Exhaust Woe

[Mike-W]

Hi all!

First time I've posted here so apologies in advance if I ask something stupid / something that has already been answered!

Had my S3 about 10 months now, took it to Audi for a service and MOT yesterday, they rang me up and told me that it'd failed the MOT by way of cracked rear spring drivers side and leaking exhaust...

They quoted me 550 for the springs and 2300 for the exhaust! I've took the car away to look for my own prices...

The car does have a cat-back from milltek fitted (one of the leaks is at the join for the muffler bit...), the second leak is half way down the middle pipe and the final leak is at the flexi.

A garage in Hull told me that the flexi is part of the down-pipe and permanent, so i actually need a full exhaust system including down pipe...

The same garage told me the cheapest way to do the repair would be to buy a genuine down-pipe with Scorpion Non-Resonated cat-back system for 1734.

I originally thought it would be possible to get an aftermarket system with a sport cat and a stage 1 remap, like the milltek offerings on ebay - but they (and another garage) told me that they wouldnt fit a aftermarket system without a stage 2 remap - which is around 3k in cost...

Does this advice they have given me ring true with you guys? Looking around the net i seem to be finding conflicting advice everywhere ... i'm kind of hoping to get away with full aftermaket and a stage 1!

Included a pic of the S3 ... i love the car ... the colour / styling - i was sold on buying it as soon as i saw it!

 

[miltybilty]

Sorry about your troubles .... hopefully I can suggest something of help.

For the springs I'd suggest getting a quote from a parts yard on a rear set of used springs .... They got to have the same color coding as your current springs, which is color dots on the springs .... Your car should be any pre-facelift 3 door S3 springs and any of them should work as long as there from the exact same model as yours.

Also have you checked that the spring is actually cracked?


For the exhaust ....

Weld up the cracks .... There should be a place that can do a good job of re-welding any leaks .... Should be much cheaper than a new exhaust.

For the flexi section you could always buy the flexi peice separately and then weld it in. Vibrant performance sells flexi.

If you wanted to run a aftermarket downpipe, you could run it without a tune even .... On VW/Audi's it isn't an issue .... It will throw a catalyst inefficiency code sometimes .... I have a friend with a A3 Quattro facelift 2.0T un-tuned and he's running a catless downpipe without issues .... He put an O2 spacer in the rearmost O2 bung to get rid of codes.


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[Mike-W]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply!

The spring is definitely cracked - theres a chunk of it lose hanging around in the bottom of the suspension (video the audi tech's sent me even shows it - i had been hearing a rattle for a while which i couldnt locate so, happy that the culprit has been found!).

I dont mind paying for new springs, i just didnt want to pay audi 550! I've got a mate who is offering to fit new springs for me so thats much less of an issue for me than it could have been

is re-welding a wise move? does look like it's had a hard life on the audi video.

It interesting that you say it doesnt need a remap even on a de-cat, would it just run rich and have a worse fuel economy?

 

[S3RTB]

Hi all!

First time I've posted here so apologies in advance if I ask something stupid / something that has already been answered!

Had my S3 about 10 months now, took it to Audi for a service and MOT yesterday, they rang me up and told me that it'd failed the MOT by way of cracked rear spring drivers side and leaking exhaust...

They quoted me 550 for the springs and 2300 for the exhaust! I've took the car away to look for my own prices...

The car does have a cat-back from milltek fitted (one of the leaks is at the join for the muffler bit...), the second leak is half way down the middle pipe and the final leak is at the flexi.

A garage in Hull told me that the flexi is part of the down-pipe and permanent, so i actually need a full exhaust system including down pipe...

The same garage told me the cheapest way to do the repair would be to buy a genuine down-pipe with Scorpion Non-Resonated cat-back system for 1734.

I originally thought it would be possible to get an aftermarket system with a sport cat and a stage 1 remap, like the milltek offerings on ebay - but they (and another garage) told me that they wouldnt fit a aftermarket system without a stage 2 remap - which is around 3k in cost...

Does this advice they have given me ring true with you guys? Looking around the net i seem to be finding conflicting advice everywhere ... i'm kind of hoping to get away with full aftermaket and a stage 1!

Included a pic of the S3 ... i love the car ... the colour / styling - i was sold on buying it as soon as i saw it!

I've got a full BCS powervalve exhaust system for sale. From the turbo back fitted with a 200cell sport cat.

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[ch1z64]

My advice would be to get a new full exhaust if you can afford it csuse come time you will need to get one , ( chat with member above price and milage it has done ) or pm @BCS Nige and they will do one for you ( excellent piece off kit , try out the parts request on the site for your springs or @DamienP who would be able to help you there .

 

[Mike-W]

The exhaust does look pretty cool...

Is the stage 2 remap not mandatory on this kind of setup?

 

[ch1z64]

I run a St1 on a bcs powervalve with sportcat + a itg ( cai ) + gfb+ and the Bcs passes all mot's emissions

 

[S3RTB]

The exhaust does look pretty cool...

Is the stage 2 remap not mandatory on this kind of setup?

It's a cracking exhaust, they sure now how to make an exhaust at BCS. Car hasn't even done 5,000 miles with the exhaust fitted selling due to changing the car. I've been running a stage 1 and an ITG induction kit with no problems.

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[prt57]

Often the BCS exhausts do not put the light on the dash.
Depending on the price of the exhaust further up the thread, that could be a good option financially. A custom remap on top will not bring you anywhere near the £3K price you thought about.

 

[samuelh_888]

@Mike-W if the BCS that @S3RTB is selling is for a 3 door go for that. As it has a Sports cat you’ll have no issues with MOT and you’ll be fine unmapped.

A decat may give you Engine Check Light issues and moreso, MOT issues.

The guys in Hull are trying to rip you another on that price. If the flexi is cracked then it would be a new dp but not a full system at £1700+. A new BCS turbo back with 200 is about £1400 with forum discounts (brexit probably influences this - don’t quote me).

Find a local VAG independent and go with then.

 

[S.]

Just stay away from milltek. My downpipe is for trash. Wish i never got it.

 

[S3RTB]

@Mike-W if the BCS that @S3RTB is selling is for a 3 door go for that. As it has a Sports cat you’ll have no issues with MOT and you’ll be fine unmapped.

A decat may give you Engine Check Light issues and moreso, MOT issues.

The guys in Hull are trying to rip you another on that price. If the flexi is cracked then it would be a new dp but not a full system at £1700+. A new BCS turbo back with 200 is about £1400 with forum discounts (brexit probably influences this - don’t quote me).

Find a local VAG independent and go with then.

Yes it's for a 3 door mate

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[S3RTB]

Just stay away from milltek. My downpipe is for trash. Wish i never got it.

Got a BCS system for sale if your interested

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[Mike-W]

When will you have pictures mate?

 

[S38pkyle-ing]

Got a BCS system for sale if your interested

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Would you be willing to sell just the cat back?

 

[S3RTB]

When will you have pictures mate?

Saturday at the latest. Hopefully I can get back from work in time tomorrow to pick the car and exhaust up

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[S3RTB]

Would you be willing to sell just the cat back?

Was hoping to sell it complete. But if someone wanted just the downpipe then yes I would be willing to sell cat back separately

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[S.]

Got a BCS system for sale if your interested

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Would love it but the time ain't right.

 

[S38pkyle-ing]

Was hoping to sell it complete. But if someone wanted just the downpipe then yes I would be willing to sell cat back separately

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Ah roger, well hopefully someone does. I’ve got the bcs downpour with sports cat but it’s mated to a miltek cat back. Would love a bcs

 

[S3RTB]

Few pictures of the BCS exhaust I've got for sale sorry I couldn't get the whole system in one picture, not much room in the shed and typical Welsh weather it's ******* down outside.

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[ch1z64]

Few pictures of the BCS exhaust I've got for sale sorry I couldn't get the whole system in one picture, not much room in the shed and typical Welsh weather it's ******* down outside.

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Very nice condition

 

[S3RTB]

Very nice condition

It's in excellent condition. I've only had it 11 months. Gutted I've got to change my car

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[ch1z64]

It's in excellent condition. I've only had it 11 months. Gutted I've got to change my car

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I am sure if you have it at the right price it will fly off the shelf. Might be worth putting it in the classifieds or there is a sticky to put it in

 

[Mike-W]

Looks ace. Hope it sells!

I had a fairly long chat with Nige and took the plunge, ordered a new system... decided it wasn't too much to fork out given the reviews, videos and positive comments everyone gives these BCS systems.

Also helps that he came across as a top bloke on the phone.

Only downside is I've got to wait until July 10th before they can get me in to do it!

My current mood is like a kid before Christmas... can't wait!

 

[ch1z64]

Looks ace. Hope it sells!

I had a fairly long chat with Nige and took the plunge, ordered a new system... decided it wasn't too much to fork out given the reviews, videos and positive comments everyone gives these BCS systems.

Also helps that he came across as a top bloke on the phone.

Only downside is I've got to wait until July 10th before they can get me in to do it!

My current mood is like a kid before Christmas... can't wait!

Believe me when i say it is worrh waiting for , you will have your drivers window down more than usual

 

[Mike-W]

Hi guys,

Likelihood of engine warning light being related to my failing exhaust?

It gets replaced next tuesday at BCS... I know aftermarket can throw a lambda but would the current knackered one...

Car feels fine not down on power etc

 

[prt57]

They should be able to reset it for you as they fit the new exhaust.

 

[Mike-W]

yeah i get that, which is fine, just concerned nothing else is wrong now, bit of googling suggest the exhaust can throw engine warning light ... has put me at ease for now i think

 

[Daveyonthemove]

How much are the sensors?
May be worth replacing them at the same time as the new exhaust goes on so you know everything is healthy.

 

[Mike-W]

D-Day has arrived!

been a long one, but BCS have done an excellent job with the exhaust... cant fault it, love the sound it produces.

Sound when you want it, perfectly balanced for cruising when not. my journey to st. helens was an audible assault, the journey back was bliss.

My old man was very impressed with the metalwork, calling it exhaust-porn!

You get what you pay for i guess, not to get too carried away after only about 4 hours but i believe it was money well spent.

All the guys in the shop (including the dog) were great, seemed to genuinely want to do the best job possible.

would not hesitate to take recommend them, or take future cars their way.

 

[prt57]

D-Day has arrived!

been a long one, but BCS have done an excellent job with the exhaust... cant fault it, love the sound it produces.

Sound when you want it, perfectly balanced for cruising when not. my journey to st. helens was an audible assault, the journey back was bliss.

My old man was very impressed with the metalwork, calling it exhaust-porn!

You get what you pay for i guess, not to get too carried away after only about 4 hours but i believe it was money well spent.

All the guys in the shop (including the dog) were great, seemed to genuinely want to do the best job possible.
would not hesitate to take recommend them, or take future cars their way.

Please you tell us if you ordered the Powervalve or the none Powervalve system?
Very keen on your thoughts about the sound as I am very close to ordering one myself.

Peter

 

[Daveyonthemove]

Glad they did a great job. Their website is a huge mess and put me off using them in the future.

 

[Mike-W]

Please you tell us if you ordered the Powervalve or the none Powervalve system?
Very keen on your thoughts about the sound as I am very close to ordering one myself.

Peter

I ordered the powervalve system, so boost actuated.

It brings the noise if you want it to, just boot it and it comes alive.

I personally don't like the drone you get from a milltek etc when on a high speed drive (motorway), having spent best part of 90 mile on the m62 today coming home I can safely say the powervavle system has zero drone when cruising.

It's best of both worlds, the sound isn't bass heavy like most, is a crisper noise, to me it sounds like it means business.

 

[Mike-W]

I actually thought the website was alright but to be fair I only went on it out of curiosity after speaking to Nige on the phone...

As with most companies these days they have Facebook, and their reputation is glowing on there better than any website would make them look!

 

[Daveyonthemove]

Mike, any chance of a video from inside the cabin to show interior noise when cruising and then how it sounds when on boost?

 

[Mike-W]

Mike, any chance of a video from inside the cabin to show interior noise when cruising and then how it sounds when on boost?

I'll see what i can do this evening, my phone did seem pretty crap at picking it up in a video - will try using the proper voice recorder instead.

 

[BCS Nige]

Hi Mike
So glad that you are happy...
Images and video as promised below.

Images below show the system we pulled off - I'll let you describe the pile of ones waiting to go to the scrap ;-)

Cheers
Nige

 

[BCS Nige]

Glad they did a great job. Their website is a huge mess and put me off using them in the future.

Hi Davey
Sorry we have let you down with our website and lost your future business.
Nige

 

[Daveyonthemove]

Hi Davey
Sorry we have let you down with our website and lost your future business.
Nige

Nige,
I did try to use the 'contact us' function to let you know the problem and inquire about the exhaust, but that function returned an error.
I asked on this forum about it and you got tagged in the thread several times, but you can't have received them either.
Reading reviews online, your product seems to be extremely good, but if it's impossible to contact you and the website is difficult to read then mine won't be the only business that is missed.
I hope you get a chance to read this and address the problems, I may return to your site when the funds are available for the exhaust.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[BCS Nige]

Nige,
I did try to use the 'contact us' function to let you know the problem and inquire about the exhaust, but that function returned an error.
I asked on this forum about it and you got tagged in the thread several times, but you can't have received them either.
Reading reviews online, your product seems to be extremely good, but if it's impossible to contact you and the website is difficult to read then mine won't be the only business that is missed.
I hope you get a chance to read this and address the problems, I may return to your site when the funds are available for the exhaust.

Cheers,
Dave

Will do - thanks ;-)