I went down the rabbit hole of having a paint issue rectified that Audi main dealer said wasn’t a defect.
Turns out these brown spots were something in the primer coat that took their time to start showing up on the white face (3 years)

 

[GarnetRedRS3]

Little update,

Car was in my local Audi dealer at Ashford yesterday. Decent service spoke to the diagnostics tech when I dropped it off and showed him some video footage of the TC kicking in when I thought it shouldnt.

Anyway he rung me later and turns out there is a software issue with the ABS module when the gearbox is in S mode which triggers the TC sometimes with the light flickering and sometimes not.

Anyway £120 for the software update (AUDI Aberdeen) have agreed to reimburse me however yet to see any money and I can confirm it appear to of fixed the issue. Drove much better on the way home in sport with the TC fully on.

Still trying to make headway on the paint issue.

 

[flybynite]

Anyway he rung me later and turns out there is a software issue with the ABS module when the gearbox is in S mode which triggers the TC sometimes with the light flickering and sometimes not.

Anyway £120 for the software update (AUDI Aberdeen) have agreed to reimburse me however yet to see any money and I can confirm it appear to of fixed the issue. Drove much better on the way home in sport with the TC fully on.

Surprised yours still needed it when I was told mine had that update from new, as said above you never know with Audi though! It is still a bit of a band-aid as a Haldex system in general should be running on same size tyres all round.

Just keep an eye on the front tyres, the inside edge can wear to the canvas before the outside has worn much at all. Mine were like that when I got it.